Time

Who was that band that sang....time keeps on slipping into the future? Skimming through the newspaper today, two-now adults-whom I have known since they were maybe five or so got married this week. Kids my kids played with, spent some of their school years with, and probably got into trouble at least once with. Now they too are grown. The funniest thing to me...I tend to immortalize people at the age I last saw them...so when years go by and they aren't that age anymore, it sure is weird to think of them in any other way. Time is slipping into the future. The band-Steve Miller Band, and yes, I had to look that up!

Newlyweds

What a challenge, what fun, what adventure, what new life lessons I have learned just watching my children grow up...and then adding members to our family. Robert and Gabrielle were married Dec. 06 and have begun their life together. Our newest addition is due in September of this year: Aaron Joshua. I am often scared, worried, confused, excited, humored, and a host of other emotions thinking about what faces each of my children as they choose their life mate and begin their own lives apart from our lives! We miss them but joy in their new love and independence!

A Handy Man

When my children were young, I used to tell them that their dad could "fix it" anytime something broke, and usually he could. They grew up believing their dad could fix anything! Both my boys are grown now. Their dad left with them a legacy that impacts their lives every day. When something is broken, they find out how to fix it, and then they do. Every problem is just an obstacle waiting for a solution to be found! Our washing machine went down this week, and my husband went on a mission to figure out how to fix it. With a little research and help from a friend, he got it all worked out. The same week my friend's machine went down too, and because of all the research, he was able to fix hers too. The experience proved to be a teachable moment for Billy also. He assisted (held the flashlight) and of course, he dressed for the occasion. Cost to repair both machines: $0, experience: priceless.

Cousins

July 2007

Billy, Alex, and Aaron (top) & Katherine (my daughter) with two of her younger cousins: Chance in the middle and Alex on the right. They may not appreicate it now, but to know your cousins and make memories with them is quite a privilege-one I didn't have growing up. I barely know any of my cousins, let alone did I spend any real amount of time with them growing up. Family is important. A family is a microcosm of the world...it is the place we get to be ourselves and learn how to love others alike and very unlike us all at the same time. We learn to relate, resolve conflicts, and accept others unconditionally.

Serenity

Serenity: Calmness...or maybe an acceptance which looks like a calmness. This is my favorite place on the planet (at least so far)-Destin, Fl. The sand is white, the water is translucent green, the sights, sounds, smells all add to the beauty of the scene. It is that one place in my life which calms my spirit and fills my being with a sense of peace and majesty. What an awesome creator to give us such beauty to drink in. If only it wasn't so far away from where I am, and if only I could spend more time there. Well...no use whining...instead I will be thankful for every moment I can steal away in this short life to recharge my serenity battery.

On aging

Everyone ages-obviously-but some of us do it more gracefully than others, as exemplified by a visit to the doctor's office. Sitting in the office of an internist, surrounded by people much older than I, I had the rare opportunity to witness the diversity of the aged. First of all, there was a power problem so the automatic doors weren't working. As I watched, patient after patient approached the doors, pushed the button, then stood back to let the doors open, which they didn't-no power! Some of the patients caught on quickly and manually opened the doors, others tried a few times. The scene was quite comical. To add more confusion, the power was off in half the building so there was no a/c and it was quite dark. In the light of the windows we all waited and wondered. Elderly of all sorts entered and exited. Some exquisetly dressed, others barely presentable. Some seemed quite independent, others were escorted by a family member or a friend. My favorite spry old lady was surely at least in her sixties (but I am guessing older). She arrived in white capris, a coral top and button down shirt, and the best part....the shoes. She had perfectly matched flip-flops, with a big floral center. Her hair was done, nails painted and....she had her cell phone. It rang while we waited, and we were serenated with, "Hello, darling...it's been a long time..." We all laughed, and she proceeded to tell us she loved country music and that her son had "text" her some other songs just yesterday. (I have trouble texting!) Ok...she is aging gracefully!

Infinity

Steve and Tina 1982 (year of engagement)

Mr. Rogers in The World According to Mr. Rogers talks about love as being like infinity. "You can't have more or less infinity, and you can't compare two things to see if they're 'equally infinite.' Infinity just is..." I think of infinity in terms of approaching a value which can't be defined. After 24 years of marriage, I believe love can achieve this boundless quality which can't be measured or really explained, it just is...and it is a result of an on purpose choice to love completely, trust completely, and give completely!

PS...I cut school the day this picture was taken and got caught, but it was worth it.