SO SAD

One of the saddest things is a sick baby in a hospital. You feel so helpless. Mother's and father's forget what it feels like to have sleep. Older sisters feel neglected by the parents (but not by grandparents and a special Aunt Becca and Uncle Ben). Doctors and nurses miracles are second only to the miracles of prayer. Going home is the best part of all.

ANOTHER TRY

Well it’s about to happen again. Friday it is going to storm (lightening, thunder, and winds) at the same time we are endeavoring to fly out of St. Louis.  In March it was a freak snow storm. It April it was a tornado. Now it’s May and we are going to attempt another try at going to see the grandchildren. We never unpacked one of our bags. It was the one with surprises from grandma and grandpa. If we don’t make it out this time because of the storm we are stopping at the post office on the way home and mailing the contents of the suit case.

AS I WAIT...

Today, I have repair people in my home again. I’m glad there are individuals who know how to do things such as electrical, plumbing, repairing, etc. Having said this I am tired of these individual being in my home. They come early or when its convenient for them. The early is hard because I am not an early person. The anytime is difficult also because you are waiting most of the day for an individual you need. Repairs are needed on a home but there really is nothing to see for the money spent. I guess peace of mind or hot water is something. It’s much more fun to have a piece of new furniture or a vacation but that will have to wait until our house is in good repair.

MAY 8, 2011

Happy Mother’s Day to my daughter, daughter-in-law, family, and friends.

ABOUT LAST NIGHT

What a different world we live in. With news telling about all the terrible things happening around town and the world it is refreshing to be apart of something better. Last evening we had a dinner and auction where everything was donated. That means 100% of the proceeds go to the intended recipient. The purpose of the evening was to raise money to send youth to summer camps. The food was incredible and the auction items showed the talents of many people. Some of the items offered were family horseback riding, waterskiing for 6, a mystery dinner, professional photography, a professional chef cooking class, dance lessons, dinner’s cooked for your party, hand made items, art, jewelry made by professionals, baked goods, and many services offered by the younger generation. Everything was bid on and everyone was happy with what they got. For the most part people were willing to forgo looking for a bargain in order to bid higher for the good cause.

Yes, today I will see murders, injustices, and sorrow on the news, but my memories of last night give me hope for the future.

FOR JUST ONE DAY

The use of social media is quite amazing. A call to join in a celebration or to avoid a path are noted and responded to. Pictures taken by a cell phone can be viewed as events unfold. News spreads quickly, albeit not always accurately. The days of busy signals and looking up phone numbers are almost unknown to today’s generation. Is this new world better or just new? Do we need all the news so quickly? Is this very technology causing us to have an overload of our senses which leads to anger and frustration? Still one has to wonder about the quieter days of Robert Thoreau and Walden Pond. What amazing things would we discover if we turned off and tuned out for just one day?

sunsets

clouds

standing and talking to a neighbor

watching a rabbit eating new leaves

a robin building a nest

a book with pages to turn

What would you discover if you stopped and viewed the old world of less technology? Would you come away amazed or just bored?

WHY IS IT ...

Why is it when you buy something for the house that isn’t a necessity your house falls apart. We had been saving for a new stove. It was at the point where the oven didn’t work well and the burners had two settings – high and low. After paying taxes, checking online reviews, Consumer Reports and asking friends we settled on a Kitchen Aid gas range. When we went in to order the stove we were told that there was a sale of 15% off and it was no tax week sponsored by the State of Missouri. Also, since Kent was a veteran we would get an additional 10% off. With all this incentive we decided we would replace the very noisy and old refrigerator also. Today is delivery day and I am so excited.

But now the question, WHY IS IT that after making this less than critical purchase are we suddenly unable to get hot water? Our water is warm. It is fine but if you want steam forget it. So now we are researching water heaters. We are looking at tankless water heaters. There are many government rebates available and they say you save $320 a year in utilities. In other words it would pay for it’s self in 2 or 3 years. With the energy saving projected by the other appliances it looks like the utilities companies will be paying us to use their gas and electric.

...AND THEY LIVED...

Today I went online to buy a wedding gift for a friend’s daughter. As I looked at the invitation I noticed it was a lovely shade of sea foam green, with a matching ribbon and gray lettering. It states that the parents are thrilled with the new family being created. There is much joy and happiness as their future is planned.

As I logged off I received a call from a friend to tell me that after 15 years together his wife had filed for divorce. No one marries with the intent of getting a divorce but if happens none the less. The future looks bleak for these two friends and no one is happy. The only emotions are sorrow mixed with anger.

I have been thinking about my own marriage. Forty-three years ago I was in the position on my friend’s daughter, a young bride planning a future with my prince. I remember thinking I don’t just want to be married. I want a fairy tale life where we live happily ever after – and – you know we just might make it. So what's my secret?

Marry the right person

Love them unconditionally

Forgive them often

Be kind

And hope they do the same for you.

LIVES INTERUPTIONS

As I sit and listen to the thunder off in the distance I am reminded of last night at Lambert St. Louis Airport. As we waited for our plane, windows shaddered and the tornado came in and in spite of what CNN is saying there was no advanced warning. We had about 3 seconds to get under the chairs. Aside for cuts, bruises and a lot of stiffness we are well.

At the airport we saw a lot of heroes, compassion and kindness. We were certainly the recipient of all. We felt sorry for all the soldiers from Fort Lenard Wood who had just finished basic training and were on their way home. Having said that we felt their presence was very helpful in this emergency. They were trained to stay calm and help.

Our children all worked together to get Andrea to the airport. All the major freeways were closed because of the destruction and so Nathan in California checked the internet roads to tell Andrea where the open roads were. Ben helped monitor through the TV. Weaving her way thought the side roads Andrea got to us after 1:30 am. 

We miss seeing our California grandchildren. This was to be a fun weekend with them. Instead we are feeling grateful for those who planed and built the structure that could withstand nature’s furies. We are also grateful to a loving Savior because we felt his presence.

WHAT I BELIEVE

During the high holiday of Easter there are definite divisions of thought. There are atheists, those who really don’t care and Christians. To be a true atheist it is necessary to believe that all our emotions and beliefs are rooted in our genetic makeup. One must believe those who are religious followers invented religion to meet a need. Many who don’t care will be stocking up and looking forward to eating as many chocolate bunny ears as possible and enjoying all the fun traditions associated with Easter. A true Christian finds this is a time when our faith in God is felt in our minds and hearts. It has far greater significance than a simple Easter basket. (Side note: being a Christian doesn’t forbid me from eating chocolate bunny ears.)

When all the debate or lack of caring is said and done there is one fact that remains for me. Over 2,000 years ago, in a garden far far away, an empty tome signified that Christ did rise and because he lives we will too.