Joy in a dress shirt

WOW...just wow

In the bleery-eyed darkness of the morning, I am contemplating the day with Isaiah in my arms.  As I deeply breathe in his baby scent and listen to the rhythm of his breathing, I am transported back into the long forgotten past. When my first child was born...1982. The surroundings are different and my life is 'evolved', but the darkness remains the same, the feeling of nurture is the same, the passion for this little life is the same,  the prayers are the same and the dreams are the same.   I am  struck by the sense of wonder I feel. 
There were so many hopes and dreams, so many things to do, places to go, things to learn & to become, to provide, to accomplish.....  Did I do them all?  Was I successful?  Did he get what he needed?  Did I do it right?  Honestly, I can't say that I did. And I don't remember all the lists.  I just don't know where the time went.  Today, I just pray that my God continues to guide his steps. That's what I can do today-pray, for my son, for his son.  So, that's what I do-pray.
Its been an amazing journey, this life of mine, from first child to first grandchild.  Lord, continue to bless my life with health, faith, joy and hope, that I may bless and impact this young life and all the rest that follow for a long time to come! Amen.

In the quiet

As I sit here, savoring the quiet, I feel satisfied and alone. 
Alone---it sounds so ominous, doesn't it?
But, the reality is that I love my life.  
(Really...there are only short moments when I find it really lonely.)  
I guess, I've made that my world. I am a caregiver.
Caregiving has very little real reciprocity.  My role as wife and mother fosters my caregiving role.
My job for 24 years as a childcare provider also fostered my caregiving role.
Being the oldest of 5 children, is where I learned to be a caregiver.  
Even in my closest personal relationships, I am the caregiver.
(Not sure if I fall into that roll or if I am given it in my relationships. 
THAT is a whole other subject.)
Nevertheless, it is satisfying.  My life is satisfying.
I am filled with a huge sense of completeness when I can be of any assistance,
give any wisdom, share any life experience. My heart delights in the opportunities
to give~ when I can be used.  
I thank God for what I have, what I can share, what I can give.
I truly am satisfied.
Another word I want to make mine this year...SATISFIED.
So in the quiet, I beg "Father, use me up for your glory!"

WE NEED MORE!

Despite Puxatone Phil's prediction of a soon coming spring, I am determined that we need more winter...more cold, more wet, more wind, more, more more!  I am NOT done with winter!

old friends...

...are the best!  Butch and Linda have been part of our married lives since Sean was 6 months old (he's now 29).  Butch, however, has been part of Dennis' life since elementary school.  Now, that's an old friend! 
Sitting with them recently, I was struck with the level of intimacy and comfortability we had with them.  We tossed around old memories like a favorite toy-treasured and ever present. It was a delightful mix of the past, present and future...ours and the world's.  Thanks friends for sharing the delight of the past, for your interest in the present and care and concern for the future!  We love you.