Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Time Flies

This is the season of anniversaries. Some happy, some sad. We marked the 13th anniversary of one of the happiest days of my life, yesterday. My Addie is now a teenager! I can't imagine how the family functioned 14 years ago before we had our Addie. What a joy! I don't know how a child can have so much attention and spoiling and end up as sweet and giving as she has.

Her birthday will also forever share, however, the anniversary of the worst day of may life. Its sixth anniversary passed without much recognition and that is probably a good thing. Six years have put us in such a different place and I try not to dwell on that period in our lives, partly out of respect for Amy. I do, however, feel we've all learned so much and had such blessings that, someday, there should be a place for us to share that story if it would help others.

This week will be devoted to getting Christmas decorations put away and the house clean(er) before I go back to work. I'm also slipping in some visits to family and friends, some reading, and a couple of movies, not to mention a slumber party for 13 year olds, No really, don't mention it.

May your last week few days of 2008 bring joy and hope.

Stretch,
Jo

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Advent Conspiracy

Once again, my kids’ youth pastor has shown the youth group something at UMY that has made me take a deep a breath and work hard to control my emotions. Not because it is something I don’t want them to see or something that makes me angry. It is the exact the opposite. He has shown them a video that makes them (but mostly me) take a different look at my life and where I spend my time and money. I’m rethinking some priorities. What am I willing to give up? Where am I willing to cut? Which of the millions of needs in the world can I make a difference with? I'm asking you all to watch the video and help me, as we approach 2009, to find a niche to fill.

Thanks, Jason and Robyn, for bringing the video to my attention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU

Stretch,
Jo

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Here We Go!

I am now among the not-so-elite-any-more who record their whims, musings, opinions and observations on that ever so wonderous medium called THE BLOG! I hope to use this as a place to practice my writing skills and, perhaps, offer some thoughts that will inspire some of you to comment and discuss.

Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, I think it is appropriate to use this forum to remind myself of some of the many things for which I am thankful. Please feel free to comment and include your special thanks.
  • Of course, what kind of wife and mother would I be if I didn't start out by being thankful for my amazing husband and children. My nest has grown by one this year. I have a new son-in-law. I am especially grateful for him and the extended family he brings with him.
  • I'm thankful for my biological sisters who, though so different from me in many ways, are a shining example of what my genes might, someday, allow me to become.
  • I'm thankful for my sisters with whom I share no DNA but share a bond of love and support. Sandy, Linda Kay, Linda Lee, Carol, Michell, Linda A, Sally and many more. What an amazing group of women who (along with their families) give me tremendous love and support when I need it and some of them gently kick my butt and tell me when I need to go in a different direction.
  • I'm thankful for the incredible women and men of previous generations who have firmly helped shape the best parts of me. Mother, Granny and Grand-daddy, Vondell and Mr. K, Aunt Mary and Uncle Gene, Aunt Jewell, Ann, Jane, Katie and Rex showed me what it means to be family and community. I hope I'm passing those lesson along to my children.
  • Not to be glib, but I am truly thankful for my dogs! Annie and Sam display unlimited neediness and devotion. When they throw up on the carpet and awaken me barking, it is a reminder that I am still needed and useful.

So many precious gifts for which to give thanks! Perhaps this blog can be a way I can express my thankfulness and remind myself (and maybe even readers) to count our blessings and consciously express our gratitude. We recently went to see the TCU presentation of Our Town, by Thorton Wilder. I think Emily's words would be a fitting closing for an essay on thankfulness:

Emily: Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it– every,every minute?
Stage Manager: No. (pause) The saints and poets, maybe they do some.

Let's join the saints and poets tomorrow and realize life this Thanksgiving.

Jo