Sometimes I am a little jealous of Will. Why do my little great-nieces (and little nieces) always like him so much better than they like me?
My niece Dawn and her family are visiting from Hermiston this weekend, and we got to spend the afternoon with them at my brother's house today. After lunch I was thinking I wanted to find her five-year-old daughter Lucy and visit with her. Lucy had greeted us wearing a Little House on the Prairie dress and kept showing up in different outfits. Just then I realized that Lucy was up close and personal with Uncle Will, giving him a hug. I nudged Eric, who was sitting next to me. He told me I had just missed her telling him, "Uncle Will, I love you. Are you really my uncle?" (She never once told me she loved me:( I wish I knew how to insert a real sad face symbol there.)
I observed with interest as she chattered away to him. Before long she had told him his breath smelled like her friend's dog's breath. Then she was looking closely at his face, from the front, side and slightly behind, and I was hoping she wasn't going to insult him too badly with another observation. But her next question was, "Why do you have a line in your glasses?" So Will got to explain bifocals. Of course she had to try them on, and wondered why they were so big.
Lucy is extra-special because she was born on my son Eric's 17th birthday (August 8, aka 8/8). She is a wonderful reminder to me that every child is an incredible blessing and gift from God. I am looking forward to another reminder next Saturday when I get to keep my sister's three for an evening!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Best Vest
Don’t you just love it when you’re browsing the clearance racks and you come across an unbelievable deal? Recently I found the most beautiful fur vest at Kohls, marked down from $72 to $14.40. Incredible! And it was even my size! All I had to do was touch its luxurious softness to know it was worth every dollar at that price.
A few minutes after my purchase, I was wearing the vest over to my Uncle Cloy’s house to see my cousin Cyndi who was visiting from Arizona. Naturally, Cyndi adored it and when I shared the amazing deal, she said, “Mother, we should run out to Kohls and see if we can get one too!” Aunt Norma Jean wasn’t too sure. “It’s not really my style,” she demurred as Cyndi made her try it on. “Hey,” said I. “It’s not really my style either, but it’s only $14!” (But I’m pretty sure they didn’t go to Kohls that night!)
From there, I went to the home of a new friend who was hosting practice for our upcoming retreat skits. All the girls were very complimentary of how terrific I looked in this amazing vest, especially in combination with the stunning new color my hair had magically become earlier that day. I just love girlfriends!
When I got home, the reaction from my husband was not nearly as enthusiastic, but then again, I would never expect him to be quite as effusive as my girlfriends are. I kind of wanted to keep the tag on to show off the amazing price reduction, but he said that would be tacky. So I reluctantly cut it off.
I wore it to work the next day and I have never had so many comments on any piece of apparel in my life! My two office co-workers greeted me with compliments and I shared what a great bargain it was. I also told them that my husband pays a lot of attention to his dog and I thought if I wore fur, maybe I’d get more attention from him. That struck them as very funny. When the next person came through the office and complimented my fabulous vest, I shared the great price. My co-worker Cindy told me I needed to tell the real reason I got it, so I repeated the part about my husband. Everyone laughed again. I had the most fun that day, getting a laugh out of everyone who complimented my vest when I shared the “real reason”, and I believe Cindy laughed every time too! I just love working with her!
The next Sunday when the boys were home for dinner, I had to show them this amazing find. Will told them he was a little taken aback when I came home looking like a floozy with this fur vest. What? He tells them his thoughts but he doesn’t tell me?!
Of course I had to take the vest to retreat with me, feeling the risk of being judged a "floozy" there was pretty slim. I saved it for the last evening session and again got to share some laughs about my “real reason” for buying it again with all the women there. A vest that can make people laugh that much is indeed a very special vest, and I had an inspiration about a fitting way to honor it.
I was playing the role of “Dr Phillis” in our skits during the weekend. We had come up with a giveaway to the audience during the first two “Dr. Phillis Shows”, and what better thing to give away during the final skit? One of our talented team members wrapped it beautifully for me.
Sunday morning, Dr. Phillis (pictured here) carried the package into the show and announced that one lucky audience member would be the recipient of a fabulous gift. Dr. Phillis believes that every woman should have at least one outfit or article of clothing that makes her feel very special, to wear on those occasional days when you really need a lift. This gift s one of those items of clothing. But we also need to think of others, so after you have worn this item a few times, you want to share the blessing with someone else to brighten their days. The recipient will know when the right time has come to pass it on. The person with the closest birthday would be the lucky recipient. The fortunate woman who ended up with this prize graciously modeled it for us, and it looked absolutely beautiful on her as well.
I wonder how many women it will bless? Will I ever see it again? On whom, I wonder?
I wish I had a picture of this wonderful vest, and if one shows up, I will post it here. Until then, it shall live on in my memories and in its new life with the lucky current owner!
A few minutes after my purchase, I was wearing the vest over to my Uncle Cloy’s house to see my cousin Cyndi who was visiting from Arizona. Naturally, Cyndi adored it and when I shared the amazing deal, she said, “Mother, we should run out to Kohls and see if we can get one too!” Aunt Norma Jean wasn’t too sure. “It’s not really my style,” she demurred as Cyndi made her try it on. “Hey,” said I. “It’s not really my style either, but it’s only $14!” (But I’m pretty sure they didn’t go to Kohls that night!)
From there, I went to the home of a new friend who was hosting practice for our upcoming retreat skits. All the girls were very complimentary of how terrific I looked in this amazing vest, especially in combination with the stunning new color my hair had magically become earlier that day. I just love girlfriends!
When I got home, the reaction from my husband was not nearly as enthusiastic, but then again, I would never expect him to be quite as effusive as my girlfriends are. I kind of wanted to keep the tag on to show off the amazing price reduction, but he said that would be tacky. So I reluctantly cut it off.
I wore it to work the next day and I have never had so many comments on any piece of apparel in my life! My two office co-workers greeted me with compliments and I shared what a great bargain it was. I also told them that my husband pays a lot of attention to his dog and I thought if I wore fur, maybe I’d get more attention from him. That struck them as very funny. When the next person came through the office and complimented my fabulous vest, I shared the great price. My co-worker Cindy told me I needed to tell the real reason I got it, so I repeated the part about my husband. Everyone laughed again. I had the most fun that day, getting a laugh out of everyone who complimented my vest when I shared the “real reason”, and I believe Cindy laughed every time too! I just love working with her!
The next Sunday when the boys were home for dinner, I had to show them this amazing find. Will told them he was a little taken aback when I came home looking like a floozy with this fur vest. What? He tells them his thoughts but he doesn’t tell me?!
Of course I had to take the vest to retreat with me, feeling the risk of being judged a "floozy" there was pretty slim. I saved it for the last evening session and again got to share some laughs about my “real reason” for buying it again with all the women there. A vest that can make people laugh that much is indeed a very special vest, and I had an inspiration about a fitting way to honor it.
I was playing the role of “Dr Phillis” in our skits during the weekend. We had come up with a giveaway to the audience during the first two “Dr. Phillis Shows”, and what better thing to give away during the final skit? One of our talented team members wrapped it beautifully for me.
Sunday morning, Dr. Phillis (pictured here) carried the package into the show and announced that one lucky audience member would be the recipient of a fabulous gift. Dr. Phillis believes that every woman should have at least one outfit or article of clothing that makes her feel very special, to wear on those occasional days when you really need a lift. This gift s one of those items of clothing. But we also need to think of others, so after you have worn this item a few times, you want to share the blessing with someone else to brighten their days. The recipient will know when the right time has come to pass it on. The person with the closest birthday would be the lucky recipient. The fortunate woman who ended up with this prize graciously modeled it for us, and it looked absolutely beautiful on her as well.
I wonder how many women it will bless? Will I ever see it again? On whom, I wonder?
I wish I had a picture of this wonderful vest, and if one shows up, I will post it here. Until then, it shall live on in my memories and in its new life with the lucky current owner!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
SACC Retreat 2011: The Blessings
As the MC, I got to close out the retreat with a time to for people to share the blessings they received this weekend. Since I was leading it, of course I gave myself permission to go first.
How do you decide which blessing to share when you have been bombarded with them the entire weekend? My advice is, go with the one first pops into your mind. And how strange is it that my first thought was: my roommates!
Yes, very strange. Especially when one roommate has been your friend for 25+ years and you have just come to realize this weekend that you are frighteningly alike in some ways (the ditzy ones). (But at least I have never walked into a waiting room and said hello to my reflection in a mirror!)
Friday night I was gathering my things together for the next morning, courteously planning ahead so that I wouldn’t awaken my roommates by rustling around too much in the morning. Strangely, I could not find any underwear. I remembered opening the drawer at home, but had I become sidetracked and closed it before completing my task? I frantically searched all the pockets of my garment bag and other bag, exclaiming I couldn’t believe I forgot them. Finally, my thoughtful thieving roommate got down on her knees and kindly started pulling my underwear out from under the bed where she had stashed it.
Can you believe that?!
Saturday after lunch I followed the example of my other roommate (the nice one) and brushed my teeth. When I started to put my toothbrush back into its container….uh-oh. My toothbrush was still in there! I had just brushed my teeth with my thieving roommate’s toothbrush!!!! GROSS! And I couldn’t hide it because she was standing right there to witness my freak-out at this appalling discovery!
Can you believe that?! Fortunately, the thieving roommate (though rather unhappy about this turn of events), could understand perfectly how one could make a mistake like that. Just like she could understand how someone could open her glasses case and exclaim, “Oh, no, I forgot my glasses!” and then notice that the glasses are already on the counter waiting to be donned. Just like she could understand the multitude of mysteries that fill my days. Because her days are also filled with little things that make one wonder, “How did that happen?”
In spite of her kleptomania, she is a very loving and kind friend and there is never a dull moment when hanging out with her!
Last year at retreat, I was very fortunate to be assigned to room with my other roommate (the nice one). She is calm and laid back, friendly, kind and interesting, blessed with a quick wit that will make you laugh when you least expect it. She was gracious enough to accept my request to be roommates again this year. I hope she will forgive me for not warning her that we would be joined by the thieving roommate. I owe her a debt of gratitude because she had an extra brand new toothbrush and she saved the day by graciously giving it to that undeserving roommate. Just another example of grace. I think she was a very good influence on that roommate. (On me too, for that matter!)
Both of these women care and pray, and I am honored to call them friends!!
A few of the other blessings:
• An entire weekend spent with 40+ women who are filled with the love of God (and cute and fun-to-be with besides)!
• The worship team, whose voices blended in beautiful harmony with the keyboard, piano and flute in songs of worship and praise.
• The speaker who came and shared challenging and inspiring words from God from her very humble heart (and I used to babysit her!)
• The privilege of working for months in advance with a group of very talented, organized and creative group of friends to make the weekend happen.
• All the fun we had working together as a retreat committee and drama team.
• The time to get acquainted with new friends and re-connect with old ones.
• Hearing women share amazing stories of how the healing grace of God transformed their lives.
• The opportunity to watch a presentation on “Gifts from the Heart” from Judith, who doesn’t get older, she just gets better and funnier!
• Being the recipient of a “gift from the heart”. (But some things that happen at retreat, stay at retreat!)
• All the laughs we got to share!
• That once again, at the end of the retreat, I could declare, “This was the best one ever!”
I know I haven’t listed nearly all of them. Tell me what I missed!
(Note to self for next year:
1. Buy locking suitcase
2. Buy new underwear.)
How do you decide which blessing to share when you have been bombarded with them the entire weekend? My advice is, go with the one first pops into your mind. And how strange is it that my first thought was: my roommates!
Yes, very strange. Especially when one roommate has been your friend for 25+ years and you have just come to realize this weekend that you are frighteningly alike in some ways (the ditzy ones). (But at least I have never walked into a waiting room and said hello to my reflection in a mirror!)
Friday night I was gathering my things together for the next morning, courteously planning ahead so that I wouldn’t awaken my roommates by rustling around too much in the morning. Strangely, I could not find any underwear. I remembered opening the drawer at home, but had I become sidetracked and closed it before completing my task? I frantically searched all the pockets of my garment bag and other bag, exclaiming I couldn’t believe I forgot them. Finally, my thoughtful thieving roommate got down on her knees and kindly started pulling my underwear out from under the bed where she had stashed it.
Can you believe that?!
Saturday after lunch I followed the example of my other roommate (the nice one) and brushed my teeth. When I started to put my toothbrush back into its container….uh-oh. My toothbrush was still in there! I had just brushed my teeth with my thieving roommate’s toothbrush!!!! GROSS! And I couldn’t hide it because she was standing right there to witness my freak-out at this appalling discovery!
Can you believe that?! Fortunately, the thieving roommate (though rather unhappy about this turn of events), could understand perfectly how one could make a mistake like that. Just like she could understand how someone could open her glasses case and exclaim, “Oh, no, I forgot my glasses!” and then notice that the glasses are already on the counter waiting to be donned. Just like she could understand the multitude of mysteries that fill my days. Because her days are also filled with little things that make one wonder, “How did that happen?”
In spite of her kleptomania, she is a very loving and kind friend and there is never a dull moment when hanging out with her!
Last year at retreat, I was very fortunate to be assigned to room with my other roommate (the nice one). She is calm and laid back, friendly, kind and interesting, blessed with a quick wit that will make you laugh when you least expect it. She was gracious enough to accept my request to be roommates again this year. I hope she will forgive me for not warning her that we would be joined by the thieving roommate. I owe her a debt of gratitude because she had an extra brand new toothbrush and she saved the day by graciously giving it to that undeserving roommate. Just another example of grace. I think she was a very good influence on that roommate. (On me too, for that matter!)
Both of these women care and pray, and I am honored to call them friends!!
A few of the other blessings:
• An entire weekend spent with 40+ women who are filled with the love of God (and cute and fun-to-be with besides)!
• The worship team, whose voices blended in beautiful harmony with the keyboard, piano and flute in songs of worship and praise.
• The speaker who came and shared challenging and inspiring words from God from her very humble heart (and I used to babysit her!)
• The privilege of working for months in advance with a group of very talented, organized and creative group of friends to make the weekend happen.
• All the fun we had working together as a retreat committee and drama team.
• The time to get acquainted with new friends and re-connect with old ones.
• Hearing women share amazing stories of how the healing grace of God transformed their lives.
• The opportunity to watch a presentation on “Gifts from the Heart” from Judith, who doesn’t get older, she just gets better and funnier!
• Being the recipient of a “gift from the heart”. (But some things that happen at retreat, stay at retreat!)
• All the laughs we got to share!
• That once again, at the end of the retreat, I could declare, “This was the best one ever!”
I know I haven’t listed nearly all of them. Tell me what I missed!
(Note to self for next year:
1. Buy locking suitcase
2. Buy new underwear.)
Friday, March 04, 2011
Ten Things I Loved about this Friday!
1. Payroll paperwork was due in the courier at 8:00 am and there was not one sub in the building today, therefore no last minute rushing around updating/changing paperwork in the midst of all the morning hubub! Unheard of - perfect attendance on such a day! Our staff obviously really loves me!
2. An appreciative parent brought donuts to the office. What was nicer, her kind words or the box of donuts? I got to share the donuts with people all day. Our parents must really love us!
3. A lively gang of teachers around my work station first thing to read a great Dr. Seuss story over the announcements. What a great group of people! (And funny too!) We all love each other!
4. The sugar free, skinny Snickers mocha delivered from the high school next door - YUM! (Love my coffee!)
5. Even better, the warmed half of an apple fritter to go along with it! (Definitely NOT sugar-free or fat free but mm-mm good!)
6. I text my husband to see how he feels about me inviting two brothers and their wives over for taco soup tonight and he texts back, "You are the princess." That's the story of my life with Will! (He definitely loves me!)
7. Both sister-in-laws text back that they will come! (and so will their husbands of course!) (They all love me too!)
8. After lunch, I can't believe my eyes when I see my friends Sara and Emily (sisters) come in the door with Sara's nearly one-year-old twins in a double stroller! How exciting to see all those girls! Adorable babies! And Sara even referred to me as "Aunt LeAnn"! (Which reminds me, I promised Sara monster cookies after those babies were born. Oops!) But she loves me anyway!
9. The chicken taco soup experiment turns out great! We all love it and have a great time around the dinner table.
10. Bonus - nephew Duane eventually stops by for some dinner too, and it is great to have a teenage boy in this empty nest house! Love that boy! (Missed Venisa though!)
Such a great Friday - love, laughs, food and surprises!
2. An appreciative parent brought donuts to the office. What was nicer, her kind words or the box of donuts? I got to share the donuts with people all day. Our parents must really love us!
3. A lively gang of teachers around my work station first thing to read a great Dr. Seuss story over the announcements. What a great group of people! (And funny too!) We all love each other!
4. The sugar free, skinny Snickers mocha delivered from the high school next door - YUM! (Love my coffee!)
5. Even better, the warmed half of an apple fritter to go along with it! (Definitely NOT sugar-free or fat free but mm-mm good!)
6. I text my husband to see how he feels about me inviting two brothers and their wives over for taco soup tonight and he texts back, "You are the princess." That's the story of my life with Will! (He definitely loves me!)
7. Both sister-in-laws text back that they will come! (and so will their husbands of course!) (They all love me too!)
8. After lunch, I can't believe my eyes when I see my friends Sara and Emily (sisters) come in the door with Sara's nearly one-year-old twins in a double stroller! How exciting to see all those girls! Adorable babies! And Sara even referred to me as "Aunt LeAnn"! (Which reminds me, I promised Sara monster cookies after those babies were born. Oops!) But she loves me anyway!
9. The chicken taco soup experiment turns out great! We all love it and have a great time around the dinner table.
10. Bonus - nephew Duane eventually stops by for some dinner too, and it is great to have a teenage boy in this empty nest house! Love that boy! (Missed Venisa though!)
Such a great Friday - love, laughs, food and surprises!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
February Sunshine at the Oregon Coast
Just how blessed can you be - a four-day weekend in February and sunshine at the Oregon coast! There's no better way to start the day than a walk on the beach with a frisky dog. (After you have slept in, had your coffee, read many Psalms so that you are up to date with the Bible in 90 Days and ate a wonderful breakfast of pancakes and bacon of course.)
We watched the boats from the South Jetty.
Sailboats are a thing of beauty. Of course, all boats are beautiful.
After lunch, we went over to the Yaquina Bay State Park and toured the restored old light house there. It was time for Will's afternoon nap, but I stayed and walked on the beach then over the bridge back to our RV park. This seagull seemed to think it owned the telescope.
Our RV is over there behind those boats. I am walking out of the state park.
The viewpoint and details viewed from the bridge make it worth the walk in spite of the traffic.
Tomorrow we need to walk out to the end of the pier. Haven't done that yet this trip but I recall walking it with Doug and Anisa during that last trip and having some exciting encounters with waterfowl.
The clouds to the southwest reflected the setting sun.
This RV park requires a $5 payment to get internet for 24 hours. I had to send an email before for a retreat meeting that happened this morning, so I am making good use of the internet while I have it!
And one of my favorite times of day - sunset!
Here's Will and his faithful canine Zeek silhouetted against the sunset. Will's morning walk was a little icy today. He met a man who slipped on this dock but didn't spill his coffee....until the second slip. Will was chuckling about it when he came in to get his coffee after the walk. A few minutes later he came in with coffee all over his own coat! He said he put the tailgate down to sit and enjoy the view, and Zeek immediately jumped up beside him, knocking his coffee all over!
There weren't enough clouds for an amazing sunset, but the color intensified and lasted a long time as I sat inside looking out the window, uploading my pictures!
This RV park requires a $5 payment to get internet for 24 hours. I had to send an email before for a retreat meeting that happened this morning, so I am making good use of the internet while I have it!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
A Walk on the Edge
Wow. I just blew in from my afternoon walk. Southbound I was very tempted to give up and turn around, but I put my head down and fought that wind to continue to make forward progress. On the return trip, gusts of wind actually forced me into effortless running spurts! (And I am NOT a runner!) Fortunately, most of my route is east-west.
I watched debris fly off piles at property where an old house was recently demolished and hoped nothing would fly my way. The crackle of branches falling in the trees bordering a field sent a herd of sheep running toward the road, stopping to look at me hopefully as if perhaps I would save them. Ha, not such good animal instincts there!
Large groups of dry crackling leaves scuttled across the road like herds of little animals, only to turn around and swirl to the other side again. With great anticipation I approached my cozy home, only to have my face assaulted by bark chips flying up from the landscaping! My house greeted mewith the aroma of the beef stew simmering on the stove. The wind continues to groan and whistle around outside as I wait for the water to boil for a cup of tea before I resume Saturday chores.
The best part of this little windstorm is that it's only 55 degrees outside! The weather forecast for Tangent says we will have 25 mile an hour winds for a couple of hours. My walk is done, but my work has just begun. Just too much fun today!
I watched debris fly off piles at property where an old house was recently demolished and hoped nothing would fly my way. The crackle of branches falling in the trees bordering a field sent a herd of sheep running toward the road, stopping to look at me hopefully as if perhaps I would save them. Ha, not such good animal instincts there!
Large groups of dry crackling leaves scuttled across the road like herds of little animals, only to turn around and swirl to the other side again. With great anticipation I approached my cozy home, only to have my face assaulted by bark chips flying up from the landscaping! My house greeted mewith the aroma of the beef stew simmering on the stove. The wind continues to groan and whistle around outside as I wait for the water to boil for a cup of tea before I resume Saturday chores.
The best part of this little windstorm is that it's only 55 degrees outside! The weather forecast for Tangent says we will have 25 mile an hour winds for a couple of hours. My walk is done, but my work has just begun. Just too much fun today!
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
The "Last" Supper?
Before dinner tonight, Nick told me that the apartment could possibly be available to move into as early as tomorrow. I think the plan is to move this weekend.
Knowing that his days of living here are numbered, I made a lovely dinner tonight. Steak, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli with cheese sauce. And of course, salad while he and his dad were watching TV while I cooked dinner, because otherwise the salad sits untouched at the meal.
Twenty years ago, Will and I were about to purchase our first home. We moved into it just two months before Nick was born. Knowing that he would be my last baby, I spent a lot of time in the rocking chair, reluctant to put him down. Such a cute little boy with that curly blond hair and blue eyes! We called him our "lap boy" for years because he much preferred our laps to chairs!
How trite it is to say, "Where did the last 20 years go?!" Nick has always been eager to learn and do and go, especially with two big brothers leading the way. I love the memory of holding his little hand as we walked across the church parking lot, with him skipping along, so excited to go to his class. I said, "Oh, Nick, you are so cute." He said, "I know, and I'm fun to be with too!" (His father sometimes sent children to their rooms until they could be cute and fun to be with!)
Soon my baby is moving out into an apartment with two friends. He has a full time job that he loves, providing IT support for a company that seems to appreciate him and is willing to invest in his training and education. There are even women there who mother him! I talked to one last week and she told me they all love Nick. Obviously that warmed my heart! He regularly drives the big company Hummer through Portland traffic to take care of business in other branches. The first time, this mama was amazed that they would trust a 19-year-old with that, but I took comfort in remembering that this is a kid whose dad had him driving a big pickup pulling a 34-foot fifth wheel in more than one crazy place during the past few years.
Fortunately, the transition from dependence to independence happens gradually, with lots of little milestones along the way. My boys have been doing their own laundry and making their own lunches for many years....so why is it that I suddenly am wanting to make a lunch for Nick to take to work? Why is there an empty place in my heart as I realize my days of active mothering are over?
Thankfully, I know that God loves my boys more than I possibly could, and He actively pursues a loving relationship with them even more than I do. One of my many prayers for my boys is that they always remember and act on the words they all memorized in their Wednesday night Caravans classes: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The empty nest is not just a future event...Oh God, please help me to be ready!
Knowing that his days of living here are numbered, I made a lovely dinner tonight. Steak, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli with cheese sauce. And of course, salad while he and his dad were watching TV while I cooked dinner, because otherwise the salad sits untouched at the meal.
Twenty years ago, Will and I were about to purchase our first home. We moved into it just two months before Nick was born. Knowing that he would be my last baby, I spent a lot of time in the rocking chair, reluctant to put him down. Such a cute little boy with that curly blond hair and blue eyes! We called him our "lap boy" for years because he much preferred our laps to chairs!
How trite it is to say, "Where did the last 20 years go?!" Nick has always been eager to learn and do and go, especially with two big brothers leading the way. I love the memory of holding his little hand as we walked across the church parking lot, with him skipping along, so excited to go to his class. I said, "Oh, Nick, you are so cute." He said, "I know, and I'm fun to be with too!" (His father sometimes sent children to their rooms until they could be cute and fun to be with!)
Soon my baby is moving out into an apartment with two friends. He has a full time job that he loves, providing IT support for a company that seems to appreciate him and is willing to invest in his training and education. There are even women there who mother him! I talked to one last week and she told me they all love Nick. Obviously that warmed my heart! He regularly drives the big company Hummer through Portland traffic to take care of business in other branches. The first time, this mama was amazed that they would trust a 19-year-old with that, but I took comfort in remembering that this is a kid whose dad had him driving a big pickup pulling a 34-foot fifth wheel in more than one crazy place during the past few years.
Fortunately, the transition from dependence to independence happens gradually, with lots of little milestones along the way. My boys have been doing their own laundry and making their own lunches for many years....so why is it that I suddenly am wanting to make a lunch for Nick to take to work? Why is there an empty place in my heart as I realize my days of active mothering are over?
Thankfully, I know that God loves my boys more than I possibly could, and He actively pursues a loving relationship with them even more than I do. One of my many prayers for my boys is that they always remember and act on the words they all memorized in their Wednesday night Caravans classes: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The empty nest is not just a future event...Oh God, please help me to be ready!
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