They gathered around the farmhouse table. Sunday dinner. These young men. Telling tales. Laughing. Looking at some hard times with humor. They are finding their way. The farm boy is digging deep these days. A change. Wrestling with the demons that threaten to pull one under. He gathers here and laughs. A rich laugh which reminds me of one gone before him. But yet so different. This farm boy has a carefree nature. Throws caution to the wind. (not always a good ... View Post
Overcoming Evil with Good Day # 14 of Thankfulness
Praying for Paris. As the first wave of news reports began, I contacted friends who live in the city. Part of their family I knew were here in the states on holiday. The others; in that city of love. Contact made. In shock. But safe. As the events unfold, the harsh reality of hatred is prevalent. How do we get to this point? The presence of evil; great. Fear inevitable. An apparent success. Ergo the term, terrorism. But that is not the final word. The story does not end there. There is a God who ... View Post
The Rest of the Story Day #13 of Thankfulness
We had errands to run. Bread from the bread store and Ink for the printer. Our reward. Coffee. (they even spelled Christiana's name correctly!) A splurge. An indulgence. Creating a memory with the dancer girl. His card. Now. . . with a balance of zero. The gift, I think, from Project Graduation. Found in his wallet- after they returned his belongings to me. The wallet he had on him when he passed from this life to Glory. Now kept on my farmers bureau. The Starbucks card nestled in between his ... View Post
The Ultimate Sacrifice Day #11 of Thankfulness
Fancy pants dining. It's what they do. All these kids. From the time they were little. Aunt Clara's china being used. The candle light glowing. It's in those moments I see the table full. All the seats occupied. The laughter and joy around the farmhouse table. Things have changed. So much. One space remains empty; forever. The future, here on this earth, not mine to know. I know he was dedicated. Committed. He wanted to serve this country with his life. The eleventh ... View Post
Listening Day #10 of Thankfulness
She contacts me on face book. She found a recording of his voice from a history project. She laughed and cried when she heard it. She wondered if I would like her to send it to me. I breathe deep. Another recording of his voice. Another piece. Yes. Yes, I would love another opportunity to hear his voice. To listen to my sweet, sweet son. I play the recording. The deep places of my mommy's heart ache. Oh how I miss him. He was so articulate. Always. His first word ex-ca-va- ... View Post
Babies, Snuggles, Diapers. . . Oh My! Day #4 of Thankfulness
I start the day with coffee and a scone with a friend. She insists on treating me to my favorite latte. It's so nice to be out and visiting. I return home to a note from a sweet mama that she is in the area. She and her new baby and would love to stop by. Snuggles and visiting. A perfect combination. Later after a silly fb conversation I receive another note from a mama of three under three. She and another seasoned mama come for shortbread and coffee. The day has flown by. And there is contentment in my heart. There ... View Post
