He hangs yellow ribbons. This farmer of mine. He texts the college girl on her way home. She's on a bus headed our way. "He'll tie a yellow ribbon round the Old Oak Tree." She needs to look up the lyrics. You tube will show her what her parents have neglected. We pull into the driveway. There are yellow ribbons. I wonder at it. Had I missed these before I left. She gradually unfolds the story. I marvel at the gesture. Yellow ribbons and a song to welcome his daughter home. His quiet ... View Post
Serve, Sacrifice, Surrender
22 years. 6 children. 1 grandchild. 1 child in heaven. 1 nephew just joined them. 3 of our parents there as well. The one still here dancing with the memory thief. And here we are. Living in the nest where one has flown the coop. Where she fluffs her own nest. Where one has soared to heaven. Where one attends college. The nest has changed. Is changing. And it's hard. Some days it's hard to remember there is joy. Some days it's hard to remember to serve the ... View Post
Remembering
We stand at the grave. This college friend and I. Last together when life didn't hold so many painful pieces. Back when life was still fresh and young. This day we stand at the grave of my oldest son. "Tell me about Elijah, " she says. My eyes fill with tears. It's been months since I have let myself think of him. Months since I have paused to remember. Because in the remembering the searing ache lies. The sharp pain of who he was and will never be. The kind and caring, yet hot tempered red head. So ... View Post
Don’t We All Just Want To Be Loved? (re-posting thoughts)
My farmer walks stronger these days. Healing so apparent. Mischievous, blue eyes have their twinkle. Good news this week about clear scans and the port removal. And I am reminded again of the deep love of Christ. The love He intended within the confines of marriage; the joy of sex over the years in a healthy marriage. With the release of the movie, "Fifty Shades of Grey" my stomach turns at the perversity. Here are my thoughts on love from last year. May God always be your first love. And may you find someone that helps to cultivate that relationship. My Youth Pastor spoke ... View Post
What They Don’t Tell You When You Say, “I Do”
What they don't tell you when you say, "I do." In case you're wondering? Life isn't always a bed of roses after you're married. With in a year we had experienced the loss of our first child. We received much love and support. Grace. Words of encouragement and strength to journey on. There was much hard work and little time for anything else. We made it work. And then it happened. Finances. 6 kids. Sleep deprivation. Body changes. Job changes. All take their toll. Date nights; gone by the ... View Post
The Question That Begs An Answer
The doctor asks my farmer, "What do you like to do?" And I watch my farmer. He doesn't know. Right now, he hates farming. There are aspects he used to enjoy. Maybe even love. A deep satisfaction. Now, it produces stress. Reminders of a beloved red headed farm boy; heading to the Marines. He used to play music. . . we both did. Kids and life got in the way. I start to think. What do I like to do? I used to love to teach. It is in my blood. But with 6 children, a farm, a home, working out became impossible. My career shifted to domestic ... View Post
