Really???

How many times have I uttered that simple word? And on some of my more classic days it is often followed or preceded by things like "Are you kidding me?" "I can't believe this!" "Come on." "Unbelievable!" Etc Etc Etc. You get the just. Now alone, any one of these may be subjected to serious consideration. Is she excited? Is she happy? Is she confused? Does she want to go for a ride? Could "really" go in any number of directions. But to be quite transparent, it just means.............REALLY?!

Have you had one of those moments or days? Things are going along well and then it happens. You have an "event". Could be the dropping of the ice cubes or the crashing of a car or anything in between. We become immediately perplexed as to why such a life changing event (remember the ice cube) has happened to poor little us. Me, suffering such a travesty as a wet floor or the need to BEND OVER! Do I hear a giggle? Is it just me? You must know the moment I am referring to, the one where you are humbled by spilled tea or a dropped box of Q-tips.

I would like to feel guilty and isolated in this but I am a firm believer that we are more alike than unalike. And because of that I don't commit myself immediately to serious counseling or a mental health unit as a result. Plain and simple, it is grumbling. Complaining when a normal common life event occurs. "Do all things without grumbling." You may have heard this and thought it was a quote from Oprah or some such, but no it is from a far more reliable source. Philippians 2:14.

So while I am always trying to catch it before it flies, I realize it is going to slip at times. And as I am an old(er) dog it takes a bit longer to learn my tricks:-) What I want to do is take that thought captive and give it a happy thought :-) Yes think Disney. What would Cinderella do? Or Snow White? Or even Barney? They would sing. So if you are around me in the next few weeks (years) while I work on this most human flaw you may hear me whistle a happy tune or sing about my favorite things. Ha. I might even throw an old 70's song in there. So let the games (or music) begin!

Friends

I am constantly amazed by the gentle and accepting nature of our son. He has never met an enemy, which is not necessarily a good point, but for this post it is perfect! He has enjoyed every moment of his social world. And he is timeless, without age or barrier. He actually thinks he is one of us, you know, adults! Even though he would prefer to lay on the floor with Woody or dance to BooBah, he is comfortable at the table with old(er) people.

I envy him at times. He does not seem to get annoyed by conversation or quirky mannerisms. He does not seem to mind if they repeat themselves or drone on and on. He doesn't even get disturbed if they interrupt, something I never do.....or at least never admit to. "Hey I was talking!" Anyway, time in the "hood" is all good to him. He thinks he is all that and loves being in the mix. I look at the depth of his friends and am so impressed with the people he has attracted. They are not bad!!

In his circle he has girls, lots of girls. And he does not seem to mind gray hair, age, or other direct conflicts such as they HAVE a boyfriend:-) He will sit and talk, color, dance, shop (and HE CAN SHOP!)or eat. If you say "Wanna go....." you don't even have to say where and he is in the car, with whomever is driving!

I am so blessed by his gang as I actually LOVE them all! I inherit a great multitude of friends as a result of his magnetism. How cool. Usually you have to do all the work, seek out peers, people you can relate to. With him I just show up and "BOOM!" I have friends. My life is rich beyond words because of the many individuals who love our son. Young or old, they seem to tolerate me. I am old but immature so I think there is tolerance by some of the kids (those under .....you know, my age!) and I am really good with old(er) people as I am surrounded by them. Ha. I have so much fun just being with the group, whether we are coloring, playing Wii or watching Frasier. He puts that in just for me:-) I am incredibly glad to be counted among his friends!

So to the friends, some shown here, THANK YOU for befriending this guy and even more, for befriending me! I Love FRIENDS! Now I digress and sing Barneys famous closing song.....come on you know it.......well I am not going to tell you! Time to check it out on you tube! xox

Dream Realized

You never really know what you are missing until it shows up. Profound, right? Well I think dreaming, planning a life, imagining how it is supposed to go starts very young. It may be from shows we watch, the behavior of those around us, the toys we play with. It could be a plan for escape from the life less desirable. As you grow, you learn more about the world around you, what is and is not good. And you begin, a step at a time, to determine who you are and what you would like to become. Those steps seem slow, long, and sometimes difficult. And at times they seem down right  impossible. "It will never happen for me" "I will never get my hearts desire."
I have heard these many times. Oh wait, I think it is because I have said them throughout my life. But one at a time, those dreams or desires are fulfilled. It is frequently NOT in a manner I requested, desired or imagined. It does always seem to work out for the best though. I learn to see or experience things in a way I never could have designed.
3 year old - I want to be a nurse and take care of all the sick people in the world, starting with my duck. Okay, not a person but I didn't have very many willing patients at 3.
7 year old - I want to go to India. Nepal and Goa! Why these two areas, well thank National Geographic for that. The map pull out was awesome!
11 year old - I want 25 children. I thought this way I will always have someone to play with.
15 year old - I want to work in a hospital taking care of sick children. I have no idea why, though I love children and thought perhaps sick ones were easier to corral.
19 year old - I want to get married to a missionary. Likely figured I could get to India faster that way.
WELL, I have enjoyed nursing taking care of those who are sick. I have worked in many challenging areas and have loved it. I did get to go to India, but not northern but the lower half o f the continent. I met the most lovely family and saw a great number of wonderful things. We are still friends today;.
I don't have 25 children. I am thinking that was Divine intervention, though I could have had a television show to help pay for them. Ha! I did have 5 miscarriages and one adorable son, who is the greatest gift ever.
I have worked in pediatrics and with special needs communities for many years up until I had my son, who has special needs. Not what I imagined but without a doubt the best gift. He keeps me busy enough to make me believe I have 25 children some days, but thankfully, NOT! I did not marry a missionary who travels the world, which turns out to be the necessary thing. Too many health issues in the family to travel. So you see God knew.
Now I am finally enjoying some of those children's activities that I did not even realize were sitting in the shelf of my heart. Things like helping my son train and compete in Special Olympics sports. And just this week to perform in a ballet, Cinderella. He was on stage with 100 other children, typical and special needs. COOL! All the weeks of practice, helping with costumes and helping behind the scenes to dress, supervise and mend was a great time. I told my husband I realized I had been waiting all my life to be able to do this. It was a dream fulfilled FOR ME and I am fairly certain Cody too. He had a gas and this was a very NORMAL experience for us doing something in the arts which I LOVE. So cool for so many reasons.
So I would just suggest that if you are feeling unfulfilled, perhaps it is one of these hidden desires that has yet to be fulfilled. While I don't think you need to go back to the womb (no contest; warm, safe, rest) I think there may be that dream that you are holding on to and it is yet to be recognized or addressed. You may simply need some mice, a princess and ballet shoes to realize that special moment.

Jude 24-25

Sunrise

I am frequently overwhelmed by the sight of sunrise. There is something so fresh and pure. Even with clouds it is the start of a new day, a fresh opportunity to live another day. Some days start out great, you have that time with God, some time to get your mojo going. You head into the day prepared, strong, able to tackle any encounter. Good days.
But then there is the rest of the week where you are not ready. You open one eye then the other and have to decide what your next move will be. Joy or grief? You have to decide if you will fight to spend time or pass and take your chances. You enter the day unprepared, and every serpent is headed your way. Unarmed you can not begin to stay out of the nest. By nightfall you are exhausted defeated and grumbling at 60 decibels.?
The next morning, however, the sun will rise and you will have another chance, a fresh start with all of yesterdays mishaps and failures behind you. "HIS MERCIES ARE NEW EVERY MORNING!" Oh you may have to retrace your tracks, mend a few fences but once it is done the air seems cleaner, the day brighter. It is true some will not forgive, memories long and hurts registered in their log of offenses. But you have done your part and able to walk on, sun shining. Wonderful!