Sheri’s First Love

Two grandmothers lived next door to each other with each of their daughters expecting their first child. On October 19^th, Grandma Davis’s daughter gave birth to a beautiful dark haired baby boy with deep brown eyes and a gorgeous smile. On October 29th, Grandma Mulling’s daughter gave birth to a blonde haired baby girl with blue eyes. The two babies would love each other unconditionally from the moment they met. David and Sheri were adorable together walking around as toddlers holding hands and him putting his arm around her.

When Sheri’s dad was stationed at the Long Beach, California, Naval Base, even being on opposite sides of the country didn’t make them forget each other. When her grandmother would write letters to her mother, there was always a special note at the end that told of David coming over to ask if she was home yet. He would tell her grandmother to give her the message that he loved her and to hurry home. They were only 3 years old!

Luckily, when she did come home, they both spent a lot of time at their grandmothers’ homes. He would walk over each morning to spend the day with her. He would gently push her on the swing, help her climb the ladder to the slide, and run around to catch her as she slid down. They would run around playing and giggling most of the day. When Sheri would hear his grandmother calling for him to come home, she would pout from the sadness of having to end their day together. David would put his arms around Sheri and tell her, “Please don’t cry, Sheri. It hurts my heart when you do.” Awwwww. How could you possibly not love him? They were only 5 years old!

Her grandfather kept a ladder in the back yard propped against the roof of the carport. David loved climbing up there. That part of the roof was flat and covered by a HUGE oak tree. Knowing she was scared, he would always be right behind Sheri holding onto her and the ladder to make her feel safe the whole way up and down. They could see the entire neighborhood from up there and it was like they were in their own little world. One day, her grandfather asked her why she climbed up there with him if she was afraid of heights. She told him she had to because she didn’t want to miss seeing how much David loved it up there.

He would help her climb the Japanese Plum tree and pick plums together. What they didn’t eat would become grenades for playing Army. They would throw them and roll down the little hill between the two houses. David would always cover her when they reached the bottom. God, that boy always smelled so good!

They would set up the laundry room as their “house” with dolls as their “babies”. He would walk through the door from the carport as if coming home from “work” and always pick up the “baby” and hug his “wife”. One day, as David walked in the door from “work”, Sheri ran up and threw her arms around him and kissed him right on the lips. He look quite surprised! He asked, “What was that for?” She said, “I’ve missed you so much! I hate when we’re apart.” Suddenly, he realized they needed something from the “store” and said he’d be right back. After that, he made a lot of quick trips to work and the store, always receiving a big hug and kiss from her when he walked in the door. They were only 8 years old!

As they got older, he spent less time at his grandmother’s house. But, every time they were together was like they’d never been apart. Their love for each other was unstoppable. Until…

About 6^th grade, David’s mother remarried and they moved away. Sheri was heartbroken!

She wonders often what became of him. She knows, without a doubt, he grew up to be a good man who is a loving husband and devoted father. Sheri had been spoiled by his sweetness and hoped whoever was lucky enough to have his love appreciated every moment of it like she did.

MaMa and Dusty Rhodes

My grandmother was a small woman in stature… but, had a grand personality.  She had the greatest laugh in the world and was easily amused at the silliest things.  While watching TV, she could often become so “tickled” that I would have to break into laughter with her, even if I didn’t see the humor that caused her to laugh originally.

TV was normally watched in the den at my grandparents’ home.  There was a daybed on either side of the room with a recliner at one end facing the TV at the other.  The recliner was ALWAYS my grandfather’s seat.  MaMa and I would sit on a daybed next to each other.  My favorite shows to watch with her were morning matinees.  We would sit and watch Abbott & Costello or Rock Hudson and Doris Day for hours on end.  Actually, with reminiscing, I’m in the mood for some old black and white movie watching.

We also spent time watching Hee Haw, The Porter Wagoner Show, and The Grand Ole Opry.

A session of TV watching on Saturday nights always included WWF.  That woman loved watching wrestling… or, “rasslin” as it was affectionately known in that household.

She would sit so prim and proper taking in the show.  A LADY in every sense.  But, when Dusty Rhodes came on the tube she was sitting forward and quite vocal.  She could make quite a fuss over him.

“Ohhhhhh, ain’t he so purrrrrty?”

*giggle*

“Get ’em Dusty!”

“Oh!  Did you see that?  That boy just knocked down the American Dream.”

“Uh oh, here comes the metal chair!”

“It’s all over now, but the hurtin’.”

“GET ‘EM DUSTY!  DON’T LET ‘EM DO THAT!  GREAT DAY IN THE MORNING!  GET ‘EM!  GET ‘EM!”

“That’ll teach those boys to mess with the American Dream.”

*spit chew in tin cup*

Lol.  She was a true lady… until you got her in front of the TV watching wrestling.  I would spend more time giggling at her than watching the fight.

She was something to see.  What a woman.  She could make anything fun.

What are your favorite memories of TV watching when you were a kid?

Are You Ready For Christmas?

Are you ready for Christmas?  I’m certainly not.  In fact, I’m wishing I could postpone it until I’m in a position to better celebrate it.

Christmas falls on the same date each year.  It comes just as quickly each year.  And, yet… we find ourselves unprepared for it… each year.

Why?  Are we a society of procrastinators?  Are we just lazy?  Do we not care enough?  Do we enjoy the last-minute rush and stress?

Maybe.

But, I think more than anything, it’s because we have less and less money and time to spend on it.  I even think that for some, it’s a ritual to see just how superhuman they can be by waiting so late to beat the deadline.  But, mostly, I think it’s more because of the money and time issue.

We’re busier than ever… and, have less money to do it all with.

The last few years for me have been verrry tough Christmases.  And, this year is no exception.  In fact, this year may be the worst.  And, while I fully understand that Christmas is not all about gifts and decorations, as a mother it’s heartbreaking for me to not be able to share the joy of seeing those faces light up on Christmas morning when they see their stockings full of silly little nothings… some pretty wrappings and bows under the tree… and, something left from Santa.

My kids have never been spoiled… but, then my kids have never really asked for too much.  Oh, they’ve always had a wish list… but, have always been thrilled with whatever they receive.  I’m proud that my kids are so appreciative of what they do have and don’t dwell on what they don’t have.  In fact, my older son has often requested that I not worry about gifts for him so that his little brother can receive more… which made me want to make sure he received something even more just for being so thoughtful and selfless.

I don’t love shopping but, I love buying gifts for others.  It’s fun.  It’s heartwarming to give.  Knowing that you’ve taken care of a need or fulfilled a wish for someone is a joyous experience.

Even when we were doing well, there were still times that we’d be waiting until that final time crunch to buy gifts… waiting for that last paycheck that would give us enough to do what we wanted to do.

And, even though the past few years have been hell on us in every way imaginable, I swore that this year would be different.  Better.  And, yet… it’s not.  I’ve broken a promise to my family.  Maybe that’s what hurts more than the not having gifts for them part.  Maybe that’s where the tears come from.

My grandfather used to “adopt” a family for Christmas to buy dinner and gifts for.  What a great idea.  Making sure that a family does not have to be forgotten is most likely the biggest gift of the season for that family.  I always wanted to do this.  And, one day I will.  I have friends that are so gracious and generous in helping others with gifts, money, support, and love.  In fact, they’ve been generous enough to send a birthday or Christmas gift to me or my kids that have meant more to us than they could ever realize.  I want to be able to do this for others, too.  And, one day I will.

For now, I will try to focus on the spirit of the season and try to not lose myself in regret or pity.  For no matter how bad we are struggling, or how little we have, I know that there are so many others out there that are doing far worse than we are.  Those are the ones my heart goes out to.  We’ve had to start our lives over from scratch, but we are moving forward… slowly… gradually… but we are progressing.  And, for that, I’m thankful.  We may not have gifts this year, but we are together.  We have each other.  We are loved.  Those are gifts that money can’t buy.  Those are gifts that can’t be wrapped in pretty paper and tied up in fancy bows.  Those are gifts that last all year through… each and every year.

So… maybe I AM ready for Christmas after all.

Ghosts, Spirits, and the Supernatural

When my grandfather passed away… in his/our home… we began to notice very odd occurrences around the house.  I’d had several “experiences” with spirits… or, ghosts… since I was a child so I recognized what was going on… and, that “feeling”… immediately.

While going through some of his music collection, I decided to catalog it on the computer.  I would make trip after trip with my arms full of vintage record albums from his old room through the playroom and into the family room where my computer was.  I remember it being extremely cold so I was shutting the sliding glass doors that connected the playroom and family room each time I went through.  Surprisingly, the heavy door would not stay closed.  I decided to leave it open the next time I went through… only to have it be closed as I came back.  At that moment, I felt pressure from a hand on my shoulder.  Without even turning around to see that there was no one there, I knew.  I knew my grandfather was with me.

After that, we began noticing oddities.  A knick-knack would turn the opposite direction at random… or, something would just sliiiiiide across a table as you were sitting there watching.  The thermostat to my room would be turned way up even though I liked it much cooler.  He never did like the cold.  Papa, pronounced “PawPaw”, had a dry sense of humor and could be a prankster.  We all either felt Papa’s presence or witnessed random acts of weirdness that no one could explain other than to simply say, “Papa’s here”.  Even when strangers would mention something strange had happened, we’d just say, “Oh, it’s just my grandfather”.

Shortly following my grandfather’s death my brother was getting married.  Just before the wedding as family and friends were arriving, we were up late one night sitting at the dining room table visiting with “new” family to be.  My (then, future) sister-in-law’s best friend asked who the old man was walking through the dining room.  Chills.  She had seen him.

Apparently, there was one person in the house that my grandfather found enjoyment in pulling pranks on.  He even seemed to take pleasure in taunting this person.  This person could be in the bathroom and get wet by a shower that was closed off by a glass door… among other pranks.  We were sitting in bed watching TV one night and during a commercial I noticed that my silver candle holder was not on top of the TV as it was earlier in the day when I cleaned.  I asked if he moved it and,of course, he didn’t.  We sat in silence for a while watching the show.  Suddenly, the silver candle holder “fell” from the ceiling.  I didn’t say a word.  In a short few moments he asked me if I’d seen what happened.  I responded that I had indeed seen it.  He left the room and would not return at night alone… for a loooooong time.  I found it comical.  Him… not so much.  I understood his fear of unexplained things.  But, we all knew that Papa would never do anything to hurt him… or, anyone else for that matter.

When my youngest son, Zac, was born even stranger things would happen.  As a baby lying in his crib, I could hear him giggling on the baby monitor in the mornings as if he were being tickled.  Also on more than one occasion if he started to fuss just a little, I would hear the mobile wind up and play as he’d start to sigh or giggle again.  Of course, as I’d go into his room to check, no one would be there with him.  He sure wasn’t doing it on his own as an infant.  As soon as he could say just a few words, he saw pictures of my grandparents on my dresser and called them “Mama” and “Papa” even though he’d never seen the pictures before, or ever heard us mention them.  At times, he would run through the house playing hide-n-seek.  Zac would usually “seek” and find him in my bedroom closet or my office, which was the room that used to be my grandfather’s bedroom and the room he died in.

Unfortunately, we no longer live in that home.

Zac still talks about Papa, though, and is very interested in ghosts.  He even points out the fakes on TV shows.

I know my grandfather is still watching over us.  I miss him so much.

And, I can still feel his hand on my shoulder.

BoBo

This is about my brother.  BoBo is a nickname given to him by a little girlfriend back when he was just a toddler.  No one ever called him by that name but that little girl.  Well… except when I want to rattle his chain.  *evil grin*  He hates the name.  But, ya know what?  Too bad.  I love the man with all my heart.  I truly do.  But, I have some nightmarish memories to go along with all the adorable ones.

I was an only child for 8 1/2 years.  It was a good life.  Lonely very seldom, I spent a lot of time around my cousins and friends.  I always had playmates, but as soon as I learned that there would be a new baby in the house, I was the happiest little girl ever.  I was always mature for my age… more dependable than other kids my age, as well.  I couldn’t wait to have a real baby to play with and hold and feed and love and… change diapers?  Ewww.  Mom’s belly got bigger and bigger.  This baby was going to be huge.  And, he was… almost 10 lbs.  But, Lord… was that boy the cutest thing you’d ever seen?  Big beautiful eyes with the longest eyelashes and big pinchable puffy cheeks.  He was absolutely beautiful.  I loved that baby boy as if he were my own.

And, then… he became a toddler.  I had never experienced such lovable sweetness turn into a… well… hellion is the only word that comes to mind.  He would give kisses and hugs and be just oh-so-sweet one minute.  The next minute… he would be chasing me with a baseball bat screaming that he hated me because I was trying to put him to bed.  grrrrr.  He was smart even at that age.  That little creep, err… I mean, angel… had my mother wrapped so tight around his pudgy little baby finger.  He would do something to me and as soon as I turned to retaliate, he’d yell for our mom.  And, of course, with him being the baby boy, she would always punish me for whatever had occurred.  grrrrr

One weekend we were at my dad’s apartment and all of a sudden, he was nowhere to be found… along with my the little girl of my dad’s girlfriend.  I freaked.  My dad freaked.  His girlfriend freaked.  After searching the apartment, the pool, the courtyard, the laundry room, the game room, the roof… EVERYWHERE… we were frantic!  I didn’t think I’d be able to breathe again.  And, then… where was this giggling coming from?  The closet?  In my dad’s room?  Hmmm… well, what do we have here?  Two nekkid little kids sitting in the floor of the closet playing… and, totally oblivious to us in a panic searching for them.

Another time he came up missing was at my grandmother’s.  That poor old woman almost had a heart attack worrying about where he’d sneaked off to.  Turns out, he had decided to visit the good folks at the electric company office down the street.  He told the lady which house was our grandparents’ and she brought him back to us.  But, not before we’d lost our minds looking for him.  *sigh*

I remember as a teenager babysitting him… he was a fun little monster… most of the time.  Whenever my boyfriend would come over to hang out with the parental units out of the house, it was almost always after my little brother was asleep.  But, sometimes… he would fake me out.  My boyfriend and I would be snuggled on the couch kissing… umm, I mean… watching TV, yeah, that’s it… watching TV.  Anyway, I would notice my little brother out of the corner of my eye and would turn to tell him to get back into bed.  It would inevitably turn into an argument with the final words out of his mouth being, “I’ll tell Mom your boyfriend was here.”  Hell, what was an extra hour staying up late gonna hurt the little brat anyway?

At 17, I was graduated from high school and moved to North Carolina on my own.  Even though it was scary and exciting at the same time to do something so “adult”… the hardest thing in the world was saying “goodbye” to my brother.  Seeing his eyes water up made me cry even harder.  I hated leaving him.  But, I was back in town in less than a year.  It was great to be able to watch him grow up.  He was smart… loved sports and was good at them… musically talented… a great son… and, an all-around good kid.  (Well, at least as far as Mom knows.  *wink wink*)

When he started playing the guitar, I was just in awe of his talent.  Whenever his band was onstage, my chest would swell with pride so much that I thought for sure I’d burst.

As I watched him grow into a man, I had to admit that I was proud.  He’s honest… intelligent… full of common sense… loving and compassionate… hard-working… a good father who adores his sons… a playful uncle…  a caring friend… still a great son… and, an awesome brother.  He has been there for me when I needed a friend… a voice of reason.  He’s been known to give me hell when I needed it, too.  He’s given encouragement and support.  He’s been a total jerk… and, one of the sweetest men I know.  He makes me howl with laughter… and, he can also make me raging mad, but not too often anymore.  He’s a good man.  That beautiful little baby boy with the long eyelashes and the blonde curls matured into a really good man.  I’m so proud… and, lucky… to have had the opportunity to witness such growth.

His own boys are like him in different ways.  The oldest inherited his gift for music… and, love of long hair.  His youngest… well, let’s just say that his poor mommy is stuck with his attitude… and, his sweetness.

To this day, we still joke about how he’s mom’s favorite and that she loves him more than she does me.

Truth is… I love him more than I love me, too.

 

30 Days of Thanks – 2011

Day #1 – I’m thankful for my beautiful daughter, Kris Skipper. I miss her so much and wish she didn’t live so far away. I love her like crazy and wish she were here.

Day #2 – I’m thankful for my amazing son, James David Skipper. He is bright, fun, and witty. Thank you, David, for the smiles. I love you!!!

Day #3 – I’m thankful for my awesome son, Zachary Sullivan, who makes every day special. Thank you, Zac, for reminding me that the little things in life are bigger than any hardships. I’m so proud of you. I love you. Always & Forever.

Day #4 – I’m thankful for my beautiful mother, Geri Bussey. Thank you for always being there for me with love. I love you, Mom!

Day #5 – I’m thankful for my dad, James Dennis, Sr. He may not always have been there, but he taught me some very valuable lessons in life. I miss him so very much. 😥 I love you, Dad, and wish you were still here.

Day #6 – I’m thankful for Scott Golla. He has come into our lives and made us a family again. He has given himself to us completely and selflessly. I love you, Scott. Thank you for reminding me just how special love can be. ♥

Day #7 – I’m thankful for my brother, Jaimz Dennis. He’s made me laugh, listened to me cry, patted me on the back, encouraged me… and, even given me hell when I needed it. I love you, Jimmy! Thank you for growing into the man that you are. I’m so proud of you. ♥

Day #8 – I’m thankful for my grandmother, Edna Mulling. She was, by far, the most generous, loving, and compassionate person I’ve ever known. She was my best friend throughout my childhood. She could be sweet and feisty all at once. She was a fan of Abbott & Costello, Hee Haw, and Dusty Rhodes. She’d open the window in the morning so I’d wake up to the sound of birds singing and the smell of honeysuckle. We’d make the beds singing “Kiss An Angel Good Morning” and “Happiest Girl In The Whole USA”… hang clothes on the line singing “Amazing Grace” or “Rock of Ages”. God, I miss that woman.

Day #9 – I am thankful for my grandfather, William Mulling, Sr. He was stubborn, ornery, and penny-pinching. He was also proud, funny, and far from lazy. He only went to the 7th grade, but was one of THE most intelligent men I’ve ever known. His dry humor and stern voice made many see him as harsh… but, I got to see a much softer side of the man. He would buy any brand that saved him two cents… but, then adopt an entire family at Thanksgiving and Christmas to buy for. He taught me about true patriotism, real appreciation of music, and to never back down when you feel you’re right. I miss his war stories, talking about baseball, and his garden. I loved him so very much and miss him dearly. ♥

Day #10 – I am thankful for all my childhood memories, good and bad. I thank God for the people that I was blessed to be surrounded by who taught me so much about family, love, and life. I choose to focus on memories like family vacations of camping and Disney, summers in MS and GA where hide ‘n seek and the front porch swing with family playing music and singing were a favorite, the smell of morning breakfast cooking and running barefoot across a cold floor, swimming all year round, sleepovers with cousins, thinking my baby brother was the biggest pain the butt and the coolest kid ever at the same time, trips with my grandparents in the RV and stopping at every little scenic roadside rest area in the mountains and hiking through the woods just to look at a waterfall. *sigh* Good stuff.

Day #11 – Today, I am so very thankful to all the military men and women who have served, are serving, or will someday serve… those who have returned home and those who will never return. We so often take for granted the peace that we enjoy. We think of freedom as something that has always been and can never be taken away. We complain about traffic, jobs, and family while our troops are engaged in gunfire, “working” doing things we hope we never have to do ourselves, and praying to God that they’ll see their families again. For those of you who protest against our troops, refuse to stand for our pledge or national anthem, or burn our flag, you might want to thank them for ensuring your right to do so. We may be going through hard times, but our freedom and way of life is still a gift that many will never receive. Thank you, Army… Air Force… Marines… and, Navy!!! God bless.

Day #12 – I am thankful for the little things in life… the sound of my children’s laughter… Mom’s holiday goodies… how the scent of honeysuckle and the slamming of a screen door reminds me of childhood… the crisp cool air of fall… the smell of a summer rain… my friends always being there with a smile or a shoulder… and, my man always trying to cheer me up when he knows I’m down.

Day #13 – I’m thankful for second chances. I’m thankful for getting to learn as we go along in life. I’m thankful that even when we don’t get it right, it doesn’t mean it ends up bad. I’m thankful that some things in life we get to know what the outcome will be, and others get to be a total surprise (good or bad). I’m thankful that people come into our lives… and, some leave… and, the good ones stay in our hearts forever. I’m thankful that we are where we are meant to be at any given moment… even if we don’t want to be there. I’m thankful that everything happens for a reason… even when we can’t figure out the reason for ourselves. I’m thankful for the hope that bad things end and good things begin when the time is right. I’m thankful knowing that one day I’ll be able to help others again as they’ve helped me.

Day #14 – I’m thankful that no matter how horrible things have gotten over the past couple years, our family has been able to remain together. They are my life. They are my heart. I pray that they know how much they mean to me. Together, we can face anything… and, pretty much have. ♥ I love you guys!!!

Day #15 – I’m thankful for the computer, internet, and social networking.  Without these things, I shudder to think of how many relationships would have been lost due to the lack of “keeping in touch”.  It warms my heart to think of all the people “found” again.  More importantly, I can’t imagine my life without all the relationships begun as a result of the ease of “meeting” someone new and different.  God bless you all, and thank you for being part of my life.  

Day #16 – I am thankful for… well, being thankful.  I mean, I’m thankful that I feel gratitude.  I’m thankful that I can see the beauty and blessings in the day.  They may not always be plentiful, but they are there.  I may sometimes have to look a little harder, but they are there.  Things may not always seem to happen quickly enough, but eventually, they are there.  I’m thankful that no matter how bad things get, I can, and do see the good.  I’m thankful that even when negativity creeps in, I can push it away to find something positive.  I’m thankful for being able to feel appreciation.

Day #17 – I am thankful for friends. My friends. You. I have been blessed beyond belief with the friends I have made over the years. Old friends. New friends. I treasure the beautiful souls that give themselves to me completely and unselfishly. I cherish the trust and belief that I am better than I think I am. I am grateful for their generosity of time and love and understanding. Their support and encouragement in everything I do is appreciated more than I can find ways to express. ♥

Day # 18 – I am thankful that no matter how hopeless a situation can seem, if you look hard enough, you will always find something worth being hopeful for.

Day #19 – I’m thankful for my son, Zachary Sullivan, finding passion, motivation, and accomplishment in playing football. In just his very first time ever being a part of organized team sports, he has excelled beyond anyone’s expectations and been drafted to the All-Stars team. We are so very proud of him!

Day #20 – I am thankful for small miracles.  I realize that no matter how panicked or stressed I get, something always has a way of turning out okay.  It may not be the way I hoped, or even what I needed… but, it’s at least enough to get us through one more day.  And, that’s enough to give me hope that tomorrow we’ll find a way of holding on again.

Day #21 – I’m thankful for my past… mistakes… accomplishments… tragedies… and, triumphs alike.  I realize that the good in life is needed to keep us striving for more… and, the bad in life is to teach us that we’re strong enough to attain it.  No matter what choices made differently would have taken me to a “better place”, it would not have led me here and THIS is where I am meant to be.

Day #22 – I’m thankful to be surrounded by “open-minded” people.  We don’t always need to agree on every little thing.  We just need to be respectful of each other.  And, even in a disagreement, if we LISTEN to each other we just might… maybe… learn something.

Day #23 – Today, I am thankful for Co’Cola, chocolate, and Marlboro (yes, I have slipped… but, still doing better than before).  ‘Nuff said.

Day #24 – Today, I am thankful for the chance to continue to make new memories, while cherishing the old. Memories held closely guarded in our hearts that we’ll never allow to die. Memories that are so old, they’ve faded to black and white stills. Memories that we’d like to forget, but know that they hold a place in our lives like a bookmark. And, each day giving us the opportunity to create ones that we’ll look back on in our tomorrows to come. God bless all. Happy Thanksgiving.

Day #25 – I’m thankful for our family friends, Chris and Kathy Gallops.  There is a special place in heaven for people this good-hearted. When we lost our home in Florida, they and their son, Kevin Freel, were right there helping us pack up what parts of our lives we could take with us.  Kevin, made sure we had a temporary place to stay for the immediate time.  And, Chris and Kathy moved us here near them when we could no longer afford to stay in FL.  They have given so much of themselves, not just to us, but to everyone they come in contact with.  No matter how great their needs are, they continue to put others’ needs first.  They deserve the very best that life has to offer.  I am so honored to call them “family”.

Day #26 – I am thankful for being taught right from wrong. There have been times that I’ve doubted that always doing the right thing was… well, the right thing. I saw so many others getting to be selfish and not having to face consequences for their actions. I wondered why it was so unfair that even doing the right thing, I still had to pay for others’ actions. The truth of it is… I can hold my head high. I can be proud that even when it cost me… I still stood on higher ground. I can live with that.

Day #27 – Today, I’m thankful for becoming the person I am.  I’m thankful for the trials, tribulations, and hardships.  They’ve taught me to appreciate… and, fight for… the good in life.  They’ve taught me to choose my battles more wisely.  They’ve taught me patience – and, the little I have now is sooooooo much more than I ever had.  They’ve taught me perseverance and reminded me just how strong I can be.  They’ve taught me to make it a point to SEE the beauty in each day, no matter how gloomy it may be.  They’ve taught me (along with the reminders of several special friends) that I need to trust myself more.  I’m happy to be open-minded, have a full heart, and as much hope and faith as I can carry.

Day #28 – Today, I’m thankful for differences.  I’m glad that we all have different views and beliefs… thoughts… speech… personality traits… size and shape… tastes… attractions.  Think of how boring it would be if we were all the same.  I believe with an open mind, heart, and ears, we can learn so much from each other.  None of us are perfect… we’re just trying to be the best person each of us knows how to be.  There are legitimate reasons for not liking someONE or someTHING… don’t ever let it be because they are not the same as YOU.

Day #29 – I am thankful for warm snuggling on cold nights and sweet good morning kisses.

Day #30 – I’m thankful there are so many ways to express myself.  I can tell someone how I feel or what I’m thinking through words, verbally or written… or through poetry or a song.  Even just a look or a touch can speak volumes.

My Grandfather’s Story

My grandfather used to tell the greatest stories. Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten so many of them. He used to tell of when he was a little boy growing up in Georgia, or when he was a medic in WWII or the Korean War. He was a rabid baseball fan. Atlanta Braves, of course was his favorite team, but he’d watch ANY game ANY time. He could rattle off the stats of not only every player currently on roster for any team, but also of every great player of any era.

My favorite story, however, is one that he only told me once. It was when I asked him how he and my grandmother met. As he told it:

“She was a sweet little girl from Mississippi who grew up pickin’ cotton on her daddy’s farm with her 10 brothers and sisters. I was a dirt poor boy from Georgia who quit school in the seventh grade to help with my family’s farm. That’s just what you did back then. I joined the Army and went to war when my country needed me because that’s just what you did back then, too. I was on leave in Tampa, Florida with some buddies and we walked into this little diner to get lunch. This pretty, sweet little girl came over and asked me what I wanted. I looked right into her eyes and I could see………… I could see my forever. We got married a few weeks later. We never wanted to spend a night apart. That’s just what you did back then.”

I love this story. They were inseparable for the over 40 years they were married. I never once heard them argue. They disagreed all the time, but I never heard it be anything other than a difference of opinion. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be? They knew they were different and appreciated it. It worked for them because they both believed. They believed that marriage is sacred. They believed vows were meant to be kept. They believed that they were meant to work out any problems they had together, no matter what it took. They believed that it was supposed to be “forever”.

Why don’t people believe like that anymore? Why does marriage seem to be something to do instead of a way to live and love? So much these days it seems almost as if people treat it as a game or a way to pass the time if they’re bored with their current situation. Wouldn’t it be great if we could all believe like that again?

Waterfalls

I’ve had a lot of dreams about my grandmother lately. She was a truly wonderful woman. All of my fondest memories as a child are with her. I spent as much time as possible with my grandparents…… weekends, summers, and getaways throughout the year. They loved traveling. We would load up the camper and go camping or visit family in Georgia or Mississippi. Sometimes, there was no destination…… we would just drive and stop wherever we found something interesting. Those were my favorite trips. My grandfather enjoyed driving and my grandmother and I enjoyed the ride….. pointing out old barns, horses, and funny signs to each other. What excited us the most was when we’d spot water. It didn’t matter if it was the ocean, a river, a lake, stream, or rapids… it could even be just a simple fountain.

Our most traveled route was through the Smokey Mountains. God, how beautiful! We’d make my grandfather stop for every waterfall we found. Some, we’d have to hike a mile or more back along the mountain to get to. I remember asking my grandmother one day about how the water looked from the other side. She took me by the hand and we worked our way over the slippery rocks to get behind the waterfall. I have to say it was so peaceful and beautiful there… we were in our own magical world. I was amazed by how powerful the water looked from the outside crashing down onto the rocks. Yet, from the inside, looked softer and more calming. Something so beautiful just HAD to be touched. We never could find one where the water fell close enough to the rocks that we could reach out and touch it…… I guess I’m still looking.

I think many people are like waterfalls….. my grandfather especially. He was rough and powerful on the outside, but so soft and forgiving on the inside.