I want to live on this street ~

I want to know those that live here, love here, laugh here ~

Age has nothing to do with it, except

that I cannot go make dreams like this come true ~

there are others now to think of, obligations to consider,

but oh, my dreams still take me here, still stir my soul ~

so I look at pictures such as this and I wonder,

and dream, and ponder, and know that one day

I just might walk down this street. And not in my dreams ~

for it is my dreams of yesteryear that made my life today.

Ah Ian, I read in my journal last night

that this time six years ago your mother

was about eleven weeks pregnant with you.

I wrote of our excitement and anticipation

of meeting you for the first time~

You have brought such delight to our days, to mine.

You are smart, sensitive, loving, and curious.

You love cartoons, Lego's, and brownies.

Noah brings a bit of angst to your days,

but you humor and tolerate him well~

I see the best parts of your mum and your dad in you.

Your father's laughter, your mommy's love,

all wrapped up with his eyes and her nose.

Watching you and Noah brings such contentment,

such happiness to my soul and I relish

each and every moment with the two of you.

Always know you are loved,

you were prayed for,

you were awaited.

And I?

I shall always be

one of your most adoring fans.

Forever, and a day~

To Austin & Ian, With Much Love ~

Do not follow where the path may lead.

Go, instead, where there is no path

and leave a trail ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

At commencement you wear your square-shaped mortarboards.

My hope is that from time to time you will let your minds be bold,

and wear sombreros ~ Paul Freund

Be who you are and say what you feel,

because those who mind don't matter

and those who matter don't mind ~ Dr. Seuss

~~~~~~~

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss,

you'll land among the stars ~ Les Brown

~~~~~~~

and my favorite,

Wherever you go,

go with all your heart ~ Confucius

Oh my beautiful grandsons, you are loved dearly, prayed over daily, and watched over keenly. There are so many delightful days ahead for you, go boldly into Life and know you will fare well.

A Pocketful of Sunshine

See this smile? It is genuine.
And I got to see it recently,
on a trip to the Gulf Coast.
You may remember,
those of you that follow along,
a post on Heartstrings.
She was venturing into life again.
Bravely, boldly, hopefully.
And now ~
This precious friend of mine,
has met someone;
and he has brought delight,
smiles, & laughter to her days.
To add to this journey of hers,
she has sold her home & is making
the dream of living on the Gulf Coast
her reality, her life.
And she smiles ~
Thank you, Richard, for coming into her life.
From those of us that know and love her,
we welcome you into our homes
our hearts, and we look forward
to many years of laughter,
trips together, and knowing
the one we love
has found someone to love ~

Above his head they placed

the written charge against him:

this is Jesus, the king of the jews.
Matthew 27:37

My child, I've seen your tears

as you read of My death.

Never forget that I died

for all people everywhere.

My own rejected Me because they

did not understand who I was.

When they ask, I will forgive them,

just as I have forgiven you.

Remember always, you are royalty.

You are a child of the King.

Daily in Your Presence~

He was her son, his brother, a friend to many.

He was a former student, a bright

and engaging personality.

It came to an abrupt end at some point this weekend

and we are left with questions and tears.

Kirk loved and was loved.

His death brings us to our knees

and to the arms of each other.

Death can be cruel but it loses its power

when we reach out to others

and turn toward the One that cries with us.

I have long loved the sculpture of the Weeping Angel

and thought of it when I got the news last night

that Kirk is no longer a part of our world.

He will remain in our hearts, our memories,

but he no longer will be on the end of the phone

or share life with family and friends.

We will cry and we will miss him.

We have lost too many in this little community,

in this tight knit place.
My heart aches and hurts for the pain

his mother is enduring. And will forever live with.

The weeping angel. Heaven is aware.

He cares and comforts.

And oh, oh, how we need that now~

No eye has seen,
nor ear has heard,
nor the human heart conceived,
what God has prepared
for those who love him.

~1 Corinthians 2:9

See the sunlight through the pine

Taste the warm of winter wine

Dream of softly falling snow

Winterskol, Aspenglow

As the winter days unfold

Hearts grow warmer with the cold

Peace of mind is all you know

Winterskol, Aspenglow

Aspen is a life to live

See how much there is to give

See how strongly you believe

See how much you may receive

Smiling faces all around

Laughter is the only sound

Memories that can't grow old

Winterskol, Aspenglow

Words and music by John Denver

Aspenglow was written about Aspen, which is a resort town in Colorado. They have a celebration every year called Winterskol where many skiers come down the mountain holding torches, thus the Aspen glow.

Merry Christmas, everyone~

I guess we all have things in our past that create pain, confusion, and hurt in our present and threaten the future. I know I do. Things I kept hidden, you know kind of like a box collecting dust on a closet shelf. Every so often you take a tiny peek to make sure it's still there, then quickly close it and shove it back into the darkness. Maybe that's why I always felt a kindred spirit with certain children and with women that were forced to give what only belonged to them. If you're one of these, you know what I'm talking about without any further words. If you're at a loss and don't have a clue, then I hope it never happens to you and that you never read words like these and think, 'it happened to her, too'.

My devotional today uplifted me and reminded me of the pain He feels when we hurt. He reminds us that the freedom of speaking out, dealing with it, letting go, and moving on is what frees us to step boldly into the future. He is our future. Continuing to hold on and grieve for what was lost only keeps us in the past. And the present is here for such a brief moment in time. I have had the support of a loving family and a Christian counselor, which with my King's unending love, has brought a peaceful ending to the past. The words went something like this~

True freedom is not the absence of conflict, nor is it the release from authority. He came to bring us freedom: freedom from the past that would hold us prisoner; and freedom to embrace the future and all He created us to be. He is our freedom, and His Spirit will bring the truth that frees us to love and forgive. We find true freedom when our past becomes a stepping-stone to a brighter tomorrow.

I pray that, along with me, you release the pain and hurt from the past and step boldly into His arms. In doing so, we are not slaves to those that attempt to control and to hurt. I am a child of the King and I lift my head high and look upwards to what I know awaits me.

This snapshot reminded me

of this snapshot~Little boys have heroes~

and some dads,

really love

being dads~

And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever.

John 14:16 kjv

From the Father's Heart ~ My child, I know when your heart is breaking, when you've said good-bye to the last dreams of your heart. I'm here for you, and I will hold you as long as you need to rest in My arms. My Spirit is ever present as the Comforter to speak peace to your heart and soul. In every sorrow, and for every tomorrow, I will be there. No one else can make that promise to you.

A Grateful Response ~ Lord, I never need to look farther than the comfort of Your arms. There You wait for me with expectant heart, longing for my fellowship. How many times I've felt Your strong arms and quiet whispers to my aching heart! Where else could I turn? Lord, You are my Comforter.

Simple Truth~ Just when we think all hope is gone, Jesus fills our hearts with song.

Today, as I was reading my daily devotional,

I remembered the grief stricken families

of the Scouts killed in the tornado.

I remembered the family of Audrey Caroline

and Luke of Bring the Rain.

Our Lord is our Comforter,

He is so in love with us,

and He promises

to always always be there for us.

What else, who else, do we need~

I look at these little ones,

and I see

the good parts of me,

and sweet shades of him~

And, of course,

the best parts of them.

Parts that will nurture

these little ones

to grow to be

mirrors of all of us.

And I know

that no matter where they go

or who they grow to be

or how they get there

they will always be

the best parts of those I have loved.

Little pieces of our hearts,

our souls,

our lives,

walking around

in another time,

another century,

another life.

And so we continue

to love,

to laugh,

to live~

I wonder

if she knows,

this child of mine,

just how much

I watch her.

And laugh.

And learn.

This life,

the one I dreamed of

for myself,

the one I prayed

for her.

The one she now holds

close, and tight,

to her heart.

Boldly she steps forth

to embrace,

to laugh,

to learn.

With him there,

she's never alone.

So I watch,

and I wish,

and I am thankful.

I am so thankful.

I am my beloved's,and my beloved is mine.

~Song of Solomon 6:3 kjv

From the Father's Heart: My child, we have a wonderful love relationship that I want to guard at all costs. I am your beloved, and I feel the same way about you. In that sacred romance, I long for you to stay close to Me. There is no one else who will meet your needs like I will. There is no one who will ever love you like I do. Come, sit beside Me. I love to share My inmost secrets with you.

A Grateful Response: Your love is like no other, Lord. With You, there is a belonging and a warm sense of security. I love to walk and fellowship with You in the cool of Your garden, or by the warmth of a fire. When You speak, my heart and spirit leap to join my beloved One. Wherever You are, Lord, is where I want to be.

Simple Truth: If love were heaven's only gift, it would be enough.

Please go to Christianity.Com to sign up for a daily devotional. To spend additional time with His Word and Love is only a good thing~

He Was

He was the first thing I noticed,

standing there just off the path.
I curled my toes inward, I remember,

not sure why I did though~
maybe to make sure it was real?
The gravel was the small kind,

a bit rounded, not sharp~
but He says there's no pain, right?

He looked younger, healthier.
I don't remember him ever looking such.
Watering various heights of cascading flowers~
he loved his flowers

and bored us by giving saplings or seedlings

or seeds from huge conifers he found out West~
the ones I wish now I'd saved.

There didn't seem to be a sun,
although it was bright, a fresh kind of light.
The breeze on my face was so perfect,

not hot, not even warm,
but not cold nor cool~just perfect.
Although I saw the others there,

it was him I wanted to see,

this time that seemed to last for minutes~
but then, only moments.

There was a time
when I thought back to the one I left,
yet there was no sorrow~
but He tells us that too, doesn't He?
I knew where I was, I knew I wanted to go to him,
to be closer~but I couldn't.

Not yet. I had to come back.

Come back and share the beauty that is there,
what perfect health looks like,
that what we read is beyond what we can imagine.
One day, though, one day I'll go back~
and I'll hug my dad.
Then we'll sit at the feet of the King.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My daddy~

November 27, 1929 - July 3, 2004

Remember these

in the daily papers?

I was involved

in a long distance romance

when these were new.

I think I cut out

and saved each one,

taping them carefully

in a scrapbook,

those that I didn't include

with a love letter to Georgia.

What giddy young feelings surfaced

finding this today,

and realizing

the romance may be over

but the love,

a bit of it

will always

be there.

My hands were busy through the day

I didn't have much time to play

The little games you asked me to,

I didn't have much time for you.

I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,

But when you'd bring your picture book

And asked me please to share your fun,

I'd say, "A little later, son."

I'd tuck you in all safe at night

And hear your prayers, turn out the light,

Then tiptoe softly to the door . . .

I wish I'd stayed a minute more.

For life is short, the years rush past . . .

A little boy grows up so fast.

No longer is he at your side,

His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away,

There are no longer games to play,

No good-night kiss, no prayers to hear,

That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands, once busy, now are still.

The days are long and hard to fill.

I wish I could go back and do

The little things you asked me to.

~author unknown

There are times

when words are better left

unspoken

Old photos have always captured my attention. And my imagination. Why would an old photo be relinquished to strangers? How did it get outside the family realm? Who are they? They loved, they laughed. They lived. What did they dream of and did they live long enough to see those dreams take flight? What memories did they leave in the hearts of those that knew them?

There's a blog I frequent, and just recently found, that offers images to those that might find some creative use for them. I have no thoughts of being crafty and reusing this, preferring instead to study it and let my thoughts wander.

They don't look that far back into the past, yet clothing tells us about a particular period. The half smiles on their faces let us know they are comfortable and at ease. What were they thinking as they stood there?

I've chosen a few others for you to gaze upon and let your mind take you to another time, another place. What do you find yourself thinking as you see these children? When I found the class shot, I immediately thought, "I wonder how many of these became doctors or pursued politics? How many became mothers, nurses, teachers?" Leave me a comment or two and share your thoughts with me. And as always, may we all find moments to love, times to laugh, and to live as if this were our last day on earth~

The Look~

I love how she looks into the camera. Looks at me with laughter in her smile and that little gleam of adventure in her eyes. Her hands clasped, but not tightly. Just enough to let her know that she still has a hold on life. Note the little finger, the one that's a bit separated from the rest. One might say that she is beginning to relax and enjoy what life is bringing her way. You'd never know that just a little over two years ago her world fell apart. Changed. Forever. The future was rewritten.

They were high school sweethearts. He didn't just love her, he adored her. They married, he joined the Air Force, and they traveled. Saw places most of us only dream of seeing. Visited ruins and castles. Brought two beautiful children into the world. A boy, named after his father, and a daughter. A perfect family. There are no perfect families. Each have their own trials. Children move through the teenage years, finances get tight, and so on.

Throughout it all, though, they pampered each other, supported each other, and lived to help the other. They were close to the King and found such pleasure in their church family. They worshipped together. And it was so good.

The children grew up, married and moved away. Empty nesters now, he brought her breakfast in bed each and every Saturday. Those of us that knew and loved them would tease, wanting such treatment ourselves. And we watched the way he looked at her, following her with his eyes. We spoke, amongst ourselves, of the love that was so evident, so real, so absent in today's world. And they planned. They planned for their future,

their retirement and the golden years. Saving their money over the years, they'd managed to have almost enough to purchase a bed and breakfast ~ something they'd dreamed of over the years of traveling and staying in homes across the world. They were so well suited for it and we knew they would find not only success with this venture, but that they would delight in the strangers that crossed their threshold. Then,

he began to feel bad. For someone so healthy, so in shape, we worried. After too many tests, too many doctors, and too little time, a diagnosis was given. The news wasn't good. In fairy tales, it is. In the real world, it seldom is. And so they planned not for the golden years,

but for the years they would be apart. Now living each day became a challenge. So much to do, and so little time. For him, it was to make sure she would be well taken care of, that she understood how the household would need to be maintained, and he tried, oh how he tried, to prepare her. She lived trying to make it easy for him, being strong for him, letting him know each and every moment how she loved him, had loved him, and would always love him. They took a last trip together, to Canada, to a quaint bed and breakfast and fell in love all over again, as if it were the first time. And we watched.

We watched as they both withered away. He with the cancer, and she with the ever present knowledge that he was leaving. And so he did, on New Year's Eve, 2005. She woke the first day of a new year without him. And we celebrated his life with a memorial service in the middle of a raw and cold January. And our hearts stung from the unfairness of it all. They, who were so in love, so true to each other and to their feelings, to be separated so soon. More than one of us would have traded places with him. He left this earth, and she woke each morning without him.

The first year was harder than she ever thought it could be. Staying busy, staying focused, wondering how she would get up the next morning. But she did. She learned so much that first year without him beside her, in the physical sense of the word. He did well in preparing her for this, but how do you teach someone to live without you. How do you really teach that? And she grew.

Slowly, day by day, she began to draw strength from the memories and, dropping the cloak of heaviness, she allowed Him to wrap her in comfort and guidance. Once again, she began seeing the beauty and freshness of Life that had dimmed with the news of his illness. She found that laughing didn't mean he was forgotten, that smiling at another didn't mean she was disloyal, and that life doesn't stop with dying. We who knew them know that he would be so proud.

So she looks at me, with laughter in her smile and that little gleam of adventure in her eyes. Her hands are clasped, but not tightly. Just enough to let her know that she still has a hold on life. She is happy. She is strong. And she plans.