coming back

I can't believe it has been since August that I've written here. A lot has happened, a lot learned. I'm not good at talking about things; I guess that's why I turned to this medium so I wonder what it means that I haven't even written for a long time. Am I pent up? Not engaged? Tired? Frightened by what's inside? Hmmm.
My youngest child started her last semester in college in January. As traumatic and exciting as it was for her, it was bittersweet for me. Coming to that point in life - the threshold of no more children in college - will be a jolt. I don't feel old enough for that to be reality.
Yet it is thrilling to watch my youngest finding her way in life, working through difficult issues, managing work, classes, people, growing up - and doing it quite well.
For me, this stage of life - watching children become adults - is about learning a new way of relating to them, talking with them. I was going to say - talking TO them but that is how parents often relate to children - talking TO them. Maybe that should change, too. Anyway, I'm making my mistakes along the way but she is forgiving and we go on.

together again

The dynamic duo will be reunited this afternoon.
Lydia left for Ohio to spend 5 days with Rachael and Andrew. Well, mostly Rachael, if I am to be accurate!! Mornings at Starbucks with the crossword puzzle from the newspaper. Laughing and talking wherever they are. This will be wonderfully refreshing for both of them.
Thank you, Larry, for doing this for them.
Thank you, God, for letting me know them.

moving out

Lydia is not a little girl anymore.
Lydia is moving out.
She is beginning to pack for the big move next week to a house she will share with 6 others near school.
I wonder what she will take with her - will she take pictures of her friends and family? Will she take all those pillows that "box" her in as she sleeps? Will she take her trophies from shooting? And which books will she pack - surely not just school books but some Shakespeare and Williams and other literature she loves!
Will she take any of those really hot shoes in all the colors of the rainbow?
What says "home" to her? Not this home. Her home. How will she make her "home"?
Lydia is grown up and moving out. I've been watching. I saw it happen. I like what I've been seeing.
And I'll keep watching and enjoying what I see!

change

It was a joyful Sunday, being there for the ordination of a new pastor, one who will minster in our church. Rev. Andrew Richardson has been with us for a few years but today he received the title of "Reverend". That is a big change for us as a congregation, for him as a man.

Following a beautiful and delicious lunch, we added to the joy by having friends come over for a visit and a little football viewing. One of the sons, the oldest had shocked me earlier in the day! His voice had dropped! I know it happens as boys grow! But this was just a shock! I've loved him and his brothers as little boys and now he's turning into a young man! Whoa!

He's supposed to be this little boy!

Say it isn't so!

Yet, it is so and it is good and right.

He is leaving behind childish ways and his childhood while retaining the sweetness I've so enjoyed. I heard him offer to play a game with his little brother. How sweet that was. He engaged in conversation with his mother and me. How grown up that was.

With one foot stepping into the wing tips of young adulthood and one just barely leaving the barefoot playground of childhood, I got a brief glimpse into a family moving into a new stage of life - the entry of another man in its ranks.

I think he'll do just fine! I think they'll do just fine.