Thursday, May 30, 2013

Airports

Airports sure can run the broad spectrum of emotions.

Such total elation when seeing a loved one for the first time in weeks, or perhaps months, in the baggage claim area...thank you 9/11.  Just doesn't have near the affect of greeting them as they walk down the jet bridge.  Nonetheless, such excitement comes from the anticipation of seeing the twinkle in their eye.
No texting or facebook can compare to the face to face, warm embrace of that loved one.

Today I experienced the other side of the emotion...I play this one well.
Just ask my son.
 The nervous, irrational, "plane is going down," "I am going to miss you so much," "I will write to you every day," "you forgot to hug me" (not really...I have been hugging him all week!...you know...the mother emotion!

After a morning that was extremely, did I write EXTREMELY, stressful...he got on the plane.  Not before running through the parking ramp, up the elevators to the check in area with his bags, begging the attendants to hold the plane...really...I begged!
Sweating profusely , trying not to curse when the attendant asked, "did you know that you are cutting this a bit too close?"
"Really lady?  We tried to do this!  We just love to see if we can induce a heart attack, and of all places, right here in the airport!"
After getting rid of the bags, then we flew to security, where this was the end of the line for me.  No time for hugs or goodbyes, just prayers to get through quick.  By the skin of his teeth, he made it.

Me..it was not a stellar day.   Maybe I will laugh about it tomorrow.  I hope so, because it actually is a pretty good story.  Can't make this stuff up!
Today I love technology.  I got to talk to him a few times on the phone.  I am grateful because for the next 3 months, technology is no more.
He thought it would be inviting to go live among the bears in Alaska for the summer.  The whole summer.
Did I say the whole summer?  Yep...the whole summer.
He will be a fishing guide up there in the Last Frontier.

If you so desire, his home away from home....www.lakemarie.com

I can't wait for the face to face reunion.
I will be ok...really.




Monday, May 20, 2013

Zach Sobiech

May 20, 2013

As the storms declared their power and all encompassing control of where the damage will come to rest last night, a family grappled their own storm.
Today the sun glows brilliantly.  A complete contrast to the ominous, threatening winds and rains of last evening.

As we assess the damage around our yard this morning...minor, but still needing the help of our insurance agent....my heart is heavy for the Sobiech family as their dear one has passed away.
The weather storms have caused considerable damage in our geographical area of the country, but more importantly, the physical storm of cancer has taken the life of a incredible young man far too young to die.  

I have gotten to know this family only through the words of their caring bridge site.  Zach taught many how to live.  What a legacy he leaves his family.  How proud they must all be.

May God wrap his loving arms around this family and grant them peace.




Friday, May 17, 2013

Swing

Swinging is perhaps one of my favorite pastimes.

Just last night I went for a walk and went past the grade school.
The playground was calling me..."you know you want to."

The swing.  A playground favorite.  With the pump of my legs, swaying back and forth, I would be sky high in no time.

 I hastily made my way through the school yard,  heading for the chain linked seat that would send my body soaring into nostalgia.   I couldn't help but weigh my options.  Would I swing and eventually stop pumping my legs and let the seat come to stop on its own, OR impel my body off the swing while in mid air?   The instant I thought of it, in a flash I thought...hmmmm , better not do the latter.  There are mothers on site.  They would not appreciate the example.  

Mothers....where there are mothers there are kids.

One in particular.    
One little pip-squeak.  One little runny nosed, dirty faced, redhaired boy headed straight for the treasured seat, the only seat, MY SEAT, there for his taking.  Just steps ahead of me, I made my move.  
I was older and faster and bigger than he.  I could run circles around that little man.  Victory was mine.  That seat, at the moment, was gold.
As I approached the swing, I saw it.  The look.  
Anticipation.  
The thrill of what this simple piece of playground fun does to anyone who plants their bottom on the seat and works their legs to achieve the wind in their face as they sail back and forth through the air.

The look I couldn't deny. 
I no longer could be the selfish one.   
He looked and me and simply said, "can you push me?"
I was more than happy to oblige.  








Saturday, May 4, 2013

Worth your time

Last night I clicked into my emails and this was there waiting for me to view.  I cried.  I think you may too.
It was a good cry.
22 minutes of your time well spent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NjKgV65fpo&sns=tw