Thursday, June 28, 2012

Happy Birthday, Brandon!

Today is a special day!  On this day, thirty-four years ago, I awoke at 4:06 AM, arrived at Baptist Hospital at 4:30 AM, and at 5:17 gave birth to a precious bundle of joy that we named Brandon Patrick.  At that moment, 5:17 AM, I forgot all about the "morning sickness" (all nine months, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week of "morning" sickness!!) and I forgot all about the weeks of bed rest.  I forgot all about the fear that had consumed me when I heard the doctor say, a few weeks previously, "Honey, I don't want you to worry but you could have a stroke."  I forgot all about the pain I had been feeling just moments earlier. 

At that moment, 5:17 AM on June 28, 1978, I forgot about everything except the joy I was feeling right then.  The joy at having another son.  The anticipation of what he would be like as he grew up. Looking forward to introducing him to his big brother.  Seeing the delight on his father's face.  Praising God for this special gift.

At that moment, I forgot about all the sadness of days gone by when we were told we would never have children.  I was rejoicing that, once again, God had shown that He is in control.  That He is a sovereign God.  That He answers prayer. 

Today I'm traveling down memory lane.  Remembering the events of that day, the day that Brandon was born.  And remembering him as a little boy.  Remembering curly blonde hair and a smile that would light up the room. 
Remembering the laughter and the joy that this precious baby boy brought to our lives. 

I'm remembering his first day in kindergarten (and how I cried when I left him there!).  I'm remembering his violin lessons.  And basketball games.  And track meets.  Graduation from high school.  How hard it was to leave him at college in Florida and drive back to Connecticut.  The day he graduated from college.  The day he got married.  The day he became a parent.

I'm bursting with pride today as I reflect on the journey of his life.  I am so incredibly proud of the man he has become.  A great husband and dad.  An outstanding coach.  A role model for the students he teaches and coaches.  A Godly man.  A man after God's own heart.

With a very grateful heart, I thank God today for both my sons.  I am blessed beyond measure that God entrusted them to me.  I am so proud of them.  And today, on his birthday, I pray especially for Brandon.  I'm praying that he will continue to keep his eyes fixed on Jesus.  That he will continue to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."(2 Peter 3:18)

Happy Birthday, Brandon.  I love you.


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Another Anniversary

Today is another anniversary, one I don't celebrate but rather one I remember.  This morning marks the 3rd anniversary of the phone call I had dreaded but knew would one day come.  This is the 3rd anniversary of the phone call that let me know my beloved Daddy had gone to be with Jesus.

I miss my Daddy so much!  I know that he is now in a much better place.....in the presence of the Lord he served so faithfully and so well while on this earth.....reunited with loved ones and with his beloved Helen.  But oh, how I miss him!

How I would love to hear him recite just one more poem.  To tell one more joke.  To sing one more song.

How I would love to sit and have just one more conversation.  About politics.  About current events.  About the "good old days".  About theology.  About the Scriptures.  About Jesus. 

I miss my Daddy!  You see, no matter how many years passed, I never outgrew being Daddy's little girl.  How I would love to see the twinkle in his eyes just one more time.  To have just one more hug.  To hear him say "I love you" just one more time.

So, "top 'o the mornin'" to you, Daddy!  I miss you.  I love you.  And I'll see you again someday.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.  Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing."  (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Happy Almost Anniversary!

This coming weekend marks another milestone in the journey of my life. Nearly 40 years ago - June 10, 1972 - I said "I do". For almost 40 years, my life has been shared with the man of my dreams. And what a life it has been!

We began our married life in a little house in the "Avenues" of West Columbia, SC. (If you're from Cayce/West Columbia, that will mean something to you. Otherwise, probably not!) When I say it was a "little" house, that's exactly what I mean......less than 1000 square feet. We have since lived in apartments that were larger than that house!

We had some expectations when we married. We expected to live out our days in West Columbia. (Or maybe we might move to Cayce!) We expected to move someday to a larger house. We expected that we would have children. I'm sure that back then we had other expectations as well.

In many ways, life has far exceeded our expectations.....even our wildest dreams. Over the years we have moved far beyond the boundaries of Cayce/West Columbia. Far beyond South Carolina......to Colorado and to Connecticut. To Minnesota and to Florida (talk about climate extremes!) And now we find ourselves in the mountains of North Carolina.

We have traveled to places we only read about or dreamed of visiting. All across these United States (Al has been in all 50 states; I have only been in 47!). We've visited such far away places as Tokyo and Paris. Sydney and Cairo. Edinburgh and Jerusalem. What an amazing journey we have had together!

I've said many times before that every journey has hills and valleys, smooth roads and potholes. Sometimes the scenery is beautiful. Sometimes not so much. Sometimes the road is straight. Sometimes there are curves.....bends in the road. It's all part of the journey. And we've experienced some of all of it!

Right now we're at another bend in the road. Another circumstance that was not part of our expectations. Right now we can't really see around the bend. Right now, for however long it takes, the "normal" routines of our lives are on hold as we assume the role of caregivers for Al's parents. This is a bit of a "detour" for us......but it's all part of running with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1-2). So......for right now there's a "bend in our road".

Even so, there's joy in the journey. Joy because we're right where our LORD wants us to be. Joy because we're here together.

As we have been for almost 40 years. Through thick and thin. In good times and in not-so-great. Through it all. Joy in our journey. Together.

And I wouldn't want to take this journey with anyone else!