Where to begin?

Hi friends.
Dark and early on Friday morning, Ron and I got on that big silver bird and flew home after 9 days of time spent with my sister, my brother in law and niece, and of course Laurie, Stephen, and Kasey. I cannot tell you how awesome this vacation was - and how truly relaxing and refreshing it was for us all. The time was a blessing - and the company we spent it with was a treasure.
There's not enough room on the internet to tell you everything - nor enough words to explain how it touched me - but tonight I will post about one of the most memorable days with the kids.
We went to Sea World - which just happens to be owned by Anheuser Busch and they are also one of the sponsors of the "Here's to the Heroes" campaign to benefit the Armed Forces. We were all given free entry into Sea World as part of that and the day was a blessing that could only have come from God.
As we sat in the grandstand - watching first the dolphin show and their bond with the human swimmers in the show - I sat there and cried at the shear joy of being there with Ron and the kids and Kasey. That we had these moments in time to be together - times that we will remember forever - was a blessing to my heart that cannot be explained. During the Shamu show, there was a spoken and video tribute to the military and their service...of course as the military and military families were asked to stand, it was a moment I will never forget. They are heroes one and all - your soldiers and mine...and those who are serving all around the world.
But as we ventured through the Magic Kingdom in the days to follow, I learned that heroes aren't all walking in the shoes of a soldier.
Some of them are riding in wheelchairs, using a walker, wearing a bandana to cover the loss of hair from chemo therapy. They are living with illness, loss of limb, numbered days because God has asked them to bear another sort of burden than our soldiers bear with their service.
Dolphins, Whales, seeing the kindness and beauty that CAN be found in human nature - all of these things are a treat to behold - and a miracle to witness. I noticed that - to a person - those who were riding in wheel chairs or wearing a bandana had no pain on their faces...somehow God allowed them to enjoy the experience and to lessen the burden of illness if only for a little while.
And so - here's to the heroes - the ones who serve our nation...and the others who face life each day with faith - and hope.
Blessings,
Sue

Gonna be gone - YAY!!

As I stare at my desk here at work and know that I only have a few more hours until I walk out of here - a free woman for 10 whole days - and heading for vacation, I can see that there's plenty to do here in the next 3 hours after lunch. It WILL get done. :)
But now, as my staff can see, I have one leg in the office, the other on my way to FL. Tomorrow Ron and I will be hugging lots of people we love - my sister, her hubby, my niece, and our soldiers and Kasey. We have been waiting a long time for this - a LONG time. I know it's going to go quickly, but it's going to be wonderful while it lasts. You probably won't see me here for awhile, but know you understand.

As I leave, I know that there are many loved ones in danger around the world - who serve despite the dangers, and face them with courage and conviction. May God bless them all - and may He keep them safe...Lord, please bring them home soon, safely to their families. This will be my prayer while I am away - the one thing that won't change from each and every other day that I am home.
God bless you all - and I will see you soon.
Blessings,
Sue

The Power of a Cookie.



Yesterday I was kind of upset with Scott - not angry upset, just concerned upset. I wanted to have a really good, long talk with him. With his late night work hours and my work hours and early wakeups, I feel like we are ships passing in the night. Know the feeling?

So, I had it all planned - what I wanted to say to him, my concerns, (and I could already hear the "MOM, YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY!" ) and all the things that a mom needs to say to a son sometimes.
Yesterday was Scott's day off - I asked Ron if we could take him to a show or DO something with him. It's important to Scott too - but a younger person doesn't always realize the value of quality time like us older folks do. He is learning that though - by spending the weekends with Veronica - time is very precious to him then.

Well, at least we had great conversation during dinner (a great dinner, too, thanks to Ron). When we were done, I said to Scott and Ron - "we should play a game tonight."

Typical reaction from Ron; "She's just asking that cause there's no SABRES game on tonight."

And from Scott: "Mom, you know I'm not into board games."
Sigh. No game.
But as I was putting a few things away in the pantry, I came across a package of chocolate chip cookie mix that I bought a couple of weeks ago - I like making homemade, but once in awhile it's ok to cheat. :) And so, the oven went on, the cookie sheets came out and I got busy. Less than half an hour later, Ron came strolling through the kitchen...and stopped at the cookie sheet just out of the oven.

I said "they're too hot!" He asked if they were actually for us. I told him he could have one if he was good. :) Hollering up the stairs to Scott in his bedroom that there were fresh chocolate chip cookies available in the kitchen, I got an immediate response...'be right down,' and, 'I thought I smelled something baking down here.'

The happy look on his face when he bit into the cookie gave me this absolutely contented feeling. He's eating the cookie and I am contented? You betcha.

Of course I mentioned that the cookie came with a price...and he immediately paid me with a huge bear hug. He knows his mom well.

One day I might still have the talk with him. But so often, actions speak louder than words.

For now, the power of a cookie is wonderful - and I am still smiling.

God bless our troops and those who wait.

Sue