Where God wants us....

Haven't posted in a week...lots to do and many things on my mind and heart. It's been a week of disappointments and discoveries, and learning to listen.
Did you ever want to do something so badly...know you probably can't have it..yet there's that glimmer of hope that there's still a chance? This is what happened to Ron and I over the weekend - I can't tell you what it is because it involves someone who reads this blog from time to time. Let me just say that I think God sometimes has to take things away from us because we need to give to someone else.
I have a staff member at work - one of my girls - who just found out that her dad has stage 4 cancer and has very little time to live. For this young woman, the sun rises and sets in her dad...she is married and loves her husband very much...but she is still very close to her dad. She came into the office yesterday to ask about the family medical leave act...she wants to take care of her dad which is a wonderful thing. It will be a blessing for them both but it will be hard and will take everything that is in her. And then some. But when it's over, she will know that her dad had the best care possible because it was the care of someone who loved him. I guess my role as her supervisor hasn't changed...being there to help with the business/personnel side of things...and being her friend as well. I think God needed me to be disappointed. After all, I've been where Katie is. And I remember how much I needed a support system. Ron's mom moved in with us the day after Laurie left for basic training. She had terminal cancer as well...couldn't live on her own, and we wanted her to stay here so that we could care for her. As natural as it seemed to be having mom here though, it wasn't exactly the same situation Katie has.
Ill as mom was, the 6 months she was here was a healing process because she had never understood that I wasn't her rival...that I loved her...how often I would agonize over the fact that she didn't see my love for her.
And then God stepped in and showed her. It took 29 years and yet His timing was perfect. During her illness she could see that I truly cared. The sitting beside the bed, holding her hand in the dark hours of the night when we both were afraid...God was speaking through all of this - to BOTH of us - and telling us how our hearts and feelings had healed. I lost mom but she and I gained a total understanding of the love and respect that we had for one another. God has His perfect plan - and that plan is a blessing if we are willing to accept it. No matter how long it takes to unfold.
Katie will see a lot in these days and weeks to come - the pain and suffering of her dad, but she will also hear his stories. They will share many memories...realize the blessings they have.
So now, I think I will listen a little more carefully. We can't always have what we want...it can be within arm's reach, but then we find out that our arms are needed for other things. Like giving hugs, or reaching up to our Father in prayer ~ or praise. Speaking of prayer, I would ask that you pray for my cousin Tina who is about to undergo her second bone marrow transplant. She has the most gentle, loving, faith filled heart, and she needs that miracle she is trusting God will provide. It's been a long road for her...but she would like to journey down that road for awhile longer.
Like I've said before...this military mom roller coaster goes up and down...but the world keeps turning. And we are needed ~ by family, friends, employees. And God needs us too...right where we are.
May He bless you.
Sue

That's Amore!

Some funny, lovely, wonderful things happened to me today. To explain the first, I need to give you a little history. Ron and I always have this competition going on holidays - who can be the first to give their holiday cards to the other. Last night I baked some cupcakes for Ron and also some to take to work for my co-workers for Valentine's Day. Before I went to bed, I signed Ron's card and put it on top of the plate of cupcakes so he would see it first thing in the morning. AH HA! Victory would be mine.

Fast forward to this morning when I went out to the kitchen to pour my coffee at 0530. I turned on the light and lo and behold, there was a bright pink envelope on the counter by my coffee pot. The flap side of the envelope was facing up and Ron had written in huge letters: I WON!!

Which of course he didn't because I put mine on top of the cupcakes at 11:30 last night before I went to bed. When I called Ron this morning after I had gotten to work, I asked him what time he had put the envelope on the counter...he said that it was sometime during the night when he woke up...12:30 or 1 am. It started my day with a laugh - and a good hearty one at that. Romantic fool that he is. :)

The roads were really bad this morning - all day really, yet again. But my friend was taking me to lunch at one of the restaurants on campus. Instead of driving over, I decided to get one of the campus shuttle buses ( never did that before except to ride to the other campus). So another friend of mine was also going to the same restaurant with a couple of other ladies...she told her friends that she would meet them there and accompanied me on the bus ride because it was my "first time" on the bus.

How kind that was and so appreciatedm and we had such a nice chat on the way over. I think I can do it on my own the next time. Thanks Shirley!

Lunch with my other friend was delicious - she treated me to lunch and I brought her flowers. It was a lovely 90 minutes. Thanks to Shirley, I was also able to find my way back to my office as she had told me where to wait for the return bus.

On my way home (doing the white knuckle thing again on a rural expressway I have to drive each day to and from work), I was listening to talk radio when all of a sudden the host played an old Dean Martin song:

That's Amore. I turned up the radio and sang every word with good old Dino. Loudly and with gusto.

Another lovely thought I had today was the mental picture of Kasey at his daycare - making valentines for mommy and daddy. And when I spoke to Laurie on the phone tonight, I asked if Kasey had made a valentine for them...yes, indeed he had. This grandma has ESP - don't you think so?

Dinner was ready when I got home and it was delicious...the best leftovers ever. Comfort food.

Happy Valentine's Day....hope you had some lovely moments too. It doesn't need to be receiving flowers or candy...just a good belly laugh, a random act of kindness, and a wonderful lunch shared by friends.
That's Amore.

Love to you all,

Sue

Long weekends are good.

It's been a long week - SNOW! SNOW! SNOW! and my car and I have spent entirely too much time together...and it seems to be protesting about the conditions of the roads we've traveled together this week. This morning, as I made the very first turn on my commute to work, it rebelled and ended up head on into a snow bank. Lovely way to start the day. Then, of course, other drivers think that l CHOSE this snow bank deliberately and am blocking part of the gas station driveway to be ornery. I figure it was either a snow bank or another car and why ruin someone else's day? Later, as I got out of the "sticks" and closer to civilization and the office, the roads improved so that I could go faster. Hmmm, I thought, why is my trusty all wheel vehicle starting to shake if I go over 50 mph?

Tomorrow we will find out. A wheel? Something out of alignment? Who knows, but I decided taking a vacation day tomorrow would be ok. Work will start to get crazy soon as we begin processing for two financial aid years at the same time. Current year, next year, and reconciling last year. Yup...it gets hectic but I love every minute of it. But a day off now is ok.

I am excited because we are planning a trip this summer with all the kids and grandkids when Laurie, Stephen and Kasey come home for a visit. A four or five day vacation home rental on a lake somewhere with all 9 of us. Six adults, a 9 year old, a 3 year old and a 2 year old. Mass bedlam - and I CAN'T WAIT!!

So, while the days are cold and the busy-ness at work gets busier, this grandma is gonna be planning. And the extra day this weekend will help.

Yup...long weekends are good...really good.

Blessings for your weekend.

God bless our troops wherever they are serving. And those of us who wait.

Hugs,

Sue

LOVE IS....

Hi everyone. This past weekend was quite a weekend here in Western NY. Snow - LOTS of it - blanketed our area...from the lake effect snow machine of course. We got about 3 feet of the stuff and we are in the minus double digit wind chills. It's not Valentine's Day yet, but I can tell you some things of what love is....

• A dad driving through blinding snow to try to pick up his son and get him to work only to have to turn around and come home because he couldn't make it. The love was also in seeing how badly this dad felt when he wasn't able to accomplish his mission.
• A son calling to make sure his dad got home safely and to let us know that his supervisor told him it was ok if he couldn't work yesterday.
• A soldier/wife/mom returning from military training and being able to wrap her arms around her husband and 22 month old son for the first time in a month. Not an eternity to most but for them it was a long, long time.
• A two year old grand daughter shouting "NANA - I FOUND YOU!!" as she walked into SEARS with her "papa." And her face lighting up to let her Nana know just how important it was to this little girl that she had found her.
• A grandma hearing her grand daughter shouting "NANA - I FOUND YOU!!" as she was shopping in SEARS. And a grandma's face lighting up just as brightly as her granddaughter's.
• A soldier/daughter calling her parents when she landed safely after arriving home from her training so that her mom and dad would know she was back where she belonged - with her husband and son. It didn't make them miss her any less, but it sure did make them happy that she was home safe.
• A 22 month old grandson saying, Hi mam ma" on the phone from far away...and his mommy saying in the background..."he's blowing you kisses grandma."
• A young woman who has already served her country for 7 years, loving the job of soldier enough to re-join the military reserves after she was out. And being excited about the beginning of her mobilization today.
• Our military. What more needs to be added to this one?
• A husband who would get up at 5:45 in the morning to clear the snow in the driveway so his wife could get to work - this in -23 degree wind chill and in the pitch dark. (thanks honey).

Not a whole lot different than any other family perhaps, but on a weekend when the temperatures were frigid and the snow was falling all around, it sure did warm the heart.

Thanks for stopping by - many blessings. Stay warm, ok?

Sue

Phil – you messed up!

Ok, I realize that poor chubby little guy has to wait a whole year between each moment in the spotlight...but this year, I think he must have overlooked his shadow or else his prediction was misunderstood. My reasoning? We are going to experience the coldest temps of the season this weekend, plenty of good old lake effect snow for everyone, and even though our winter WAS a mild one until mid January, we are certainly paying dearly for it now. It's 7:30 here and the flannel pjs are waiting. Looking out the sliding glass doors of the family room to the backyard, well, the word tundra comes to mind. Phil needs to re-evaluate things I think.
I had a very unsettling day - Kasey was sick last night when I called Stephen - fever and upset stomach...he was sick a couple of weeks ago as well because it's going around his day care. So I was worried about our little buddy and this has a tendency to distract a grandma. Tomorrow Laurie will be home from her training and Kasey will have his mommy back. Stephen is such a good daddy and Kasey is blessed. But it was just a tough day wondering about Kasey. He's such a sweetie pie. Let's face it: I don't do long distance grand mothering very well. Not well at all. Some of you know exactly what I mean.

Ron is watching the History channel - World War II stuff. It’s about Panzers and bridges and the like. Wars haven't changed much - there are the good guys (always the US and our allies) and the bad guys. The bad guys show no mercy and continually make us shake our heads at their brutality. The snow and cold our guys battled makes today's weather woes seem like a cake walk. As we watch Fox news these days, we continue to shake our heads because nothing has changed.More than half a century has passed since WW II ended. I guess moms and dads and all the loved ones of soldiers serving then felt pretty much the same as we do today about Iraq and Afghanistan; going through the days because we have to, and with prayers without ceasing. It seems endless, yet we know that God - in His wisdom and grace - will bring it to an end in His appointed time. I am praying that will be soon and that those who are fighting will know that He is with them. May all of our military know that He goes with them wherever they go. Especially into battle.
Laurie will be activated on Monday - "mobilized" as the Army calls it. She will once again be a full time soldier and the plan is that she will be working stateside right where they've been for several years. That's the plan - let's hope it stays that way. The military mom roller coaster is going up that hill again – and I hope it’s not a steep one ‘cause that means it’s a long drop on the other side.
Well, I should publish this before our power goes off. Stay warm, and dry.
And pray for our troops please.
Blessings and love,
Sue

A bit of Western NY History.

You've probably all heard about it - January 28th, 1977. The great blizzard of '77. Several feet of snow, winds of nearly 70 mph, and wind chills to 60 below. It was quite a sight to look out the front window of our little cape style home and see nothing but, well, snow. It sounded like a wind tunnel as the gusts blew around the corners of our house outside. Scott wasn't even 2 yet but he was fine. He kept pointing to all the snow outside - "thnow, mommy?" Thnow, Scotty. I'm smiling right now, just remembering the little voice and the inquisitive little face as he looked at me - trusting that whatever was going on outside wouldn't be a problem 'cause mommy and daddy and Tiger were home. Tiger, our buff cocker spaniel...I'm still smiling here.
Anyway, lots of good things came out of that week of snowy weather - including many babies. A regular baby boom hit our city in late fall of that year. And - as so often happens when Mother Nature's fury wreaks havoc on a city - we learned a lot about the good will of perfect strangers. It was a time of total dependency on God's goodness - and His ability to provide.
Appropriately, as I type this, the crawlers are going across the bottom of the TV screen, trailing a message about the snow storm we are experiencing tonight. We could get a foot or two - maybe our university will close - not likely, but I can dream. It's not going to be an easy commute in the morning, but I can do this. I've got a good heater in my car, the gas tank is full and all wheel drive - if it takes me extra time, that's ok. I have a high respect for snow on the roads.
I love a good snow storm. The wind is howling and it's time to crawl into bed. It's a one dog night - Lilly will be sleeping between us tonight - just as Tiger did 30 years ago.
Yup - still smiling. God is good.
Blessings my friends.
Sue

Wrinkle Resistant?


I hardly think so!! This morning I had a Church Council meeting and as I was getting ready - hair, makeup, etc., (you know the drill), I noticed that it seems my face is beginning to resemble my mom and grandma. Well, people do tell me that I look like my mom, but there is also another trait showing up.
Wrinkles.
It's ok - I'm not a vain person. BUT, with a major birthday just around the corner, I guess they stood out a little more this morning. I'm not an Oil of Olay type of gal - soap and water and a good foundation is good enough for me. It's funny - we see old movies with women who coated their faces with cream before they went to bed. Must have been tough on the sheets and pillow cases. :) My mom never did that although Grandma did use something on her face that smelled wonderful and she would put little pieces of cloth in her hair to hold the curls in at night and wrapped a scarf around her head. When Grandma would come and stay the night with us, my sisters and I would double over in laughter at the stories she would tell us. The stories were always funny and and we would try to listen intently but it it was hard to take her seriously with the little pieces of white rags in her hair and the cream stuff on her face. Ahhh, as the saying goes, those were the days. Well, not really. I like to think of the here and now as the days we will speak of in the future as "the days."
Now, I am the grandma. And while my grandkids are too young to notice the lines in my face (well, Luke notices them - he's 9), the day is coming when they will probably sit by my side with me in my flannel nightgown as I tell them funny stories about their mommies and daddies. By the time this happens, I may have given in to the sweet smelling cream and the little pieces of white cloth... and I sure do look forward to the giggles of my grandchildren.

Blessings my friends,
Sue

I think I'm in trouble.

Well, tonight I decided that every day after dinner I will tackle a little job of some sort around here - just so that I can continue with my pitching and tossing routine. I am up at 0530 and out the door by 7 to get to work on time by 8 am so the day is long. But a little 30 minute project isn't too bad, right? Oh my gosh - tonight's project was my kitchen desk - my nook, as Ron calls it. It's one of those flat surfaces that holds a LOT! And so tonight, I thought it would be a good idea to tackle the nook. As I said, big trouble.
Are you a "saver" of things? Greeting cards from the kids, envelopes saved because they have return addresses on them and I don't have an organized address book (that's going to change this weekend as the information goes onto pages in the perfectly good address book I have-it's alphabetized too - what a novel idea).
But I am in serious trouble as I realize that over the years I have saved entirely too much. You name it, I saved it. Not good - where the heck am I going to put that stuff in an RV? And I'm not going to part with it.
Yup, I'm in trouble. Maybe I could do a couple of scrapbooks? Or five. Stephen is right - Laurie gets her pack rat traits from me. One time - as Stephen looked in a small cupboard above my "nook" for a set of salt and pepper shakers (I keep my cookbooks in the same cupboard) - he said to me, "remind me never to help you pack or move..." And he was sincere. I didn't take it personally. :)
So, I think I'll go to bed now and not worry about any of this tonight. Hmmm, what should I clean tomorrow? MY COMPUTER DESK!!
I think I'm in trouble.
Blessings my friends,
Sue

TGIF - and the dream lives on...

Well, today is the day most of us look forward to all week. Now I admit that I truly love my job - but more than that, I do love my weekends with Ron. We have a snow storm moving in as we speak (or as I type) - it's early in the evening and Ron has his pjs on already and I am giving into that shortly. This has already been a good night. We spoke to Laurie who is on the other side of the country right now for some training and I am really lonely for her this week - and for Kasey and Stephen too of course. I think I am missing them more because they are not together as a family right now with Laurie out of town. I guess they are used to this - the military life you know. (I will NEVER be used to it). But it made my day to be able to talk to Laurie.
Tomorrow we will go to the RV show and look (yet again) for the Fifth Wheel Trailer that we will be traveling in when I retire. We have been looking for two years now - retirement is still more than two years away, but you can't do these things too quickly. :) Seriously, it is such a nice thing to do - to dream about and make plans for our life together after I retire. The mailman brought my social security statement today, a projected statement of what I will receive if I retire at 62 and although the picture they paint is much better if I waited til I am 66 or 70, I don't want to lose that time with Ron and the kids. It's ok if I leave when I am 62 - it's been our dream for awhile now - dreams are good as long as they are realistic AND that we make sure we are prepared to accept God's plan if it's different than ours.
I hope your weekend is a good one - a safe one if you are out and about in stormy, snowy weather. Build a snowman, do some snow angels, (did you know that you can find detailed instructions online how to make a snow angel?), or enjoy some hot cocoa (don't forget the marshmallows). I will be watching some football on Sunday, that's for sure!
There was a report out this week about how cancer is claiming fewer lives. Right now I can think of at least 7 people I care about who are suffering from cancer...some are not doing well, but God fills us with hope just the same. He does marvelous things and they are resting in His care, trusting in His healing love. And we are trusting in that love as well.
To my friends with loved ones serving, may prayer and trust be your constant companions - and may the Lord watch over your soldiers in whichever branch they serve ~ and wherever their boots may journey.
May you be blessed, my friends.
Sue

At the risk of repeating myself....

I've been home from work the last couple of days - have some sort of a virus going on that I am hoping will be gone by tomorrow so that I can go back to work. The Spring semester started yesterday so I am sure the work is piling up. Saw the dr. yesterday and will see him again today - and I also had an x-ray done yesterday to make sure the problem which put me in the hospital last month hasn't returned. Will get those results today. Since I am not a good patient, I am hoping tomorrow morning will see me back to work.
So, since I had a little extra time on my hands, I went back and read some of my earlier blogs this morning. I lost count of how many times it was mentioned that I am trying to post links on this site. I read the blogger help thingy over and over and have tried to do what it tells me (or at least what I understand it to say), but am not having much luck.
And so to Call Me Grandma, Erik, Cat, Heather, Kbug...and several others, I apologize. You comment on my site, some of you havc Two Star Mom in your links, and yet here I sit with Google news and edit me under my links on the sidebar. EGADS!!
So at the risk of repeating myself, this afternoon when I get home from the Dr.'s office...guess what I will try to do (yet again)? Keep looking for the links...someday they will be there.
God bless and love,
Sue

Military friends.

A lot of what we experience in life can't be understood if we don't actually "walk in the shoes." We can sympathize and support, listen and pray - but we can't truly understand. For all of us who have - or have had - a loved one serving in the military, we know that it can't be truly understood except by another military family. You get upset during a war that your child or loved one is serving in, and you see someone nodding their heads as though they are understanding your anxiety. They try...they really try...but they don't. And sometimes we are told, "well that's their job." A week before Laurie left for basic training, Ron took Laurie canoeing - just a father/daughter outing - to a state park not too far away. It was a time for them to say the stuff dad needed to say to his daughter before she left. They discussed the fact that in the next five years, she quite possibly could be serving in a time of war. She knew that, and was willing to serve despite the dangers. When 9/11 happened - not just the twin towers but especially the Pentagon - we knew that time had come...no longer would Laurie be serving in a time of peace. The day after 9/11 I had an appointment at the eye dr. - an outspoken man with whom I didn't always agree, but I never argued my point with him. We had often discussed the fact that I have a daughter in the military so he knew that at times I was a little lonely for her - and worried sometimes too. What I was NOT prepared for on that day after 9/11 was his reaction to my statement, "this is not a good time to be a military mom." He answered very bluntly, "Why not? It's about time they earn their pay." I could not say a word - could not cry, or react in any way. My shock was too great.
Therefore, I allowed him to examine my eyes, tell me when I should return and let him make all the small talk he wanted to. (I wonder if he noticed that it was a one way conversation?). And I walked out of that office, never to return. I cried all the way to work - finally allowing myself to let his words sink in. And once I got to work and I told a friend what had happened, she did not understand.
She said, "Oh Susie - don't take it so personally." DON'T TAKE IT SO PERSONALLY??? Helloooo!
And it was then that I realized that Ron and I are different from many other parents. Our daughter is in the military and nobody understood how it felt.
A few weeks after that the local newspaper carried a story about a local woman who had started a website for military families. Called www.militarymoms.net, it offers support and encouragement for people who were walking in my shoes. Immediately (and still) I felt a connection to these other military families. Through the years since, so many of my friendships have been a gift of God through that website. We have gained many members - and lost a few as well. But in the loss of the memberships I have not lost friendships - our hearts are still connected because we share a common bond - we love a soldier (or veteran).
For all of you who are in a military family, please know that it is NOT just my daughter and son in law of whom I am proud and for whom I pray. I treasure our connection and wish that we could all meet someday just to discuss our soldiers and this roller coaster ride we've been asked us to share.
Until then, and even if that never happens, know that I value the kindred spirit that we have. And for all of you who read this and are not part of a military family - THANK YOU for your prayers for our loved ones.
We know that God is working - and will answer them all.
It's Sunday and Veronica is here while Tina enjoys some free time. The house is alive with her little voice and her laughter. The closet cleaning can wait for tomorrow.
God bless your week - thanks for stopping by.
Sue

The main topic of the day...

Well, during my morning and evening commute today,
all I heard was the buzz about President Bush speaking tonight.
I heard what the Republicans thought, the Democrats opinion, the talk show host's feelings, the web poll results...etc., etc., etc.
I am one of those people who is weary of the war, but support our troops... and still believe in our President. I am part of the minority.
But I am afraid. Two of our children serve and there doesn't seem to be any direction for this war and while their deployment is not imminent (so they tell me), this mom's heart is tired of worrying. I know many of the soldiers who are in the sand...love them all ~ and their moms as well.
God hears my prayers every single day for our troops - some I can call by name, and the rest He knows...in fact He knows exactly how many hairs are covered by their Kevlar helmets. If we THINK we know the number of men's and women's and children's hearts who are affected by this war...well we could think again, because they are countless. Countless to us...yet God knows each and every one.
And He also knows the heart of our President. Dear God, guide him...give him your wisdom..give him the answers we all need to hear about this war.
We are weary, Lord...and we put all of our trust in you. May our President and all who lead our men and women of the military put their trust in you as well.

It's time, Lord. It's time.

God bless our great nation and those who serve and protect her. And those of us who wait, and pray and listen for His answers.

Cleaning house!!

Well, now that the holidays are over, and I am feeling quite a bit better, and the winter weather is finally moving in, the time is right for pitching and tossing...otherwise known as cleaning house. Because I wasn't feeling well for several weeks, the stuff just kind of kept accumulating and I have a ton of papers and magazines and books that I want to ditch. But I need to check them out first, so tonight I will take one or two groups of these things and sift through them. I will show no mercy - anything that doesn't look important will go. That's what I did when I cleaned my closet in the fall - haven't worn it in a year? TOSS IT!! Of course the real reason behind the project is to get rid of stuff that we can't take with us when I retire in a couple of years and we buy our RV and go traveling for a year or two. I have been told that we are having a garage sale in the spring, the first of many no doubt - everything that isn't needed will be sold by the time we move. Yikes!! Scary thought.
I also need to write a sort of post holiday letter to my friends and family who are out of town cause I didn't get cards mailed this year. Time is going quickly - in another month or so our busy time will be upon us at work and it won't lighten up until at least July. Four or five months of nonstop processing and busy-ness. I thrive on it but it is stressful as heck.
Sounds like we are starting to kick some behind over in the sand - may God protect our men and women. My soldiers are both stateside and our family feels blessed for that - but those who are serving over there are my soldiers too - and they are not forgotten.
May God's peace be with you - and thanks for stopping.
Sue

Home again...

It's always such a wonderful trip when we go to visit Laurie, Stephen and Kasey...and also a very short trip no matter how long we are there. The time passes so quickly and then the trip home seems so long. You know what that's like.
But we really did have a wonderful time - Kasey knew who we were and was happy to see us and we enjoyed him so much. He is so busy and so much fun...and so lovable. Laurie and Stephen had a great New Year's Eve party catered by me....spreads and dips and shrimp, deviled eggs and a cheese and sausage platter. I LOVED doing that - felt like I was "earning my keep" and helping a little bit. We went out for lunch and dinner quite a few times - even breakfast a couple of times. Thankfully I did not gain any weight - managed to burn the calories playing with Kasey and following him up and down the stairs. But all good things must come to an end. Yesterday we needed to be at the airport early since Laurie was also leaving to go to school for her Reserve job. As we turned down the road leading to the airport, Kasey - in his most forlorn little voice - looked at me and said "bye bye?" That wasn't good for this grandma but I kept my act together til we got to the airport and he started crying. Now, it was hard enough to say good bye, but then to see Laurie saying goodbye to Stephen and Kasey...THAT was even harder. Yes, they are military, Laurie and Stephen are used to separations, but it's hard for a 21 month old little boy to understand. So, we got through the goodbyes to Stephen and Kasey and then checked in. Ron and I kept our confirmed tickets but were put on standby for earlier flights - our luggage was tagged likewise so that it would travel with us no matter which flight we ended up on. Right.
After Laurie's flight left, we went to the gate for the flight we were on standby for. In the very last moments of boarding, we were able to get seats...likewise for the earlier connecting flight to Buffalo. We got back a couple of hours early...our luggage did not. Surprise, surprise.
They delivered it this morning. When we opened our suitcases, everything was thrown all over the place. They had inspected it and neglected to put the straps back on the contents inside - everything was all crumpled together and wrinkled. But all in one piece so I guess we are grateful for that. The one thing that upset me more than OUR luggage not arriving was the fact that when I called Stephen to let him know we were home, he told me that LAURIE'S luggage did not arrive with her either. THAT upset me more than anything. They had put her luggage on the flight to the same destination which left after hers did - and it didn't make the connecting flight. Hopefully it got to her last night.
So, after 3 weeks of being out from work due to illness and travel, I will return to the rat race tomorrow. Lots waiting for me I'm sure but it will all get done in a day or two.
While we've been gone, a former President has died and his State funeral viewed by millions (me amongst them) and a former dictator has been executed. I have heard some people find fault with the undeserving (??)expense of President Ford's funeral, others found it terrible that Saddam was put to death on a Muslim holiday. Maybe I can explain my feelings about both men in this manner...I cried with the Ford family - Gerald Ford was a kind and decent man whose gentle and forgiving ways lost him an election....and I cried during Saddam's execution - NOT for him, but for the people who were not given a solitary thought before he killed them. And for the military we have lost during and since his tyranny was toppled.
And of course, a new year has arrived as well. 2006 was - for our family - probably no different than it was for yours. Triumphs. troubles, times of change. But always our cup overflowed with blessings. Praying that yours did as well.
I've missed Scott and Tina and the kids - it was time for us to come home.
But it will be awhile before we can go back to visit Laurie and her family, so for now I'll have to be content with the memories, the pictures, and the sound of a little voice running through a house far away saying "Mam ma !!" (Grandma) and "I ou." (I love you) in Kasey talk. It echoes in my heart as well.
Blessings to you all in 2007 - may it be a year of good health, of much happiness - and of peace.
Sue

Christmas - part 2.

Tomorrow we leave to spend some time with Laurie, Stephen and Kasey. It's been nearly 5 months since we've seen them and I just know that Kasey is a big boy now...after all, he's nearly two. :) Bags are all packed and we'll be ready to roll in the morning, dropping Lilly off at the kennel on the way to the airport. I still have some "battle scars" from the hospital but all in all I feel pretty good. Thankfully, we sent all their gifts out about 10 days ago to save some luggage space. I can't tell you exactly what this trip means to Ron and I - only that we are so thankful that we can make it there. Next year, we just might spend Christmas with Laurie and Stephen and Kasey if they can't make it home. Scott and Tina and the kids count on us to be here, yet we are needed by our other kids too - and sometimes we want to be there with them. It will be a good decision I think.
So, I may not be around for a week or so. Laurie has a computer but we will be doing a lot of day trips and ~ as so many of my other blogger friends do, it's ok to take a leave, right?
In the meantime, please keep praying for our troops. They have so much responsibility and are spread pretty thin. May God keep them strong and with a spirit of courage...for He does not give us a spirit of fear.
WOOO HOOOO....gonna see my soldiers...and our little man.
May God bless your New Year with His peace and grace.
Love,
Sue

Tidings of Comfort and Joy!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!
It's difficult to put into words what happened last night when I went to church. Though Ron is not a churchgoer (but is not without faith), I don't usually attend church by myself on Christmas eve - usually Scott and Tina and the kids attend with me. Last year - for the first time ever - all of us were there since Laurie, Stephen and Kasey were also home for the holidays. It was an awesome experience to have Laurie bring Kasey up to the choir loft in the balcony so that he could meet my fellow choir members. I joined my family in the pew after the choir's anthem and before long, Kasey was crawling across laps to get to Grandma.
Tina now attends a non denominational church - which is good too because her sister attends that same church and it's good for them to worship together. Tina's family situation isn't too good since she has no communication with her parents and oldest sister.
On Friday when I got home from the hospital, I left our Pastor a message that I was home, but that I would probably miss Christmas eve services. He prayed for me in church yesterday morning. But last night, busy as the day had been (well, for me it seemed a bit busy because I did a few things around the house and went on an outing to the drugstore with Ron) I needed to attend worship. Alone was ok - Christmas eve and Silent Night by candlelight...cannot have one with out the other.
So when I walked into the church narthex last night, so many people asked me how I was feeling...and it was so comforting. And when Pastor Garry and his wife Joanne walked out of his office, their hugs of true Christian love and affection were like a balm to my soul. Not that I haven't felt that warmth before, but with the events of this past week, it's good to feel that Christian love in a hug after knowing their prayers had done so much as well.
The sanctuary was beautiful, the service uplifting and full of the promise of the Christ child, and the love that God rained down on earth so long ago. As I looked around, I began to realize that "Christmas and Easter" worshippers are nearly a thing of the past in our church home. There were lots of new faces as the families and friends of our regular members joined in for worship. I saw two ladies who are ill with cancer and who heard the same message of hope. Ill as they are, their faces reflected the serenity of God's love at work in their lives.
Alone? How could I have thought that I would be alone?
Amidst the greenery, in the sharing of the holy supper, the sharing of the peace....and in the singing of Silent Night as we held our lit votives I was surrounded by family.
And the tidings of comfort and joy that I received last night is what I wish for you today. For those with loved ones far away, and for our military wherever they serve...God bless you for your sacrifice for it is our Armed Forces who help to give us our freedom to worship as we choose.
May the peace of the Christ child be with them - and with you.
Blessed holidays to you all, and love...
Sue

Listen - and then let Him do the rest.

When I wrote my last post on Monday night, I had no idea that 5 hours later I would be on a gurney in the ER, writhing in pain that had begun to bother me early Monday afternoon. How awesome God works - how He just tells you what you need to know and WHEN you need to know it. The pain was with me when I went to bed, and I had already decided that if it was still with me in the morning, I would call in sick and get myself to the Dr. The symptoms had been bothering me for a few weeks but like most people would, I chalked it up to stress.
I was able to sleep about an hour and a half Monday night but, when I woke up at 2 am - less than three hours after I went to bed, I asked Ron to take me to the hospital. After a series of tests and a CT scan, a very nice Dr. told me that I needed to be admitted - and while I won't go into detail, let me just say that all the surgeries and the c section I had over the years had left waaaay too much scar tissue and it very nicely decided to take over my small intestine and give me some terrific (NOT!!) complications. I am so seldom ill though, that I knew the pain was more than just a tummy ache. So, I had recognized the need to go to the hospital.
Thankfully, I was able to dodge surgery this time but it will happen again, and likely again. This was a most inconvenient time to be ill - haven't I been going on about the busy-ness of Christmas? And yet, as I laid in the hospital bed for four days, listening to the sounds of the hospital and being poked and pricked and having all sorts of tubes and things as company, the things of Christmas did not matter. The cookies that didn't get baked, the cards that didn't get sent, the last minute "stuff" just didn't matter. What matters most? Yet again, and as always, the Christ child. The One who was born so long ago to bring us everlasting life. And the One who brings us peace. It's not an easy thing to find peace in the sights and sounds of a hospital - unless that Peace has been your friend for a long. long time. There were many patients there who were far more ill than I - who don't have a prayer of being home for Christmas. Who may not be able to return home ever. On Wednesday, the staff had to move me from one room to another because they had brought a lady in who was what they called " a screamer." She was 87, in great misery and not able to be coherent or quiet. As I lay there listening to her moans, and to the sometimes rather rude comments to her by the staff (they thought she couldn't understand them), it didn't really matter whether I was moved or not - the sadness was in the situation this lady was in. From my new room that night - unable to sleep - the cries of that lady could be heard all around the floor. As well as far into the evening last night and into this morning. I pray that she once knew that Peace in her life - and that she will feel it again.
And when I left that place of healing today, I knew that the real healing had been done by God. The excellent medical staff were the vessel, He had done the healing.
Christians aren't supposed to be fearful - but He lets us use that fear for good sometimes in the middle of the night when you know something is wrong. It's then that He gives us the nudge to do what should be done~ and then He does the rest.
May He bless you.
Sue

Preparing for Jesus.

One week from now the gift wrapping will be history, and the kids gifts and toys will be scattered around the family room waiting for the inevitible moans about being too full from dinner but needing to get the kids home to bed. We'll make a thousand trips to Scott and Tina's car, stuff everything in around Veronica and Luke and send them on their way. This year, I will not have to go to work the day after Christmas so I will probably hit the pillow shortly after they leave and worry about the rest of the picking up in the morning. :)
Last night, we had our Christmas play at church - Too Too Busy - and it was about finding the real meaning of Christmas amidst all the preparation. It was a quick little play but the kids loved being part of it. The songs, the forgotten lines remembered just at the right moment with maybe a little bit of prompting, and the brief closing message from Pastor afterwards. It was a peaceful half hour that I was thankful to be part of as a Sunday School teacher - and I remembered all the Christmas plays my own children used to take part in.
The Gospel lesson yesterday was about John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. How do we prepare for a King? How did Mary prepare for Him? Mary was ready - she had put it all into God's hands.
I guess it's all a matter of the heart - we are either ready, or we aren't.
Some of us invite him by saying "Come Lord Jesus" or ask for more time by saying "oh not yet, there's too much to do!"
Wait a second - are we still talking about Christmas? I know several people who are very ill. Two of them are sisters in Christ - a few others are loved ones of friends or co-workers. My two sisters in Christ are faith filled and know that God has never left their side...and "Come Lord Jesus" are not frightening words for them to say. They are difficult words for those of us who love them, but words which hold hope as well.
Preparing for Jesus...wrapping gifts, planning a holiday meal, being "too too busy?"
Or just simply saying, "Come Lord Jesus" with a faith filled heart.
Yes, I like that greeting the best.
Blessings to you, my friends.
Sue

Tired feet!!

Well, Ron and I had an awesome date today. First we went to SEARS - I bought a blouse last week for Tina's sister and they forgot to remove the security device off the blouse and I didn't want to try taking it off the blouse because I know there is ink in those things. So they were very happy to use that special tool they have and I actually managed to get out of THAT store with out spending any more. We stopped to see Scott and Veronica for a little bit and there just happened to be some fresh chocolate chip cookies there which needed testing. Awesome. Veronica agreed.
Then we went to the largest mall in our area - just a little bit of shopping left to do but needed to go there because they have the only Discover store in our area. Many dollars - and about 6 miles of walking - later - we finally
got some dinner and made our last Christmas shopping stop - the liquor store for several bottles of wine. My girls that I supervise at work are all wine drinkers so they will be good with this when I place the tall snowflake bag on their desk next week.
I would say that this was our best shopping trip yet - simply because it was Saturday, it was our date, and the mall was packed with people. Some were smiling, others looked stressed, still others looked dazed and confused. S0mebody working in one of those kiosks stopped me and tried to sell me a $70 nail care kit. When I said that I would think about it and stop on my way back through the mall, he threw in what he thought would be the clincher - buy one, get one. No deal...and I always feel bad saying no, but had to (after all, they have bills to pay too). Just looking at the look on Ron's face as he waited for me..no deal was my only option. :)
So, here we are. Saturday night of the busiest shopping weekend of the year - we are home, watching network news (it's not good), and about to watch our Saturday night movies from Blockbuster.
Far away, much closer to the place where Jesus was born, our soldiers are
looking for the peace that baby boy brought to the world. And they will be the ones to help make that peace possible. The cost has been great - and will no doubt be greater still before the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are over.
And tonight, my feet tired and sore from walking the mall, I think of the boots on the ground in the sand so far away, and also on the feet of our soldiers who serve in other nations - and on US soil protecting us. When do THEY rest? Soon, I hope. Very soon.
Blessings to your loved ones who serve and prayers for them as well as for those of us who wait.
Sue

Things remembered.

Today I left work early to meet Ron for an appointment he had. We couldn't decide where to have dinner afterward, but Ron finally thought of a place and I followed his truck as we began driving through familiar territory - the town where I grew up. Everything looked so different, but I still remember when the quiet two lane road we lived on became a four lane main thoroughfare. Eventually, we passed the house I grew up in.
A large white colonial home with a u-shaped driveway and the covered breeezeway dad had built from the ground up which connected the side door of the house to the oversized two car garage, it didn't look quite the same. There were no welcoming lights in the window - it was getting dark, but the family who now lives there was probably still scattered about at their jobs, or school, or errands. My mom was a stay at home mom so she always put the lights on at the first sign of darkness so that Dad, or us kids, wouldn't come home to a dark house. Of course when mom was home, the house was NEVER dark - lights or not - because she was the sunshine in our family.
I noticed a basketball hoop on a pole on the lawn in front of the garage so I guess there are children - or maybe teenagers - living there.
Going 50 mph on a busy 4 lane highway requires any sightseeing to be, at most, a quick glance as you drive by. But the things remembered in that glance can be so wonderful - and bittersweet. I remember the last time Ron and I and Scott were there. Mom and Dad were all but totally packed for their move to Florida, and as I went from room to room ( the bedroom where I had slept for all the years of my childhood, my parents' bedroom with the heavy mahogany bedroom set, the bathroom where my mom gave us countless baths, scrubbing our dirty knees and elbows and faces). There was the kitchen, and the family room (we used to call it the breakfast room because mom and dad put the kitchen table out there so we could sit in the warm sunshine as we ate our breakfast and watched mom make our lunches at the kitchen counter. Eventually the table went back out to the kitchen and the room became a family room of sorts where mom and dad had their before dinner drink after dad got home from work every evening. I remember walking out of the house for the last time...not wanting to leave this place that had been home to me since I was a year old.
I think it's probably how Laurie felt when she walked out the door for basic training - a hard step for us, not knowing then just how much our lives would change. Nearly 9 years later, how blessed we have been through it all. I pray that during all the time that she has been away - especially when she was in the sand - that she has been able to think of home and been comforted with the things she remembers.
In 2000, Scott left home as well as he found his first apartment. It was time and it was exciting for him, but it was difficult at the same time
For Ron and I it meant an empty nest.
My friend at work said to me the other day that things seem so different now - her sons are now both in college - the holidays are just not the same.
I can identify, can you?
But things remembered - makes you want to keep up the traditions - or begin new ones. In a couple of years, if God's plan is in accordance to ours, Ron and I will walk out of this house where our own children spent their childhood and begin a new life in a new place. This house - which has been "home" for so long - will perhaps someday be the destination of an afternoon drive for our own children.
And I wonder...what will they tell their children...what will be their things remembered?
Wishing you peaceful days of preparation for God's Son.
Sue

Crunch Time!!


Star of Hope

You know, every year I say that the last two weeks before Christmas are NOT going to be crazy. Ok, sure. So, two weekends remain before Christmas weekend. I WILL be done (she says convincingly). Today Ron and I have our usual Saturday date, but we're rearranging the schedule a bit. Instead of visting at Scott and Tina's house first, we will do our shopping and errands first and then head over there about 3:30. Veronica is going to dinner with us and doing an overnight at Nana and Papa's house. I can't wait - she is such a cutie. So I need to do a few things here first - like hide all the gifts that are wrapped and stacked in the family room so little eyes won't light up when Veronica walks in. Tomorrow we will have Veronica for the day and then Luke will be here for the evening as well because Scott and Tina have a Christmas party to go to.
I am excited about all of this - last night at our union's Christmas party, as I enjoyed the good food and the music and the chance to catch up with old friends who work at the university, I was looking forward to the busy-ness of the weekend. It's a laid back kind of busy-ness, nothing that absolutely HAS to be done, and that's what I love about it.
And yet, even in the busyness, there are always the thoughts of those who can't be home for Christmas. Not just the military in harm's way, but those who serve in other countries - and here on home soil - who can't get leave to come home. As a kid, when we went to church on Christmas eve, there was a young couple - they had been going together for ages. He was a soldier and couldn't always be home for the holidays. But when he could be, I remember that he had his uniform on, his girl on his arm and a look on his face that spoke total joy and peace. Oh that this look could be more present on Christmas eve nowadays.
That is my prayer - that no matter how busy we get, or who we miss, may we remember that God gave us His Son so that we would have great joy in all things. That our faith would grow in the serenity of a new born child - and that our hope would be constant.
I'm going shopping today (again) to get all the little gifts that I usually don't get 'til the last minute. (that's when the crunch time becomes panic time so I will try to avoid that this year).
My friends - it's going to be a busy one today - no doubt for you too. For those of you whose hearts aren't quite "into Christmas" this year because someone you love won't be there on Christmas morning, please remember that the BEST Christmas gift is something God gave us more than 2000 years ago. A gift that doesn't change, no matter how much the world changes around us.
Thanks for stopping in during crunch time.
Blessings,
Sue

Breath of Heaven.

On Sunday night, after our Congregational Christmas Potluck, we had a special worship service at church - it's the "hanging of the greens" service which commemorates the beginning of two things - the new church year and the beginning of Advent.
The sanctuary looks so beautiful - wreaths on all the windows, pine garlands adorning the walls, the Christmas trees. We do this to prepare for Jesus' birth - to welcome Him with praise and thankgiving.
And so, the special service is wonderful - music, special Scripture readings and a thoughtful homily. At this point, I'm going to ask you to recall a post I wrote back in the summer about a young woman - a daughter of our congregation who gave birth to a Downs Syndrome baby with some serious health problems. God has brought them through it all and the baby is doing well. Anyway, this young woman - Emily - sings as beautifully as a lark. She and her husband and his family are very active in a music ministry in their own church, but it's been difficult for them to participate in this ministry with the baby's health problems.
On Sunday night, we were gifted to have them take part in the service. And Emily sang Breath of Heaven - otherwise known as Mary's Song. It's lyrics are meant to be Mary speaking to God - asking Him to be with her on the road He is asking her to travel by giving birth to His Son. The words are spoken from a mother's heart - fear for what is ahead, darkness
lit only by His love. In her clear and wonderful voice, Emily sang with her whole heart - and anyone who knows what God has asked her to bear, could only hear her accceptance and her faith. It was so poignant - and so beautiful. I wouldn't have ever had the strength to sing that song - but God knew that she did. It was a blessing to all who were there - and though my eyes welled with tears, the smile on my face won out because of the beauty of the moment. There were no questions from Emily - no "Why us Lord?" Just a heartfelt and faith filled song. And it was like feeling A Breath of Heaven.
Mary and Emily - two young moms born two thousand years apart. They were asked to bear great burdens.
And yet ~ their faith was much greater than the burden.

Blessings,
Sue

Paint me a picture!

I love when someone paints a mental picture for me - well at least if it's a GOOD mental picture. Yesterday in her email, Laurie gave me a beautiful image to think about. Laurie leaves for work a lot earlier than Stephen does so Stephen drops Kasey off at daycare. But when Kasey hears that his mommy is up and about and getting ready for work, he likes to get up and spend a little bit of time with her. Laurie painted me a picture yesterday of a little boy in his feet pajamas drinking milk from a sippie cup as his mom got ready for work. Sometimes he jibber jabbers as he follows her, but other times he crawls into bed with Daddy and falls asleep for a little while longer. As I sat at my computer reading Laurie's email, I wanted so much to be there to see that picture in person. But, until we get there after Christmas, the mental picture will keep me smiling, just thankful for the fact that my daughter has a happy home and a little boy who follows her around in feet pajamas in the early hours of the morning, slugging down his milk. (Milk, juice, water...Kasey is a slugger - the term sippie cup is an oxymoron for him - no sips for him :).

Of course, we sometimes paint our own mental pictures. For the families of military personnel, it's very easy to let our imagination get the best of us and conger up a mental image that just sort of captures our worry about it all. It's a normal thing to do, (I can tell you that from experience) but it's not a good thing. All we need is to see a bad news report out of the sand. We provide the rest of the picture.

Besides Kasey's picture above, there is another picture that I like to think about. The Lord's capable and loving hands. He holds us all - comforts us when we worry, loves us even when we have a hard time trusting Him and His will. Whenever I worry about things that I can't do anything about, I try to remember that it's all too big for me - and that the Lord is waiting for me to put it in His hands. And not take it back.

Today, this weekend, each moment of every day, picture his outstretched hands. It's a comforting image, isn't it?

God bless our troops wherever they may be serving. Our picture of you is courage, and strength, and all that is good.

Perhaps God's Word in Phillippians 4 gives us the best advice...

"Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things."

God bless your day and thanks for stopping by,

Sue

There in spirit.

Well, Laurie was promoted today - to Staff Sgt. Three up, one down as they say. Sure wish we could have been there. This is a rank that she made just before she got out of active service but because she didn't have a year left to serve, she had to turn it down. I know that she was feeling good about her decision to leave the Army to have Kasey, and yet...there's this heart that beats in my child that is a soldier's heart.
And so, once she joined the reserves they didn't lose too much time promoting her.
It feels like one of those moments when mom and dad should have been there. But I am thankful that Stephen was. Now that they don't actually "pin" the rank on because of the velcro, I'm just wondering - how do they do the promotion?
When she was promoted to Sgt., Ron and I made the trip to pin her rank on. It was one of the most memorable days of my life and I did very well once I got a handle on things - hardly cried during the ceremony but as we sat there waiting for everyone to enter the room I was trying with all my might not to bawl like a baby - in case you haven't guessed, I get emotional about things like that. But as soon as all the "brass" walked in and then the soldiers being promoted, well, I was a goner. Of course I was discreet - or tried to be, because I knew that if Laurie saw me she would be the same way. And that just wouldn't do. SO I sucked it in and finally stopped.
Today at work, I kept watching the clock and, at the hour of her promotion, God heard a prayer from a new Staff Sgt.'s mom. A prayer of thanks that God has led her to be part of such an honorable profession. When I started out blogging back in July, my very first post acknowledged that life is a roller coaster, but it's a proud ride we venture on when we love a soldier (or two :).
All of you who are riding the curves of this adventuresome trip know what I am saying. The anguish can't take away the pride in moments like today.
And even though there are too many miles between us, our soldiers always know - we are there in spirit.
We were there today Laurie - and we love you.
To all the others who received new ranks today (and those who are waiting for that day still to come) God bless you as you serve - remember you are loved by many. And appreciated by all.
Blessings,
Sue

Hello Papa??


This picture of Veronica was snapped in our family room the other day when she was here paying her Papa a visit. She was standing about a foot away from Ron who was sitting in his recliner, she picked up the phone and said "Hi Papa!!" I love that little voice. She calls here a lot and she's always ready for whoever picks up the phone..."Hi Papa - Hi Nana..." and I melt when I hear her. Same for Kasey - we generally talk to Laurie and Stephen and Kasey a couple of times a week. Laurie picks up the phone and I hear her say, "Say hi Grandma..." and Kasey says "hi... I ou.." which of course translated is "I love you." And once again, I melt. With Luke, of course, we can actually carry on a conversation and not wonder what we are agreeing to. He is a cool kid.
Ron is such a good grandpa - he was on this mission to get an Elmo TMX for Veronica. A lot of stores in our area had them on sale, but of course they neglected to mention that only two of them were available to sell. So he went on Ebay and purchased a new one for $65. It arrived yesterday and Ron felt morally obligated to test it out. It's cute. It's very red. And it's noisy. Very noisy. I like the cute and the red - and even the noisy is ok. But Lilly? She stands back, tries to figure it out, but can't. So she does what ever other red blooded doggie would do (but which she rarely does).
She barks. It's funny to see - this red fuzzy thing rolling on the floor laughing and talking - and Lilly backing up and barking. Well, Christmas morning should be interesting - for about 5 minutes. Then I'm not sure what will happen or who will win - Elmo or Lilly. Yup - should be interesting.
This week has been a long one at work but it's almost done. With an even busier than usual weekend coming up, I'm planning to get a little extra sleep tonight and tomorrow night. I know that some of you may be havng trouble sleeping because you are dealing with deployments - or pending deployments. So I ampraying that He gives you good rest tonight. And that He restores your strength to meet the day tomorrow.
Thanks for letting me be a grandma tonight. It's one of my favorite hats - and I love wearing it.
Blessings,
Sue

God's generosity....

Today would have been my mom's 87th birthday.
Mom passed away in 2003 - on the same day that we (Ron and I & Scott, Tina, and Luke) returned from Laurie and Stephen's wedding out of town. After running through airports all day and waiting for delayed flights, I got home, heard my sister's voice on the answering machine and knew in my heart that mom was gone. Mom had suffered for many, many years with early onset Alzheimers - a disease that took her from us long before we were ready to lose her, and then took her away from us again when she passed away. My mom was the sweetest and most generous person on the face of this earth - she was beautiful inside and out. She and Dad were married nearly 60 years when Dad passed away in 1999 - taking care of mom for so many years had taken it's toll on Dad's heart, in more ways than one.
In this world, there are givers and there are takers - mom didn't know the meaning of the word "take." She gave - always, she gave. And she gave from her heart. Today, remembering the blessing God gave this world 87 years ago, I give Him praise because she was ours. We shared her a lot, but she was ours. She never gave so much to others that she didn't have anything left for us. We were the most important people in her life - but that's how she made everyone feel as well. But oh, after they moved, on those rare occasions when we were all together, mom's light was at it's brightest. She just sparkled.
Back to school shopping trips were awesome - and all those new dresses were kept washed and starched and ironed as though they were more than just school dresses, and she always made us feel like we were going to a party.
Most of all, I remember her faith. One day, when my sister was visiting her (Mom and Dad moved to Florida when my dad retired), she said to Michelle that she'd had a dream. In that dream she had met Jesus and she asked Him when she would be out of this prison that was Alzheimer's. He told her that He wasn't ready for her yet - and it was enough for her to know that He was still with her. Chelle said that her face lit up as she spoke about the dream and it was a gift to see that.
God is very generous. He gives us exactly who we need...remember that post a few weeks back about friends for a reason, a season, or a lifetime? And although mom was far too ill to attend my children's weddings, nor did she live to see my grandchildren, or to see her premature granddaughter become a Staff SGT in the Army, I believe that somehow she knows about them all and no doubt has a great view of it all from Heaven. She's probably commenting to Dad about how great we all turned out - well, she always did see things through rose colored glasses anyway. :)
God is so generous to give us these days of remembrance - it keeps us grounded - makes us realize what He's given us - and what we can give.
Thanks for letting me share - He is so generous to have given me friends like you.
Praying for all of our troops - may He bless them with strength, and courage ~ and safety.
Blessings,
Sue

Just plain thank you and God bless you.

Today, with all that is going on in the sand, I'd like to say something to our Troops.
We missed you on Thursday - missed your face at our dinner tables, your tales of mischief with your cousins or friends, your laughter. We missed you leaning your chairs back and saying "whew, Mom, you really
outdid yourself."
Oh you were here alright - you are ALWAYS here. But we missed you. On Thursday at Scott and Tina's I was asked to do the blessing before dinner. It went well - until I got to the part about you. I was able to ask God's blessing on Laurie and Stephen and Kasey with the words catching in my throat a little bit, because although we missed them at the table, we knew that Stephen was carving their own turkey for their little family. They are blessed to have each other. But then I got to the rest of you - and I was lucky to have been able to say anything at all. Because not only do we think about you, but about your families as well. Ron and I remember the Thanksgiving and Christmas that Stephen was in the sand as though it was yesterday. And it's something that we wouldn't want anyone going through - yet nearly 150,000 families ARE going through it right now.
Now, as so many people are storming the malls, or the Best Buy stores, or Wally World, I would like to think that they think about our military once in awhile - not just when they see the news - but that they take time out of their busy days to pray about them and for them. For that reason, I will wear my Military Moms sweatshirt today - to let them think about our sons and daughters, husbands or wives, or other loved ones are serving. Just so that in all the busy-ness of the shopping, they will remember them in prayer and be thankful for the things we often take for granted. And to remember their family members who are struggling to know what should go in the holiday boxes they are sending.
Today and everyday - to our troops who are serving in the finest military in the world, and to those who love them, this is just a simple message, but sincere...
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!!

Sue

Waiting for Thomas!!

In exactly 17 minutes, I will lift the last of 3 pies from the oven - the house smells wonderful - I had requests for apple, cherry, and pumpkin pies and they are all done. Tomorrow will be a relatively quiet in the morning, but then Ron and I-and the pies- head out for Scott and Tina's house, picking up a couple of their friends on the way. I can already smell Tom turkey - he's going to be delicious. I love Thanksgiving - always have. It's more laid back than Christmas. Such great memories - from childhood, and from various points of my adult life.
Tomorrow will be the 37th Thanksgiving Ron and I have celebrated together. The holiday becomes more meaningful to me as I get older - and although it troubles my heart that our family cannot all be together, I am grateful that Laurie and Stephen and Kasey will be sitting at their own table carving up a turkey as well. I remember the years that Laurie was stationed in KY and would drive up for Thanksgiving. She would have a 9 hour drive here and back, but oh the house felt so good with her here. Then there was the year when Stephen was in KY for some training and couldn't get back to where he and Laurie live. They weren't married yet, but were engaged and it was a nice chance for us to bond with him. There was the year that Stephen was in the sand and Ron traveled out to be with Laurie for the holiday and I was surrounded by Scott and Tina and Luke. It was ok for Ron and I to be apart because Laurie needed him there. Isn't it amazing how we adjust to our situations?
For this Thanksgiving, I'd like to mention in particular all those who are serving in harm's way. Do you know how grateful we are for the job that you do? And only God knows how often our prayers are spoken on your behalf. Or how empty your chair is when your family is gathered at the dinner table. Remember, please, that to have you all home would make the holiday perfect, but just because you are there doesn't mean you aren't here at home with us.
Have courage, practice your faith, and be blessed.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
Sue

Bends in the road and journeys of the heart.

The class I'm teaching for Sunday School this fall is called Road Map. My kids - a lively group of 10 7th and 8th grade boys and girls - are great. They are more than willing to share their thoughts which makes the class time really flow. This morning, we were talking about getting lost - in a car as you are traveling somewhere, or in life. I asked them to write down some things that would tell them how they know they are lost. Some of the boys were more than willing to share stories about how their moms got lost going somewhere. And then of course the girls were quick to tell some stories about how their dads got lost and wouldn't ask for directions. Like I said, they are happy to share their thoughts. But some of the kids knew what we were really looking for - and told about they would know they were headed the wrong way if drugs or alcohol suddenly seemed like a good idea. Anyway, they were understanding what the study material was trying to get across. If it feels wrong, don't go there.
How often do we set out in a direction that seems ok, only to lose our way or find that our plans change midstream? Sometimes our kids do things we don't expect (like join the military). On the day that child was born, you had no idea that would be the path he or she will take. But then you watch as the Army makes them strong, and disciplined, and willing to do what it takes to get the job done and you give thanks for the road less traveled - as you discover that it was the right way to go after all. That same road may take your heart to the sand- or to somewhere else far away, but that's just it. Your heart goes where your feet can't, and you are still traveling. Still wondering if it's where you want to go, but not wanting to stay behind.
Take any detours lately? Did you get lost - or did you find something better?
God bless your journey wherever you go.
And thanks for stopping here along the way.
Sue

Thirty seven years and counting!

Exactly thirty seven years ago, I was waking up on my wedding day. Ron and I had only been going together for three weeks when he proposed but then we waited another 6 months before we got married (well we had to plan the wedding...back then things were much simpler). I still remember what Ron's mom said to me when my dad and I walked into the church that Friday night back in 1969. "Now don't cry when your father walks you down the aisle - we don't want to have Ron see you crying." Well, I managed not to cry then...but anyone who looked closely at me when we left the ceremony as a married couple could see a few tears glistening in my eyes.
I can't tell you all that these past 37 years have meant to me being married to Ron - but I can say for sure that I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. I have said that since the moment we began dating - and before. Now, as we watch our grown children living their lives and as we enjoy our three grandchildren as well, I shudder to think how empty my life would be without him. Thank you, God.
Grow old along with me - the best is yet to be.
Honey - I think those words were written for you and I.
To Ron - Happy Anniversary honey- I love you.
Thirty seven and counting....
Love,
Susie

TAKE ME ALONG!!


Happy Monday! The weekend sure did go quickly - but then what else is new? Ron and I had a great weekend - we went Christmas shopping for the grandkids on Saturday, visited Scott and Tina and Veronica (Luke continuing with his out and about and having fun tradition), and then Ron and I went out for dinner to The Red Lobster. That's a restaurant we save for special occasions so we decided to go there to celebrate our wedding anniversary which is tomorrow (more on that tomorrow) . and also to honor Ron on Veteran's Day too. So, we ate and ate (LOVE those cheesy-garlic biscuits), and got home early to watch movies and a documentary on CNN. As we sat watching movies (horror movies not my cup of tea) I got to thinking about my sisters. Being the middle kid, I have a sister Pat (older) and a younger sister too (Chelle) and though we fought like typical siblings when we were younger, we have been close in our adult years. We are separated by distance but still fortunate to be connected by a loving bond that has remained strong despite long separations and difficult family situations. As I thought about Pat, I was suddenly reminded of our high school years. Pat was always one to try out for every school play or operetta ever produced in the auditorium of our high school during her years there. With her sweet and clear singing voice and her ability to fill each role with emotion, she was always able to capture a top role. This past Saturday night, I recalled one operetta in particular...Take Me Along. It was a story about a man who couldn't hold on to any sort of relationship because of his inability to stay out of trouble. So, as the male lead sang his closing song with a broken heart, leaving town in disgrace, and without the woman he loves, he turns to board the large artificial train which served as the backdrop. From amongst the hushed audience came a sweet voice calling out..."Sid," and she began singing the finale..."Take me along, take me along..."
It was Pat. She had managed to walk into the dark auditorium during her co-cast member's song and had stopped next to my seat. With so much attention on the young man on stage singing his sad song, I hadn't noticed her standing there, which was exactly her intention, so that nothing gave her away. But as I wiped away the tears (yes, Nancy, even back then I was like that:), it dawned on me that this was the closing night of Pat's last high school operetta. I was so proud of her. So I picked up the phone yesterday and dialed her number in Tennessee just to say hi and I love you - sometimes those memories are God prompting us to do things like that. We haven't talked for awhile - no good reason, just time getting away from us both - and so it was good to chat. She invited Ron and I down to TN for my 60th in March and Chelle and her husband Bob will be going too we hope.
Take me along...take me along. I guess ~ in a way ~ that's what we are asking God to do when we pray for guidance. Take me along Lord and keep me on the path YOU would have me follow. I don't remember a time in my life when Jesus hasn't been present. In fact maybe God has been the one saying to me "take me along..take me along." I may have strayed off the path once in awhile - ok, probably lots of times - but He's always been with me.
Ever feel like that path stretches out long and uncertain? Deployments, or illness, any uncertain situation you know won't be settled soon? Our faith asks us to bid Him..."take me along Lord." Our trust tells us to hold out our hand and let Him lead us. His love for us answers that bidding every single time.
How awesome is that?
God bless you and those we love who serve.
Sue

Have you hugged a Veteran today?

This is a day of remembering all those who have served - and to honor all those who are now serving.
Before I went to work on the day that Laurie left active Army service after nearly 7 years, I removed the bumper sticker on my car which said, "My Daughter is Serving in the US Army" and replaced it with a new one which said, "HAVE YOU HUGGED A VETERAN TODAY?"
Ron and I took the two star banner out of the window, and replaced it with the one star banner which had been removed when Laurie and Stephen got engaged. At work, at the end of my desk, I replaced the paper copy of my two star banner with the one star and also posted the same bumper sticker above asking about hugging a veteran. I could still honor Laurie's service in this way. All of these little acts were bittersweet for us - only another military parent or relative can understand the pride and the fear, the love and the frustration, the ups and the downs of having a loved one serve. When it's all over, well, there is relief and also a tinge of regret.
Of course all of those actions were reversed when Laurie re-joined as a reservist. And it was then that I realized that those old familiar feelings in her serving hadn't diminished at all.
Like I said, it can only be understood by those who walk in the shoes.
My first words to Ron this morning were, "Happy Veteran's Day."
Ron served for 6 years in the Navy during the Vietnam War era - and in fact they did lose a comrade when their ship came under fire as it patrolled the shores of Vietnam. I am proud of his service too - and of his ever present loyalty to our country and our military.
I am one of those people who cries easily - not so much from sadness but from GOOD things. Things like joy; or pride (not boastful pride but a loyal pride like singing the Star Spangled Banner or God Bless America).
This morning on CNN there was a soldier currently serving in Iraq who was given a long distance reunion with his wife and 3 children. It was a public forum for such a private moment and yet, it was perfect.
The President will be at Arlington today presenting a wreath at the tomb of the unknowns and that ceremony will also be on CNN or FOX. And I will watch it - and probably shed a few tears because of the faithfulness God has shown to our country. From the very first moment America was born, men and women have fought hard - and constantly - for our freedom and
to keep us safe. The service of our military as I write this post is not one iota different. The methods and the weapons have changed, but their hearts have not. Quite simply, they are the finest military in the world, as we have always been blessed with. And God has always been faithful in His grace and love.
So - have YOU hugged a Veteran today? Go out and find one - and make sure they know how thankful you are for their courage and sacrifice. And then find a current member of the military if you can - or write to a man or woman who serves - and let them hear your gratitude as well.
God bless America and all those who love her and defend her.
Sue

Blessed are they...

Hi everyone! Well, you might have wondered where I've been lately. We have no internet at home and my workday doesn't normally allow for time to post here. But today, I am taking my lunch at my desk so I wanted to say hello.
Yesterday was All Saints Day - commemoration of the faithful departed. It's always a bittersweet Sunday - remembering friends and family in Christ who have passed away in the past year. Pastor remembers them individually in prayer, and then a bell tolls after each name is read. The Gospel lesson yesterday was the sermon on the mount from Matthew - the beatitudes. Though I used to get hung up in the meaning of each one, I now take them for what their simple message gives:
Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
To me they say - be gentle, and compassionate, and seek the ways of the Lord no matter who defies or belittles or injures you. It tells me that no matter how low I may be in Spirit, He gives me the comfort of knowing that His love goodness are with me. To make peace out of chaos - in relationships you have with others, or in those trying times when two people you love are divided.
When we think of peacemakers, we think of ambassadors, or envoys, or leaders of nations. But when GOD thinks of peacemakers it is you and I that He thinks of. To pray, to reach out, to reason, to love. To help others to know the Peace that He gives.
So, my friends, thank you for the blessing of your friendship. I know that in many ways you show these things to so many. May He bless you for being a blessing.
See you soon I hope - until next time, I am thinking of you and keeping you in prayer - especially if you love someone in uniform, I wish you peace as we all pray for their safety.
Sue