THIS HAPPENED today. Each day that passes brings new adventure. We began today hearing the rattle of “doggie” as Colton came to wake us up. The little guy slept an amazing ten hours and was ready to roll! He and his Pop began their Saturday morning playtime, consisting of pretend animals, builder and his pals, music, and the list goes on. This was interrupted only by a good morning call from Mama and Daddy to let us know when they would arrive to pick their boy up.

The kids arrived with a new backpack. Not the kind of pack that carries his clothes back and forth between our houses, or the kind that carries his notebook and school papers. That’s when it happened. This backpack was a visual reminder that life is changing. As Colton got dressed and ready to go, his excitement was evident! The backpack seemed a little large until his Daddy adjusted it, but once he did the smile spoke louder than any words could have expressed.  Colton posed for a couple of pictures, which always makes Mama and Nana happy.

From the time that Colton began swinging a red plastic bat, through all the backyard baseball games (even when he ran the bases backwards),  I have wondered what it would be like if Colton decided that he wanted to play baseball. Suddenly, here we are.

You see, some of my absolute best memories with Josh are the hours (too many to count) that I sat on a bleacher, my heart racing, watching him play ball. Days at the batting cages watching him swing, over and over. Days that ended in joy, and some that ended in heartbreak. Days that were so cold you almost couldn’t stand to sit still and days that were so hot you thought you would melt. Days creating memory after memory. Now, I wonder, will Josh and Laura experience the same emotions that I have?  Will your hearts stop each time this boy of yours slides towards a base, or runs towards that outfield fence with no care as to how close it is? Will you hold your breath with each pitch? Will you say a prayer before each game for his safety?

Pop and I sure do look forward to watching Colton play.  We are also reminded by that blue Doggie hanging out of his backpack that he is just five-years-old. I find myself thankful that as quickly as time is passing…….there are still so many memories to make.

November 9, 2016.

It is the day after a historical election in the United States of America.

Some woke up today distressed, saddened and feeling loss. There are many posts about people being in fear. “I am afraid” were words that I saw many times in my feed today. There were many posts about what will now happen to our country, to our laws, to our futures.

Some woke up elated and feeling joy. There were few posts about this victory.

What I really read and saw today was people scurrying, just to be heard. I think that when you vote and your candidate isn’t elected, it feels as if you weren’t heard at all. I hear that you are afraid. I hear that you are elated. I am listening. There probably isn’t anyone that hasn’t read a post today that made them mad or sad. Choice can allow you to stay in that place: sad, angry, afraid. Choice will also allow you to stand up and work for change. Regardless of how you voted, you can be a vessel for change. Volunteer and make a difference!

This isn’t a post to advocate for change from one side of the political isle or another. This is a reminder that we all make choices. You an choose to remain in a place of darkness or you can rise above. You can choose to be angry at one another, or you can choose to allow everyone their opinion (and their vote) and love them in spite of your differences.  I hope that you chose to vote. I hope that whether you “won” or “lost” with that vote, that you realize how important it is to exercise that right. I hope that when you voted you paused, for just a moment, and gave thanks for the men and women that fight for your freedom so that you can cast your ballot. THAT is important.

Support your neighbors, friends and community regardless of how you “think” they cast their ballot. We don’t have to agree on politics in order to get about the work at hand. I don’t need a politician to tell me that I have neighbors who are homeless, children who need someone to read to them, elderly that need a phone call to say that you care, people to be fed.  The best thing for your community (and your spirit) is to connect and be helpful. Play nice and be kind to each other…..I promise that you won’t regret it.

Many moons ago (442 of them, if you’re counting) there was a baby born in Brevard, North Carolina. His mother was thrilled because it was back in the day where you didn’t have an option to discover the sex of your child prior to birth and nere a girl name was chosen.  Joshua came into the world stubbornly and with opinion. Some personality traits begin, literally, as we take our first breath!

From that day forward this boy was my center. My life gained purpose that day like it had never had; a determination to care for him, provide him security, love him beyond measure and let him never doubt that he has a cheerleader. That plan was easy. Joshua was easy. He, quickly, became a protector of his mama. I am reminded of the time that we had a rat (mouse, actually) running around the outside walls of our living room.  As I screamed for Josh to stay on the couch, he forcefully yelled at the mouse, “don’t you scare my mama!” I am blessed that he knows the value of family and  maintaining ties with those we love.

Fast forward to Joshua’s school years and beyond. He graduated with honors, both from high school and college. He immediately went to work and began to gather his life plan. He has an affection for automobiles. He embraces his heritage, hunting when his time allows, listening to a variety of music and, yes, collecting cars. He set out to find a wife that would be a lifetime partner to him; someone who would embrace his sense of adventure.  He found that in Laura. She’s that girl; the one who doesn’t say no to another car/truck in the driveway AND appreciates live Christmas trees! They set out to expand their lives and did so by adding Colton to the mix in 2011. Now THAT rocked all of our worlds! This morning Colton recorded a video for his daddy’s birthday. He identified Josh as his best friend. The life cycle continues; another generation being raised to love and appreciate family.

As I woke this morning to the pitter-patter of small feet I smiled. Josh and Laura could not have catalog ordered a child any more like his father. At that moment my heart was overwhelmed that Pop and I have been blessed to raise Joshua, and now, to be grandparents to Colton. If you’ve ever talked parenting with me you know that I believe that God gave me an easy child because He knew I couldn’t do hard. I do believe that to be true. I also believe that somewhere along the way I was able to convey to that boy born 37 years ago today that I love him unconditionally, through life crisis, through tears, through joy, with the joining of his new family and beyond. I wouldn’t redo one minute of our journey, Joshua, and I thank God for allowing me the privilege of being your mom.