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Many moons ago…

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.

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The Car Rider Line

Our grandson, Colton, started school in August. I am fortunate that my job allows time flexibility (it comes from working weird hours and having a great boss) and most days I am able to pick him up from school. I must add that when his daddy was young I also picked him up from school. However, I have no recollection of any of this daily hurriedness in that car rider line! Yes, the car rider line has changed immensely! Even though school dismisses at exactly the same time that it did those years ago, apparently the information about when a child’s day ends has been lost. I watch people every day that arrive at school at 2:20 – 2:50, rush into a parking space (making sure they are ahead of the car rider line so that they can make their exit), hurry into the school, check their child(ren) out, rush back to their cars and leave. My first thought was WOW a lot of kids have doctors appointments in the afternoon. That was until I heard a couple of people talking to their children/grandchilden about how they are NOT waiting in that car rider line. I get it. I truly do. If you aren’t in the line by 2:15, then you don’t get your rider into the car until 3:30. For little guys, that just extends their day by another thirty minutes, after they have been gone since early morning, have racked their little brains all day, are exhausted and STARVING! But for those of you who are in the “I won’t wait” category, I ask you what lesson are you teaching? For that matter, do you savor any of your day?
I, too, began this journey in a hurry. I have decided, however, that there is a much more productive and pleasant way to spend my time. Sometimes I check my email (the joy of quiet email time), sometimes I work (have laptop, will travel), but there are also afternoons that I just sit and wonder. Wonder what, you ask? I wonder how Colton’s day was at school. I wonder whether or not he learned anything new and IF he will share that with me (not all five-year old days are the same). I allow myself that sweet, sweet moment of anticipation (just like when I used to pick Joshua up in the afternoon) about seeing Colton’s smile when he sees me. I relish the fact that I am able to sit in a car rider line and wait out the time that it takes to pick up our grandson. Such a blessing! For those of you who are in such a hurry…it reflects in your actions when you have your child by the hand, hurrying to your car, no speaking and rushing them around. Take a breath; allow yourself that moment. Tomorrow is but a few hours away and you will never get back the opportunity that you just passed up.
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