Did You Call Your Mom Today?

When I woke up today, this being Mother's Day, I thought about how lucky I am to be mom to Erica and Hannah. But it wasn't until I got to church that I realized how really really blessed that I am to be sitting at the point of my life that I am sitting right now (I'll get back to that later).

MY DAD:
39 years ago I started out this journey called life. Born to a carpenter and a factory mill worker, and the first child produced from my mom's second marriage. It's hard to imagine that some don't take parenting seriously, but believe me people, not everyone is meant to be a parent, or in my family's case, a Dad. In defense of my father, it's pretty hard to be a good dad when alcohol consumes your life. I have come to know well the tragedy of alcoholism. I have been estranged from my dad for over 20 years now, because of it. I won't go into details, besides most everyone reading this knows. If there is one thing I have learned, it's that not time, but God that heals hearts. I am able to pray for my dad now, and that is just about all that I need to take away from the whole situation.

MY MOM:
My mom is one of the most tender hearted, sweet, funny and caring people you would ever want to meet. If there is anything I fault my mom for, it is not giving up when she needed to. My mom had an idea of family that she fought for, for more than 20 years, but it just was not meant to be. It's that whole thing about free will that messed everything up for her. She prayed for my dad and that he would be the kind of husband and father he needed and she needed him to be. Mom has been through alot, but she has truly become a great friend and role model to me. That is a huge statement considering that I did some very stupid things growing up. I am glad that I always had her watchful eye on me, and that she showed and continues to show unconditional love to me.

Which brings me back to the beginning of my post. So, I go into the upstairs balcony at church, which is where we always sit, and there is my sweet Erica saving a place for us. I was so thrilled that she made it to the early service- that was a special Mother's Day gift for me! So we had a special service this morning in which the Youth was completely in charge of everything. They go through the opening prayer and offering. Then what happened next left me in tears. They did an amazing play about how all kinds of worldly and evil things distract us from God's love. How they pull and tug at you, but in the end, if you just decide to trust God the results can be amazing. Which is when I realized that when I look back and think about at all of those things that tugged at me (and there was alot), I am so glad that I decided to trust God 'cause I get to live this beautiful life including being Mommy to Erica and Hannah, and oh so much more!!!! Thank you girls, for making this such a great Mother's Day. I love you with my whole heart!

Finishing An Unfinished Chapter

Well I did it. I applied to go back to school and finish my degree. I have requested the transcripts be sent, and completed the admissions application. The only thing left to do is meet with a college advisor to see if there is anything left to do. Am I crazy or what! The thing is...is that the motivation that I have to go back is not driven by a job promotion or to add to my success. God has blessed me far beyond my expectations. The reason I want to go back is kind of nerdy. You see, it seems the older that I get, the more I really thirst for knowledge. Too bad I didn't have this thirst back when I really needed to have it. I guess life is funny that way. I'm not gonna get crazy about it though. I figure I will take my sweet time, and if I am graduating college the same time Hannah is, so be it. I am kind of looking forward to mingling with the young folks.........ha ha that sounds so funny to me! This should be interesting. I'll keep you posted.