A GIFT OF WORDS

A dear friend wrote to Lance and I this week.

It's amazing how the incredible art of letter writing has dissipated with the blur of technology at hand.

He wrote:

...I'm very happy for you both. It sometimes seems the impossible task- amid the race of life and the hurried pace of the world - to find that person with whom you can see the rest of your life playing out with. While there's an endless parade of people who can satisfy some parts of our lives - friends, family, lovers- finding that one person who fulfills so many things all at the same time, well, it sometimes seems a miracle.

His words ring with such truth.

The letter continued on, articulate and beautiful.

We will frame this and put it on the wall.

It touched us more than we can reflect.

Thank you for this LJ... Thank you.

TRANQUILITY

Rain falling on a quiet evening
Walking hand in hand with the man I love
Watching the dog swim to retrieve her ball
Hearing my children laugh and play together

Listening to my dad's breathing as he sleeps
Hearing my mom say, "I love you Becc..."
Or laying my head on her lap and having her stroke my hair

Feeling the love of my sister
Having a nice conversation with one of my girlfriends
Or hearing that one of them is doing exceptionally well

Laying on my bed on a Sunday afternoon reading a good book
knowing the rest of my crew is doing the same
Watching a good football game
Or just hearing one in the background

Watering our trees
Mowing the lawn
Providing a nice smile for a stranger

Seeing a field of flowers
Smelling one.
Finding a bird's egg casing in the lawn
Seeing a field full of cattle with babies

A beautiful sunset
Or a majestic sunrise

Memories of my brother as children
Combing his hair
drawing pictures on his back with a rat tail comb
Him guessing what it is

Sitting here smiling
because the memories and list could go on and on...

MISPLACED FLATTERY

As I am walking to return a movie at Family Video today, I see a young man (a punk) sitting in a black mustang convertible. (Cigarette hanging out of his mouth, five o'clock shadow, and a cutoff shirt)

Yuck.

"Hey, Honey."

Okay. I knew something was coming. (Give him direct eye contact on your return.)

""Hey Honey" is not very respectful to the opposite sex."

Keep walking. There is a vehicle between you.

"Oh it's not? Well I just wanted you to know that you are HOT!"

Yes. I know. I'm feeling it today.

(Give me a break. You know those days! When you feel like you have the world and It's loving you.)

Why is this not flattering me? I am a thirty something mother that, most of the time, feels chubby.

Duh! Because I have an incredible husband at home that makes me feel like a princess all of the time, you pig!!

I'm sorry.

Is this really what boys today think works on girls?!?

It wasn't even his car! And the cigarette! Yuck!

Oh. By the way - We ARE NOT moving to Houston! It was a joke! You had to look at the pictures.

I WANT TO LIVE!

Just spoke to Lance and heard some disturbing news.

One of our local businessmen has passed away of a sudden massive heart attack. 47 years old!!!! An adventurer, a father, a kind, gentle looking man!

There is so much beauty in life! So much to do and see!

Why are we still here? We have two obstacles in our path and a world awaiting us.

How can we break this mold?

I want to see the world! Expose our daughters to it all! Share all of it with Lance!!

How can we do this as inexpensively as possible so we can see the maximum amount available???

Pride

It is amazing to me how much you think you know as a child and how much you want to know as an adult.

This is a conversation Lance and I have had and I just draw energy from such a conversation.

Here is a man that is so well educated. Has worked in Washington DC, has worked for and met some very prestigious people, traveled to many destinations in this beautiful country of ours and knows SO much. Yet, at the same time is so incredibly noble and respectful and never judgemental.

I opted for an awesome opportunity with Northwest instead of the four year college opportuniy. I loved my choice and never looked back on it.

I was about to list all of the accomplishments that I have made in life, but Lance has taught me that this is an inner beauty. I have SO much to be proud of! More than some with a college degree could ever touch. As I sit here and reflect at what I have done and the money that I have helped to gross in my lifetime - it is amazing! Simply amazing!

Yes. I have a proud smile on my face and I am patting myself on the back. I am also reflecting on the pride I have for so many of the success stories I have read and know of. (With and without a degree)

Whatever road you have chosen in life, if you have a success story to share - share it. Be proud. Show our children that they too can do it!

I am all about a great education, but lets also teach them that hard work in the end is where the success and pride will lay.

PS) Northern Michigan Mom is in need of your help. http://www.northernmichiganmom.blogspot.com and

Jenn needs your prayers. http://www.iservethequeens.blogspot.com/

and I can't figure out how the whole link thing works :-)

God speed!