In the midst of my parents' big move out west, my mom's friends threw her a few going-away parties. At one of these parties, among the many memories mentioned by the people she's known for years, her friend and one of my favorite people in the world, Tamie, reminisced about something that pertained directly to me.
Flashback to my 7th grade year. My friend Hillary and I were waiting to be picked up from school when our moms showed up together. Now, it was any normal weekday so the fact that our mothers were together seemed a little odd. It wasn't until the doors were shut and we were both in the car that we truly understood the motive. Both moms turned around staring at us exclaimed, "Do you girls have something to tell us?!" We looked at our moms in awe, looked at one another, then back at our moms. We truly had no idea what they were talking about.
Instead of pursuing the conversation, we drove quickly out of the parking lot and toward a direction opposite of our houses. The car winded through the backroads and stopped abruptly at a bridge that I had seen at least a thousand times. Our moms got out and we followed, still without the slightest idea of what was going on.
They pointed at the bridge and as we got closer, we realized that it had been spray painted... And not just tagged randomly, but painted thoughtfully, with our names (and our boyfriends' names) ALL over it! We were just as shocked as our parents.
Honestly, I have no idea what kind of conclusion we came to our how we got our parents to believe that we had nothing to do with the tacky bridge (other than the fact that we were both scared of the dark and the bridge wasn't exactly a hop, skip, and a jump away from either of our houses). What I do know is that the bridge was painted back to its original state within a day (I think Hillary's dad called in a few favors), and it was never really talked about again until much later.
As funny as this story is now, it made me think about rebellion and what makes someone go out and paint a bridge or commit a thoughtless (or even illegal) act. I like to think my parents were lucky... The worst my brother and I really did was sneak out to TP someone's house. We did get grounded though, so it didn't happen again. Don't get me wrong, we did things our parents didn't know about, but nothing truly harmful and especially not illegal. I have to credit my parents for this... We never felt like we had to lie to them. We never really felt the need to do "stupid" things. I can only hope that I'm able to have the same relationship with my kids.
And for the record, Hillary and I really DIDN'T paint the bridge, and we still don't know who did (although we have a few theories). :)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Answered Prayer
My mom got a job in Midland! She signs her contract Monday!
I am happy for her, but a baby bit sad for myself because I haven't lived over an hour away from my parents since my first year of college. It's going to be so weird, but I am comforted by the fact that they aren't supposed to be there more than a year. I can make it a year. :)
I am happy for her, but a baby bit sad for myself because I haven't lived over an hour away from my parents since my first year of college. It's going to be so weird, but I am comforted by the fact that they aren't supposed to be there more than a year. I can make it a year. :)
Monday, January 11, 2010
On a Lighter Note.
Since the mood of my last few blogs has been, well... depressing, I have decided to share something very inspirational. I received this email from my roommate, Amy, a week or so ago.
Let me give you some background before you read it. It was written by her sister-in-law, Misty. Misty and Amy's brother, Tommy have 2 beautiful boys. Their oldest, Drake, was diagnosed a year or so ago with EE (Eosinophilic esophagitis). EE is an allergic inflammatory disease in which certain foods cause Drake to become very ill. I can't imagine what their family has been through trying to find foods that his body with process successfully. It has been a rough year, but they are so strong in faith and love, and Misty's email proves this. Enjoy.
A Happy 2010 to you all!!!As we start this year and soon embark on our 4th trip to Cinci. Children’s Hospital, I feel like I am supposed to share our story.
2009 has brought many blessings to our household. At the start of this year, Drake had zero foods and was still living off a formula only. Fast forward to now and Drake has eight foods. Eight may not seem like a lot but those eight foods have been life changing!
I must admit that this journey has been extremely hard, heartbreaking, and filled with many dark moments. There was even a time when I could not pray to God. I figured that if I asked God to bless Drake with food and he didn’t pass any foods then that would mean God failed me and worse my innocent son. So I somehow talked myself into not praying. I figured if I didn’t ask God for anything then I couldn’t get mad at Him. He could not fail me if I did not let him in. Yup……that didn’t work even though I tried to make it work for months.
Then just one day I realized that trusting God does not mean He will give you what you want. It means that He will give you peace throughout your crisis….that He will sustain you through the dark time…that He has a plan even though it may not be your plan. I let God back in and have now had a great peace. I will admit that I do still get very nervous when we are awaiting biopsy results, but I also know that God will get us through, and that God has given Drake a solid eight foods. So in 2010, may God bless you with peace and the knowledge that He will help you through whatever your trouble may be….financial, bad hair day, food allergies, sickness, a rotten day at work…
I end with a story from Drake. As we drove to the Little Gym I was snacking on toast (baby #3 makes me hungry). Drake asked if he could have a bite. Once again, I routinely said, “No, honey, we aren’t trying this yet.” I take a deep breath. Drake exclaims, “Mama, tell me the good news!” Good news I thought?? “What is that, Drake?” “Mama, tell me all the foods I can eat!” I slowly list off his eight foods making it seem like a lot…..He smiles with delight. “See, mama, that is such good news!” I am so proud of Drake….that he can see the Good News in all of this! May we all be able to see the Good News in our hard times!!!
God bless you and yours! Happy New Year, and send prayers as we take both boys to Cinci. for biopsies! Hoping Drake gets oats, beef, cocoa, and lemon…hoping Cade is clear!!!
Love,
All the Swans
Let me give you some background before you read it. It was written by her sister-in-law, Misty. Misty and Amy's brother, Tommy have 2 beautiful boys. Their oldest, Drake, was diagnosed a year or so ago with EE (Eosinophilic esophagitis). EE is an allergic inflammatory disease in which certain foods cause Drake to become very ill. I can't imagine what their family has been through trying to find foods that his body with process successfully. It has been a rough year, but they are so strong in faith and love, and Misty's email proves this. Enjoy.
A Happy 2010 to you all!!!As we start this year and soon embark on our 4th trip to Cinci. Children’s Hospital, I feel like I am supposed to share our story.
2009 has brought many blessings to our household. At the start of this year, Drake had zero foods and was still living off a formula only. Fast forward to now and Drake has eight foods. Eight may not seem like a lot but those eight foods have been life changing!
I must admit that this journey has been extremely hard, heartbreaking, and filled with many dark moments. There was even a time when I could not pray to God. I figured that if I asked God to bless Drake with food and he didn’t pass any foods then that would mean God failed me and worse my innocent son. So I somehow talked myself into not praying. I figured if I didn’t ask God for anything then I couldn’t get mad at Him. He could not fail me if I did not let him in. Yup……that didn’t work even though I tried to make it work for months.
Then just one day I realized that trusting God does not mean He will give you what you want. It means that He will give you peace throughout your crisis….that He will sustain you through the dark time…that He has a plan even though it may not be your plan. I let God back in and have now had a great peace. I will admit that I do still get very nervous when we are awaiting biopsy results, but I also know that God will get us through, and that God has given Drake a solid eight foods. So in 2010, may God bless you with peace and the knowledge that He will help you through whatever your trouble may be….financial, bad hair day, food allergies, sickness, a rotten day at work…
I end with a story from Drake. As we drove to the Little Gym I was snacking on toast (baby #3 makes me hungry). Drake asked if he could have a bite. Once again, I routinely said, “No, honey, we aren’t trying this yet.” I take a deep breath. Drake exclaims, “Mama, tell me the good news!” Good news I thought?? “What is that, Drake?” “Mama, tell me all the foods I can eat!” I slowly list off his eight foods making it seem like a lot…..He smiles with delight. “See, mama, that is such good news!” I am so proud of Drake….that he can see the Good News in all of this! May we all be able to see the Good News in our hard times!!!
God bless you and yours! Happy New Year, and send prayers as we take both boys to Cinci. for biopsies! Hoping Drake gets oats, beef, cocoa, and lemon…hoping Cade is clear!!!
Love,
All the Swans
Thursday, January 7, 2010
One of These Days.
We buried my PawPaw, Jess Willard White, today. As I sat at next to my grandma and the song, "Rise Again" was playing, I found my mind wandering. First of all, if you haven't heard the song, look up the lyrics... INCREDIBLE. This song is especially touching to my family because it was sung at my uncle's (my mom's baby brother's) funeral almost 25 years ago. Clearly, that is where my mind first went. Unfortunately, I never got to know him, but I do know he was loved so much. I am convinced some of the tears today were for him as well.
Next, I thought of my great-grandmother, PawPaw's wife, who was actually more like a grandma to me growing up. As I did the math in my head, I realized she has been gone for 12 years. It feels like yesterday. She was an amazing woman and I still miss her every day.
I thought of my dad's brother, my Uncle Bruce, who was killed this past July in a car wreck. I put myself back at his funeral and it broke my heart. I thought of my dad's mom, who died in 2006 and my Uncle Jimbo who died the year before that after a very long battle with cancer.
Even before that, my mom lost her sister, my dad lost his father, my grandma lost both her brother and father...
And that's not all. As I sat on the front pew today, couldn't help but wonder why... Why do some people lose SO many of their loved ones when others still have all alive and well? Don't get me wrong, I am not wishing this inevitable pain on anyone, I just wonder the meaning behind it all. I have tons of theories, and I'd love to hear others...
I always say I sure do have a lot of questions for the Lord. I hope He has plenty of time to talk when I get to Heaven.
Until then, I am counting my blessings tenfold, knowing that every second I have on earth and with the people I love is precious.
Next, I thought of my great-grandmother, PawPaw's wife, who was actually more like a grandma to me growing up. As I did the math in my head, I realized she has been gone for 12 years. It feels like yesterday. She was an amazing woman and I still miss her every day.
I thought of my dad's brother, my Uncle Bruce, who was killed this past July in a car wreck. I put myself back at his funeral and it broke my heart. I thought of my dad's mom, who died in 2006 and my Uncle Jimbo who died the year before that after a very long battle with cancer.
Even before that, my mom lost her sister, my dad lost his father, my grandma lost both her brother and father...
And that's not all. As I sat on the front pew today, couldn't help but wonder why... Why do some people lose SO many of their loved ones when others still have all alive and well? Don't get me wrong, I am not wishing this inevitable pain on anyone, I just wonder the meaning behind it all. I have tons of theories, and I'd love to hear others...
I always say I sure do have a lot of questions for the Lord. I hope He has plenty of time to talk when I get to Heaven.
Until then, I am counting my blessings tenfold, knowing that every second I have on earth and with the people I love is precious.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
On Wings Like Eagles
My great-grandfather, PawPaw, passed away this morning at 94 years of age. It has been a very bittersweet day for all of us as we know that all of his pain is now gone.
Please keep my family, especially my Grandpa, in your thoughts and prayers.
Please keep my family, especially my Grandpa, in your thoughts and prayers.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Goodbye 2009
I had a wonderful holiday. It was nice to sit back, relax, and count all of my blessings. My family went to Ruidoso, New Mexico to ring in the new year, and I have to say-- I am looking forward to 2010 and ready to say Goodbye to 2009. I thought that in the spirit of the new year, I would reminisce on the events, both good and bad, that happened in 2009. It has been a whirlwind of a year.
1. I began my alternative certification program.
2. My grandmother had a severe stroke, leaving her temporarily blind. When she got her sight back, the doctor said it was a miracle.
3. I passed my 4-8 Mathematics certification test.
4. I moved out of my apartment in Frisco and in with a roommate, my friend Amy.
5. Matt turned 27 (the day he had to move me)... Poor thing!
6. Matt and I celebrated 3 years (ish) together on July 1.
7. My family went to Ruidoso for my brothers 27th birthday.
8. My uncle was tragically killed in a car accident in July. It is still hard to believe.
9. I was hired on as an 8th grade Math teacher. I am so thankful that someone gave me a chance to prove myself as an educator.
10. I left DBU... FINALLY! :)
11. I started my very first school year as a teacher and met some wonderful people!
12. 2 of my closest friends lost their grandmothers.
13. My best friend got engaged and I got to go to Little Rock to celebrate with her!
14. Matt and I booked a last-minute trip to San Francisco.
15. I got to see David Gray and Napa Valley... I am still in awe by both.
16. My family spent Thanksgiving with Matt's family.
17. I got my first two-week Christmas vacation since I was in high school!
18. My family went back for a much-needed trip to Ruidoso for New Years.
19. Matt and I were able to have a GOOD ski trip! I snowboarded for the first time in 3 years and didn't die.
25. I turned 25 surrounded by 6 of my favorite people. :)
So as you can see, it has been a crazy year. I have loved and lost and grown even more as a person. I truly do look forward to what 2010 will bring!
1. I began my alternative certification program.
2. My grandmother had a severe stroke, leaving her temporarily blind. When she got her sight back, the doctor said it was a miracle.
3. I passed my 4-8 Mathematics certification test.
4. I moved out of my apartment in Frisco and in with a roommate, my friend Amy.
5. Matt turned 27 (the day he had to move me)... Poor thing!
6. Matt and I celebrated 3 years (ish) together on July 1.
7. My family went to Ruidoso for my brothers 27th birthday.
8. My uncle was tragically killed in a car accident in July. It is still hard to believe.
9. I was hired on as an 8th grade Math teacher. I am so thankful that someone gave me a chance to prove myself as an educator.
10. I left DBU... FINALLY! :)
11. I started my very first school year as a teacher and met some wonderful people!
12. 2 of my closest friends lost their grandmothers.
13. My best friend got engaged and I got to go to Little Rock to celebrate with her!
14. Matt and I booked a last-minute trip to San Francisco.
15. I got to see David Gray and Napa Valley... I am still in awe by both.
16. My family spent Thanksgiving with Matt's family.
17. I got my first two-week Christmas vacation since I was in high school!
18. My family went back for a much-needed trip to Ruidoso for New Years.
19. Matt and I were able to have a GOOD ski trip! I snowboarded for the first time in 3 years and didn't die.
25. I turned 25 surrounded by 6 of my favorite people. :)
So as you can see, it has been a crazy year. I have loved and lost and grown even more as a person. I truly do look forward to what 2010 will bring!
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