Ramblings of an Old, Romantic Soul

Our minds work in mysterious ways, as does our Lord.  This is how my day started: Mom: I have a dumb question to ask. Me: No question is dumb. What’s your question? Mom: That furniture in my bedroom looks like the furniture I bought long ago. Is it mine? Me: Yes. That’s yours. Mom: Oh my! How nice that it’s here. I bought something else too, I think Me: The cedar chest? Mom: Yes! She then proceeds to relate the whole story about how/why/when she bought the furniture. Mind you, I've heard this story many, many times. And isn't it odd that she can remember the story of how she bought the furniture, which was 70 years ago, but cannot remember that the furniture was moved down here with her. It has been in her room for over a year. She looks at it often and relates the story. Yes, I could feel my inner annoyance. I just wanted to drink my coffee and do my bible study. Here is an excerpt from this morning's study: "He is always there—far outranking Satan in strength—to hear...

  When I took this photo, I had a moment of clarity. These two precious beings are kindred spirits. I see a woman who has lived a good life with a mind full of wisdom and facts, and a baby, just starting her life with a mind eager for knowledge. They seem to be so different. But are they?  I think not. In fact, they are quite similar in many ways.  Mom is 91. Audriana is 9 months. Quite a disparity in age. Yet, both have their meals prepared for them or they would not eat.  Both have a walker to assist them - Mom to steady herself; Audri to learn how to walk. Both need assistance in selecting clothes for they day. Both require repetition; one to retain knowledge, the other to access knowledge.  Both take frequent naps. Mom requires a wheelchair or electric scooter for our daily walks; Audri requires a stroller - neither are strong, or confident, enough to walk on their own. Both enjoy and laugh at my dancing and find me entertaining. 😀 Both are fully dependent ...

Hello again. Back by not so popular demand 😁  Depression is a sneaky thing.  Depression doesn't play fair. And depression does not make sense.  By all accounts, on paper, I should be the happiest person on earth. I have a loving, devoted husband, a wonderful marriage, a beautiful home, family and friends that love me unconditionally, fairly good health. The list is endless.  Yet for years, I have suffered from mild depression.   I have always believed that depression was a state of mind - that one could choose to be depressed, or one could choose to be happy.  I didn't get it.  But it is not so simple.  My depression started in 2009, with a horrific family tragedy. Subsequent years were followed by my father's death along with sudden deaths (and not so sudden) of  family members and friends. And though our move to Florida was/is the best thing we have ever done, the isolation from family took a toll.  As I said above, depression do...

Merry Christmas!  The poem below was written in 2012.  My dear friend graciously sent it back tome yesterday.  It is somewhat whimsical, using different Christmas carols, but the true Christmas spirit shines through. Between visitors, Mom, and prepping for the holiday, my writing has been sparse. My heart is still full of joy and happiness as we prepare for the coming of our Lord. Gifts have been bought, cards have been sent, and today Mom and I will wrap the gifts and place them under the tree.  May each of you hold the magic of Christmas in your heart.  May the season be filled with wonder, love, and grace.  And may 2021 bring only much joy and many blessings to all! 

And love.  This time of year the weather is beautiful in Florida. It is not cold nor hot, just gorgeous. Even so, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  Thanksgiving was a day filled with family and food, and though Mom did not join us, she enjoyed her day of peace and solitude. It was a win win for all concerned.   Terry has been off work for the past four days - another blessing.  We've had time to decorate the house together, do yard work, put up our outdoor manger scene, and just have quality time.  Mom has been delightful.  She has joined us on two excusrions, and is looking forward to evening drives to see the array of Christmas lights.  She loves the house, and the tree.  She did not feel up to helping with the tree decorations, but she loved the Christmas music, loved watching Terry and I work together, and gave her advice on where ornaments should be hung.  Come evening, the house is comforting, warm, and cozy - like a hu...

Expectations never live up to the hype in my mind, and usually end in disappointment.  I know this. Yesterday started with high hopes and ended in tears. On my part. But first, a little history that may explain why my anticipation was so great. Years and years ago - perhaps 50ish - Mom received a beautiful manger scene for her birthday/Christmas presents.  Dad gave her the creche, and my siblings and I gave her the figurines. It has been one of Mom's prized possessions.  It has been displayed every Christmas.  It has been the centerpiece of our family's Christmas celebrations.  We would gather round the manger and sing Christmas carols, then each grandchild would walk up to the manger and place the figurine (of their choice ) into the manger. The youngest grandchild would lay baby Jesus in the crib and we would sing happy birthday to Jesus.  Beautiful memories that will forever live in my heart.  Back to yesterday.  My plan - and this wa...

 This little peanut is Audriana, my five month old great-niece.   After I offered my services to my niece, I panicked ! What was I thinking? It has been a long time since I've cared for an infant.  Would I be up for the task, or would she be too much to handle?  Would I even remember how to change a diaper, burp her, etc., etc., etc. I stressed the fact that this would be a one time thing to start, that I could not promise more.  Well, no worries. A piece of cake. 🍼👶 Two days down, and looking forward to more! Audri has brought joy and excitiement to our life. On the morning of the second day, Mom actually woke up saying "are we excited for our little gift today?"  She remembered! Does she remember how old she is? No. Does she remember who the Mama is? No. But she sure loves feeding her, holding her, and playing with her. All the years of caring for children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren has flooded back and renewed her spirit. Mom is a natural...