Lessons via Lineage

Drafting the Declaration of Independence by Jean Leon Ferris   History.com

Being born in this nation is surely a gift.  Studying lineage of my husband’s family this week reminded me that the younger generations are sometimes unaware of the trials of our ancestors.  After all most of us are in this country because our folks migrated from Europe and other lands.  Some were finally free from their indentured-servant status.  Others were searching for religious freedom.  Reasons for their decision to cross the sea were varied, but they all were filled with hope for a new beginning.  I think the majority of people arriving on the shores of our great country were poor.  So many were ill from the long, unpredictable ocean voyage.  Family members often died on ship during the trip, grief interrupting  their dream.  Upon arrival the search began for work and land.

We have grown accustomed to the comforts and freedoms our republic has extended.  It is easy to overlook the physical and emotional wars fought by our founders as they forged the constitutional path.  The wars fought on our land cost dear lives.  And today, our brave men and women wear our military uniforms to protect the homeland and set examples for other nations as they walk their foreign ground.

I don’t want to take for granted those who - loved, struggled, built, cried, served and died - before me.  After all, their DNA, genetics and footprints are a part of me.  I wish I could give them my thanks.  One thing I can do is to appreciate their stories, always remembering their contribution and personal struggles.  I must not forget!   

Appreciation Expanded

My Husband's Maternal Grandparent's Home

Our home changed this week, not in appearance, but in appreciation.  My husband lost his sister a week ago.  This is the third sibling he has lost in the short period of six years.  If his family was ten or fifteen years older, the losses would be somewhat expected.  But since each sister or brother passed away mid-life, we find ourselves feeling such loss.

One positive aspect of loss and mourning is a reminder to enjoy each day and moment in our lives.  Our harbor of safety, the home we establish as a family of loving and caring people, is an environment intentionally offering opportunities to share feelings and comfort.  I try to promote that comfort and ambiance of grace through acceptance of emotional upheaval, with an atmosphere of beauty and serenity.

For example, the order and consistency of provision by way of meals and laundry help by not contributing to unwanted change.  Taking that extra moment to use that pretty place mat at dinner and lighting the candles, somehow soothes the hurting heart while talking at the dinner table.  The mood created promotes meaningful conversation.

Loss of loved ones automatically stirs a desire to treasure each day and each family member.  And here we are in our refuge – our home.     

Now Where?



View on My Deck



Unpacking for two weeks, it seems like it has been forever.  How can forty-two years of marriage produce so much ‘stuff’!  Where oh where do I put my serving dishes, plant containers, platters, on and on and on!  It is fun but the laughs don’t go on forever.  I’m ready to be finished.

Thankfully, sitting on my deck is medicinal.  I absolutely love listening to the sweet, melodic songs of the birds.  I enjoy watching the squirrels  frolicking , chasing each other from one branch to another.  Wish I could leap through the air like they do.  Mother doe and her fawn walk so gracefully, what a sight!  Yes, I’ve decided, I most definitely love my new home!

Favorite Places Are a Good Thing

If you could spend an hour or two today in one of your favorite places where would you be?  It is amazing how invigorating and refreshing it is to my mindset, even my health, when I spend time at my current favorite place.

My present little paradise is the dock at Sumter Landing, Florida.  My list of reasons for wanting to sit there is long.  I love the water, breeze, birds, turtles, fish and even the alligators.  Overall it is just so beautiful!  I will miss my walks on the dock when I leave the area in a week for a new home.  But I know myself very well.   My eyes, ears and even my heart, will spy out the land in my new city.  There is another favorite place waiting to make its contribution to my life. “Is that a doe and her fawn I see over there?”

Moving.....Family.....Memories

Part B

loved ones

memories

forever precious











Moving.........Memories

Part A

moving

here we go

packing

boxes, tape

bubble wrap and labels

but the mind-recorded

photos

last forever



Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and More

My Mom, Aunts and Uncle
Special Siblings in My View

A phone call from Aunt Betty, a visit from Aunt Gail and Uncle Palmer as they journey from one state to another, a warm memory shared in an email from a cousin, Michael, living on the opposite coast – oh, I hope they know how very much the bond we share makes a difference in my life.

No matter our age we each carry so much power to influence those within our home and extended family.  Eyes and ears record impressions that live on for years. 

We all deal with good days and bad, but our relatives are more likely to forgive and forget.  Of course, there are always a few of our family members to whom we are closer, words of truth and strength flow from their lips just when we seem to need them. 

Because of examples set by my loved ones I am trying to be a better mom, daughter, sister, aunt, niece and cousin.  But, the bar has been set pretty high, I hope I can live up to their examples.