Thank God

Here’s a picture I took during a women’s retreat I was at last week. In the evening we sat around a campfire and sang old songs from our childhood. A bunch of ladies singing harmony, it was beautiful.

Earlier in the day I was told I would have a Minister in my bible study group. A group I was the leader for. "Why me God" is what I was saying under my breath. Yup, the retreat brought me closer to God. I was reading the lesson. (A lesson that was wrote by our Minister’s wife. About things of the heart. I really liked the lesson, I was looking forward to leading the class.) As I was saying, I was reading the lesson, and reading the lesson, and reading the lesson -when I looked up...at the Minister. And all I saw was blue. I realized I hadn’t taken a breath. I was feeling faint. I think that’s when I heard God say "breath Deb breath" Yup, the retreat brought me closer to God, he saved my life...again.

The Firsts& Lasts

I recently read a child’s book "Let me hold you longer" by Karen Kingsbury. It was about a mother remembering her children’s firsts. Like their first words or first steps but also their lasts. Like their last football game or their last lift me up and hug me mommy.

I have my own list of memories of my children’s firsts and lasts.

Chad’s first day away at college or his last elementary track meet.
Mitch’s first time on a horse (that reared) or his last moments as a single man.
The first time I saw Cindy holding her own first born child
The last time Curty wrestled at the state wrestling match, and he lost.
The first time I saw Rubin eat right out of the garden or the last thing I said to him when he left for his mom’s house.
The day of baby Hayley’s first professional photograph wearing a dress she received from my ex-in-laws.
The first time I saw Ronnie playing pool at the bar and the last time I saw him giggle over noodle soup with his mother.

Things I will never forget and things the children and my husband don’t even remember, at least they don’t remember like I do. The books a cute read for young children, and grandma’s.