Two Trees- Two Children

  We have two trees in our side yard. Each tree representing each of our children. I can still remember when each tree was planted. Our son brought this little seedling home from school one day and wanted to plant his tree. Our daughter's was a small blue spruce given to her by a neighbor who was quite fond of her.

  As I was studying these trees planted side by side I was amazed as each tree resembles each child that planted it.

  Our son's was wild going in all directions. Our daughter's has grown straight and full, as if with a purpose and destination. Our son has lived on the wild side and seems to struggle with his direction. Our daughter has always just seemed to know the direction she was going. I fondly remember at an interview with her grade one teacher, who stated “how strong she was." "Although quiet in her demeanor, she knew what was right and what was wrong and would not let others pursued her.” 

  When each of our kids turned 13 we gave them a bible verse. Praying for each one and praying for the right verse to give to them.

  To our son we chose Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

  To our daughter we chose Psalm 40:3 “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” (NIV)

  As I pray daily for each of our children I am reminded of each verse. Our sons’ struggles can be faced with hope and a future. Our daughter who is spreading her wings this fall and very musical- that each day she will be filled with praise and a new song.

  And now may “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26(NIV)

  Blessings

Preserving

The joys of preserving all the bounty. Last fall I was so caught up in preserving jams, pickles, relishes, salsa, freezing whatever I could to store away for those winter days ahead. I was busy doing this right up to Christmas. It was a very busy season, but very satisfying when all was completed.

This fall is leading me into a different type of preserving. I find my preserving is more like preserving all the memories I can.

Knowing our daughter would be leaving this fall, three provinces over, that’s all.

What should I do up today? All those memories are filling in, the crazy year we have had. To the many, many “first of the lasts”. Oh, how many trips you and dad made for your prom dress? To your first day of school and your last day of school. To my excitement in packing your last lunch; now if I could only have that again. To those last few days together. Memories I will cherish. Preserving the last minutes and seconds. You sprawled out on the hotel floor loading your music as I was finishing your last laundry before the big day. You wrapped up in the hotel room with the blanket that you wished you could keep. The same blanket I curled up with that first night apart. The empty bed. Could I just have you lying there again?

The Tim Horton’s visit that seems now so empty, where just the night before the three of us sat.

Preserving all your childhood memories and waking up knowing that you are now a young lady. I will cherish all the preserving as the days go by. A capsule not yet closed for more memories to be made.

When All That- Is No More!

When you have spent the last 30 yrs. of your life nurturing, what do I do now?

No more morning rushes to catch the bus.

No more lunches to be packed.

No more waiting for the bus to come home; the union after being apart.

No more homework!

No more piano lessons.

No more after school activities.

No more backpacks lying around.

No more scheduling around work schedules.

The calendar becomes empty.

A blank.

I would like to say no more tears. They seem too come to easy these days.

Those last few things in the laundry. I want to hold them so close.

Why does letting go feel so hard?

You know if I could keep you mine for always I would. But I'm not supposed to. You do have to grow up and start your own life. This is the hardest part of parenting. Not those long sleepless nights- now those are treasures. If I could hold you back just a little longer. The control is no longer in my hands.

“You take a child by the hand, but who they ultimately become is never in your hands.”

~Ann VosKamp

You are in His hands and always were, but now fulfilling His plans and purpose for your life.

You were never supposed to be mine for always. This pain will ease over time with rejoicing to see all that you have become.

But for now the bathroom stays cleaner!!!

Your mama