Musings

Life happens all the time, all around us. There’s a war happening in Ukraine. My mother’s cognitive abilities are declining. Taxes have to be filed. Groceries have to be bought with less money. Yards have to be maintained and weeds obliterated. Friendships lovingly maintained. Life – everyday. Sometimes you just need to stop and think about things, and that’s what I’m doing.

My dad is the oldest of 4 children and they’re all alive. He’s 88, his brother 86 with the same birthdate as my daddy, next sister is 84, and the baby is 76. Their dad, my papa, born 1899, lived just shy of his 91st birthday. When he died, Mary, the lady he loved and called “May-ree” was by his side. Their mom (Mary❣), the love of my youth, at age 82, sat in her chair with her Bible, coffee next to her and rested her head against the side of the chair and went on to heaven. I still miss her.

My mother’s mind is declining. She had a stoke 3 years ago on her way to work at age 80. It was her 3rd change of career. She is a strong, independent, willful lady of great intellect and determination. Before her stroke she struggled with inner conflict that was never spoken. It could be seen on her face and sometimes felt by some of her children. Since her stroke every single bit of conflict or struggle or ANY angst that she experienced – in any form – has left her. IT. IS. GONE! Prior to her stroke any outward display of affection was perfunctory and stiff. Not today! She is in her element as she hugs and kisses you – she absolutely loves affection! When God chooses to take her home she will have ended her long life with none of the conflicts that battled inside her, and I can say it won’t be death that brings her peace, she IS at peace BEFORE she dies.

We’re my parents ideal? (I refuse to is the word “perfect” – it only EVER applies to God) No! They made tons if mistakes. They’re human. Every human does. I did. You did. We ALL did. It takes the ADULT in the room to look well beyond the mistakes and find the gems of wisdom. Daddy taught me 2 specific lessons: 1) you aren’t raising babies… you’re raising future college students, young marrieds, future workers, businesspersons, etc., and 2) NEVER loan money – only GIVE money you’re willing to lose… if you get it back, that’s great, but don’t expect it back. Thank you daddy. Both of my parents were ALWAYS generous!

Both my parents are firm God believers and followers and raised their kids the same. My hubs and I raised ours the same. There’s no point to all that’s happening in life and on this earth without God and His sovereignty and providence. It’s hopeless without knowing God. “In the beginning God…” “For God so loved the world…” “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow you die.” What is ALL this on this earth if it’s not for God? There’s no hope without God. There’s no nothing without God. And I’m grateful my parents didn’t count their navel lint more important than teaching their kids the TRUE meaning of life on this earth!