Wrapping myself in the flag!

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." -United States of America, Bill of Rights, First Amendment


Just hoping the nonsense will end soon and folks will remember what the first amendment REALLY means, and why tolerance, respect and understanding is truly the AMERICAN way.

Pure Michigan

Have the sunsets in Michigan been extraordinary this summer? Or is it just my advancing age that makes me appreciate them more? I'm thinking it might be the latter, as I certainly feel lucky when I stay awake long enough to see one!

Deja Vu

                                             "Family faces are magic mirrors. 

Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present and future. 

We make discoveries about ourselves."  

-Gail Lumet Buckley

 

Family reunions are a joyful reminder of how life goes on. Children become parents, parents become grandparents. The voids of those we lost are filled by the new arrivals.

Life comes full circle.

 

At this year's reunion, I kept finding myself thinking there goes Jeri's little girl Phoebe or here comes Pennie. But then I'd catch myself and remember this is 2010. They aren't those little people anymore, instead, they have created THESE little people of their own. These beautiful faces, the splitting images of their mommies.

Life is magical.

July 2010

The Day My World Changed.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."- Anais Nin


The moment that will change your life forever doesn't march in carrying a banner that says "THIS IS IT". When you are in the moment, it just seems like a normal moment in your life. It is only through time that we realize, wow, if I hadn't done (fill in the blank) then (fill in the blank) would never have happened, and how totally different my life would have been.


Exactly 33 years ago today I met my BFF at CMU freshmen orientation. I was entering a lecture room in Anspach Hall and saw her sitting alone. It was a chance glance (bright, white legs) to the left that would change our lives forever. 


I don't even remember what Jeanee and I talked about that first day, I just remember how engaging and cheerful she was. How she made me laugh and how she accepted me for me. And the only thing I knew about our future, was that we would be great friends. (Especially after meeting up with her and her mother, Jeanette, at The Cabin for Jeanee's 18th birthday celebration later that evening! That sealed the deal.)


Our lives wouldn't always be spent by each other's side, but we knew we were always there. Life would send each of us in different directions, but our connection always kept us in touch and many times pulled us together again. As a bridesmaid in her wedding I would meet my future husband, her brother. My best friend would be my children's aunt. Our families were forever connected. See what I mean by life changing? If I hadn't met her, who would I have been married to now? Would I have children? The world WOULD have been a different and incomplete place for me without her. 


During these 33 years there has never been anyone else in my life that has shared with me what she has, our life stories are intertwined, sometimes bittersweet, but always full of memories of laughter and love. And, most importantly, understanding and forgiveness. 

Happy 51st birthday girlfriend.