Catching tadpoles in the pond behind Walshes store with Julie. Riding my banana seat sunshine bike down Virginia Avenue. Roller skating to journey. My Charlie Brown tennis shoes. Grape bubblegum. Having my picture hanging at the local mart when I went missing for a few hours in Tammy's basement. Breaking my tooth on my desk in 3rd grade. Hamburger patties, Lays potatoe chips, and dried appricots. The grape stuff for allergies. Scrapped knees, swimming at night with the girls, and making clay furniture for my strawberry shortcake dolls. Barbies in the basement, the play house, and playing dentist in the garage (with a little help from the gas can). Dad laid off from the mill, mom doing birthday parties at McDs, and Vivian getting that green Honda. Chicken pox, strep throat, missing school, my sisters funeral, dads back surgery, moms back injury, and Vivian moving to Japan. Jr. High, pants so tight I have to pull them up with a hanger through the zipper loop, and walking with friends til late in the night. Cheerleading, drivers license, working at Ponderosa, and taking care of mom. Meeting Thad, Meeting God, and Changing Directions. HS, graduation, getting married, finishing school, having babies, finishing school again. Africa, Philippines, Guatemala, Africa, Marysville, Marion, Gas City. Moving, ministering, following where God leads. My kids growing, driving, girlfriends, graduating, college, and making their own choices. Today is my 40th Birthday. I look in the mirror and can't believe I am 40. So today is my day of reflecting. Reflecting on my joys, as well as the trials. This year has been filled with incrediable changes for me and my family. It seems we have had our share of loss and pain. Looking back over the last 40 years of my journey, it's hard to imagine what more God has for me...for us. I am so grateful to look back and see God's hand through it all: guiding, loving, sometimes pulling me back in line. Just an incrediable journey and sometimes it feels like its just begining. Living life with no regrets. As E. McManus would say...I am Chasing the Daylight! 24 hours and I will be leaving for Zambia. But for today, its me and Thad hanging out, doing normal stuff, and enjoying this life that God has blessed us with.
Oh my goodness that picture is super adorable. Hope you have a great day!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear about pieces of your life. Reminded me about parts of my growing up, too. I had to laugh at the grape bubble gum! Always grape Bubble Yum for me as a kid. And Cracker Jacks, trying to find the prize inside. I'll turn 40, God willing, eight months from yesterday, so the whole reflection thing resonates with me. Have a blessed and happy birthday, and a great trip.
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