"I got this ... love you, God"

I got this ... Love you, God

October 21, 2013

Dear Readers,

Come on in!  It's a rainy cloudy day in Central Texas ... a great day for a fire in the fireplace and reading the book I got on Bonhoeffer.  I am finding that this book requires slow reading in order to digest each thought and sentence.  At any rate, my faithful companions have settled in to my right, left, and at my feet. 

"Don't let today's disappointments cast a shadow

on tomorrow's dreams." ~Unknown

I don't know about you, but, for me, disappointment is one of life's most uncomfortable feelings.  Disappointment often leaves me at loose ends because it involves things and people I have no control over.

One thing I learned when I went through trauma therapy was to feel my feelings without trying to speed up the process by trying to fix or change them.  To tell myself I shouldn't feel disappointment is not an option these days.

The wonderful thing about owning feelings of disappointment is that I have said to myself, "I care about you."  Learning to do that was a BIG step for me on my road to wellness ~~ in honoring my "self" with grace, I am able to extend that grace to others.

When someone disappoints me, I feel like being quiet and withdrawing. The old tapes of "you aren't worthy" come back and can become a trigger of relapsing into a world I dare not go.  Disappointment can ripple through to my core.  Thank God, I have the tools necessary to take a step back, dissect why I am disappointed, and move forward knowing my only responsibility is to be open with myself AND the person or event that disappointed me.  I need to say "it" out loud!!

I choose to be an open-hearted lady with dignity and class.  I align myself with the word of God which has helped me to overcome disappointments and negative situations in a healthy way.  The challenge of disappointment allows me to live closer to my own values, stopping me from being swallowed up by negative feelings towards my worthiness and bask in the light of truth.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

 ~Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)

As human beings, even though we know that some things are bound to happen, we will continue to be disappointed.  That's just part of life.  I will be disappointed, I will disappoint.  Life can be disappointing but it too will pass.  As I practice that acceptance, I suffer less and notice the good things in life more. At least now, I am able to be present and aware even in the midst of negative emotions and therefore live life more fully.

Kennedy liked his treat of
apple with peanut butter!

I am trying to type on my keyboard and Kennedy keeps nudging my hand and getting closer and closer.  I am recalling the day Laura brought him to me for a meet and greet and how disappointed I was because he was not a six pound Pomeranian.  How could I have been so blind?!  My disappointment soon turned to acceptance and then to joy.  Kennedy is perfect!!  This crazy Pom-Chi makes me smile each and every day!

Are you feeling kind of down today and disappointed?  Maybe you didn't get that job you wanted; a special relationship has taken a nose dive; you looked at that scale and gained weight instead of lost; you were turned down for that loan; the list could go on and on...  Maybe you could try what I do.  I give myself some time to digest my disappointment then fill my time with something positive. I insert a new tape ~ "I got this ... love you, God."

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU BETCHA!!  (Can you tell that I am one half Norwegian?)

Miss Dottie

PS   “You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It wont happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, ‘I don’t care how hard this is, I don’t care how disappointed I am, I’m not going to let this get the best of me. I’m moving on with my life.”  ~Joel Osteen

I'm Scared!!

October 15, 2013

Dear Readers,

If you've read my blogs, you know about the little Pom we rescued ... Ruffles.  As a puppy mill bitch, Ruffles suffered long hours in a cage resulting in deformed legs, a fear of people and noise, a fear of being picked up, and was very bonded to her more outgoing sister, Harmony.

It's taken months but Ruffles has become my little princess and her bond has been transferred from Harmony to me.  I have become her safe Pommy Mommy ~ the one who feeds her, talks to her, holds her, and provides for all her needs. She still has fears of anything out of the ordinary but for the most part, Ruffles has become an independent, happy little sweetheart.

A few days ago, I was in the cottage working on the computer. Ruffles, Harmony, Zeke, and Kennedy were sitting beside me. Michael came home from work and in all the excitement of the crew migrating from the cottage to the little casa, Ruffles got left.  I filled six bowls with kibble and told them all to line up ... oh, oh ... Ruffy was missing.

Michael went back to the cottage to find her and what he found was one panicked little lady stranded on the couch.  Everyone had gone and she was left behind ~ terrified.  Michael picked her up and tried to quiet her down.  She was shaking, whimpering, and had wet on herself.  She thought she had been abandoned and in a matter of less than five minutes had worked herself up into a frenzy.

We tried comforting her, petting her, talking to her in soft tones...  I wondered if all my work in helping her to feel safe had gone down the drain. She calmed down enough to eat but for the rest of the evening, she was sprawled out on my chest staring at me.  When I had to get up, Michael held her and she would stare at him, shaking.

At bedtime, I lay Ruffles beside me and she snuggled down, relaxed, and began breathing at a normal pace.  I had tears running down my face. What happened to this little one who was so very afraid?

I thought about how Ruffles is like people who have been used, abused, and/or abandoned. Trauma is a terrible thing ... something that cannot be erased.  As a survivor, I learned that humans were flawed and that no one person could make my past disappear.  Only God could fill the empty holes in my heart and make me complete.  He needed to be my centering, my rock.  My fellow travelers on earth were the icing on the cake.  I took the little girl and young woman who was so afraid and crawled up on the lap of the man who said, "Suffer the little children not..."  It took time to heal and time to learn to trust without shaking in my boots.

Maybe God knew all along that I needed my little rescues as much as they needed me.  Each holds such a special place in my heart as we move forward together.  I truly feel the best way to heal is to reach out to others and face those fears.  Many years ago I began a journey and I've seen how my courage has moved my family into a different direction of openness, honestly, and light.  Each of my children has had their own cross to bear and they are helping others.  We aren't a perfect family by any means.  What we are is a family willing to do that next right thing and leave the results in God's hands.

Today, Ruffles is back to exploring on her own, waving that big Pom tail in the air, and entertaining us with the Ruffy Shuffle (she looks like she's clogging with all four feet).  It's raining outside and she is laying beside the Fall Tree in the cottage.  The floor is littered with pillows and blankets and my Sensational Six are doing what they like best ~ being a pack of loved dogren.

It's okay if you're scared today, we've all been there.  Just look to the man who changed the world and gave us grace and hope and grab ahold of his hand.  Get yourself a Bible and start reading the New Testament.  Write down "YOU are worthy!" on your bathroom mirror.  Stand up straight and face those demons. (Personally, I tell them to leave in the name of Jesus!)

"The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?" ~Psalm 118:6

And, ALWAYS REMEMBER, you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!  It's no coincidence that you're reading my blog!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "I got so scared when my brothers, sisters, and my mommy left me on the couch.  I didn't think they were coming back.  I couldn't jump down because my legs are weak.  I could hear my pack barking for their food.  Was I to go hungry?  It was dark inside the cottage just like at the puppy mill when I was stuffed into a little cage.  Old memories flooded back.  I heard the door open, 'Ruffy, you in there?' I couldn't help myself, those feelings of trust and hurt were sooo real and they wouldn't go away. My Pommy Daddy took me to my Pommy Mommy.  I was still scared. Maybe one day I won't be so scared, my Mommy tells me I'm not going anywhere. We are a family and we look after each other. That's what families do!" ~Ruffy

The Blessing

October 15, 2013

Dear Readers,

Autumn has truly come to North Central Texas.  The rains soaking my gardens have also greened up the grass I have been trying to get going since last Spring.  The mums are giving birth to beautiful flowers of orange, red, yellow, white, and purple; the azaleas are giving me a preview of what Autumn Embers look like; and, the roses are filling out with buds.  I am a happy gardener!!

For awhile now, I have been battling pain in my lower back.  I had tried ignoring it and praying it away but for whatever reason, it just kept getting worse.  I knew I needed to make an appointment with the orthopedic doctor but procrastination became my middle name!  God chose not to heal my pain; however, He gave me something better.  He showed me how to move forward and trust as He worked His wonderful magic...

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

 ~~Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)

Last Friday, I received a phone call from my orthopedic doctor's nurse saying that Dr. C had been reviewing my file and wanted me to come in for a follow-up.  I looked towards the heavens and said, "Okay God, I hear you."  (Sometimes, I need a little nudge in the backside to get me going!)  I made the appointment for Monday (yesterday).

Yesterday, I got up, fed the furry kids, let them romp outside for awhile and headed north to Dallas.  It was raining but I listened to some music and the trip flew by.  I got to the clinic early,  filled out my follow-up paperwork, and before I knew it, I was in a pair of blue paper shorts and headed to x-ray for views of my neck and back.  Randy (PA) gave me a hug ... "Welcome back, stranger, how're you doing?"  He gave me the usual check up which brought tears to my eyes then looked at my xrays.  "I think you have something going on in the L3-4 plus some stenosis, let's see what Dr. C thinks."  Dr. C came in and we chatted awhile about what had been going on.  The good news was that the fusion in my neck had healed nicely and was stable!!  Yay!  The bad news was that there was something going on in my lower back.

Folks, this is where God really got things moving.  Dr. Carmody knew that I lived 2 hours south of the city.  He asked his scheduler to call to see about getting me in for an MRI later that day.  It was 11:05am.  Northland just had a patient do a no-show so I was on their doorstep by 11:30.  I filled out paperwork there and went right in for the MRI.  The radiologist just happened to have some free time so within 45 minutes I was headed out the door, disk in hand.  They were going to send the results over to Dr. Carmody's office for my 2:40pm appointment with him (another patient had cancelled because of the rain).

Can you believe it?  All that done ... bam, bam, bam.  I went back to get the results of the MRI and found out that the Spinal Stenosis is pretty advanced and that I have a bulging disk.  He was surprised that I had been doing all I had been doing (another God thing, I figure!) and put a plan in motion for me.  I will be having an epidural shot as soon as that can be arranged AND I will be doing some physical therapy.  He is trying to avoid another surgery but if that isn't possible what I have is fixable.  (Another blessing, wouldn't you say?)

My friend Etta loves my family.
I love that about her!!

I picked up a therapeutic pillow for my neck at Bed Bath & Beyond and headed back home. It was raining and I got stuck in traffic backup from an accident.  I was in pain, tired, and I guess I could have gotten frustrated and angry about inching my way through Dallas but I used the time to thank God for my day and how he had blessed every step opening doors so that my appointments went so smoothly.  I also was able to have lunch with one of my best friends, Etta, which was such a bright spot in my day.  I sure do miss her!!!  Can you believe it?  All this transpired between my 10:30am appointment and my departure time from Plano at 3:30pm!!

Hey gang,
Mom's home!

The pitter pat of raindrops sounded so soothing as I made my way home.  Sometimes, I like to raise holy hands as I listen to praise music (I do get some strange looks from folks in other cars sometimes!) and I was so at peace.  My furry kids had missed me and as I made my way from the car to the couch, I had 6 little rascals jumping up and down around me.  I sat down and Kennedy got up on the pillow behind me to my left; Toby got up on the pillow to my right; Zeke sat in my lap; Sadie sat on my feet; Ruffles sat on my left side; and, Harmony sat on my right side.  You'd think I'd been gone for days.  Michael brought me a Coke Zero and it was time to relax and enjoy the ambiance of a stormy evening.  Another blessing ... I had a family to come home to!

God never promises his children smooth sailing in this world.  What He does promise us is that He will give light to our feet, peace to our innermost being, and the hope that comes from resting in Him!  I'll bet if you just think about it, you will remember times that He has made the burden less heavy and the impossible possible.

"...But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

~~Isaiah 40:31(NIV)

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

From the Heart

“If someone loves you, they should not be envious of you pouring your heart and soul and time and energy into the things that you are passionate about, but instead....they should love you MORE because you are so involved in those things.” ~Sharon Swan

October 4, 2013

Dear Readers,

It's an overcast gloomy day in North Central Texas.  We're supposed to get our first cold weather this weekend (into the 50's).  I spent over five hours yesterday feeding the roses and mums and making sure that everything had plenty of water.  I think I need to get some of that fertilizer that attaches to the hose rather than filling up my watering can over and over!  It was so nice to be outside though and drink in the fresh air.  My new Almond Bush gives off such a sweet wonderful aroma.  I found my senses heightened by the magic of Autumn!

I publish my blogs each year so my family has a record of what was going on in our lives and in the world around us.  Generations to come will be able to know what our family experienced separately and together.  I wish my forefathers would have kept diaries!

At present, I am reading the book, BONHOEFFER, written by Eric Metaxas. To those who have asked me what it is about ... Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a man with a passion for truth and a commitment to justice on behalf of those who faced implacable evil.  He was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, dissident anti-Nazi and founding member of the Confessing Church.  Bonhoeffer died in 1945 in a German concentration camp. The book is one that I am devouring a sentence at a time ... so much savorful meat!

Winston Churchill said that the further back we can look, the farther forward we are likely to see.  I believe that ... unless there is an interruption of change, history does repeat itself whether in government, the general public, and, our own personal lives.  Once the locomotive gets going, it's hard to stop.  Hopefully, it goes forward in a positive motion but, more often than not, it hits a wall.  I know there are some who would prefer not to examine the past ~ to me, it has been instrumental in developing wisdom.

Headline 10~4~2013:  House lawmakers attempt to strike a deal with the Senate following the federal government shutdown Tuesday morning.

Senator caught napping during session

Our nation has been faced with a corrupt Democratic party, a corrupt Republican party, and a president who has been stubborn and unable to follow through on his campaign promises.  Are they to blame?  Well, we elected these men and women.  It's kind of a catch 22.  There is so much finger pointing going on that nothing is being accomplished. We may experience uprisings that this country has not seen in many years.  Many parts of our government have been shut down and our people suffer while our people in government collect their paychecks and continue to wreak havoc on our nation.  It would be nice if, we the people, could fire the whole lot erasing all their cushy pensions and perks.

I do not want to be a Chicken Little who runs about crying that the sky in falling.   I am a very logical thinking person who feels passionately about honesty, integrity, and morality. I attended Alanon for many years ~ a favorite saying, "Take what you can use and leave the rest." There are some people who get so defensive when challenged about their beliefs ~ personally, I like it.  I like people who are up front and speak their minds whether I agree or not.  I find I learn more when I am teachable and not so stubborn. Believe me, my mind (and heart) have been changed over the years.

I am so very grateful for my life and the opportunity to make a difference in my world.  I live as an open book ready to give an answer when asked, "What do you believe and stand for?"  I've made so many mistakes, made amends, and have kept moving forward.  There are days I look back and ask myself, "What were you thinking?"  Then, I realize that I had faulty thinking, bad tapes, and my life showed it. As I became teachable and open, a whole new world opened up and I am experiencing the blessings of a life changed.

Melissa

Earlier this week, I had a marathon phone visit with my special daughter in Georgia.  We chatted about our bonding when she was a very young woman, our road of faith, her children, homeschooling, and the decorating process of her master bedroom.  There was a long period of time when we lost touch but now there has been a reawakening and our relationship has become even more precious.

Why did I insert that paragraph?  Because there is positiveness and good in this world and I know that I need to balance the darkness with that realization.  Life moves forward and I want to trust and have faith that there is joy each and every day.  Who can put a price on my laughter as I watch my grandsons play baseball, experience the rewards of my rescue dogren, keep track of my granddaughters and children?  Who can put a price on my faith, my friends, and my extended family and friends?  If my world should end quickly, I know where I am going and that my heart is in the right place.

Always remember that you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS  I always like to end my blogs with a positive quote.  Today, I'd like to share the cover of the Seven Oaks News that featured my new granddog, Sir Winston Corghill, and my granddaughter, Katrina.  I like these headlines!!  Oh, I love my family sooo much!!!

e

Patience

September 30, 2013

Dear Readers,

Good morning, Readers!  It's a beautiful Autumn day in North Central Texas.  The recent rains have revived my gardens and the roses and mums are heavily pregnant with buds.  I am like an expectant mother waiting for that burst of new life.

Last year, Michael and I were searching for an antique iron headboard for the bed in the cottage.  I found a new one BUT even at a discount it was too pricey.  The salesman kept telling me what a great iron bed it was and I agreed ~ it was perfect.  Something inside me of me said no, not now, and I left without it.  Since then, I have looked and looked never finding anything that came close to that little jewel. A couple weeks ago, I asked Michael if we could go to Waco for one more try.  We checked out several furniture stores then headed back to where I had seen my favorite.

"The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter." 

~Paulo Coelho

I made my way to the back of the store and there in the far corner was the headboard I had seen a year ago.  The tag had faded and the price lowered twice.  I touched  the headboard and quickly the clerk responded: "If you would take this headboard, I could offer you a big discount ~ we've had it a very long time."  I bid, she accepted and I told Michael to take it to the car before she changed her mind.  I couldn't believe my good fortune.  I got a wonderful Charles P Rogers iron headboard at a garage sale price.

“He that can have patience can have what he will.”

 ~ Benjamin Franklin

By nature, I am not a patient person.  When I decide to do something, it gets done.  When I undertake a task, I work non-stop to finish my project. Not only do I want what I want NOW, I also want it done to perfection.  I want to be the best and am willing to put in the work and time to learn.  My dedication and work ethic has served me well in life.  As the years pass, I find myself in a different season which has meant change.  Life is not always what we think it will be.  Carpe' Diem has become my motto mostly because I realize the value of my today rather than putting off until tomorrow.

When I had my first back surgery in 2004, I had to lay on my back for six weeks to heal. Believe me, my Energizer Bunny nature was challenged.  I had to make a decision - do what I was asked to do or get up and risk undoing what took hours for two surgeons to repair.  I watched TV, I read books, I slept, I prayed, and I began to realize that when I healed, I needed to take more time to savor instead of always devouring.  God was teaching me patience.

"Be still, and know that I am God..." ~Psalm 46:10

The degeneration in my back was slowed but the pain in my cervical spine increased and the bones in my feet were rubbing on each other making walking nearly impossible.  I was being slowed down against my will and I went through the grief process as I began to lose my youthful strength and energy.  I had 6 foot surgeries followed by more lumbar and cervical spine surgeries.  The physical trauma of so many surgeries brought on a new malady ... Fibromyalgia.  My body was screaming.  Life as I knew it was gone and I mourned that life pushing myself harder and harder until I wore myself out.

"We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are."

~Max DePree

The good news?  In all my trials, my faith never wavered and I found myself curling up in the Lord's lap.  He was a great healer and counselor and I was blessed with a new kind of life.  I'm still adjusting and tweaking my activities realizing that if I am not careful, I will fall back into the grief process of wanting my old life.

Michael asked me why I hadn't written a blog in awhile and I snapped back, "If I don't have anything positive and nice to say, I'd rather not write."  That was an aha moment for me ... I was retreating to a place of darkness rather than patiently expecting good.  My Monday needed to be different.

Maybe you're like me, you had a busy life and healthy body then life threw you some curve balls.  How're you dealing with those challenges?  Are you moving forward or are you stuck in the grief process?  I believe that as long as I have breath, God has a purpose for me and I believe He does for you too.  I chose joy this morning and it has made for a brighter day.

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!!

Miss Dottie

PS   John Wodden has said, "Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." I like that because there are new windows and doors that need opening!  I can still "do," I just need to do differently.

September Morn

"It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring,

who reaps a harvest in Autumn."~~B. C. Forbes

September 17, 2013

Dear Readers,

Come on in and have a hot cup of coffee with me!  It's been awhile since we've shared some time together.

It is a beautiful September morn in North Central Texas.  It was dark when the Sensational Six decided it was time to water the bushes, fertilize the grass, and have breakfast.  Once I got my eyes opened, I so enjoyed watching them chase each other around and enthusiastically devour their kibble.

There's something special about September morns ... temperatures drop into the 90's and then 80's, leaves begin to change and fall, and my gardens give one last show of splendor before Winter sets in.  Today, I plan to assess the gardens and see what's thriving and what needs to be dug up.  I am coming to realize that there was probably a good reason some of my plants were on the bargain tables at Lowes!  The mums are starting to bloom and should give me color on into late November, early December if I am lucky.

I find myself energized and digging through my closet drooling over my sweaters and boots.  I had packed away my Fall and Winter clothes so it's time to dig out my tubs and go through them.  I doubt if I will need many new things.  I like my comfy worn plaid shirts and faded jeans ~~ somehow, they are like old friends.

My first child, Jill, was born in on a September morn as well as my second child, Jane.  My granddaughter, Madison, arrived in September as well as my grandson, Zachary ~~ oh my, what mother and grandmother can ever forget the birth of those awaited children and grandchildren.  My heart is full just thinking about my September blessings.

Last Friday night, we were invited to my oldest daughter's surprise birthday party at Mama's Pizza.  I hadn't celebrated her birthday with her since the 1990's so it was an extra special event to look forward to.  I knew she liked Halloween so my neighbor drove me to Mansfield Friday morning to HomeGoods (a 2 hour round trip).  Michael didn't know if he was going to get off work early so about noon things were looking pretty "down" about my attending.  My neighbor knew how much I wanted to go so she offered to take me to the party.  Bless her heart!!!  Eventually, everything worked itself out in the nick of time ... Michael got off work a little early and by the time I got Jill's gifts wrapped, he was home and we headed for Dallas (a 4 hour round trip).  Thanks to some skillful maneuvering by her sweet husband, Jill was surprised and for the first time in years, our family gathered around her to celebrate.  By the time I got back home late Friday night, I was one tired lady...

Before I knew about the party, I had promised my grandsons that we would come watch them play baseball on Saturday.  I knew I was pushing it to make so many long distance trips in such a short time but I kept putting one foot in front of the other and God was faithful to give me strength and energy.  Never underestimate the love that a mother has for her children and grandchildren!!  The boys had some personal bests (Zach's team lost by 1 pt and Nicholas's team won their game) and I relished every moment of cheering them on.  I took this photo of Zachary batting (he made a great hit!) and little brother, Nicholas, looking on.  These brothers share a great love for each other and for the sport of baseball. I hope one day they will be able to play on the same team.

As September morns head toward October, I am perusing my magazines for the Fall Festivals going on around us.  Looking forward to some great caramel apples and a few colorful adventures!!  For now, Happy Tuesday and Happy September Morn.

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA every single one of you!!

Miss Dottie

PS  "I loved autumn, the one season of the year that God seemed to have put there just for the beauty of it." ~Lee Maynard










  

Zach is 10

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.~Proverbs 17:6

September 5, 2013

Dear Readers,

At a time when Americans are sitting on the edge of their seats wondering if the United States of America is going to take military action in Syria, it is nice to refocus on something and someone who is happy, confident, and good inside and out.

But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children. ~Psalm 103:17

Today is my grandson Zachary's 10th birthday.  How many grandmothers can say they were with his parents when the doctor told them they were pregnant?  What a gift that was for me!  Zachary's mother was in the hospital ready to have surgery when they did that last pregnancy test before scraping the womb.  He is our miracle baby and God had a plan for his life.

 I remember the day of his birth so vividly.  It was a beautiful warm day and I was at work waiting for "the call."  What a beautiful moment later that day to hold my first grandson.  He was so beautiful ~ I gazed into his face and wondered what kind of a boy he would be and what kind of man he would become.  What grandparent doesn't remember that time when you can finally hold that newborn and realize that word grandma has taken on real meaning.

Zachary had serious asthma as a baby and toddler scaring his mommy, daddy, and grandma to death. Through his trials, he has grown stronger overcoming breathing difficulties to play soccer and now baseball.  He excels in school, life, and on the baseball field.  He has a faith that runs deep, praying openly (giving poignant 5 minute sermons!), and raising holy hands to his Lord.  I watch him and he reminds me of his father ... sensitive, driven, and positive ~ a real chip off the old block.

I love spending time with Zachary.  He has a zest for learning and loves adventures.  On his last visit, we went to the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco which opened up new avenues for teaching and learning about the various animals, birds, reptiles...  As we passed Baylor University, he spoke up.  "I am going to live in the cottage and drive to Baylor for college."  Now, where in the world did that come from??  He seems to have this uncanny knowledge of where he is and where he wants to be.

My relationship with Zachary changes with each season and year.  It was such a joy to walk through my garden with him and handing him the hose to water as we chatted about the various plants.  It was such an exhilarating joy to work on the Fall Tree in the cottage together and to be a part of his graffiti adventure (something he'd been looking forward to for a long while).  Being with him allows me to be a kid again too ... a kid with gray hair no less.  (smile)

This weekend, I will be driving up for opening day of baseball.  Zach is the starting pitcher for his team.  Go Zachary!!  It's such a privilege to sit in the stands and cheer him on.  I love the determined look on his face when he is undertaking something important.   He studies the great athletes and mimics their strengths while developing his own style.

Ah yes, it's been quite a ride these past ten years.  What an honor to come alongside of him to encourage and edify.  I am one thankful and proud grandmother.

For those of you who are grandparents, you know the deepness of the joy I am talking about as I travel this journey of life with the son of my son.  I wear my badge proudly!

Always remember you are loved and prayed for ... YA YOU!

Miss Dottie

PS

  

Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild.  ~Welsh Proverb

Or, I might add with the second, third, fourth, and fifth!