Growing

One of the most rewarding things in life is watching someone grow. I don't mean in the physical, although that's pretty amazing within itself, but I'm talking about growing UP, overcoming circumstances, making changes to become a better person, learning that life isn't all about them, doing whatever it takes in order to become a healthy and mature adult. This is especially rewarding when a young person makes this step, because the sooner you make the changes needed, the more satisfying your adult years will be. 

That said, it's never too late to become a mature adult. Everybody gets older, but, unfortunately, not everybody matures. Most immature people blame it on their upbringing, or maybe a traumatic event in early life, and some simply don't care if they're immature, for whatever reason. To the latter, well, your life will never be easy. You can remain immature by choice forever, but you'll never be totally happy and your relationships will be difficult, at best. To the others, I'm the first to admit that upbringing plays a huge part in who we become, as do traumatic events. But I don't think either should serve as an excuse for being immature.

We can use obstacles as a crutch and never become anything, or we can say: "So I didn't have the greatest upbringing, or, maybe I experienced some catastrophic events in earlier years. I'm not the only person who's experienced such things. And that's all the more reason to make something of myself, to show those who brought me up, or those who caused me harm in some way, that I'm better than that. I'm better than my upbringing. I'm better than whatever devastating events happened to me. I will rise above this and become a stable and mature adult, in spite of the past!"

I've had to grow up in my lifetime—not because of a faulty upbringing, but because of traumatic events that touched my world, both as a teenager and then later as a young adult. I know what it takes to grow, and it isn't easy. I imagine it's much like the way of a caterpillar, trying hard to break free from its chrysalis armor to become a butterfly. It's vexing. It's painful. It's emotionally draining. It demands patience. And sometimes you need help to break free. I did. And even then, sometimes you slip back into that old mentality. But that's OK. Just keep pushing and reaching. I assure you that whatever effort you put into becoming a mature and stable adult will be well worth it.

Let me say it again. Whenever I see someone growing, it truly makes my heart swell, because I know what's involved in the process.

Mildred's Piano

 

Annie's Gift

Yesterday, after spending a couple of days with my parents, I came home to discover a package for me from a dear friend across-the-pond. England, to be exact. A week or so earlier, I had received a charming 4-page letter from the same friend, handwritten on festive stationery so fitting for a Texas gal like myself, that included a delightful drawing from her adorable son, Zach. What a rare and welcome treat. 

Although Annie and I have never met face-to-face, we’ve become quite close, thanks to the magic of the Internet. I’m old enough to be her mother, and if I had another daughter, she would make a fine one, I’m sure. But I’m proud to just be her friend. We share a common interest in writing and I have faith that one day she will be a published novelist, and I will be one of the first ones ordering her book online, although, I may insist she mail me a copy, so she can autograph it for me. 

Shown here, and not including the tea that I will soon share with my sis, my parcel included a tea towel (they drink lots of tea in England), a beautiful 2010 calendar, a couple of fascinating post cards, on which Annie had written notes, and a handful of intriguing tourist brochures from her magnificent corner of the world, sent to tempt me to make a trip. She called it her “cunning plan” and, I must say, I’m fully tempted, as is hubby.

Matter of fact, he sat right down and explored a trip-for-two that includes not only The United Kingdom, but France, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, and who knows where else? He even investigated getting a passport. My, my. We must be serious.

Will such a trip happen? I don’t know. The idea of flying that long and that far will never appeal to me, but how else can one get there? Hubby has always wanted to go to Germany; I’ve always wanted to go to England and to Paris. Maybe the time has come. I've heard it said that we regret most the things we didn't do, rather than the things we did, so.... who knows?

In the meantime, I've got brochures to tempt me.

Thanks, sweet Annie.

 

Surprise!

Sometimes you cast your bread on the water, expecting little in return. And, if you're like me, sometimes you even forget that you threw it out there in the first place, which is why the letter in the mail yesterday took me by surprise.

I had forgotten all about entering four articles in the Magazine Feature Article category of the 78th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition earlier this year. I'd never entered anything before, but when you're retired you find yourself doing a host of things you've never done before. Since this category allows for previously published pieces, and since I had dozens to choose from, I thought, why not, dropped four articles in the mail, then promptly forgot about the whole thing.

Monday's letter said one of my entries had been awarded an Honorable Mention, and there was a little certificate enclosed that might look nice in a frame. Not that the award means a whole lot, but my first words were, "Well, thank you, Lord," because if there is any glory and any praise it all belongs to Him. I remind God every time I sit down to write that I can't come up with a single word without His help, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I'm honored that He has entrusted me with the gift of writing, and I pray that I have made Him halfway proud of His investment.

The aforementioned article first ran in The Dallas Morning News in 2007. It was a joy to write, and a joy to interview the subjects of the article. If you'd care to read it, "FRIENDS CAN HELP YOU GET THROUGH CANCER" is linked here.

Until next time, faithful few, stir up the gift of God that is in you.

Birthday Pics

My birthday was very special. For 29 years, hubby has made all special occasions extra special. He never fails to show up with the ingredients for a great celebration--fresh flowers, balloons, cake, gifts, cards with romantic sentiments, and money for eating out.   I'm one blessed woman.

And then there's my sweet and lovely daughter who is such a treasure, always making me feel like the greatest mother in the world.

I haven't mentioned wombie, or my dear parents, Big Sis, brother-in-law, nieces, etc. They all know now to make the birthday girl feel special. I'm truly grateful for such a thoughtful family.

And friends.... marvelous friends. Those who sent messages, in one form or another, wishing me all good things on my birthday, what a treat to be remembered.

Here are a few pics from the big day.