Father-In-Law

The alarm clock began to beep awaking me from a deep slumber. The hour was early, 3:30 a.m. to be exact. The world around me was dark and quiet. It was time to get up and get the newspapers ready for delivery.

I got up, got dressed and wearily walked to the door wishing that I could sleep with the rest of the world. When I opened the door, my father-in-law was standing on the porch folding newspapers. What a surprise!

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Delivering newspapers," he said beaming from ear to ear.

My father-in-law was in town for just a couple of days. "So, do you mind if I come along?", he asked.

I nodded my head, still confused and shocked. We began folding papers in silence. Once they were folded, we loaded the papers in the car.

My memory fades as to who was driving or what vehicle we took. I do not remember the conversation, if any, that took place except for newspaper lingo. What I do remember is the image of my father-in-law, with an armload of newspapers wearing tennis shoes, walking down the street throwing the papers onto porches. I also remember his huge grin and his happy-to-help like attitude as he helped me deliver the papers during the wee hours of that morning.

We finished the job as the sun was slowly beginning to rise casting rays of light through the tree lined streets. Once back at my home, my father-in-law gave me a huge hug and kiss on the cheek thanking me for the opportunity of accompanying me on my job. He reminded me once again that I was his "favorite daughter in-law", and how proud he was of me. Then, he climbed into his car and headed for Grandpa's house waving and smiling as he left.

I quietly opened the door and slipped inside in hopes that I wouldn't awaken anyone. My heart was full and I felt loved. I wanted that feeling to stay with- just me- for awhile. It was too precious to share.

The memory is still precious today. Happy Birthday Dennis! Please know that you are my "favorite father-in-law" too.

Charging Up!

Silence in the room except for the hum of the refrigerator and the dropping of ice.
Sunlight beaming in through the closed blinds.
A crisp morning walk that seemed somewhat familiar, yet still far away.
Breathing in slowly and cautiously hoping that each part of my body can relax.
The muscles in my jaw are clenched so tight, I can still feel the pressure clear to my toes.
I really haven't done anything in the last 15 hours and still I am finding it difficult to unwind.
The laundry, the floors, the smell in the fridge are still waiting Impatiently for their turn.
The lesson plans, uncorrected papers, PTA budget and soccer mom items are furiously taunting my mind.
The husband and children are away, leaving me free from their demands, at least for awhile.
They will be home tonight longing for food, looking for clothing and demanding my listening ear of their overnight adventures.
I am hoping to be calm, cool, collected, smiling and refreshed- ready to jump in and once again be what they expect.
Most likely I will be able to pull it off- the smiles, the laughter, the calmness and collected, meeting demands both high and low, knowing that I can't fool myself- My head is barely staying above water.
On my knees I go- praying for strength and wanting the warmth of His arms around me.
I hear Him telling me that I am not alone. I can do it. I have done it and that I need to do it.
"I know," I whisper, " and I will."
Tears are streaming down my face as I feel His love and His strength. I am humbled and thankful.
The morning is fading ever so quickly. I realize that I need to begin, or I will not be finished and ready.
I will, but not until I have posted my thoughts and feelings. I do not want to forget. So I do.

Isn't She Lovely?

Isn't she lovely?



Isn't she beautiful?




Isn't she grown-up? My how time flies! Are we ready for this?



8th grade graduation party.

High School......coming soon!