Take a deep breath

I'm calm now.

Kay has been walking around (4:30am), lounging on the couch, turning on the lamps, opening the freezer. Opening the front door! In a way...she's a great alarm clock. Why should I complain?

When I was a little girl, a man from our church made an "anger/resolution parrot". I think his name was Leroy. The man, not the parrot. Basically, before you lost your temper, or say things you'd regret, you would rock this wood cutout and it was perfectly balanced so it would take a long time before it stopped rocking. The intention was...wait, and take a deep breath before you act. Take time to think about what you want to say. Think about how your words or actions will affect the other person. By the time the parrot stopped rocking, my bother and sisters and I were too bored to fight.

I've taken a deep breath.

I'm ready to remind Kay that she HAS eaten in the last three days. (Very well!) I am ready to explain, again, that nothing is going on down the street, around the corner or "over there". I am ready to take on this day. I pray for patience and understanding.

Sarah

Empty nest syndrome

Often times I wonder...what will our life be like when Kay isn't living with us anymore. Will I have to get a job? Will I clean more? Cook better? Will Tim and I remember how to be newlyweds? Will I ever be a mom?

Then the feeling of guilt seeps in. I realize that I use Kay as an excuse to do, or not do, so many things. It's not fair to her. I get upset when she sleeps on the couch all day and then I get upset when she does get up and attempts to help in the kitchen by moving dishes around in a method that doesn't suit me. Who will I blame when I can't find a past due bill or a magazine article? Who's fault will it be that I'm not taking better care of myself or get the laundry put away? These are all valid questions. All of them have a very simple answer...I'm just scared to admit it.

I love Kay. She's the only mother-in-law I've got. She brought Tim into this world and greeted me with a Texas hug the first time we met. She giggles from the depth of her belly when I fake a hiccup. Her eyes light up like a little girl when I bring her ice cream. She sings and claps her hands at Hallmark commercials, or Taco bell commercials. She greets everyone with a smile...anywhere! Her middle name is "Go".

Whether she knows it or not, I have been truly blessed. The lessons I have learned were not intentionally taught. Kay has been and will always be a true caretaker.

A distinguished gentleman, a tear, and smiles

So, here it goes...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope everyone had pleasant holidays!

I had a date tonight with my parents. I missed being with Tim, but he gave me a "free card". Thank you, Sweetie!!! Guess who we went to go see. My brother-in-law, Vernon Nicodemus. What a singer!!! Center stage, top shelf, and engaging. He really was the most distinguished man on the stage and he gave me a wink when we were applauding in the balcony. I might be biased or delusional. The concert was great and I enjoyed the time that I spent with my mom and dad. (By the way...the first time I met ANY of Tim's family was at a choral concert that Vern was singing in.)

Ruth, my mom, and I cried. The music was moving. Bernie, my dad, reminisced about...well, whatever! (He might of cried, too.) I smiled and wiped my tears. And, we all enjoyed watching the gentleman center stage and listening to wonderful voices all around! Beautiful and breath taking!!!