PORCH CHATTER: THE PRESENT MOMENT

There are many paths that bring us to where we are at this present moment.  My paths have included joy, sorrow, pleasures, pain, and surprises along the way.

The path of motherhood has brought me a deep joy and profound gratitude for a precious bundle that arrived in my life.  The surprises and pleasures of watching a new little being evolve into a strong, mature adult with children of her own still makes my chest swell!  This path certainly changed (and continues to change) my life forever!!

Another path that has significantly changed my life was begun thirty-six years ago today.  I became a widow at a very young age.  The life lessons on this path were overwhelming at times and most comforting at other times.  Recognizing that each day is a gift has been the greatest life lesson I have taken from this.  Being grateful in the beauty of the moment. 

 I had to find solid footing again after the chaos of monumental change.  Trust did not come easily.  Knowing that I had to put my faith in a power that was so much greater than I became a comfort over the years.  This catastrophic event has molded me into a woman of strength; a woman of gratitude; a woman who is flexible, and can accept change with a minimum of angst.

The woman who was emerging from the ashes of a life (as she had known it) was becoming a woman with confidence.  This woman knew she was a survivor!  Gratitude slowly surfaced in this living day-by-day pattern.  Seeing beauty and joy even in the worst of times became the sunrises of each day.  Knowing there was a Comforter ever present became the sunsets.

Being content to live the moment brought me to another life-changing path to my present moment.

I was given another chance at sharing my journey with a life partner.  This newly emerging woman with confidence, strength, and determination was once again blessed by her Maker with a partner who accepted, respected, and loved her completely.  A man who was willing to help her become the woman she was designed to be.  A life mate who supports and shares her ambitions and her creativity.  The man who makes my life a joy everyday as this path of my journey continues . . .

Many paths have brought me here and there are still paths to follow.

"It is about coming to realize you are on a path whether you like it or not, namely the path that is your life."  -Jon Kabat-Zinn

I realize these are my paths and I am choosing to live each day on each path to the fullest!  My eyes are always open to find the new paths. . .

                            -sandi
 

THIS IS A SPECIAL DAY!!

Today is my daughter's birthday!!!  This is the most special day in my life!  I remember waiting for her for a long time and when she finally came it was love at first sight.

She had the most beautiful eyes and the sweetest little smile.  It still thrills me to see her face.  There is a natural beauty that comes from the inner soul of a woman of grace.

It has been a few years now since her arrival and we have shared many wonderful times and things.   We have not always agreed on matters, but we have always ended with "I love you."

I have always loved this little mug that she gave me.  I always wanted her to know that I was that soft spot for her to land on when she needed it.  The other thing I hope I have taught her is there is no limit to what one can do.  Just set your goals and go for it.  I am watching her teach her children the same things.

She has proven many times how strong and persevering she is.  She is a highly respected businesswoman in her field and has recently enjoyed another promotion.  She continually sets goals for herself and works until she  accomplishes them.

No matter how successful she is in business, I know that her first priority is her family.  She has two wonderful boys who are growing into fine young men under her tutelage.  Her husband is one of the most caring, giving men you would ever want to have for a role model for your grandchildren.  Together they are building a strong family relationship that will carry these boys into their futures with confidence.  She gives her all when it comes to teaching her children and caring for her family.

So, today, Happy Birthday, Heather!!  I love you so much!


                                                -mom, aka sandi

THANKFUL FOR . . .

At this time of year I am so drawn to these beautiful bright colors.  It makes me want to pick up a paint brush and put it on paper or grab fabric and make some kind of collage.  I have never done either one.  This year might be a first.

The reds, oranges, golds and yellows really stand out against the green of the Magnolia and the Ornamental Grasses.

Since November is Gratitude month, I thought I should put some of my thoughts down.

There are so many things that I am grateful for which include my family and friends.

My family loves me unconditionally and accepts my personality quirks and my assets and liabilities and just keep making me feel like the luckiest person in the world.

My beautiful daughter brings so much joy to my life!  She is an awesome mom to my wonderful grandsons while maintaining a full time career.  Her husband was God's gift to me of a man who would love and cherish my daughter in the way I wanted her loved and cared for.  Together they have taught their two sons that family life really means loving and living together in harmony and letting those important people know you love them.

My son-in-law is a man with great depth of understanding and love.  I truly feel like he is my son.  He and I have always had a special relationship that actually started before he married my daughter.  This man is very talented in construction and design.  He builds some beautiful pieces of furniture and designs some very nice landscapes for his customers.  He is generous with his time.  He often coaches the recreational athletics of our grandsons.

Sorry, SIL, I do not have a photo to include here.

My grandsons are such wonderful personalities and so different.  The older one is now sixteen years old and looking toward his future preparing for college and, ultimately, his career choice.  This young man is full of compassion and genuine love and loyalty for his family and friends.  His quiet demeanor is so unassuming for a young man who excels in his academics and his community service and his church activities.  He makes my day when he sends me a text or when we have our occasional "date".  This young man appears to be headed toward a future in a career that involves caring for others -- either people or animals.

Our younger grandson is nine years old and, truly, an old soul in a young body.  He has such a unique way of expressing himself and he opens the window to such a fresh look at life.  It is such a pleasure to have conversations with him.  He can sum up life in a few words --  but they usually make you stop and look at him and ask yourself, "Did he just say that?"  We tease that he will be our representative in public community service.  Going down to have a twenty-minute school lunch with him is a highlight of the month for me.

Many years ago I was a young woman of 34 when I was widowed.  I was as unprepared for this as anyone would be at this age. However, I continued day by day keeping my faith in God and believing that my future was to take care of my daughter and bring her up to be a successful, caring woman.

Then, one day God did something wonderful for me.  He put me in a place to meet a wonderful man who was a recent widower himself.  This man has been my husband for almost thirty years.  How I could be so blessed still amazes me!

This man is generous, kind, and loving.  He makes me feel so special every day.  He loves me ALL the time and tells me that I am so important to him and his happiness. 

I certainly am blessed and ever so grateful for these wonderful people who enrich my life beyond measure.

My pets play a big role in making my life full.  They bring us a kind of joy and pleasure that only comes from a four-footed family member.

This tribute to my family is my way of saying "Thank you, God, for such a rich, rewarding life".

Should I go looking for paint brush, paint and paper?

-sandi