Reunion

It's been a busy couple of days at our house. Our precious little grand-daughter arrived (actually we picked her up) on Wednesday and life as we know it changed the mintue she walked through our front door.

At the tender age of two she's already in tune with the "charm the grandparents" role. Batting those baby blues, and smiling that sweet smile of hers, she says, "Please Nanny" and it's about impossible to say "No". I've always believed I wouldn't spoil a grandchild--well, that idea flew right out the window the very minute I held her for the first time.

We took her out for lunch at DQ, played hide&seek, watched Dora the Explorer and Tigger DVs, and painted Easter eggs (my very first time to do such a thing). Her parents weren't arriving back until this morning and little Miss was missing them, so keeping her busy seemed like a good plan. And for the most part it worked. She's naturally a good-natured child and is a delight to spend time with. Seeing her standing on a chair at the island in the kitchen, colouring those eggs, was one of the sweeetest sights. As Bampie dipped, I carefully kept watch so Miss wouldn't fall or upset the dye. We painted on happy faces and printed Mommy and Daddy on a couple of our creations. I kept telling her we were making a present for somebody special because the mere mention of Mommy or Daddy brought tears and a quivering lower lip that would break your heart.

But, she's a little trooper I have to tell you. When bed-time rolled around last night she snuggled in with her stuffed kitty and puppy, her blanket close to her heart and drifted off to dreamland in less than 5 minutes. This morning she woke, with a smile and chattering about her "Easter eggs". My, oh my, what a doll!

After bustling to get to the airport on time to meet her parents, we took our spot in front of the window to watch the plane land. We were still telling her that she was going to see someone special very soon, but she she still didn't know who who that special person was.

When she saw her mother walking across that tarmac, she took one look at me then chimed, "Mommy, Daddy". Her Mom had that "I've missed you baby" look and that little girl flew into her Mommy's arms. Talk about a Kodak moment. I think I was more excited than any of us. Another precious memory to tuck away for a long evening in my rocking chair, twenty or more years down the road, when my hair is grey and the grandbabies have gone off to college.

This morning I witnessed one of the most precious reunions in the universe. It doesn't matter who or where, the magic would be the same. When child and parent are together after any separation, it's a marvelous sight to behold. And I'm thankful I was part of that. If you're reading this and you happen to be a grand-parent, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Until another day,blessings to you and "Yours". Barb

Motherhood

Mother's Day is just around the corner and today I want to pay tribute to all of the Mothers who may be reading this post at this very moment. Having been "in practice" myself for almost 35 years now, I can honestly say that being a mother is an ongoing process that both delights and tests our motherly insticts. My two sons are two of the loves of my life and I sometimes am overwhelmed at the feelings that come from deep within when I pull up a memory from their childhood days.

That initial introduction to my first-born, upon hearing his energetic entry into my world, was "Awe"some, and yet a bit terrifying too. I kept asking the doctor and nurses, "Are you sure it's a boy?". "Yes Mam, it's a boy alright".
"Can I hold him, let me see, are you sure it's a boy". It makes me wonder how these delivery room professionals deal with some of the questions flying out of the mouths of new mothers. As long I live I will never forget the words of the nurse who passed my own new "little person" to me: "He looks just like his Momma"--I was in love (not with the nurse--grin), I was overwhelmed and I could NOT catch my breath. He was the most beautiful sight these hazel eyes had ever witnessed. And I had seen 4 younger sisters as babies, but that didn't prepare me for the wriggling and precious boy who now laid in my arms, looking around as if to say, "Where am I, and who are you?"

The birth of my second son was a bit more dramatic but no less awesome. My doctor told me that the baby wasn't breathing and they would have to suction out his lungs. My first glimpse of that tiny little form frightened me, when I saw that his skin was greyish , immediately I thought, "Oh no, what's wrong? Please God don't let him die". The staff worked on him for what seemed like hours, but in truth was only a few minutes. I heard that first, weak cry and knew that my prayers had been answered. I reached anxiously for him and held on, oh so tight, crying tears of joy and thankfullness. My oldest had a little brother and soon he could come in and see what all the fuss was about.

Of course, we all have our stories and memories, and motherhood is not a piece of cake by long shot. We hurt when they hurt, we cry when they cry and we laugh when they laugh. But through all that, a bond that's stronger than any other carries with it unconditional love and tenderness in our hearts for those little people who made our worlds a better place.

I want to honour my own mother today, as well as those who are reading this little "blurb" on the web. Blessings do indeed come in all shapes, sizes, colours and personalities, but most importantly they come from above. Being a mother has been my greatest reward this side of Heaven. And I never wait until Mother's Day to think about my "own". They're right with me every day, tucked in my heart, saying, "Ah Mom, now don't get mushy on us".

Wishing you and "Yours" the best day, today and every day.
Barb

Friends

I took longer than usual this morning to decide what I wanted to write about today. Possible choices included the weather (Maritimers love talking about that), maple syrup time, "sisters", or maybe layrngitis (an ailment I'm afflicted with today--RATS). But I chose to share with you a bit about a little day trip we took yesterday to visit a very special friend who we haven't seen since last fall, and I've missed her like crazy.

The afternoon began with a lovely drive to the south-western coast of N.B., taking in many of the coastal communities that come alive during the peak summer season, but are hushed by the changing tides that ultimately bring back the bustling tourists and the open shops along the water front. Actually, we did drive right on by these areas, due in large part to my anxiousness to get to my friend's house. And since Hubby wanted to sight-see he let me behind the wheel, where I'm quite comfortable thank-you very much! Other than those spring bumps that occur without fail in our province, the trip was soothing and invigorating at the same time. We reminisced about past excursions to the coast and laughed at some of our favourite stories. I've been priveleged to sing in a few local churches there over the past few years, with a gospel band that we formed back in 1997. Those days have since passed, as do a lot of "scenes" in our lives. But one thing that never changes, thank goodness, is that fondness one feels in the company of a good friend.

We did arrive at her house around 5:30 or so, in a bit of a mysterious fashion--well of course, what would life be without a little mystery. She lives on a quiet country road, surrounded by trees and wildlife. Being a musician and an artisan, she's very content there and when she saw us you could see that shining in her eyes. But, I still haven't told how we made our appearance. We parked the car a few yards from her driveway, walked until we could see her house then called her on our cell. After 5 rings (was thinking she's not home) her son answered and said, "Who's this?" I asked for his mother, who querried the same. By this time Hubby and I are both laughing and saying, "Look out your front window", and we were waving our arms like two lunatics. She finally saw us and her shock was priceless. She ran out the door and practically knocked us down with hugs of joy, at the same time saying, "The house is a mess" and I said, "We don't care, we came to see you not your house". It was one of those "polaroid" moments and not a one of us took a picture. My husband always has his camera in hand but he had left it in the car. I will never forget that as long as I live. I absolutely love to surprise people and the afternoon of March 25th, 2007 is etched forever in my mind. Now, it might seem rather silly to some to hold such a memory so close, but if you have those "special" people in your life you'll understand perhaps. I've sang with this gal and we have a bond that goes beyond friendship in the usual sense. We used to call our group, "Sisters in Harmony" and that says it best maybe. Still, there's just that quality about her that brings a smile whenever I picture us together. I love her humour and the sound of her "voice" (singing or speaking). I love the way her and I have connected and have kept that bond, even though we're seperated by miles and time constrictions. I'm so thankful that God brought her into my life at just the right time.
I think I will send her a card today. Since I can't pick up the phone and call (laryngitis) I'll pen my thoughts and maybe send along a coupon for a meal at our house. Yes, that's what I'm going to do as soon as I'm finished here.
Please accept my good wishes for you and "yours" on this day. Until the next time--Barb

The Lord's Day

What a glorious Lord's day it is out there. I can look out my office window and watch the birds fly by, see the neighbour's garden (in the summer) and marvel at the depth of the blue in that sky. I'm also looking at a picture of our grand-daughter, who was supposed to visit us this weekend, but she has the pink eye and I'm all stuffed up, so she stayed with her regular sitter instead, while her parents are on a little holiday. I was so dissapointed that we had to postpone that time together. I truly now understand the "Grandma" kind of love that comes from the part of my heart that was jump-started when first I held that dear little girl in my arms. She's a joy that God granted us after our own little ones left the nest, and believe me when I say that I quickly discovered what ENS (Empty Nest Syndrome) was all about. My arms physically ached, my heart forgot how to feel and life as I had known it seemed to dissapear forever. My husband, who thought he knew how to comfort me, called one of my sisters in despair, asking if maybe she could somehow cheer me up. I knew that my own time for having more babies was over, but oh, I was so NOT ready for life in an empty house.

Thank goodness for God's love and mercy, for through a great support system I learned how to better deal with the loneliness. I was never one to sit and mope, but during that "recovery" period, I had my share of blue, sorrowful moments that no amount of even "cat comfort" could cure. I missed that youngest boy running up the stairs asking, "What's for supper" and I missed his bass guitar beating out the notes from his band practice music. I missed hearing him strum on my accoustic guitar and I missed answering the phone, because after he left it seemed that no one called anymore. Well, you get the picture and if you're going through any of your own sadness, there are many ways to get help today if your symptoms go beyond the normal gloom. I Googled ENS and found 419,000 results so that's a good place to start. I realized there was no shame in what I was feeling and with time and love from my spouse and family I accepted this as a time to spread my wings. My husband and I became involved in music,we even opened our own venue and ran it for over 6 years. Life was so busy that I wonder today how we ever managed to get everything done. But, everyone's situation is different and needs to be handled with utmost care and attention. Sometimes I think back and remember thinking, 'Won't it be wonderful when the kids are grown and I have time to myself". Well, that is true in all kinds of differnt ways and you just have to tell yourself that "this is another chapter in my life". Our children have not left the planet, they've only spread their own wings and that's what God intended to happen. He understands our sorrow more than any other human could. I believe His tears fall when he loses on of "His" own.

But my intention today was not to dwell on sadness, it was to wish each one of you a "new day" and God's blessings to you and "Yours".
Please drop by again.
Barb

Cat Comfort

If you are a cat lover like me, you've probably experienced a time when your feline "master" jumped up on your lap, or beside you on the sofa or bed and gazed lovingly into your eyes because he or she knows you're not feeling well. I'm amazed and at the same time not surprised at this phenomenon. After all, it's been said that cats are "tiny women in cheap fur coats" and who better to comfort us when we're sick than another female, even if she does have 4 paws and a long tail--grin! I remember a few years back how "Miss Pook", who at that time was not allowed up to the bedroom (she was taken in as a stray by "moi" and hubby was still adjusting to her presence) managed to get by the guard and crawl stealthily in beside her Momma. Even in my foggy state of mind, induced by OTC meds for my runny nose, just having her there made me smile. And I'm sure she smiled back, for reasons of her own. Her soft fur was balm to my soul, as I patted her head and scratched her ears and chin. And that contented purr-r-r-r soothed my frazzelled nerves and even calmed my urge to cough. After months of trying to coax her into the house and into my heart, she lay there beside me as if she'd always been. I love that! Cats can be cunning (well of course) and they can make you upset if you find them on a surface where they're not supposed to be, especially the kitchen table. But, when you're down with a bug or just plain down, that "something" about a cat can perk you up quicker than any medicine.
As for her reasons for smiling that sly smile, you and I both know she saw right past "Hubby's" stern exterior, and she knew she would soon have him wrapped around her sweet little white paws. In fact, she's more apt to go to him now, that she knows I'm the "cook" and he's the "scratcher". Sometimes while we're watching TV, she'll ever so effortlessly slide up on Hubby's lap and then ease up to his belly, where she know's she'll have her neck and belly rubbed. Yes, no one can say that a cat isn't intellegent. At least you can't tell me that. Iv'e had cats who learned to play hide-and-seek and fetch. No kidding! For more on cats and other "bits &and pieces" drop by again. Wishing you and "yours" a wonderful day. Don't forget to hug your cat!
Barb

Ah-h-h, Spring

As my husband and I sat at the breakfast table this morning, mavelling at the sight outside our turret windows, we couldn't help but be thankful for this very special time of year. Our "thanks" for our food went way beyond just the physical comforts that God has so graciously given to us. We thanked Him for the beauty that lies everywhere on this earth, no matter where you live. We thanked Him for the five senses that He gave us, so that we could delight in the robin's song, laugh at the squirrel's antics in the walnut tree and smell the earth as it comes to life with all it's creatures. It's overwhelming when you think about the news headlines, and read about people dying and children suffering. We will never know as long as we live in this world why things happen the way they do, nor will we understand it. I sometimes feel like I don't deserve the bounty of God's love and really, none of us do. But He sent that love through His son. Isn't that the greatest miracle of all?
I do still marvel at His creation and along with the movement of spring, I will soon have a new little miracle to hold in my arms. Yes, I'm positively jumping at the prospect of seeing my grandson--my very first. As all grandmas do, I've been shopping for little "things" for this new bundle of joy. I'll have another tiny person to love and cuddle and spoil, just a little.

I'm wishing you and "yours" a spring day filled with promise and hope for another new dawn.
Barb

Getting started

"It's a new day" as the line of a popular song says, and spring in the Maritimes is beginning to show it's lovely head round about the countryside. Of course Old Man Winter held on longer than we wanted (except for the ski enthusiasts who want snow until June) but I'm starting to dream of my lily patch and I can almost smell the sweet fragrance of the orientals. I can feel their smooth petals against my face and see my feline sprawled out between the stalks, taking a nap in the mid-afternoon sun. Spring is my absolute favourite time of year and brings back so many memories as a child growing up in a small farming community nestled amongst hills of hardwoods and groves of fir trees. My sisters and I could not wait to get out the rubber boots and wade in every single puddle and see who could get stuck the deepest in the soft mud that lay beneath the melting snow piles. There was never a thought about the uncertainty of the future. We just enjoyed the moments as they came and made our own fun. Oh, wouldn't it be grand to go back there for a little while, if only to catch a glimpse of life without stress. Ah-h-h-h, I can smell that mud surrounding my feet and hear the laughter of the other kids as someone gave in and pulled me out. With our mud-streaked faces and cold feet, we'd run with the spring wind to see who could get back to the house first and gobble up a lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, washed down with a huge plastic cup full of milk. Did those days ever truly exist? Was life ever that simple and real? If the answer was "no" I would not be who I am today. For more "bits and pieces" stay tuned for another day. Barb