Musings on the Lake

Several times a week, I wonder about posting and decide it's not the day, but...tonight is different. Sadness overwhelms me tonight. First of all, I'm hormonal (which never helps). My baby girl is leaving for her second year of college tomorrow. Two weeks from now will be the first anniversary of my mother's death. I've found that the anticipation of these anniversaries is usually worse than the day itself. I guess with Sarah leaving once again that I'm reminded of a year ago. My mother was so sick, and I was torn between the two. I didn't have time to grieve for either one fully. My poor mama had become a sick lady I hardly recognized. My baby girl was leaving, and I couldn't give that the attention it needed. I sit and wonder what this fall will bring. Will this be the "first year" of our empty nest? There are so many uncertainties... so many unresolved feelings...such sadness.

Well after 2 weeks overseas, my son's back on American soil. It looks like he had a great time, but I think he's glad to be home. Well.....sort of.... It seems that upon his return he found his car missing from where he parked it. It was towed and impounded about a week ago....cha ching, that will be $400 please. Not happy words to a broke, just graduated, just got home from a trip kid. Especially when your car was left in an acceptable parking zone just 2 weeks ago which is now "no parking." Oh, the lessons we must learn along the journey. He fully intends to speak to the powers that be tomorrow to see what kind of reduction he might get, since he didn't know it would become a no parking zone. Of course, he did have one prize today. He received his UT class ring. Now, Longhorns don't prize their rings like we Aggies do, but it is pretty and was the bright spot in his very long day. Welcome home, Davey.

Our firstborn, is on his way to India right now. That's so far away. Here goes another kid who cannot be reached whenever I want - at least for 2 weeks anyway. He's going to go see the fruition of his hard work this year to come up with a plan for a village drenched in poverty. There are 8 of them who have worked on this project to turn a palace into a hotel to generate income to support it's schools and hospitals. And, while he's there he'll also get to witness an Indian wedding ceremony and celebration, see the Taj Mahal, and just experience the culture. His first email spoke of "the disparity between poverty and riches in this place." I pray the Lord will use this trip to grow their relationship.

Well, Sarah's working at Camp Pine Tree this summer. I know it will be fun for her, and I pray she'll be blessed by her job and the kids. This week she's been at training, and I really miss her. She was home one short week before starting the training, and it really spoiled me to have her around. Being at camp, I can't just pick up the phone and call. It's a little strange. These days of cell phones has spoiled all of us. We expect to speak to whomever we want, whenever we want, and right now! So, I'm feeling a little lonely this week. You know the intense love I feel for my children doesn't fade as they get older. It just gets stronger and stronger.

WOW! Thirty years ago, today, I got married to a wonderful guy who puts up with all my "stuff." We've been through lots of ups and downs in 30 years. We've lost 3 parents, the first one more than 26 years ago, lost 7 grandparents, been unemployed for extended periods of time, and BLESSED BY THE LORD THE WHOLE DARN TIME!!! We've had 2 children grow up before our eyes and turn out to be the "bestest kids" in spite of our parenting. And, we're still "crazy after all these years." Pablo, I love you!

Well, he's done it...David has graduated from college, with 3 degrees, no less. My proud mama heart was overflowing with pride in my "baby boy." He's worked very hard the past five years. As I remember the day we first took him to UT (leaving home at 4:00am), it seems like yesterday. We were flabergasted when we found out he'd signed up for a 7:00am check-in for the dorm, but it turned out to be a blessing because it wasn't so crowded that time of day. He was able to interview for a job, which he got, and the day was good. Fast forward through being on the Liberal Arts Council, persevering to get in the Student Senate and becoming Vice-Chair, and serving with the Blazers and leading them one year, all while holding down a part time job and studying and keeping up good grades. I wasn't prepared for the emotions that came flooding in on me. Congratulations David Sanders Yount! I am so proud of you and your hard work. You are loved!!!