My Dad

What does a daughter learn from her dad?

that sawdust smells great

and walking into Lowe's brings a feeling of comfort

if half of her work isn't finished by 10 AM she's wasted her day

that he'll never understand some of us aren't morning people

waking up to "You Are My Sunshine" made it bearable

piglets are a pet to only dream about

her destructive childhood dog could stay because he didn't want to break her heart

a quiet drive and an ice cream cone can fix most anything

guys who break up with her aren't good enough anyway

accidents happen; cars are replaceable

how to drive --down Old Swimming Pool road-HELP!

convertibles, flowers and a beautiful evening is a great 'first date' with the best guy ever

putt-putt for birthdays is a great place to be

how to fix-it: sinks, walls, holes, paint...(good thing)

even if green and yellow is ugly (really ugly), he'll still buy the paint for her bedroom

to bring her friends home when they need a second family and mom and him will give them one

college is worth a second, or third, try

that daughters are special

prayer changes everything

to work hard

to marry someone who works hard

to be kind and understanding to that someone when he's working hard (via Mom)

that love covers a multitude of sins

everything he could give to her, he did (and does)

watching your daughter getting married isn't easy on a dad

he loved her first*

becoming a parent is a bridge to both unconditional love and heartbreak

you'll miss your grown children more than you know

(and they'll miss him the same)

great memories with your family will carry you through some really hard times

being a grandpa is wonderful-he'll share their joys and sorrows with her

though time goes by, homes and jobs change, people grow all around, life will pull in every direction possible and still,

he could never out give his love for her

and she just wants him to know that it's true for her too

But I loved her first and I held her first

And a place in my heart will always be hers

From the first breath she breathed

When she first smiled at me

I knew the love of a father runs deep

And I prayed that she'd find you someday

But it's still hard to give her away

I loved her first*

So much of who I am started with you, Dad. Thank you. I love you.

Happy Father's Day~2009

My Dad

What does a daughter learn from her dad?

that sawdust smells great

and walking into Lowe's brings a feeling of comfort

if half of her work isn't finished by 10 AM she's wasted her day

that he'll never understand some of us aren't morning people

waking up to "You Are My Sunshine" made it bearable

piglets are a pet to only dream about

her destructive childhood dog could stay because he didn't want to break her heart

a quiet drive and an ice cream cone can fix most anything

guys who break up with her aren't good enough anyway

accidents happen; cars are replaceable

how to drive --down Old Swimming Pool road-HELP!

convertibles, flowers and a beautiful evening is a great 'first date' with the best guy ever

putt-putt for birthdays is a great place to be

how to fix-it: sinks, walls, holes, paint...(good thing)

even if green and yellow is ugly (really ugly), he'll still buy the paint for her bedroom

to bring her friends home when they need a second family and mom and him will give them one

college is worth a second, or third, try

that daughters are special

prayer changes everything

to work hard

to marry someone who works hard

to be kind and understanding to that someone when he's working hard (via Mom)

that love covers a multitude of sins

everything he could give to her, he did (and does)

watching your daughter getting married isn't easy on a dad

he loved her first*

becoming a parent is a bridge to both unconditional love and heartbreak

you'll miss your grown children more than you know

(and they'll miss him the same)

great memories with your family will carry you through some really hard times

being a grandpa is wonderful-he'll share their joys and sorrows with her

though time goes by, homes and jobs change, people grow all around, life will pull in every direction possible and still,

he could never out give his love for her

and she just wants him to know that it's true for her too

But I loved her first and I held her first

And a place in my heart will always be hers

From the first breath she breathed

When she first smiled at me

I knew the love of a father runs deep

And I prayed that she'd find you someday

But it's still hard to give her away

I loved her first*

So much of who I am started with you, Dad. Thank you. I love you.

Happy Father's Day~2009

Monsters, Dragons and Thunder

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray Thee Lord the cows to keep-

Far, far away from my dreamy slumber,

Instead- send monsters, dragons or thunder.

Those don't bother me in the least, 

But God? Please keep away the SHEEP!

One more thing which scares me to death 

(and no one could guess it, that's a sure bet),

Mom says it won't hurt me and it never can move,

Well, it does in my dreams, so what can I do?

Dear Lord,  I pray for this one last wish,

...What scared me last night was the food in my dog's dish!

So I ask you God, as I close my eyes,

Please lock all those scary things outside.

A peaceful night is my request,

Because Mom doesn't want me in her bed.

Thank you & Amen

Monsters, Dragons and Thunder

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray Thee Lord the cows to keep-

Far, far away from my dreamy slumber,

Instead- send monsters, dragons or thunder.

Those don't bother me in the least, 

But God? Please keep away the SHEEP!

One more thing which scares me to death 

(and no one could guess it, that's a sure bet),

Mom says it won't hurt me and it never can move,

Well, it does in my dreams, so what can I do?

Dear Lord,  I pray for this one last wish,

...What scared me last night was the food in my dog's dish!

So I ask you God, as I close my eyes,

Please lock all those scary things outside.

A peaceful night is my request,

Because Mom doesn't want me in her bed.

Thank you & Amen

Let's hear it for the boys!

Testosterone.

~  ~ ~

 It's something to be reckoned with.  This Sunday afternoon ended up like many others and we had 3 teenage boys instead of one (we welcome them anytime). I hesitate to add one more, and yet something strange happened to Nicholas.  

Mitchel and his two buddies are bantering away as we head into Costco from the parking lot. That's the place where normally my five year old grabs my hand out of ordinariness, so you can imagine my surprise as he pulls his hand out of mine before it even hits skin. If I wasn't so preoccupied trying to figure out if I somehow stabbed him with my palm, I would have come to the blaring conclusion a bit sooner than the 15 seconds it took me.  Maybe even faster than his hand jolted back to his hip, he had caught up with the boys. He fit in perfectly: he had that teenage pimp to his walk, the cool suave speech, and the laugh that was neither too loud or too hidden. And even though his 3 1/2 foot stature was no contest to mix with the six footers, he never noticed. He sat with and ate as much as the big guys and he even got in on the conversations about the girls. (I think the five year old logic was the winner there!)

After dropping off our friends and heading to Toys N Us, as Nicholas calls it, we're again walking across the parking lot. Getting out of the car was routine: unbuckle, jump down, close the door and yes, reach up for Mom or Dad's hand-no thought and no sudden recanting to speak of.

Man, that testosterone is strong stuff. Lethal even! It added years to my little boy's life while simultaneously stealing a few from me. I'm so glad once again-and with no defacement rendered- he reverted to my little guy, because I'm pretty sure it's here to stay for the duration with my teenager. Go ahead and grow-up, Mitchel (if you must!), but let's let your little brother take his time. 

Let's hear it for the boys!

Testosterone.

~  ~ ~

 It's something to be reckoned with.  This Sunday afternoon ended up like many others and we had 3 teenage boys instead of one (we welcome them anytime). I hesitate to add one more, and yet something strange happened to Nicholas.  

Mitchel and his two buddies are bantering away as we head into Costco from the parking lot. That's the place where normally my five year old grabs my hand out of ordinariness, so you can imagine my surprise as he pulls his hand out of mine before it even hits skin. If I wasn't so preoccupied trying to figure out if I somehow stabbed him with my palm, I would have come to the blaring conclusion a bit sooner than the 15 seconds it took me.  Maybe even faster than his hand jolted back to his hip, he had caught up with the boys. He fit in perfectly: he had that teenage pimp to his walk, the cool suave speech, and the laugh that was neither too loud or too hidden. And even though his 3 1/2 foot stature was no contest to mix with the six footers, he never noticed. He sat with and ate as much as the big guys and he even got in on the conversations about the girls. (I think the five year old logic was the winner there!)

After dropping off our friends and heading to Toys N Us, as Nicholas calls it, we're again walking across the parking lot. Getting out of the car was routine: unbuckle, jump down, close the door and yes, reach up for Mom or Dad's hand-no thought and no sudden recanting to speak of.

Man, that testosterone is strong stuff. Lethal even! It added years to my little boy's life while simultaneously stealing a few from me. I'm so glad once again-and with no defacement rendered- he reverted to my little guy, because I'm pretty sure it's here to stay for the duration with my teenager. Go ahead and grow-up, Mitchel (if you must!), but let's let your little brother take his time. 

Brother Where art thou?

 Brother Where Art Thou?

I don't know which letters will dance off the keyboard and become words tonight, nor do I know what they will say.

My brother Seth moved across the country last week: coast to coast. The logic I keep repeating to my brain is that even living less than 2 hours away didn't mean we had time to stop life and visit often. Commonly, we both drove farther than one another's place and had our personal visits at mom and dad's house. Those times were usually confined to special days such as birthdays (theirs, not his: other than Bastille day, he refuses to acknowledge any significance) or holidays. Sometimes we'd expand our horizon and shoot over there for unexpected necessary trips such as when Mom got hit by a car or Dad scared us all with his seemingly incurable nose bleeds (thank the Lord for His grace and their continued health).

Therefore it makes no sense to feel sad that he's so far away. Yet I do. I miss him. Maybe it's because I know he's 2600 miles away from and 3 hours behind me. Each making it more difficult to see and talk to him. Maybe it's just because I know if  I want to visit him, I can not without getting on a plane. Could it be that I can't help him get settled in, chose a new kitchen table or unpack his dishes? Or, maybe it's simply just knowing we're separated more than before.  Very possibly it's because the brain and the heart don't often see the same perspective: logic can come along side of feelings, but it will take a little  time for that union to form.

I'm happy for him. Excited that he's living one of his long time dreams of leaving months of wintry barren landscapes and cold nights behind  in favor of the San Diego year long calm climate and picturesque views. Who could blame him?

I honeymooned in SD years and years ago, visited back there with my sons just a couple of years ago and now have added yet another reason to be in love with the area: one of my dearest friends and brother now call it home.  

I'm off to look up plane fares. 

Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet. -- Vietnamese Proverb

   

Brother Where art thou?

 Brother Where Art Thou?

I don't know which letters will dance off the keyboard and become words tonight, nor do I know what they will say.

My brother Seth moved across the country last week: coast to coast. The logic I keep repeating to my brain is that even living less than 2 hours away didn't mean we had time to stop life and visit often. Commonly, we both drove farther than one another's place and had our personal visits at mom and dad's house. Those times were usually confined to special days such as birthdays (theirs, not his: other than Bastille day, he refuses to acknowledge any significance) or holidays. Sometimes we'd expand our horizon and shoot over there for unexpected necessary trips such as when Mom got hit by a car or Dad scared us all with his seemingly incurable nose bleeds (thank the Lord for His grace and their continued health).

Therefore it makes no sense to feel sad that he's so far away. Yet I do. I miss him. Maybe it's because I know he's 2600 miles away from and 3 hours behind me. Each making it more difficult to see and talk to him. Maybe it's just because I know if  I want to visit him, I can not without getting on a plane. Could it be that I can't help him get settled in, chose a new kitchen table or unpack his dishes? Or, maybe it's simply just knowing we're separated more than before.  Very possibly it's because the brain and the heart don't often see the same perspective: logic can come along side of feelings, but it will take a little  time for that union to form.

I'm happy for him. Excited that he's living one of his long time dreams of leaving months of wintry barren landscapes and cold nights behind  in favor of the San Diego year long calm climate and picturesque views. Who could blame him?

I honeymooned in SD years and years ago, visited back there with my sons just a couple of years ago and now have added yet another reason to be in love with the area: one of my dearest friends and brother now call it home.  

I'm off to look up plane fares. 

Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet. -- Vietnamese Proverb

   

5475 Days~15 Years

5475

It's been 5,475 days since I became a mother.

 We've all heard our parents and other adults repeat the same banal words, 

"they grow up too fast." 

Once upon a time that was laughable or at least worthy of a good eye-roll.

 No more. 

 I concede their accuracy. 

They are painfully accurate, 

and those words resound loudly through my ears. 

Mitchel's 15th birthday is today. 

He's so excited. So am I. 

No, 

not because the years have sped by 

and my 21 1/2" newborn son has sprouted

 to an over 6' tall young man, 

but because  he wanted to spend his birthday 

with his dad, brother and me. 

Talk about a fleeting moment. 

I'll take it! 

We visited Williamsburg, VA to play miniature golf at Pirate's Cove, or Argh Putt-Putt as Nichoals calls it. 

The day was perfect starting with lunch at Red, White and Blue Memphis BBQ followed by an hour playing Black Beard's course-we nearly had the place to ourselves. 

Even though we struck out at Nike Outlet for a pair of 15 cleats, all was not a loss. 

Troy took Mitchel back to the sports consignment shop we passed 

and he bought a new Omaha bat for $18 used. 

He'd had his eye on that bat for some time 

but the $200 price tag kept him at a distance.

A quick drive thru at Wendy's for dinner gave way to a beautiful westward 

 drive as we headed back home enjoying the sun setting before us. 

Mitchel smiled and laughed all day long. 

Nicholas loved it  just as much and both of them can't wait to go again. 

It's going to be a tough day to top, 

but I'm willing to give it  try sometime soon.

Soon because I know the days and years are good 

at passing me by unawarely.

The prospect of looking ahead to years 16, 17 and 18 

don't bring a smile to my face right now, 

so I'll stop here 

while I'm happy. 

Happy birthday to my first born, 

Mitchel Troy Henion. 

I'm so richly blessed to have you as a son and part of my life. 

May your 16th year be better for you than any year yet. 

I love you!

5475 Days~15 Years

5475

It's been 5,475 days since I became a mother.

 We've all heard our parents and other adults repeat the same banal words, 

"they grow up too fast." 

Once upon a time that was laughable or at least worthy of a good eye-roll.

 No more. 

 I concede their accuracy. 

They are painfully accurate, 

and those words resound loudly through my ears. 

Mitchel's 15th birthday is today. 

He's so excited. So am I. 

No, 

not because the years have sped by 

and my 21 1/2" newborn son has sprouted

 to an over 6' tall young man, 

but because  he wanted to spend his birthday 

with his dad, brother and me. 

Talk about a fleeting moment. 

I'll take it! 

We visited Williamsburg, VA to play miniature golf at Pirate's Cove, or Argh Putt-Putt as Nichoals calls it. 

The day was perfect starting with lunch at Red, White and Blue Memphis BBQ followed by an hour playing Black Beard's course-we nearly had the place to ourselves. 

Even though we struck out at Nike Outlet for a pair of 15 cleats, all was not a loss. 

Troy took Mitchel back to the sports consignment shop we passed 

and he bought a new Omaha bat for $18 used. 

He'd had his eye on that bat for some time 

but the $200 price tag kept him at a distance.

A quick drive thru at Wendy's for dinner gave way to a beautiful westward 

 drive as we headed back home enjoying the sun setting before us. 

Mitchel smiled and laughed all day long. 

Nicholas loved it  just as much and both of them can't wait to go again. 

It's going to be a tough day to top, 

but I'm willing to give it  try sometime soon.

Soon because I know the days and years are good 

at passing me by unawarely.

The prospect of looking ahead to years 16, 17 and 18 

don't bring a smile to my face right now, 

so I'll stop here 

while I'm happy. 

Happy birthday to my first born, 

Mitchel Troy Henion. 

I'm so richly blessed to have you as a son and part of my life. 

May your 16th year be better for you than any year yet. 

I love you!