What a short, delightful read. Smiles, tears, nostalgia, admiration. For being a presidential family that traveled the world, and met with high profile leaders...the Bushes retained a normal sense of perspective in living their day to day life. I so appreciate the appreciative words from these girls on their parents and grandparents; who worked hard to "not sweat the small stuff" in parenting, who kept a good balance, who conveyed love, and rooted in them a love and concern for others--going beyond themselves to do good to others.
Some highlights: letters & notes from both George Sr. and Jr., stories from Kennebunkport, deep love conveyed from their Dad when they expressed their differences in politics, Dad's nightly texts regarding Scripture passages, story of the friend who was picketing the war, the "peek" into George Jr's painting --tears to know that he meets these veterans and invests in their lives. What a balanced family who gives back.
It was especially poignant that while reading this book, matriarch Barbara Bush passed away. To read the tributes & past stories, to watch an old Letterman interview, and to understand this strong woman from her grandkids' point of view was enlightening.
Monday, April 23, 2018
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Ducks.... Musings on a Spring Vacation
Sitting by the pool at a Rancho Mirage, CA resort, I noticed a family of ducks--well, not quite a family. The mother duck appeared to be overseeing her brood of five babies in the nearby pond; possibly teaching them to swim well and stay in line. Of course part of learning to obey Mama is to sometimes disobey. I went back to my reading, only to be disturbed about ten minutes later by a high pitched "qwak qwak". As I looked to my right, I immediately noticed one lone baby frantically swimming back and forth, back and forth; no mama in sight...however, I then noted the Papa. He was not more than a few feet away from the squawking duckling, paying no attention whatsoever. He appeared to be deeply absorbed in his own reflections or quite intentionally "not" listening to his offspring's despair. This continued for a few minutes before Mama came racing (as quickly as a duck can waddle) to the edge of the pond, wherein the repentant offspring swam directly to her and scrambled up the slope to join his siblings. As I continued to watch, the Papa made his way slowly across the pond, and in a rather pompous and deliberate fashion, meandered his way over to his family.
Of course this humorous scene from nature made me ponder about how we humans have been created with some similarities to our animal friends. The strong maternal instincts and instruction methods of the female versus the male: the way I have seen my husband calmly observe our kids or grandkids in situations that have struck a bit of terror in me. Though not exactly unworried he just had a keen sense that the kid would figure it out without a lot of drama! On the other hand, a constant barrage of whining kid does somehow correctly reflect that oblivious Papa Duck (think, reading his paper or watching his sports team)--we have seen it many times in both our husbands .....and if we are completely truthful, also in ourselves. Moral of the story: males and females are different in their parenting approaches, but work out of the same context, love of their child.
Of course this humorous scene from nature made me ponder about how we humans have been created with some similarities to our animal friends. The strong maternal instincts and instruction methods of the female versus the male: the way I have seen my husband calmly observe our kids or grandkids in situations that have struck a bit of terror in me. Though not exactly unworried he just had a keen sense that the kid would figure it out without a lot of drama! On the other hand, a constant barrage of whining kid does somehow correctly reflect that oblivious Papa Duck (think, reading his paper or watching his sports team)--we have seen it many times in both our husbands .....and if we are completely truthful, also in ourselves. Moral of the story: males and females are different in their parenting approaches, but work out of the same context, love of their child.
Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown
This was a re-read as I will be progressing to Sharon's second book, and wanted to re-acquaint myself with her 4 characters. Just as I remembered, I found myself in each character especially controlling Charissa, and ministry driven Hannah. My sidenote comments were insightful from four years ago, and I do realize that the combination of being out of the ministry spotlight plus retirement has definitely put a more rested and less stressed spin on my life. I am learning to sense better when my need for approval kicks in, producing guilt and then pushing me to fill my schedule out of obligation rather than joy. I am separating some control issues -- by understanding my organizational giftedness in a different light, not just that I want to "do it my way", but that I really enjoy planning (trips/projects/budget keeping) and calendar organization. It makes our life work together, so I am choosing to not belittle this skill set by mistakenly thinking it is always "controlling".
And, as before, the reminder of the various spiritual disciplines energized me to trust God in utilizing these to listen well to His Voice.
And, as before, the reminder of the various spiritual disciplines energized me to trust God in utilizing these to listen well to His Voice.
Palm Springs Adventure - April 2018
This may have been one of the most relaxing, laid back, hang out trips that we have ever taken! (Other than the rather bizarre return home!). After driving to Michigan City, IN we boarded a coach bus headed to O'Hare for drop-off. The fine print eluded me when booking, I did not understand that there would be 2 other stops before our final destination, but all went well and we arrived in plenty of time to sit and read before boarding. We used AARP for our rental car, and in hindsight, I should have double checked on lower costs a few days out, to see if any cancellations may have changed the prices. Live & Learn. Arrived in Rancho Mirage for a one night free stay at the Westin Mission Hills Starwood Resort. Lovely breakfast overlooking the pool. Nice resort, but made us realize the other option, Westin Desert Willow Villas, would be a better choice for future trips with the CA kids. Live & Learn.
On to meet the grandkids: Main Event! Ben & Jenny had arrived early in the day to find that housekeeping was slightly behind at the Wyndham Worldmark, Indio. . by 6 pm when we got there, they were still emptying their car, so we joined in. On Monday, we began our normal routine-early rising, pool, back for lunch, pool, and games when the kids went down after supper. Jenny had planned great meals to be grilled, so they took a minimum of effort. The game room was a hit, the Lazy River was wonderful, kid pools were well used, the basketball court utilized Abbott's consistent need to use his skills, the first floor access was amazing for the kids to come and go.
Fun Moments:
Much early morning cuddling with 11 month old Elliott, smiles and laughter. Boppa's amazing playtime in the pool with any and all kids in the vicinity, smiles and laughter. Two year old Abbott's determination to continually wear his "basiball shirt", smiles and laughter. Lita's lunch date with almost 5 year old Evy, conversation about school, Henry, Hadley, and her upcoming birthday; smiles and laughter. Babysitting with the grandkids on Wednesday brought mac & cheese, hide 'n seek, a movie and cuddles; smiles and laughter.
Although our flight home was bouncy, the bus wait was worse...getting to Michigan City after 1:00 am, and pulling into our drive at 4 am; our decision to NOT fly out of O'Hare was made instantaneously. Live & Learn.
On to meet the grandkids: Main Event! Ben & Jenny had arrived early in the day to find that housekeeping was slightly behind at the Wyndham Worldmark, Indio. . by 6 pm when we got there, they were still emptying their car, so we joined in. On Monday, we began our normal routine-early rising, pool, back for lunch, pool, and games when the kids went down after supper. Jenny had planned great meals to be grilled, so they took a minimum of effort. The game room was a hit, the Lazy River was wonderful, kid pools were well used, the basketball court utilized Abbott's consistent need to use his skills, the first floor access was amazing for the kids to come and go.
Fun Moments:
Much early morning cuddling with 11 month old Elliott, smiles and laughter. Boppa's amazing playtime in the pool with any and all kids in the vicinity, smiles and laughter. Two year old Abbott's determination to continually wear his "basiball shirt", smiles and laughter. Lita's lunch date with almost 5 year old Evy, conversation about school, Henry, Hadley, and her upcoming birthday; smiles and laughter. Babysitting with the grandkids on Wednesday brought mac & cheese, hide 'n seek, a movie and cuddles; smiles and laughter.
Although our flight home was bouncy, the bus wait was worse...getting to Michigan City after 1:00 am, and pulling into our drive at 4 am; our decision to NOT fly out of O'Hare was made instantaneously. Live & Learn.
Monday, April 16, 2018
Mom and I....Thoughts from February & March 2018
My mother is gone. Somewhat unexpectedly she took a turn and slid into a quick decline...two weeks later, I stood by her bed alone as she slipped away. My dad asked, "What did she die of?" The death certificate says "natural causes", but what does that mean exactly? She naturally declined because of the stroke that stole her speech three months ago? She gave up fighting to get better? She had some additional TIA's that we weren't aware of...and that she couldn't communicate? She said good-bye to her sister in a poignant visit, involving a demonstrative kiss of affection; quite rare among the Landes ladies? Possibly the aggressive melanoma diagnosed in 2015, reared its ugly head in another part of her weakened body? Questions that will not be answered....but I am ok. Actually I am better than ok, which surprises me as the deaths of my sisters were devastating.....mostly because we had so much future to look forward to together: more card games, more trips, more KNIGHT SISTERS events like my mom had with her sisters, more laughter, more sharing of memories (that are elusively slipping away from me).
Ahhh- but Mom lived almost 95 years, and for the past three years, I got to know her better than I had in the previous 90! There is something about caregiving that makes you understand the other person in a unique way. I didn't expect nor long for more time with Mom because God gave me the capacity to give as much as I could ....with no regrets. One of the amazing things I learned when she came to live with us for a few months while we were searching for an assisted care facility, is that I really am a lot like her, for better or worse!
Earlier in my life I would have said that I was hardly like her....but now, much later and a bit wiser, I see the many similarities. As I observed her I found that: we like our morning coffee alone in our special "spots"; we both journaled throughout most of our lives, we like clothes--sometimes trendy, sometimes classic; we put our lipstick on before going anywhere; we love sassy shoes; we like to change around the furniture; we like to bake, we like to "organize" (junk drawers, cabinets, files); we love fresh clean sheets off the clothesline; we love chicken salad wraps; we both long for people's approval; we enjoy the same favorite pie- coconut creme; we both think Vicks is the best for whatever ails you!; we share the same smile; her feisty nature comes out in me sometimes -- that strong "I know I'm right about that", which can drive Bill crazy; and I loved that we both played our old hymns for comfort and reflection. Looking back at her life, I now see what a trailblazer she was--setting off to join the Navy without Dad's blessing (!); continually voicing her support of women in any position -she believed in their skills and she rooted them on, particularly in the political arena and in sports; and I now see how easily she embraced each one who joined our family--whether married in or adopted in, they became "hers". A great legacy of love and acceptance for diversity from a Senior Citizen.
Mostly, as I reflect, I was grateful to see her understanding of God's goodness become a reality -- she began reading her Bible and attending church. She softened and mellowed, she was kind and generous in her gift-giving. She reflected grace.
I will miss her.
Ahhh- but Mom lived almost 95 years, and for the past three years, I got to know her better than I had in the previous 90! There is something about caregiving that makes you understand the other person in a unique way. I didn't expect nor long for more time with Mom because God gave me the capacity to give as much as I could ....with no regrets. One of the amazing things I learned when she came to live with us for a few months while we were searching for an assisted care facility, is that I really am a lot like her, for better or worse!
Earlier in my life I would have said that I was hardly like her....but now, much later and a bit wiser, I see the many similarities. As I observed her I found that: we like our morning coffee alone in our special "spots"; we both journaled throughout most of our lives, we like clothes--sometimes trendy, sometimes classic; we put our lipstick on before going anywhere; we love sassy shoes; we like to change around the furniture; we like to bake, we like to "organize" (junk drawers, cabinets, files); we love fresh clean sheets off the clothesline; we love chicken salad wraps; we both long for people's approval; we enjoy the same favorite pie- coconut creme; we both think Vicks is the best for whatever ails you!; we share the same smile; her feisty nature comes out in me sometimes -- that strong "I know I'm right about that", which can drive Bill crazy; and I loved that we both played our old hymns for comfort and reflection. Looking back at her life, I now see what a trailblazer she was--setting off to join the Navy without Dad's blessing (!); continually voicing her support of women in any position -she believed in their skills and she rooted them on, particularly in the political arena and in sports; and I now see how easily she embraced each one who joined our family--whether married in or adopted in, they became "hers". A great legacy of love and acceptance for diversity from a Senior Citizen.
Mostly, as I reflect, I was grateful to see her understanding of God's goodness become a reality -- she began reading her Bible and attending church. She softened and mellowed, she was kind and generous in her gift-giving. She reflected grace.
I will miss her.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)