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| At our Mom's Memorial with cousins and sons |
Happiness makes up in height for what lacks in length. Robert Frost
Happiness is not a goal it is a by-product. Eleanor RooseveltBig question...what currently brings you the most joy in your life? This question is best tackled when things are running somewhat smoothly. Write it down. When life is rough it's a very handy list to have.
I'm thinking about the many things in my life that continually bring me joy. Joyful celebrations, top the list I have to admit. Big or small, the weddings of all the adult children, [my sons and all my nephews and nieces] in our big family left me with great, delicious memories. All the while, at theses festive occasions, no one knows what the future holds for these young adults. We all fervently wish copious, rich amounts of happiness. Another thought, will their marriage last a long, rich, happy time? Will they struggle physically, emotionally, financially? Will they divorce with rancor or part amiably? Will they have bonny children? Will they be successful, have plenty of money, be able to own a home? Will they be blessed with a long life? Will their dreams come true? Will they have their health? None of this is captured at the time of the wedding except in the minds of those of us who are 20 to 30 years their senior. Let it be at the joyous occasion, celebrate heartily and enjoy the moment.
As an aside, I'm so glad that our mother, even though she declared, "I'm never going to travel out West again," came to every single one of the weddings [10 in approximately 10 years]. We have the pictures of her celebrating with her adult children, her grandchildren and even being with her great grandchildren. Blessed. We also have pictures that proved she wore the exact same pantsuit to each of the weddings. Modesty and a certain, "who cares" affected her choices in attire. Priorities do change over the years... |
| Kathleen |
And now I have to add to that long list of wonderful weddings, one who also benefited from them, my little sister Kathleen. We reveled in seeing each other more often especially at these wonderful celebrations. Sadly Kathleen died unexpectedly of a heart attack at the age of only sixty seven years. [If you are saying, "only 67?!', you must be youngish. Just look at the picture of her...]
One of the greats joys in my life, and this is a continual joy,
is being with my grandchildren. No one can tell you how outrageously great it is to have a healthy baby of your son and daughter in law placed into your arms. That is a dream come true for me and my husband.
There are few ecstatic moments in life and receiving these four babies was definitely four moments of ecstasy. Getting to enjoy each one of them through the years and reveling in their distinctive personalities is, in short, the best. |
| Helena, Mt. |
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| Guess |
Included in my list of big joys, are the grand trips. For our big Anniversary last year, we took a road trip to several National Parks, and to say the least, it was worth it every day. We tend to travel toward the family, mostly to celebrate something and hence our grand trips are all in the U.S. Though many of our friends and acquaintances do the race around Europe or the globe to points exotic, we haven't been to Europe or beyond in 20 years. We do get to Canada [exotic, no, but definitely a different cultural feel] because we live so close by. I am grateful that we have a chance to stretch our US mind set by visiting our Canadian friends. When in conversation with the Canadians, they do often ask, "what has happened to the US?" Meaning: we used to be so kind and generous. "Politics--- and Russia interfered in the election of 2016", I say and leave it at that.
I was delighted to go to Hawaii this year with my sister Sally. This was my fifth or sixth trip to these gorgeous islands. Each day we choose to snorkel to our hearts and bodies content. And then we delight in all the fresh fruit, and the just caught fish. It's easy to travel with people you love who also relish what you love.
Another joy, that is continually richer over time is our marriage. Marrying someone I not only love deeply but also respect, trust and who makes me laugh every day has worked marvelously for me.
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