Remembering Heroes

“There is a saying in Tibetan, 'Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.' No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that's our real disaster.”  Dalai Lama

Most of America can remember where they were on 9/11 when they first heard about the twin towers. Most of Baton Rouge (and surrounding communities) can remember where they were when they first heard about the police ambush that took place 1 year ago today. I was in California. At the time, I was separated from the tragedy by 2500 miles so, while sad, I felt distanced from it all. It wasn't until I got back to LA that I realized I had a connection to one of the officers who was killed- Brad Garafola. I had taught his son. His daughter goes to school with P. His inlaws go to church with us. As I started putting the pieces together, I began to mourn the loss of these heroes. The men who went to work to protect the community, while providing for their families.

I remember the heightened tension throughout the area. I didn't want to drive down Airline Hwy, a common thoroughfare through town, unless absolutely necessary because that's where the ambush took place. As the heat began to rise, protests took place. More police ambush throughout the country took place. And more Christians began to pray for our nation, our police officers.

I can't imagine what these police families have been through this past year. I have become friends with Brad's mother in law and once in awhile she'll open up to me. She'll confide in me how she's feeling about losing her beloved son in law, how it's strained her relationship with her daughter. I can't imagine the "firsts" these families went through for the past 365 days. The "what-ifs". So much was lost last Summer- from the ambush to the flood, it was a difficult time for the BR area.

Some good has come from this tragedy. One police was severely wounded- 3 shots to his head, abdomen and shoulder. He has been fighting through a long journey of recovering for the past year. His parents were told he wouldn't live past 5 days, 21 days at most (by a miracle). A couple months ago he said his first word ("Hello") and he used his legs for the first time not long afterwards. Through it all, his dad has become a prayer warrior, has re-established his walk with the Lord. He is also using social media to witness to tens of thousands who follow his son's progress.

So, a year after the ambush, it's important to not lose hope. It's important to pray for our police heroes. It's important to honor those who have fallen in the line of duty. It's important to never forget, yet remain strong.

Thank you to those who put their lives on the line every day, to protect communities around the world.

Summer Fun

I haven't blogged in awhile not because of lack of news. Just the opposite actually. We have been so busy that I literally fall into bed at night, welcoming the quiet. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, Father's Day weekend is the only weekend that we have been home....without entertaining. This past weekend seemed to be our biggest yet- a 8yr old birthday party and a church ministry fish fry. It's been a busy time but it's not over yet.
This Summer has been one for the books! Usually I spend Summer break trying to figure out fun things to do before or after we get back from California, that being our big Summer activity. We spend a lot of time at Bass Pro because of lack of things to do. But this year the fun seems to find us. (We haven't been to Bass Pro once!) There have only been a handful of days where we have been "bored". And by bored, I mean we stay home and clean the house and do laundry to get caught up.
This Summer we have gone to the trampoline park, to the movies, on a camping trip, on picnics, to MS, on the boat, to VBS, to CFA Cow Appreciation Day, to a library magic show, hosted a birthday party and a fish fry, did a day trip to the Coast where we went to the Marine Institute, had friends over to swim several times a week....and the list goes on. Sadly, there is still a list of things I'd like to do but doubt will happen due to lack of time.
Needless to say, I have been having so much fun that I haven't been able to get any of the projects done that I had wanted to do. I wish I could say that I still have plenty of time but that wouldn't be true. This week we'll be going to MS for my FIL's retirement party and next week we'll be going to visit friends with maybe a trip to TX thrown in. Then it's back to the real world. The world where I don't get to sleep in and enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee in the morning. The world where I don't get to spend the day being a kid with my boys. The world where the housework is prioritized because there aren't enough hours in the day. The world where I receive a paycheck again. As much as it saddens me to have the Summer's end in sight, I am excited for the new school year. Until then, let the fun continue!!!

Southern Camping

When some friends from church asked if we wanted to go camping we didn't hesitate. In fact, I was stoked! It's been 4 years since we've been camping and I miss it. It wasn't real camping. More like glamping but I'll take it. We rented a cabin and got a good laugh out of how cozy the cabin was. But, other than sleeping, we didn't spend much time inside. We rode bikes, BBQ'd, explored, fished, rafted, played card games, swam, tossed the football and just enjoyed the great outdoors. Despite the tropical storm, the weather was perfect so it was easy to be outside. Chalk it up to a perfect weekend with friends!

My Dad

Sometimes I think I could write a book about how great my dad is. Truth be told, I knew he was a great dad while I was growing up but it wasn't until I became an adult that I realized how truly blessed I am to have him as my father.
From the time I was little I knew my dad to be quick to listen, slow to speak. He disciplined more by talking in a calm, logical voice than by yelling or using his hand. He guided with encouragement and support, helping me make decisions as I went. When I was young, we were only allowed to watch 1/2 hour of TV a day and whenever we watched our show my favorite place to lay was on my dad's leg. It was a place of comfort and relaxation. When we weren't watching our show, he was playing games with us. Monopoly was a favorite and he patiently played for hours, while teaching me about money and investments (Ironically, I still need to be taught those lessons).
As I got older we butted heads sometimes but, now that I'm an adult, I realize that I didn't know everything and that I should've heeded my dad's (and mom's) advice more. Even now, although I'm a parent myself, my dad will graciously call me out when I'm being a brat. He's still quick to listen and slow to speak but our roles have changed to more of friends and confidants than as parent/child. Some of my favorites times as an adult is when we go on Father/Daughter dates. He used to take me to Olive Garden since that used to be one of my favorite restaurants (even though he didn't like it in the least). Now we mull over life while enjoying hamburgers at one of our favorite burger joints. As always, he listens and gives advice (even when I don't always ask for it). He guides me with that same gentle guidance he's used all my life. I don't take it for granted.
Looking back on my life, some of the things I appreciate most about my dad now were things I either didn't know at the time or have grown to love. I remember spending countless hours at the church because my dad was the church treasurer. I wasn't always a fan of staying late every Sunday night while my dad counted the tithe checks, but now, looking back, I'm thankful that he was faithful in his ministry. He taught by example how important it is to be the spiritual leader of the household, even if that doesn't mean you're front and center in the church. I appreciate how he's dated my mom for more than 40 years of marriage. He used to throw her elaborate surprise birthday parties and sacrifice his wants to buy her nice gifts. He still takes her out on dates and watches chick flicks. He still buys her fresh flowers every week and writes her love notes. He taught me the importance of dating your spouse and loving even when marriage gets difficult. When I was a senior in high school I went through a I'm-smarter-than-my-parents phase and hung out with a less than stellar group of peers. A few years ago I learned that my dad, out of concern for me, rigged the doors of the house and slept on the couch for several nights because he was afraid I was going to run away from home during that time. He feared for my life- both spiritually and physically, so he gave up the comfort of sleeping in his own bed to ensure that I was safe. The older my boys get, the more I appreciate this selfless act that may or may not have changed my life. Another fun high school experience was math. Around jr high it became obvious that I had reached my limit in my mathematical ability. Yet my dad patiently tutored me in math despite my tantrums, mean words and tears.
He has loved me through the bad and ugly. He has comforted me during the lonely and the sad. He has laughed with me through the happy and joyful. And through it ALL he has loved me unconditionally. I honestly wish everyone could be blessed with a dad like mine. Because if they could, I have no doubt that this world would be a better place.
I love you, Dad! Thanks for everything you have done and given me throughout life. But, thanks most of all for being YOU, a man of God!!

Fun in the Summer Sun

We always look forward to our trips out West to visit my parents. Not only do we love our time with them, laughing and creating special memories, but we also love to eat at our favorite restaurants, visit friends, go to various parks and have fun adventures. This trip was one of my best ones to date! I got to spend special time with my parents and I got to watch one of my closest friends get married. Although I didn't get to see all of my friends this trip or take a day trip to NV, it was one of our most fun trips to date. Instead of running around like a crazy person, trying to fit everything in, we just made the most of each day and rested when we'd had enough fun. We went to the local carnival and parade. The boys loved backyard camping with their BobBob. My mom and I got to enjoy a special Mother/Daughter lunch and shopping trip. We visited my aunt and her family so the boys could tire her puppy out. One of the most fun things we did, in my opinion, was the water park that we'd never been to. E was a little nervous about swimming and P was a little scared of the huge water slide but it only took both of them a few minutes before overcoming their anxiety and fear. Yesterday the boys ran a lemonade stand and will be donating $20 for St. Jude, an organization that means a lot to P. To top it off we did our family favorite- the local fish hatchery, a place where we can feed the trout and explore. The boys LOVE going there! All in all, it's been a very fun trip and we made memories to last a long time to come.

Lessons From a Run

This morning I went for a short run, not long enough to really get deep into thought. But a few things  ran through my head (get it??) while my feet pounded the pavement. I don't know if or how many more half marathons I'll be able to do. I'd love to be like that 92 year old women who just made the record for being the oldest person to run a half. But the arthritis in my hip really bothers me, whether I run 1 mile or 13. A few things that make any run easier for me, though, is music, my boys and the weather. For some reason my Pandora wasn't working today so I was stuck listening to Rob's Bone Collector CD (How did that end up on every iPhone we own??). I noticed that the music really slowed down my time, like 45 per mile slower, because of the slower rhythm. Another thing I noticed is that I no longer like running hills. I used to love them because they provided a challenge. Now I loathe them, mainly because I'm out of shape and because of my hip. I noticed that my optimal running weather is sunny and about 65 degrees. Oh, and includes NO humidity! The last thing I noticed is that "bad" music (no offense, Hun) slows me down, but my boys help my time. I picked them up to accompany me on my last half mile. They rode their scooters so running next to them really helped me better my time. I hope I can keep running for many years to come, whether it's 1 mile or 13 miles. I've come to love running and love the stress relief it provides. I also love that it gives me a chance to ponder life, to make life applications, learn lessons and spend time outside with my boys!

Cancer Sucks

I toyed with writing this blog because I don't want to sound insensitive or offend anyone. That is not my intent. My intent is to inform you that cancer sucks. Big time. A week ago today we got word that our 34 year old friend passed away due to cancer. This morning I woke up to find out, on social media, that a lady I had taught with passed away due to cancer. I can't say that I was good friends with either of the gals. I didn't have a phone full of selfies with them or their phone numbers programmed into my phone. I didn't have long talks with them on a regular basis, knowing all the minute details of their lives. But I was friends with them and struggle with the fact that, in a world full of nut jobs, two strong, intelligent, sweet, beautiful women died.
Our friend, Jessica, had a large 34th birthday party a month ago. We were honored to be invited and cherished the time with her friends and family. We knew the end of her life was near, which made it bittersweet. I cried when we sang "Happy Birthday" to her and laughed when I watched her (mightily) blow out the candles on all three of her cakes. And then she hung on and fought for more days than her oncologist said she'd have. She taught me how to die with dignity and grace, how to laugh and find the good in the midst of the bad and ugly. Although we didn't talk often and never talked about anything "deep", her presence at my inlaws' neighborhood functions will be missed.
My former co-worker was one that I strived to be more like. She had such an infectious laugh that carried across campus. The last time I saw Carla she informed me that she was going to leave education because her dream was to work in a nursing home, taking care of the older generation. I have no doubt that she excelled at her job because she brought joy and laughter to everyone who knew her. Even on her bad days, she still wore a smile on her face. She found the joy in life. She was one who truly lived each day to its fullest.
A good friend made a comment last week that I thought was fitting. She said that Jessica had won her battle against cancer because she was no longer in its grips, no longer suffering. For us, here on Earth, who have a friend or loved one who has passed on due to cancer are the ones who suffer. But the person who fought the good fight against it has won. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many, Jessica and Carla!