As a child I had a pretty wild imagination. I spent a lot of time daydreaming and fantasizing about people, places and things that were far beyond my reach.
Around the age of nine give or take a couple of years I was convinced that I was destined to one day become Mrs Donnie Osmond. In order to do that certain things needed to happen. I had to meet my future husband.
The "Win a Date with Donnie Osmond" contest advertised in Tiger Beat magazine provided just the opportunity I needed to make the connection with my soon to be groom. I quickly filled in the blanks on the entry form and mailed it to the contest headquarters.
While waiting to hear from Donnie much thought was given about what to wear and whether or not to curl my hair with pink sponge rollers. These were life changing decisions.....sponge rollers gave me a terrible head ache and nothing made me crankier than a head ache except an empty stomach. I vowed to take a dose of Bayer and eat a large meal prior to Donnie's arrival. Some character flaws are best kept hidden until after the nuptials.
I clearly remember discussing this with my Aunt Betty who carefully listened and pretended to give consideration to my plight. I also turned to Betty when momma thought it was downright hilarious that I requested a new dress for the date. I was quite pleased that Betty agreed to buy a dress when I won the contest.
Donnie did not call and there was no date but it was not because he did not want to. Again, it was Betty who came to the rescue with a reasonable explanation. There was a very logical reason for Donnie's puzzling behavior. My entry had been lost in the mail and there was only one person to blame......the mailman. That no good, bill delivering jerk was the one person responsible for my broken heart.
I've often overheard my peers expressing the things they dislike most about getting older. The most common complaints include hair loss, gray hair, weight gain, bad vision, loss of hearing and the list goes on and on. I would put loss of imagination and the ability to dream without doubting the outcome at the top of the list. There's nothing quite like the childish suspense of knowing deep in your heart that something wonderful is going to happen at any moment.
On the upside of being a realistic adult I am happy to announce that I have forgiven mailman.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Wipe out teen boredom
Being a teenager in the Shoals is really tough these days. There is absolutely nothing for these young people to do. I blame the parents, myself included. After all, aren't we responsible for the entertainment portion of our teen 's life? We should all be held accountable for the herd of discontented teenagers wandering aimlessly along our city streets. Perhaps a few well placed mug shots of parents in the local edition of Hard Times arrested for refusing to provide their teen with the proper amount of recreational gratification would result in less boredom for our youth. Yes, laws should be written to facilitate punishment for parents who refuse to comply.
What can be done to eliminate a problem of such epic proportion? We as parents must endeavor to fill our teens days with adventure and excitement. Not to worry, I have already given much thought as to how that may be accomplished and have compiled a list to help guide parents through this process.
1.Encourage your teen and even your younger children to explore by beginning at home. Almost every home has a special room that most teens avoid. Often the location of this room will be obscure and may go unnoticed by your child for years. Ask your child to try and locate the room. They will be excited to learn the room contains special machines designed to transform dirty clothes into clean clothes. Allow them to operate the machines and watch their glowing faces as they master laundry 101.
2. Take your teen to work with you if possible. Explain the concept of swapping skills for a paycheck. After work have you teen accompany you to the bank where they will observe you exchanging the aforementioned paycheck for some cold hard cash. You have their attention now! Use it to your advantage! Explain to your child how he/she can do the same thing. Before you know it your teen will be spending many blissful hours flipping burgers or babysitting the neighbor's children.
3. Show your teen where those delicious meals they enjoy actually come from. Start with a trip to your local market where they will learn to purchase food. Take their little hands and place them on a shopping cart, guide them through the market all the while explaining the art of feeding a family of 5 on a tight budget. Resist the urge to reward them with frivolous items such as cookies, candy or ice cream that you will later eat yourself. Afterwards teach your child the steps to preparing a fabulous dinner. By the time you finish, they should be able to operate a can opener, turn on the stove and oven, set the table, distinguish the differences between the refrigerator and freezer. Don't be disappointed if it takes a while for your teen to master step 3 and don't be surprised if they resist your attempt to keep them entertained in this manner. Think about how embarrassing it will be if your mug shot makes it to the big time.
4. Fathers may fulfill their obligation by offering your teen the opportunity to fill those dull summer afternoons with a few outdoor activities. Several opportunities for fun in the sun exist right in your own back yard. There's mowing, weed eating, weed pulling, garages to be cleaned, pressure washing, and for the very lucky teen gardens to be tended. The possibilities are endless. Aren't dad's great?
5. Your child will be fascinated to know there is a place where they can go that will allow them to borrow a book for free. Take them to the library but a word of caution....watch them closely so they do not embarrass you or themselves by asking where the double vanilla frozen tutti fruity frappaccino's are served.
Along with the suggestions listed above I recommend exercising, volunteer work, spending time with the elderly. Add to these your own suggestions and I am certain that together we will one day contain the boredom virus that contaminates the youth of our community. With these suggestions I extend the offer to other parents to join the Shoals chapter of WOTB (Wipe Out Teen Boredom) dedicated to offering amusement to thousands of teens across the Shoals.
What can be done to eliminate a problem of such epic proportion? We as parents must endeavor to fill our teens days with adventure and excitement. Not to worry, I have already given much thought as to how that may be accomplished and have compiled a list to help guide parents through this process.
1.Encourage your teen and even your younger children to explore by beginning at home. Almost every home has a special room that most teens avoid. Often the location of this room will be obscure and may go unnoticed by your child for years. Ask your child to try and locate the room. They will be excited to learn the room contains special machines designed to transform dirty clothes into clean clothes. Allow them to operate the machines and watch their glowing faces as they master laundry 101.
2. Take your teen to work with you if possible. Explain the concept of swapping skills for a paycheck. After work have you teen accompany you to the bank where they will observe you exchanging the aforementioned paycheck for some cold hard cash. You have their attention now! Use it to your advantage! Explain to your child how he/she can do the same thing. Before you know it your teen will be spending many blissful hours flipping burgers or babysitting the neighbor's children.
3. Show your teen where those delicious meals they enjoy actually come from. Start with a trip to your local market where they will learn to purchase food. Take their little hands and place them on a shopping cart, guide them through the market all the while explaining the art of feeding a family of 5 on a tight budget. Resist the urge to reward them with frivolous items such as cookies, candy or ice cream that you will later eat yourself. Afterwards teach your child the steps to preparing a fabulous dinner. By the time you finish, they should be able to operate a can opener, turn on the stove and oven, set the table, distinguish the differences between the refrigerator and freezer. Don't be disappointed if it takes a while for your teen to master step 3 and don't be surprised if they resist your attempt to keep them entertained in this manner. Think about how embarrassing it will be if your mug shot makes it to the big time.
4. Fathers may fulfill their obligation by offering your teen the opportunity to fill those dull summer afternoons with a few outdoor activities. Several opportunities for fun in the sun exist right in your own back yard. There's mowing, weed eating, weed pulling, garages to be cleaned, pressure washing, and for the very lucky teen gardens to be tended. The possibilities are endless. Aren't dad's great?
5. Your child will be fascinated to know there is a place where they can go that will allow them to borrow a book for free. Take them to the library but a word of caution....watch them closely so they do not embarrass you or themselves by asking where the double vanilla frozen tutti fruity frappaccino's are served.
Along with the suggestions listed above I recommend exercising, volunteer work, spending time with the elderly. Add to these your own suggestions and I am certain that together we will one day contain the boredom virus that contaminates the youth of our community. With these suggestions I extend the offer to other parents to join the Shoals chapter of WOTB (Wipe Out Teen Boredom) dedicated to offering amusement to thousands of teens across the Shoals.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Back to School
Oooh, goody!! Almost time to send the kids back to school. I know all the kids in our family are delighted at the prospect of a new school year (slightly exaggerated). My husband and I have one straggler left at home, our 16 year old son, who will be a junior this year and 5 grandchildren in various stages of their school going career.
A lot of preparation goes into getting kids ready for school these days. When I was a child we got new underwear, a couple of outfits, some socks, shoes, notebook, pencils or pens for the older kids. Toss in the ceremonial night before school starts back bath which yielded raw skin and bald spots and you were good to go another year. I never understood why we were required to be extra clean for the first day of the new school year or the need for new underwear. I don't remember ever showing off my new drawers to anyone. No sir, didn't happen.
Kids today require a great deal more preparation before jumping on the big yellow bus to begin a new and exciting school year (another slight exaggeration). Don't even get me started on the back to school wardrobe for kids these days. Aeropostle, American Eagle, Gap, Old Navy...............what the heck happened to good old K Mart?
Along with clothing comes the additional cost of school supplies. A second mortgage is often needed to finance getting ready for back to school especially for families with 2 or more children. Parents need to buy hand sanitizer, Kleenex, Lysol spray, liquid soap, paper towels, a certain kind of folder, specific type of paper, pencils, blue pens and or black pens, binders, and the list goes on.
I do what I must to ready my son for the big day as I am sure other parents do. I begin ordering him to bed earlier two weeks prior to the first day of school in anticipation of his soon to be changing schedule. I order ............he ignores. The important thing is I try to do the right thing.
I give lectures about the upcoming year, fresh starts, new opportunities, so on and so forth. I'm really pumped. I'm proud he is patiently listening. A sponge soaking up all the words of wisdom I am offering until I glance over at him and see the wires dangling from his ears attached to his ipod. I would gladly kick the rump of the ipod inventor but I'll save that for another blog. I try to schedule appointments before the school year begins, doctor, dentist, hair cuts checking each one off my to do list as I complete a task. I'm a woman on a mission step outta my way or you might get hurt. Finally all systems go with the exception of the ceremonial night before school starts back bath. The boy is just gonna have to manage that one on his own.
A lot of preparation goes into getting kids ready for school these days. When I was a child we got new underwear, a couple of outfits, some socks, shoes, notebook, pencils or pens for the older kids. Toss in the ceremonial night before school starts back bath which yielded raw skin and bald spots and you were good to go another year. I never understood why we were required to be extra clean for the first day of the new school year or the need for new underwear. I don't remember ever showing off my new drawers to anyone. No sir, didn't happen.
Kids today require a great deal more preparation before jumping on the big yellow bus to begin a new and exciting school year (another slight exaggeration). Don't even get me started on the back to school wardrobe for kids these days. Aeropostle, American Eagle, Gap, Old Navy...............what the heck happened to good old K Mart?
Along with clothing comes the additional cost of school supplies. A second mortgage is often needed to finance getting ready for back to school especially for families with 2 or more children. Parents need to buy hand sanitizer, Kleenex, Lysol spray, liquid soap, paper towels, a certain kind of folder, specific type of paper, pencils, blue pens and or black pens, binders, and the list goes on.
I do what I must to ready my son for the big day as I am sure other parents do. I begin ordering him to bed earlier two weeks prior to the first day of school in anticipation of his soon to be changing schedule. I order ............he ignores. The important thing is I try to do the right thing.
I give lectures about the upcoming year, fresh starts, new opportunities, so on and so forth. I'm really pumped. I'm proud he is patiently listening. A sponge soaking up all the words of wisdom I am offering until I glance over at him and see the wires dangling from his ears attached to his ipod. I would gladly kick the rump of the ipod inventor but I'll save that for another blog. I try to schedule appointments before the school year begins, doctor, dentist, hair cuts checking each one off my to do list as I complete a task. I'm a woman on a mission step outta my way or you might get hurt. Finally all systems go with the exception of the ceremonial night before school starts back bath. The boy is just gonna have to manage that one on his own.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
From a can, homemade, frozen.....
Name your biscuit. ....honestly I'll eat any of them and like it.
Pillsbury ain't got nothing on my family. My Maw Maw Cox was freezing biscuits long before Pillsbury came up with that beautiful blue bag filled with your choice of either flaky, southern or buttermilk biscuits found in the freezer section. Personally I would have gone for the flaky, southern, buttermilk biscuit and marketed it as three biscuits in one. But who am I to tell Mrs Pillsbury how to sell her biscuits? Maw maw just froze her biscuits on aluminium pie pans so paw paw could make his own breakfast. I always ate toast when I visited their house.
I liked my Grandmother Holden's biscuits the best. I always knew it was almost time to eat when I heard her whack a can of biscuits on the counter to open it. Opening a can of biscuits takes a certain amount of finesse. A swift hard whack of the can along the edge of your kitchen counter will usually do the trick but you can always use a knife to pry open a can. Grandmother baked her biscuits on the lid saved from a five gallon can of lard. My favorite way to eat a canned biscuit was for breakfast when they were covered in chocolate gravy. Throw in a couple of spoonfuls of butter and my day was off to a good start.
My momma almost always gets her biscuits from a can like her mother but when she does dip into the White Lily bag you won't find a better biscuit. I like momma's homemade biscuits with gravy or some white Karo Syrup poured over them .
Me, I don't discriminate when it comes to biscuits. It depends on which of the three biscuit choices suits my current mood. If I'm feeling all domestic you will find me in the kitchen mixing bowl and spoon in hand working to produce a homemade biscuit that is worthy of my wonderful family. I visualize my family rising from their seats to applaud as I place my platter of hot fluffy biscuits on the table. I smile as they place a diamond studded biscuit shaped tiara upon my flour covered head and pronounce me biscuit queen.
For those times when I'm in a hurry but still feel the need to impress I rely on Mrs Pillsbury and the blue bag. No standing ovation but no complaints either. Frozen biscuits are best served with a bowl of chicken and dumplings and a slice of garden fresh tomato. I've head many of a "nanny this is so good" after serving this trio to my grandchildren.
When I'm in a hurry and financially challenged I reach for the can. Mine never turn out like grandmother's but they are quite edible and if you use enough butter anything taste good. I can't help but wonder if the secret to grandmother's canned biscuits was the lard can lid baking pan she used or the whole lotta love she served along with them. If I was a gambler I'd be betting on the latter.
Pillsbury ain't got nothing on my family. My Maw Maw Cox was freezing biscuits long before Pillsbury came up with that beautiful blue bag filled with your choice of either flaky, southern or buttermilk biscuits found in the freezer section. Personally I would have gone for the flaky, southern, buttermilk biscuit and marketed it as three biscuits in one. But who am I to tell Mrs Pillsbury how to sell her biscuits? Maw maw just froze her biscuits on aluminium pie pans so paw paw could make his own breakfast. I always ate toast when I visited their house.
I liked my Grandmother Holden's biscuits the best. I always knew it was almost time to eat when I heard her whack a can of biscuits on the counter to open it. Opening a can of biscuits takes a certain amount of finesse. A swift hard whack of the can along the edge of your kitchen counter will usually do the trick but you can always use a knife to pry open a can. Grandmother baked her biscuits on the lid saved from a five gallon can of lard. My favorite way to eat a canned biscuit was for breakfast when they were covered in chocolate gravy. Throw in a couple of spoonfuls of butter and my day was off to a good start.
My momma almost always gets her biscuits from a can like her mother but when she does dip into the White Lily bag you won't find a better biscuit. I like momma's homemade biscuits with gravy or some white Karo Syrup poured over them .
Me, I don't discriminate when it comes to biscuits. It depends on which of the three biscuit choices suits my current mood. If I'm feeling all domestic you will find me in the kitchen mixing bowl and spoon in hand working to produce a homemade biscuit that is worthy of my wonderful family. I visualize my family rising from their seats to applaud as I place my platter of hot fluffy biscuits on the table. I smile as they place a diamond studded biscuit shaped tiara upon my flour covered head and pronounce me biscuit queen.
For those times when I'm in a hurry but still feel the need to impress I rely on Mrs Pillsbury and the blue bag. No standing ovation but no complaints either. Frozen biscuits are best served with a bowl of chicken and dumplings and a slice of garden fresh tomato. I've head many of a "nanny this is so good" after serving this trio to my grandchildren.
When I'm in a hurry and financially challenged I reach for the can. Mine never turn out like grandmother's but they are quite edible and if you use enough butter anything taste good. I can't help but wonder if the secret to grandmother's canned biscuits was the lard can lid baking pan she used or the whole lotta love she served along with them. If I was a gambler I'd be betting on the latter.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Cycle of Life..........Wash, Spin and Rinse
Deepak Chopra says,“There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.”
I have wandered aimlessly for 40 sumthin, sumthin years not knowing exactly where I fit in the giant jigsaw puzzle of life. Was I a corner piece? Did I proudly line the edge keeping other puzzle pieces from losing their place in life's big puzzle? Or was I one of those less important pieces that tends to get lost in the landscape surrounding the focal point of the puzzle? I think for a while I was one of those difficult pieces worn around the edges from being forced into the wrong position in the universal puzzle where I did not belong.
Today I came to a stark realization as I loaded the washing machine for the third time before heading out the door to go to work. A revelation...an inner peace..........years of soul searching and it all comes down to something so simple, so minuscule yet so necessary. My purpose in life is laundry, loads and loads of glorious laundry. "That's what it's been about all along," I told myself as I proudly marched though the house with laundry basket perched upon my bony hip gathering soiled clothing, wet towels, bed sheets, anything in need of wash, rinse and dry.
I am blessed in that my life's purpose shall never end. As long as there is life there will be laundry. I vowed to meet each and every load with a bottle of Gain (unless Tide is on sale) and a box of Bounce( or store brand) fabric softener. I will wash, dry and fold every article of clothing that might find it's way into my laundry basket. I will fill drawers, linen closets and cabinets with clean clothes, sheets, and towels.
I won't iron, though. I have to draw the line somewhere with this whole purpose and puzzle thing.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
To Love a Vampire.....or Not
The vampires have invaded the romance section of the bookstore. What is up with that? This just doesn't work for me. I am totally confounded at the notion of how any woman in her right mind is gonna go gaga over a vampire. What woman wants to kiss a guy with blood breath? I don't care if he does look like Edward.........I'll pass. Thank you very much.
I've been an avid reader since I discovered the magic of Dick and Jane. When I read the words "See Spot Run" I envisioned Spot galloping full speed ahead across a well manicured perfect shade of green lawn to greet the perfect family. Oh, how happy they were and not a one of them a vampire!
I soon outgrew Dick, Jane, mother and father moving on to the more sophisticated antics of Ramona Quimby. That Ramona could get herself into some situations but I don't recall ever reading about her having a crush on the cute vampire next door. I just cannot imagine strolling into the school library to check out a copy of Ramona Bites Back.
I loved going to the book mobile at the little country store a mile or so from our home during the summer months. I could score a Grace Livingston Hill book, a Mallow Cup, and a Pepsi all at one location. That Grace sure knew how to make you fall in love with her hero. I can't imagine any of Grace's heroine's falling madly in love with a long toothed blood sucker hundreds of years her senior.
I soon graduated to a more mature level of romance books. I was reading Patricia Matthews, Rosemary Rogers, and Kathleen Woodwiss long before I should have. These ladies all had one thing in common.......a great love story that would keep me reading non stop from beginning to end. I fell in and out of love with handsome men, average men and the occasional ugly man. I struggled with tragic losses, celebrated great wealth, and was devastatingly beautiful all courtesy of these and other great writers. Guess what??? Yep........still no vampires
It's not that I haven't tried to love a vampire. I do not discriminate when it comes to love. If it involves some good old fashioned, heart wrenching, playing hard to get romance........I am there for the story. I just can't go there if it involves vampires.
I've been an avid reader since I discovered the magic of Dick and Jane. When I read the words "See Spot Run" I envisioned Spot galloping full speed ahead across a well manicured perfect shade of green lawn to greet the perfect family. Oh, how happy they were and not a one of them a vampire!
I soon outgrew Dick, Jane, mother and father moving on to the more sophisticated antics of Ramona Quimby. That Ramona could get herself into some situations but I don't recall ever reading about her having a crush on the cute vampire next door. I just cannot imagine strolling into the school library to check out a copy of Ramona Bites Back.
I loved going to the book mobile at the little country store a mile or so from our home during the summer months. I could score a Grace Livingston Hill book, a Mallow Cup, and a Pepsi all at one location. That Grace sure knew how to make you fall in love with her hero. I can't imagine any of Grace's heroine's falling madly in love with a long toothed blood sucker hundreds of years her senior.
I soon graduated to a more mature level of romance books. I was reading Patricia Matthews, Rosemary Rogers, and Kathleen Woodwiss long before I should have. These ladies all had one thing in common.......a great love story that would keep me reading non stop from beginning to end. I fell in and out of love with handsome men, average men and the occasional ugly man. I struggled with tragic losses, celebrated great wealth, and was devastatingly beautiful all courtesy of these and other great writers. Guess what??? Yep........still no vampires
It's not that I haven't tried to love a vampire. I do not discriminate when it comes to love. If it involves some good old fashioned, heart wrenching, playing hard to get romance........I am there for the story. I just can't go there if it involves vampires.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Death
My experiences with death came early in life. First with the death of my father and a few years later when my much loved Grandmother Holden passed away . Memories of my dad are vague to say the least since I was only 4 when he died. My grandmother is a different story. I could write a book about her.
I remember getting a whipping from my dad for wetting the bed. Don't be outraged on my behalf because this happened back in the days when it was not only acceptable to whip your children but expected. I am certain that at that time my dad did not realize that I could not help waking up in a wet bed. If you have never been a bed wetter then you have no idea how unsettling it is to wake up in a cold wet bed. YUCK! I would have alerted my dad to that fact had he been in the mood to listen to a 4 year old bed wetter in the middle of the night. Please don't feel sorry for me because I was the recipient of an undeserved spanking. I had years of misbehaving without receiving any punishment ahead of me. My dad had only a short time left. I like to think this was fates way of giving my dad a one up on me for all the whippings I would later deserve that he wouldn't be around to administer.
As I said earlier I could write a book about my Grandmother Holden. I recall wonderful gatherings at Grandmother and Grandaddy Holden's home with cousins, aunts and uncles. At one of these gatherings I remember grandmother proudly placing a very unappealing casserole on the table which consisted of some kind of canned tuna concoction with canned biscuits floating on top. I will never forget the look on Granddaddy's face when he asked her "What the devil is that thing?". That casserole is the only bad thing that I remember coming out of my Grandmother Holden's kitchen. To this day I cannot understand why anyone would want to eat hot tuna covered in biscuits but I would gladly consume a large helping on a daily basis if it was prepared by her.
I was married shortly before my 17th birthday and became a mother soon after. Death came calling again and this time it was my young husband, Ricky who answered. Ricky was 21 when he was killed in a car accident and our daughter was a year old. There are no words to describe the devastation I felt in those days following his death. My childish notions of happily ever after were gone. I could not imagine that I would ever be happy again. I behaved so foolishly in the months after he died and it was around that time that I developed feelings of entitlement that stayed with me for years. I felt like the world owed me something for all that had been taken from me and I was ready to collect. How utterly absurd that sounds now. Had I not been quite so focused on myself I might have realized that a lot of people had it much worse than I did.
There have been many other family members that have joined Daddy, Grandmother Holden, and Ricky. Each one of them left a part of them self here for the rest of us to enjoy and cherish. Whether it be a funny memory, a heart warming story or something as trivial as a special recipe I know they are with us and that is a comfort to me.
Last week my daughter had her first experience with the death of someone that she has loved her entire life. Her Granny Burks (Ricky's mother) passed away. I hurt for her but I recognize that she has to come to terms with losing Granny on her own and I have no doubt that she will. Time will pass and that overwhelming sadness will be replaced with fond memories like a bad tuna casserole.
Meanwhile, Granny Burks if you're reading this from Heaven......thanks for all the good times. You were one heck of a woman!!!
I remember getting a whipping from my dad for wetting the bed. Don't be outraged on my behalf because this happened back in the days when it was not only acceptable to whip your children but expected. I am certain that at that time my dad did not realize that I could not help waking up in a wet bed. If you have never been a bed wetter then you have no idea how unsettling it is to wake up in a cold wet bed. YUCK! I would have alerted my dad to that fact had he been in the mood to listen to a 4 year old bed wetter in the middle of the night. Please don't feel sorry for me because I was the recipient of an undeserved spanking. I had years of misbehaving without receiving any punishment ahead of me. My dad had only a short time left. I like to think this was fates way of giving my dad a one up on me for all the whippings I would later deserve that he wouldn't be around to administer.
As I said earlier I could write a book about my Grandmother Holden. I recall wonderful gatherings at Grandmother and Grandaddy Holden's home with cousins, aunts and uncles. At one of these gatherings I remember grandmother proudly placing a very unappealing casserole on the table which consisted of some kind of canned tuna concoction with canned biscuits floating on top. I will never forget the look on Granddaddy's face when he asked her "What the devil is that thing?". That casserole is the only bad thing that I remember coming out of my Grandmother Holden's kitchen. To this day I cannot understand why anyone would want to eat hot tuna covered in biscuits but I would gladly consume a large helping on a daily basis if it was prepared by her.
I was married shortly before my 17th birthday and became a mother soon after. Death came calling again and this time it was my young husband, Ricky who answered. Ricky was 21 when he was killed in a car accident and our daughter was a year old. There are no words to describe the devastation I felt in those days following his death. My childish notions of happily ever after were gone. I could not imagine that I would ever be happy again. I behaved so foolishly in the months after he died and it was around that time that I developed feelings of entitlement that stayed with me for years. I felt like the world owed me something for all that had been taken from me and I was ready to collect. How utterly absurd that sounds now. Had I not been quite so focused on myself I might have realized that a lot of people had it much worse than I did.
There have been many other family members that have joined Daddy, Grandmother Holden, and Ricky. Each one of them left a part of them self here for the rest of us to enjoy and cherish. Whether it be a funny memory, a heart warming story or something as trivial as a special recipe I know they are with us and that is a comfort to me.
Last week my daughter had her first experience with the death of someone that she has loved her entire life. Her Granny Burks (Ricky's mother) passed away. I hurt for her but I recognize that she has to come to terms with losing Granny on her own and I have no doubt that she will. Time will pass and that overwhelming sadness will be replaced with fond memories like a bad tuna casserole.
Meanwhile, Granny Burks if you're reading this from Heaven......thanks for all the good times. You were one heck of a woman!!!
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