Successful Children

We sat on our screen porch last night with two of our best friends and former neighbors, Danny and Elena, talking about our children. Not so unusual for the four of us. But last night we all agreed that their two and our three are currently doing quite well. They have grown into solid adults and are successfully maneuvering through life right now. They each appreciate what we, as parents, have done over the years and voice those gratitudes regularly. Whew! They finally get it. We agreed that it is important to take the time to acknowledge these crystal clear moments of the world being right, as we did last night. Cheers!

Views of Ellie

Ellie at Oxford

Life is good this morning. We were able to SEE and TALK with Ellie via Skype. Because of our Internet connection, it was delayed and blurry, but we saw her and talked nonetheless. She gave us a 'tour' of her room and the view outside of her window there in Glasgow. What fun! She is having a grand time in the town and loving her classmates and classes. She has written two poems for Creative Writing class---her forte. She says she wants to experiment with other genres while there.

Peace has washed over me since seeing her beautiful face and smile, hearing her laugh and enjoying her little mannerisms. The three of us had such a good time, as we do whenever we're in each others' company. A piece of my world came together this morning and I am grateful beyond words.

Are you okay?

This question was posed by Colleen, Austin's girlfriend and adopted member of our family. We met for coffee recently. She said that at my father's 80th birthday party last weekend, they felt as though I wasn't myself and were concerned.

I swear. I wish I could juggle more balls in the air without showing my stress....especially to my loved ones, like Austin and Colleen. I replied that I'm not the best at handling a multitude of STUFF at the same time. The balls in air last weekend included Eleanor's safe arrival in Scotland, Dad's party and just finishing a major teachers' conference with my department. You would think that by 55, I would be able to manage life with a little more finesse. I'm going to practice juggling and keeping my life streamlined to a minimum of activity.

Today I gave my resignation to a grassroots group which I helped begin, CAAV, Climate Action Alliance of the Valley. While away, I considered the time I spent in meetings with this organization and decided I should give it up and help on an 'as-needed' basis. They were generous with praise and regret that I was leaving, but understood totally, as I think I'm practically the only one with a full time job.

Anyway, it is my goal now to juggle with alacrity. For my sake and, for when I am able to spend time with my loved ones, they are not wondering if I am okay.

Dance the Dance

Recently, I found a quote which is quite appropriate for this summer with Ellie on her own in the UK. For you mothers out there, here goes...

"I think I must let go. Must fear not, must be quiet so that my children can hear the Sound of Creation and dance the dance that is in them." ---Russell Hoban

Bill claims I need to chew this up and swallow it. Isn't he poetic? But, he is right. I can just imagine the Sound of Creation radiating through my fingers and toes when I swallow the quote and release the fear. I have not learned the lesson of letting go of my children, my youngest in particular. Austin and Corinna have proved to be quite capable adults out in the world. Now it's Ellie's turn and I must allow her to find her way and DANCE!

My Daughter Spreads Her Wings

As I watch Ellie and her friend, Erin, take a giant leap into the world, I am astonished at their adept management of life outside of their comfort zone. Could I have done this at 20? Not so sure. But these two are maneuvering through the UK with grace and style.

I know the world has changed and gotten smaller in the 35 years since I was their age. Nonetheless, it is a more complicated place as well. I am in awe of these two young women who are taking on this journey.

I must take pride as a mother that my beautiful daughter is spreading her wings. I am grateful for her spirit and strong constitution. Blessed be!