It's how life is now. Warning: End of year ramblings.

It's been a really long time since I posted on the blog. It's been a hard couple of years in our world. God never said life would be easy but he promised we would not be alone.
I needed to step away and concentrate on restoration, family and good health. I'm recovering now from a root tear of my meniscus. Just call me Grace. I tell myself I've got to stop playing so hard, I'm too old for it. But I know me, I won't listen. 

Just a few "After Christmas" thoughts today. 

First, Let them hug you, as much as they (we) need to. Over and over if necessary. Let us touch your face and rub our hand on your back, pat you and lean in to kiss your cheek. Let us feel the scent of you near us. We know your grown, we know you don't really need our hugs. But I hear my mothers words in my head, "but everything isn't always about you." Yes, she said that quite often. Not to be cruel of course but to allow us to learn that life isn't always about us. I am thankful for that lesson. I fear we are missing some of those great lessons today. No our parents weren't perfect but I believe they were more aware of others and the needs of others. They were quite unselfish. 
You are grown raising your own family and life is busy. It's hard to answer a phone call, a text .. you will do it later. One day later will not come, that person you gleaned wisdom from your entire life, the one you depended on will no longer be here. Then, I promise, you will wonder if you did enough. Did I love them enough? Did I care for them properly? Did I honor them as God told me to? I speak from experience.. I older I get the more I miss my mother.

Take the time please. Quit your complaining and do it.

Christmas has been wonderful this year. A couple years back my brothers and wives joined us, carving out a little time together during the holiday. Just a simple meal together, no distractions, not much fuss just to catch up and enjoy being together. I think mama would be pleased. We need that time. As she would say, your brothers will be your longest living relative. You need your brothers Leisa. Yes ma'am, I know. 

Then the chaos! We had a wonderful Christmas and got to see all the "littles" open their gifts, enjoyed hugs and laughter together. We missed the oldest, he's off on his own living his best life and we are happy for him. We enjoyed time with each one of them, talked and laughed, watched movies, snuggles & hugs, made goodies, played dominoes (and no, we did not let them win.) I can't explain how a six year old who can't read or add, beats two adults at dominoes. He is an anomaly. 

Old camping photo, missing one. This is how they roll, they sure love each other. 

Final thoughts. If you are chasing the money? It's not important. Do you hear me? It's not important- it doesn't matter. All you need is enough. That's it, just enough. 

It strikes me greatly the differences in our raising & childrearing today. As children we didn't know we weren't well off. We always had food on the table, were always cared for, always taken to church, always loved. I sure thought with the tree house nailed up in that big birch tree, the homemade swing in the oak tree and the huge yard, loads of cousins to play with~~ we had it all. We had a huge extended family that reached from California to Florida and everywhere between. We had cousins we didn't see but once or twice a year but there was always laughter and hugs. Keep those hugs people. Take the time to spend with the children and with your old people, with your brothers and with your sisters. It's important and one day it will be even more important that you feel today. 

Remember, life is not always about you. 
Bye, 2022. I won't miss you.