The good news is that Bobby and Emily bought a house! The great news is that it is a beautiful house, perfect for them and a mere four minutes away, driveway to driveway! No parenting book (and I've read a lot) ever mentioned the thrill of parenting adult children, celebrating along with them as they work and save and contemplate and prayerfully step into life's next beckoning. Their newest venture is an example of that sort of parental joy. Walker and I are so proud (where and when did they learn how to actually buy a house?!) and excited, not only for them, but for us, too. Almost two years ago, as they began their married life in St. Louis, our minds were settled that it was right for us to "let go". We wanted our young cherished ones to enjoy God's plan that they "leave and cleave" to each other as husband and wife. Moving 200 miles away was part of that. Our hearts would just have to deal with it.
Now they are back, close to us and settling in for the long term. I have to say I didn't see this wonderful surprise coming. But I'm so glad it did. Emily and Bobby bought a house. And we have new neighbors.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Happy Birthday, Rachel!
Rachel is 21 years old today. Like every April 6 before, my heart and mind are once again full to overflowing with memories of her life, from her very first day, so clear, so precious. Over the years, I've tried to capture many, and would love to somehow gather and preserve them all forever....
But this isn't a day to spend only remembering a wonderful past. Rather, this day is really for celebrating the beautiful woman that Rachel has become, the Rachel we get to enjoy right now. She is caring, joyful, and wise beyond her years. She is an "adoolt" who can make us laugh unexpectedly and lighten our hearts when we don't even realize we need it. Likewise, she can leave us breathless with her insightful thinking, eloquently expressed in word or print. Smart, gentle, generous, discerning, and altogether lovely to behold and to be with. Quite simply, that is Rachel.
Years ago, I wondered what it would be like when the girls grew up, left home, and started lives for themselves and on their own. For four years now, Emily has been teaching me to "fear not"-- like all the earlier stages, there are abundant unexpected pleasures that go along with parenting adult children. It's wonderful in its own special way!
Now, Rachel becomes the newest member of that club and, in a very short while, she will bring Brice along with her. Little Lamb will become Mrs. Flynn, and so another chapter will begin for all of us. Given her history, there's every reason to believe it will be a good thing, and full of wonderful surprises.
Happy Birthday, Rachel!
But this isn't a day to spend only remembering a wonderful past. Rather, this day is really for celebrating the beautiful woman that Rachel has become, the Rachel we get to enjoy right now. She is caring, joyful, and wise beyond her years. She is an "adoolt" who can make us laugh unexpectedly and lighten our hearts when we don't even realize we need it. Likewise, she can leave us breathless with her insightful thinking, eloquently expressed in word or print. Smart, gentle, generous, discerning, and altogether lovely to behold and to be with. Quite simply, that is Rachel.
Years ago, I wondered what it would be like when the girls grew up, left home, and started lives for themselves and on their own. For four years now, Emily has been teaching me to "fear not"-- like all the earlier stages, there are abundant unexpected pleasures that go along with parenting adult children. It's wonderful in its own special way!
Now, Rachel becomes the newest member of that club and, in a very short while, she will bring Brice along with her. Little Lamb will become Mrs. Flynn, and so another chapter will begin for all of us. Given her history, there's every reason to believe it will be a good thing, and full of wonderful surprises.
Happy Birthday, Rachel!
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