Seasoned
Driving the back roads of Vermont and New Hampshire, I marvel at the construction of the old barns still standing, although many leaning long after the farm they once served has long since departed. These structures have character and no doubt were built to stand the test of time and weather conditions. The graying boards reflective of the passing of winter storms, howling winds, rain, and scorching sun tearing away at there once painted exterior. Leaving them looking tired and no longer able to serve the purpose for which they were originally constructed.
Despite the graying, worn look and lack of prime functionality, there remains beauty and in turn respect for how long and hard they have weathered each storm.
Like us as we turn silver gray, become tired and lean a bit more ourselves, we retain our beauty, albeit on the inside. We weather the storms that present so unfairly. Those storms shaping who we are on the inside. No matter how weathered one may look, may we take the time to look past the exterior and cherish each other for the beauty, knowledge and strength that lives in each of our hearts and souls.
It takes a village...........
Watching my grandson, Jack play in a Holiday Basketball tournament today reminded me of the "it takes a village to raise a child" proverb. It reminded me of my own childhood and that of my children and now my grandchildren and the many people that play a role in supporting them/us as coaches, teachers, umpires, referees, family, friends, and community members. It is that village that provides a safe and healthy environment for our children. Don't take for granted the impact of that village where you live no matter how large or small. It is that village that is providing our children with a healthy environment in which to develop and flourish
Standing Tall
There is a tree in my meadow that during a snowstorm stands tall and proud. It is begging to be noticed despite the weight of the snow on its branches. The proud stature and strength of this tree calls to me, especially during a Vermont snowstorm. It symbolizes the strength and resilience we all have within us to persevere in the midst of a storm.
Parents giving it all for their kids
I attended my grandson, Jack’s kart races today and in addition to supporting all his hard work, I also took the opportunity to take photos. Pho
tos that hopefully he will cherish in years to come that will remind him of the countless hours he and his father spend together sharing the love of this sport.
As parents, we all have most likely spent hours and years supporting our children in athletic and artistic endeavors. Today watching these parents labor over the repairs and maintenance of these cars, give pep talks, hugs, cheer and support not only their own children but the other competitors, and most importantly they modeled how to lose and win graciously..
In the end, we support our children and grandchildren in these ways for the bigger life lessons that they learn by participating in these events: setting goals, handling fear and disappointment, teamwork, commitment, self-discipline and so many more.
Kudos to all those parents giving it their all, for their kids!
Grandparents
My grandparents were the center of my life as a child. I saw them daily and while they never took me to Disney nor do I believe even a local fair they did everyday things with me, read books to me, treated me to ice cream on a steamy Summer evening, took me fishing, held my bike seat level while I learned to balance and glide away from what would be the last lesson I would ever need in learning to ride a bike and amongst all of this and more, was knowing even when the words were not spoken that you were loved and safe.
It will always be the simple things in life that you remember about those you love and treasure. As I spent a weekend with grandchildren, they didn't go to Disney either, but they did have a country pool party, were treated to ice cream on a steamy Summer evening, were read to, herded a calf back to its mother (ask them about it....it was a highlight), traversed the playground not missing an opportunity as they were pushed on swings and encouraged to try the big kid slides, learned to play new board games and were hugged and treasured.
In the end feeling loved and safe........may be all we really want or need.
