EASTER

All the Rich Bunnies gathered on Plum Creek Lane for Easter/Conference Brunch this past Sunday. What a joy to have all our family living so close. We are so blessed to have wonderful children, 'children-in-law, and adorable (we must add) grandchildren to enjoy whenever schedules permit.
I was asked recently (again) who my 'favorites' were and am always baffled that anyone would ask! It is an 'impossible' question. I might add, it is also 'impossible' to always be 'fair' with your children. Now that most of our gang are themselves parents. I hope this is becoming more clear. When Coby was born and I was expecting Ben, I worried how I could share this love. Then Ben was born - WOW! Then Pat, Bob, Marianne....WOWEE! All I can think to describe it is to say it's like the heart grows a new chamber or the home adds a lovely new room with each new life. It is just BIGGER and BETTER and your love grows as needed. Then your children marry, grandchildren arrive and it expands even more. There is no part of the chamber or home that is more special than another. One can't even exit, it seems, without the other. At times, one of the rooms may need a makeover and the other rooms may feel a little abandoned, but they are never needed or loved less. Sooner or later, its their turn for a fix up and hopefully, everyone is happy. That is, at least, our hope!

I am so grateful for the wonderful deminsion that each of our children adds to our lives. I love how they all make me laugh. As they say, "if they never make you cry, they'll never make you laugh: and so goes parenthood! Each has been blessed in choosing a companion that has brought new colors to our family art pallet. We are learning new ways to do things and adjusting to new ideas that once again enrich and expand our lives. Then there are the precious new little ones who remind us again, how great life is; grandchildren! What amazing spirits they all come with! Each has their own distinct personalities and set of instructions that surely take time and patience to read, but it's always worth it. We, as grandparents, not only know that we're NOT in charge, but are grateful our children ARE! Still, we hope our influences are positive and that they all feel deeply and equally loved! They are so important in lives and each is very special to us.

So, that is the latest! Let's call it my 'Sixty year old Sermon'! A new decade has begun and the 'winds of change' are blowin'. We have recently put Mootsie into a retirement home and that is both a blessing and a loss. I've missed her for a decade and miss her even more now, but it is part of the circle of life. I know we will once again adjust and expand our hearts and horizons. I AM grateful for all of it ...this wondrous life I've been blessed with. I look forward to fabulous fun and times ahead with Jim, family and friends! Vive le present and future, the ins and outs, the ups and downs and all the love time can permit! Happy days ahead!