Today brings about lots of feelings of sentiment. As I sat watching the Treynor Marching Band perform at Loess Hills Festival in Glenwood and realizing that next week will be the last week of 6 years of watching my own kids perform under the awesome direction of Jeff Schoening, I started feeling a little sentimental. Even on our way home from Glenwood, hearing about my niece's little family of 2.5 kids, and trying to manage her and her husband's schedule with an 8-year-old, 1-year-old and one on the way, I looked over at Tandy and just smiled. It really doesn't seem that long ago that we were doing the same. I don't know when the tide shifted and when we stopped being crazy with kids' schedules, but it really doesn't seem that long ago. Yes, we still go here and there for our kids, but with Brad in college, our days of chasing after the kids' activities has dwindled a bit. I don't know what it will be like next year at this time with an empty nest, but I'm sure it will be bittersweet.Next Friday, the 1st quarter of school ends. That means 3 quarters left of my 'baby's" senior year of high school. I know it's just a cliche, but really, where ever did the time go?!? As Ashley heads off with her friends to go out to eat and visit a haunted house, I'm reminded of the time we went to a local haunted house when she was 8, and how she has NEVER gone to a haunted house since. She absolutely loves scary movies, but just the talk of going to a haunted house caused a racing heart and near hyperventilation last year. She is being very brave this year. She said "I just need to do it!". Way to face your fears head on, my dear! I'm so proud of you in many, many ways!
Looking back some more...
I recall what seems like yesterday saying good-bye to my Dad. I can't help but smile thinking about him and his "quirky" ways. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He probably fit 80 years of life into his 60 short years! He had a tough life growing up, taking care of his sick mom when he was 8. He made a great living working for the railroad (as did my mom) and provided us with a nice home and nice things, but mostly provided us with love. He truly never knew a stranger and I think about how much my friends loved coming to my house, because they loved my parents. I know he smiles down on us and watches my kids with joy. Although...he probably has a hard time with Brad going to school in Husker-land, but I'm sure he loves, loves, loves that Brad is such an awesome golfer and is pursuing a career in golf. I also know when my niece was quite upset with her dad, I reminded her how short life can be and to not waste time being mad at those you love.
I remember going on a trip to Branson and Ashley & I went into the "upside down house". We paid our tickets and began the journey, when not too far into the house, a sound like an earthquake came through the speakers. It was a simulation, but she wanted nothing to do with that stupid place! Nothing I said could convince her to keep going.
I recall another trip to Branson a few years later when both Brad and Ashley were teenagers and kids' prices no longer applied to any of the attractions or shows we went to. The "song of the trip" was Black Eyes Peas' I Gotta Feeling. Hearing that on my iPhone now instantly brings back memories of driving to Branson and loving how my kids were getting along in the backseat singing the lyrics perfectly to this song. I realize today that those memories are precious, but never to be had again. I can only pray that my kids will have a family to make memories like this with.
Over 20 years ago, when Tandy and I bought into a vacation plan, the salesman told us "you can give your kids' things, but the memories from vacations will last a lifetime". Although that was his sales-pitch, his words sold us, and his statement has stuck with me. Most of our trips down memory lane is spent recalling our vacations. Even when we did "stay-cations", we still have those memories. We did stay-cations before stay-cation became a word! We would plan our week and act as though we were out of town. No plans could be made with friends while on our staycation. We would do different things around the area, such as the zoo, bowling, golfing, shopping, eating out on a daily basis, bike riding on the trails, going to Nebraska City for the Day, visiting the museums, etc. We will be going on one last family vacation this year to Cozumel. While I realize that we could maybe go again, I know that once Ashley goes off to college, it will be much harder to find the right time for all of us to go.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
