This weekend sees many graduation celebrations! This important right of passage, whether it is from junior high, high school, college, or higher achieved degrees, is an important marking of hard work and dedication. We should celebrate!
We encourage members of the next generation to aspire for high expectations, ensuring a solid future for themselves, and for future generations to come. This class of graduates will produce doctors, lawyers, businessmen, teachers, repairmen, plumbers, construction workers, farmers, ranchers...all which have to potential to change our world. This could be the generation that cures cancer, creates an environmentally safe pesticide for wheat crops, creates water saving devices for our homes, builds beautiful monuments, serve in Congress and create wonderful democratic policies, the possibilities are endless!
Why should we encourage these young, dedicated, hard working people to aspire to make change? Many, if not most, are leaving college with a lot of debt. They must now begin to reach for the goal of employment and making a difference. I would normally say, "Go for it! Good for you!"
Today, I say, "Be careful, be very careful. You could be judged in the year 2220, and your legacy will be for nothing." Why so negative? Our American citizens have decided that only perfect people can be honored, remembered, and respected. We have become a citizenship of censor and judgemental posturing.
I recognized this with the movement to remove Confederate monuments and statues. I could understand the discomfort of seeing some of these monuments if it were 1920, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Even with that discomfort, these men, Confederate leaders and soldiers, were welcomed back as true citizens on that fateful day at Appomatox Courthouse when Genral Grant stepped onto the frontporch after accepting Lees surrender. "...The Rebels are our countrymen again."
Now it seems we are going to censor our founding fathers. These were brave, passionate men, quite like some in Congress today, who wanted just and prosperous opportunities for future American generations. These men of 1776 were not perfect, nor did they claim to be. In fact, until we won the Revolution, they were traitors! Yes, they made life decisions we would never agree with today, but it was not today! Life was different, norms were different. This doesn't mean those norms were right or moral. That also doesn't mean that some of those founding fathers didn't reflect on and rethink their lives and their decisions. I am confident is saying, like all men (or women), these courageous men had regrets as they looked back on their lives.
So, today, we have decided as a "moral" people that we now need to remove names, monuments, etc...that recognize these men. When will we decide that the U.S. Constitution was written by these "immoral" men, so it should be dissolved? Will we go back and punish anyone who is tied to historical figures who offend us today? How dare we! This is 2019, not 1776, not 1863, we have no idea the actual life steps and emotions these men experienced. We can imagine, we cannot know.
I usally avoid anything controversial or political on this blog for fear of offending someone, but not today! I am not trying to start an arguement. I am wondering who is on our "moral outrage" censorship in the future. Is it one of the graduates of today?
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Journey Beyond Hallowed Halls
This is graduation season! Always a time of celebrating, nerves about grades, commencements, family parties, and anticipation about the next step in one's future. For 30 years as a Catholic School teacher, I have been involved at several different levels of eighth grade graduation preparation and celebration. It is always a hectic and rewarding time of the school year.
Today was no exception. We celebrated Mass; the Big Shots (7th/8th graders) and their Little Squirts (pre-k & K) serving in all the ministry roles. Then there was 8th grade recognition and blessings, followed by doughnuts! Who doesn't enjoy doughnuts on a beautiful spring morning. The 8th grade posed for more pictures. We wrapped up the morning with a tree dedication and planting; 8th grade preparing the hole and planting the tree. More pictures. Now the Class of 2019 is enjoying their send off party, hosted by the 7th grade. It has been a wonderful day for all.
For many years, I have given my eighth graders a small gift or letter as a memento of their time in elementary school. These graduates "CAN'T WAIT" to get out of elementary school. It is the theme from December onward, and it is very prominent by April. It is amazing to me that many of the students who 'couldn't stand' Catholic School come back to visit teachers, principals, pastors, and the school cook.
This year, as in the last three or four years, I am giving the graduates a final religion lesson.
Today was no exception. We celebrated Mass; the Big Shots (7th/8th graders) and their Little Squirts (pre-k & K) serving in all the ministry roles. Then there was 8th grade recognition and blessings, followed by doughnuts! Who doesn't enjoy doughnuts on a beautiful spring morning. The 8th grade posed for more pictures. We wrapped up the morning with a tree dedication and planting; 8th grade preparing the hole and planting the tree. More pictures. Now the Class of 2019 is enjoying their send off party, hosted by the 7th grade. It has been a wonderful day for all.
For many years, I have given my eighth graders a small gift or letter as a memento of their time in elementary school. These graduates "CAN'T WAIT" to get out of elementary school. It is the theme from December onward, and it is very prominent by April. It is amazing to me that many of the students who 'couldn't stand' Catholic School come back to visit teachers, principals, pastors, and the school cook.
This year, as in the last three or four years, I am giving the graduates a final religion lesson.
A Final Religion Lesson
You are walking through the door into a large, wonderful world. At times it will seem awe inspiring, breathtaking, and beautiful beyond compare. At other times, it will appear to be heartless, cold, and maybe cruel. Do not despair. Do not fret. Do not worry. Christ is walking beside you.
If you should stumble and fall, get up, brush yourself off, and move forward. Christ is walking beside you.
Trust your knowledge, rely on your moral compass. Lean on Christ, he is right beside you.
When everything is going well, and life is grand, pause, take a breath, enjoy the moment! You have earned it. Then look beside you—-Christ is there.
When you study, when you play a sport, when you figure the area of a circle, when you struggle with transitive verbs, when you argue with your parents, when you are embarrassed by your peers, when you are crying over your first love—-own it. Accept it. Respect it. Learn from it. Move beyond it. Be thankful for it.
Then turn and give praise, for Christ is right beside you.
You are never alone. Christ will always be right beside you.
As the St. Joseph Class of 2019, Martinsburg, prepares for graduation Mass this week, may they remember everyone who stood beside them as they walked through these hallowed halls for nine years. Most of all, I hope they pause and smile, enjoying priceless memories and lessons.
|
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Journey of Appreciation
Last week was National Teacher Appreciation Week! As a Catholic School teacher, I usually am unaware of this week, as we quite often celebrate a Teacher Appreciation Day during Catholic Schools Week in January. This year I had to take notice.
Last fall I began a new teaching job with the St. Joseph Catholic School in Martinsburg, Missouri. This is a small, rural, conservative community, supporting a school for Pre-K through eighth grade and an early learning center. The campus is quite large, hosting a huge church, nice sized school, and house converted for the Early Learning Center (my guess is the house was probably the convent in years past), and a large rectory. The students enjoy a nice playground area within sight of the rest of this rural town. The train rumbles by, a block and a half away, several times a day, and you can smell the grain dust from the elevator two blocks away. Literally it is small town America! Heaven!
As the school year progressed, I found myself enjoying the art of teaching again, and have truly enjoyed my year as the new kid on staff. Christmas brought very generous gifts and lovely cards. The Home and School Association is very generous with their support, and not just financially. Parent teacher conferences are productive and, for the most part, uplifting for all involved. The staff in very relaxed and easy to work with, working hard to raise the bar and teach the students to excel.
The 40 minutes drive to and from has been a blessing. Beautiful country, lovely sunrises, and time for me to gear up for the day or decompress before reaching home. I know where to watch for deer, which roadways freeze more quickly than others, what time to watch for the school bus in the morning, and what fences tend to let the cattle free range graze along the road. Again, heaven.
So as the school year is coming to a close and things get hectic, I was not paying attention to Teacher Appreciation Week. Then the celebration began! A hot homemade breakfast was delivered to the school office for all teachers to enjoy on Monday. Each day afterwards a new culinary delight was presented for lunch! Students and parents arrived with gift baskets of goodies and gift bags filled with items to show appreciation for me being a teacher in their school. I felt so blessed each and every day. Friday was topped off with the Home and School Association delivering hanging flower baskets, the largest I have ever seen, for each staff member. It truly was like Christmas in May.
In response to the generosity I experienced, I was feeling very appreciative of this small community I found by happenstance last spring. It was a week like I have never experienced. Thank you, St. Joseph School families.
Last fall I began a new teaching job with the St. Joseph Catholic School in Martinsburg, Missouri. This is a small, rural, conservative community, supporting a school for Pre-K through eighth grade and an early learning center. The campus is quite large, hosting a huge church, nice sized school, and house converted for the Early Learning Center (my guess is the house was probably the convent in years past), and a large rectory. The students enjoy a nice playground area within sight of the rest of this rural town. The train rumbles by, a block and a half away, several times a day, and you can smell the grain dust from the elevator two blocks away. Literally it is small town America! Heaven!
As the school year progressed, I found myself enjoying the art of teaching again, and have truly enjoyed my year as the new kid on staff. Christmas brought very generous gifts and lovely cards. The Home and School Association is very generous with their support, and not just financially. Parent teacher conferences are productive and, for the most part, uplifting for all involved. The staff in very relaxed and easy to work with, working hard to raise the bar and teach the students to excel.
The 40 minutes drive to and from has been a blessing. Beautiful country, lovely sunrises, and time for me to gear up for the day or decompress before reaching home. I know where to watch for deer, which roadways freeze more quickly than others, what time to watch for the school bus in the morning, and what fences tend to let the cattle free range graze along the road. Again, heaven.
So as the school year is coming to a close and things get hectic, I was not paying attention to Teacher Appreciation Week. Then the celebration began! A hot homemade breakfast was delivered to the school office for all teachers to enjoy on Monday. Each day afterwards a new culinary delight was presented for lunch! Students and parents arrived with gift baskets of goodies and gift bags filled with items to show appreciation for me being a teacher in their school. I felt so blessed each and every day. Friday was topped off with the Home and School Association delivering hanging flower baskets, the largest I have ever seen, for each staff member. It truly was like Christmas in May.
In response to the generosity I experienced, I was feeling very appreciative of this small community I found by happenstance last spring. It was a week like I have never experienced. Thank you, St. Joseph School families.
Friday, October 5, 2018
The Journeys We Take Together
The day began with everyone heading to their rooms between one and two this morning! Dawn crept in on a chilly and rainy note, but spirits continued to be high and lists were long.
The kids have several things to accomplish from finishing decorating touches for the reception to setting up said decorations at the venue. Picking up a rental car, checking on rehersal arrangements (my one responsibility), more guests checking in, finding an easily accessible cafe for breakfast, finding and easy route to the church, then deciding that UBER was a better choice, and visiting and catching up with family and friends. A full day.
What I find heartwarming is everyone's willingness to pitch in, give rides, run errands, and trouble shoot when something isn't panning out as anticipated! We are all in this journey of life, and it so rewarding to travel that journey together.
Last evening the groom had his bachelor party and chose to return to hotel and continue celebrating with his siblings, uncle, and grandmother. The ladies had a bride's bash that resulted in creating signs from distressed wood. Everyone returned to hotel with smiles and excitement. Some were moving a little more slowly this morning, but everyone was smiling!
Friends and family are traveling from several states and farway locations to celebrate Allie's and Mark's big day tomorrow. The weather is not as lovely as we had hoped, but the Hilton Garden West is a great facility, and we feel very welcome taking advantage of their lobby sitting areas and the nice rooms. Hopefully we can enjoy the great patios later today or this evening. No one seems disappointed or concerned about the cool damp weather.
More family and Mark's godparents are due to arrive within a couple of hours. Our really close friends from Fulton will be here late this evening, and a neice arrives around midnight. A great many people have rearranged schedules, taken off work, spent money on hotel accomodations, offered to help, and have wished the kids many congratulations.
A wedding is an excellent reason for everyone to come together and celebrate. Too bad we don't just pick an ordinary day every few months and "celebrate". It seems we only make time to include other family and friends for a big blowout when it is a "big" event. This life we have been given is not something we should ever take for granted, and these type celebrations remind of us of those who have finished their life journeys and cannot physically join us today.
We should travel ordinary and exciting journeys with a spirit of rejoicing. We should travelthese journeys together.
The kids have several things to accomplish from finishing decorating touches for the reception to setting up said decorations at the venue. Picking up a rental car, checking on rehersal arrangements (my one responsibility), more guests checking in, finding an easily accessible cafe for breakfast, finding and easy route to the church, then deciding that UBER was a better choice, and visiting and catching up with family and friends. A full day.
What I find heartwarming is everyone's willingness to pitch in, give rides, run errands, and trouble shoot when something isn't panning out as anticipated! We are all in this journey of life, and it so rewarding to travel that journey together.
Last evening the groom had his bachelor party and chose to return to hotel and continue celebrating with his siblings, uncle, and grandmother. The ladies had a bride's bash that resulted in creating signs from distressed wood. Everyone returned to hotel with smiles and excitement. Some were moving a little more slowly this morning, but everyone was smiling!
Friends and family are traveling from several states and farway locations to celebrate Allie's and Mark's big day tomorrow. The weather is not as lovely as we had hoped, but the Hilton Garden West is a great facility, and we feel very welcome taking advantage of their lobby sitting areas and the nice rooms. Hopefully we can enjoy the great patios later today or this evening. No one seems disappointed or concerned about the cool damp weather.
More family and Mark's godparents are due to arrive within a couple of hours. Our really close friends from Fulton will be here late this evening, and a neice arrives around midnight. A great many people have rearranged schedules, taken off work, spent money on hotel accomodations, offered to help, and have wished the kids many congratulations.
A wedding is an excellent reason for everyone to come together and celebrate. Too bad we don't just pick an ordinary day every few months and "celebrate". It seems we only make time to include other family and friends for a big blowout when it is a "big" event. This life we have been given is not something we should ever take for granted, and these type celebrations remind of us of those who have finished their life journeys and cannot physically join us today.
We should travel ordinary and exciting journeys with a spirit of rejoicing. We should travelthese journeys together.
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Exciting New Journeys
Most often people look at autumn as a season of harvests, more enjoyable weather, and new beginnings for those who are students. Teachers often look forward to cooler weather, yet dread the Harvest Moon and the approach of Halloween. This year I have looked at the second half of the 2018 as a season of many new and exciting journeys.
First off our oldest son, Mark will be marrying a wonderful young woman in October! The planning, mostly accomplished in Omaha, by the bride and groom and the bride's family, has been an eye-opening and intense process. Little details and big decisions have been in the forefront since last spring. Dress and tuxedo selections, table center pieces, venue searches, instructions with the parish priest, choosing a photographer, and much more have all been handled and the big day approaches.
Last month, a couples bridal shower was hosted in Fulton by the Best Man, the grooms brother, and a Bridesmaid, the groom's sister. The decorations alone were perfect. Both the bride and groom enjoy gaming and Harry Potter, so the decorations and cake reflected these tastes.
Another new adventure this fall finds me making a serious career change! After many successful and fulfilling years at St. Peter School in Fulton, Missouri, I decided I needed a change. A serious health scare last fall that took several months to diagnose as stress related issues motivated me to take a very honest look at my life habits. While it was hard to move from a community of wonderful students and life-long friends, I am very excited to be working for St. Joseph School in Martinsburg, Missouri!
The forty minute drive each morning is refreshing and absolutely beautiful. Suprisingly, I find the drive home relaxing, allowing me to return home each evening focussed on my husband and our home and family. I also find myself spending more time with concentrated efforts to really enrich my friendships. The change in career was a little scary, but I am truely enjoying the teaching and the rural parish community.
So, two big, huge changes this fall, and I couldn't be happier. I am a creature of estalished habits, and now, I am having to step out of my comfort zone and look at things with a new focus. We are welcoming Allie to our family next week, and she will make Mark's life more fulfilling. We are not an easy family. We are exceptionally close, loyal, passionate, opinionated, loud, fun-loving...you get the idea. What is amazing is we have not scared Allie away! She has a very clear perception of how this Jacobsen family works, and she is willing to join us!
Choosing to work at a different school after nearly 30 years of teaching at St. Peter School was not in my "life plan". I had always planned on retiring from St. Pete's, but when the new opportunity was presented, I knew I had to take a chance. I am very excited to be teaching, and that excitement had been missing for a long time. I now have time for me, time for Keith, time for my grown children and the adventures they bring.
Keith and I are planning some travel adventures and some healthy, life changing goals. Today's journey? Shopping for a mother of the groom outfit for the wedding!
First off our oldest son, Mark will be marrying a wonderful young woman in October! The planning, mostly accomplished in Omaha, by the bride and groom and the bride's family, has been an eye-opening and intense process. Little details and big decisions have been in the forefront since last spring. Dress and tuxedo selections, table center pieces, venue searches, instructions with the parish priest, choosing a photographer, and much more have all been handled and the big day approaches.
Last month, a couples bridal shower was hosted in Fulton by the Best Man, the grooms brother, and a Bridesmaid, the groom's sister. The decorations alone were perfect. Both the bride and groom enjoy gaming and Harry Potter, so the decorations and cake reflected these tastes.
Another new adventure this fall finds me making a serious career change! After many successful and fulfilling years at St. Peter School in Fulton, Missouri, I decided I needed a change. A serious health scare last fall that took several months to diagnose as stress related issues motivated me to take a very honest look at my life habits. While it was hard to move from a community of wonderful students and life-long friends, I am very excited to be working for St. Joseph School in Martinsburg, Missouri!
The forty minute drive each morning is refreshing and absolutely beautiful. Suprisingly, I find the drive home relaxing, allowing me to return home each evening focussed on my husband and our home and family. I also find myself spending more time with concentrated efforts to really enrich my friendships. The change in career was a little scary, but I am truely enjoying the teaching and the rural parish community.
So, two big, huge changes this fall, and I couldn't be happier. I am a creature of estalished habits, and now, I am having to step out of my comfort zone and look at things with a new focus. We are welcoming Allie to our family next week, and she will make Mark's life more fulfilling. We are not an easy family. We are exceptionally close, loyal, passionate, opinionated, loud, fun-loving...you get the idea. What is amazing is we have not scared Allie away! She has a very clear perception of how this Jacobsen family works, and she is willing to join us!
Choosing to work at a different school after nearly 30 years of teaching at St. Peter School was not in my "life plan". I had always planned on retiring from St. Pete's, but when the new opportunity was presented, I knew I had to take a chance. I am very excited to be teaching, and that excitement had been missing for a long time. I now have time for me, time for Keith, time for my grown children and the adventures they bring.
Keith and I are planning some travel adventures and some healthy, life changing goals. Today's journey? Shopping for a mother of the groom outfit for the wedding!
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
The Journey Continues
Something a little different this morning: not a journey so much as a look back over an amazing journey that continues forward every day. Decided to go with a different style as well, and I hope you enjoy it.
The woman sits at the small dining table and looks west out across the lake below; coffee in hand and calm in her heart. The morning sun is beginning to rise above the hill to the east of the house she has lived in for 37 years, and a red bird sits on the deck rail across from her window. It is a beautiful morning. A slight smile plays across her face as she thinks of previous mornings on this date, the journey is good.
She was born and raised in Kansas City, the youngest of three. Her parents were hard working, and had survived the Great Depression to start their own business, a diaper service. As a child and into adulthood, the woman had worked in the family business, as well as other business ventures. MLZ Corporation had been her company, delivering cigarettes and towels throughout the Lake Ozark area during the fifties. She worked along side her father, driving speed boats and perfecting the art of water skiing.
She had attended the French Convent in Kansas City, and had survived one horrible semester in college. She loved learning, and had a passion for reading. She married a man she had met at fourteen and they built a solid life together. They lived in Atchison, Kansas while he attended college, both running the local movie theaters at night. They had lived in Kansas City, and then the move to southeast Kansas came along, and here she was fifty some years later. She loved her home, but it still surprised her that this is where they had settled.
After attending a Catholic girls' school, modeling for Harzfeld's, and attending society events and charitable fund raisers in the city, she had never anticipated she would move to a small town, then move into "the country", and run a cattle operation with her husband, Nor had she ever thought she would learn to put up hay in the heat of summer, build fence, fix water gaps, vaccinate cattle, ride horses, drive tractors, heat a farm house with an old Ashley wood stove, and fight frozen pipes in the dead of winter. Looking back she sees the good times, the great memories, the laughter as well as the struggles, the disappointments, the challenges --- Life was nothing if not adventurous.
Her two children are grown, in their fifties. Her son lives around the corner, just three miles away, and she sees him nearly every day, as they now run the cattle operation together. Her daughter is a state away, but she visits when she can. Three grandchildren are in constant contact and all plan to arrive for the holiday in two weeks. She has a legacy, and a good one.
Her children see her as a strong, independent, compassionate, and determined woman. The last two years have not been what she had hoped, but things are getting accomplished, and she is moving forward. So many things to look forward to in the next few weeks: Christmas! The house will be crowded with people and a house dog. It will be anything but quiet with meals to enjoy, some coming and going to the deer stand in search of the monster buck, sleeping arrangements to juggle and packages to open. Of course the grudge card match, spades is their game, will continue through nearly every night of the gathering. Family comes first, this is as it should be.
She travels. She travels with a close friend and then with her daughter. It has been a delight to discover New Orleans, San Antonio, and the Civil War History of Maryland and Virginia. More trips are in the planning and making-of-reservations stage, and she is looking forward to these trips. She enjoys the planning almost more than the traveling. Seeing new places, trying new foods, enjoying new beverages, exploring new sights and museums--- true adventures.
Events and celebrations are in the future, a grandson will graduate college. Another grandson will be married, and the family will grow. She looks forward to all that lies ahead. Before the day is out, her grandchildren will call, or text, to wish her a" Happy Birthday," she will open the gift her daughter stashed in the office over Thanksgiving, and she will enjoy dinner with great friends. She knows she has accomplished a great deal, worked successfully at different careers, retiring from administrative law enforcement, made sacrifices, and enjoyed rewards.
The Christmas tree sits in the east window, the lights winking, as if to remind her of the things she wants to get finished before the holidays arrive. Maybe just one more cup of coffee and a few more minutes enjoying the peace and calm. A minute or two to wish herself a "Happy Birthday."
The woman sits at the small dining table and looks west out across the lake below; coffee in hand and calm in her heart. The morning sun is beginning to rise above the hill to the east of the house she has lived in for 37 years, and a red bird sits on the deck rail across from her window. It is a beautiful morning. A slight smile plays across her face as she thinks of previous mornings on this date, the journey is good.
She was born and raised in Kansas City, the youngest of three. Her parents were hard working, and had survived the Great Depression to start their own business, a diaper service. As a child and into adulthood, the woman had worked in the family business, as well as other business ventures. MLZ Corporation had been her company, delivering cigarettes and towels throughout the Lake Ozark area during the fifties. She worked along side her father, driving speed boats and perfecting the art of water skiing.
She had attended the French Convent in Kansas City, and had survived one horrible semester in college. She loved learning, and had a passion for reading. She married a man she had met at fourteen and they built a solid life together. They lived in Atchison, Kansas while he attended college, both running the local movie theaters at night. They had lived in Kansas City, and then the move to southeast Kansas came along, and here she was fifty some years later. She loved her home, but it still surprised her that this is where they had settled.
After attending a Catholic girls' school, modeling for Harzfeld's, and attending society events and charitable fund raisers in the city, she had never anticipated she would move to a small town, then move into "the country", and run a cattle operation with her husband, Nor had she ever thought she would learn to put up hay in the heat of summer, build fence, fix water gaps, vaccinate cattle, ride horses, drive tractors, heat a farm house with an old Ashley wood stove, and fight frozen pipes in the dead of winter. Looking back she sees the good times, the great memories, the laughter as well as the struggles, the disappointments, the challenges --- Life was nothing if not adventurous.
Her two children are grown, in their fifties. Her son lives around the corner, just three miles away, and she sees him nearly every day, as they now run the cattle operation together. Her daughter is a state away, but she visits when she can. Three grandchildren are in constant contact and all plan to arrive for the holiday in two weeks. She has a legacy, and a good one.
Her children see her as a strong, independent, compassionate, and determined woman. The last two years have not been what she had hoped, but things are getting accomplished, and she is moving forward. So many things to look forward to in the next few weeks: Christmas! The house will be crowded with people and a house dog. It will be anything but quiet with meals to enjoy, some coming and going to the deer stand in search of the monster buck, sleeping arrangements to juggle and packages to open. Of course the grudge card match, spades is their game, will continue through nearly every night of the gathering. Family comes first, this is as it should be.
She travels. She travels with a close friend and then with her daughter. It has been a delight to discover New Orleans, San Antonio, and the Civil War History of Maryland and Virginia. More trips are in the planning and making-of-reservations stage, and she is looking forward to these trips. She enjoys the planning almost more than the traveling. Seeing new places, trying new foods, enjoying new beverages, exploring new sights and museums--- true adventures.
Events and celebrations are in the future, a grandson will graduate college. Another grandson will be married, and the family will grow. She looks forward to all that lies ahead. Before the day is out, her grandchildren will call, or text, to wish her a" Happy Birthday," she will open the gift her daughter stashed in the office over Thanksgiving, and she will enjoy dinner with great friends. She knows she has accomplished a great deal, worked successfully at different careers, retiring from administrative law enforcement, made sacrifices, and enjoyed rewards.
The Christmas tree sits in the east window, the lights winking, as if to remind her of the things she wants to get finished before the holidays arrive. Maybe just one more cup of coffee and a few more minutes enjoying the peace and calm. A minute or two to wish herself a "Happy Birthday."
 |
| Photo by Ryan Tindle |
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Journey in a Lifetime
It is 6:30 in the morning and Mom's house is very quiet. Our oldest offspring has just left, bow in hand, to go sit in a tree stand, and hopefully bag one of the "big bucks". Her dog has curled up on the sofa and is sound asleep. Everyone else is still in bed, preparing for the day ahead. The holiday weekend is nearly over, but I wanted to arise early and have some quiet time and watch the sun peek over the east hill before the day begins.
Today marks a very special day for me, a day in which I like to look at past photographs and spend time reflecting on years gone by. Thirty years ago today Keith and I were married at the Shrine of St. Patrick in Laurie, Missouri. It was Thanksgiving evening on the twenty-eighth anniversary of my parents, Kirk and Madeleine Hartnett. While my folks were married in the morning, due to fasting rules for attending Mass, they also celebrated their marriage on Thanksgiving.
When I met Keith, in Jefferson City, Missouri, he was all "city-kid" and I was definitely a country girl trying to become a city dweller. We became fast friends and discovered we had many things in common, same taste in music and movies, both Catholic and members of the same parish, both wanted to settle down and have a family, love of travel and exploration of this great country.
We enjoyed a romantic courtship and a fairy-tale wedding. We had great friends, jobs, and a really cute apartment. It was like a romantic movie of the 1980s. Then life came calling. There were heavy disappointments, great joys, challenges with careers, and family focused decisions, but we kept moving forward. We were too young, or self-centered, to realize these struggles were all steps in a lifetime journey. And for thirty years we have continued to put one foot in front of the other. Sometimes we trip each other, or push each other forward, or hold each other back for some time to reason out a decision, but we continue down this path together.
I am a stubborn, hard headed Irish woman who likes to take charge and solve the problem. I am not one to show emotion easily, and have a tendency to expect a great deal of myself and others. In short, not an easy person to live with. Keith has never faltered. He puts up with my ill temper calmly, most often with a voice of reason and support. Keith, my city-boy, has grown into a rural resident at heart. He loves the outdoors, has worked for MoDot his entire career with retirement in short sight, has a easy going sense of humor, and is the most loyal KC Cheifs fan I know.
We both enjoy bow hunting, day-trip traveling, sitting on the deck with a beverage and solving the world's problems, and have recently taken up short hiking excursions. We seem to do everything together and have remained best friends for thirty years of marriage. Now, with the kids grown and on their own, the youngest graduates from college in the spring, we are planning travel adventures and solidifying retirement plans. Where did the time go?
I have often wondered how does a marriage become a good solid family foundation that survives thirty years? There is no magic formula or perfect advice to follow. Keith and I are very lucky to have his folks and my folks as examples of what a strong marriage looks like. We also share the same faith and practice that faith, attending Sunday Mass together, being active members of our parish, and raising our children in the same faith. Marriage is work! It is the best job I will ever have, but it takes commitment and serious effort to travel through thirty years together, raise kids, pay bills, and religiously find time every day for each other. It is so worth the effort and the time! Keith and I know we can face anything in this world, together.
In a couple of hours, Keith and I will go to Mass, everyone else went last evening while I was sitting in a tree stand. Then the hustle and bustle of the week will be upon us. Packing, driving back home, unpacking, figuring out supper plans, starting the laundry, and getting organized for the week ahead. Chances are I will think about the wedding album as I doze off to sleep, and not take time to enjoy the pictures of thirty years ago. I hope I remember that as soon as the alarm sounded this morning and I rolled slowly out of bed, Keith grabbed my hand and said, "Happy Anniversary."
Today marks a very special day for me, a day in which I like to look at past photographs and spend time reflecting on years gone by. Thirty years ago today Keith and I were married at the Shrine of St. Patrick in Laurie, Missouri. It was Thanksgiving evening on the twenty-eighth anniversary of my parents, Kirk and Madeleine Hartnett. While my folks were married in the morning, due to fasting rules for attending Mass, they also celebrated their marriage on Thanksgiving.
When I met Keith, in Jefferson City, Missouri, he was all "city-kid" and I was definitely a country girl trying to become a city dweller. We became fast friends and discovered we had many things in common, same taste in music and movies, both Catholic and members of the same parish, both wanted to settle down and have a family, love of travel and exploration of this great country.
We enjoyed a romantic courtship and a fairy-tale wedding. We had great friends, jobs, and a really cute apartment. It was like a romantic movie of the 1980s. Then life came calling. There were heavy disappointments, great joys, challenges with careers, and family focused decisions, but we kept moving forward. We were too young, or self-centered, to realize these struggles were all steps in a lifetime journey. And for thirty years we have continued to put one foot in front of the other. Sometimes we trip each other, or push each other forward, or hold each other back for some time to reason out a decision, but we continue down this path together.
I am a stubborn, hard headed Irish woman who likes to take charge and solve the problem. I am not one to show emotion easily, and have a tendency to expect a great deal of myself and others. In short, not an easy person to live with. Keith has never faltered. He puts up with my ill temper calmly, most often with a voice of reason and support. Keith, my city-boy, has grown into a rural resident at heart. He loves the outdoors, has worked for MoDot his entire career with retirement in short sight, has a easy going sense of humor, and is the most loyal KC Cheifs fan I know.
We both enjoy bow hunting, day-trip traveling, sitting on the deck with a beverage and solving the world's problems, and have recently taken up short hiking excursions. We seem to do everything together and have remained best friends for thirty years of marriage. Now, with the kids grown and on their own, the youngest graduates from college in the spring, we are planning travel adventures and solidifying retirement plans. Where did the time go?
I have often wondered how does a marriage become a good solid family foundation that survives thirty years? There is no magic formula or perfect advice to follow. Keith and I are very lucky to have his folks and my folks as examples of what a strong marriage looks like. We also share the same faith and practice that faith, attending Sunday Mass together, being active members of our parish, and raising our children in the same faith. Marriage is work! It is the best job I will ever have, but it takes commitment and serious effort to travel through thirty years together, raise kids, pay bills, and religiously find time every day for each other. It is so worth the effort and the time! Keith and I know we can face anything in this world, together.
In a couple of hours, Keith and I will go to Mass, everyone else went last evening while I was sitting in a tree stand. Then the hustle and bustle of the week will be upon us. Packing, driving back home, unpacking, figuring out supper plans, starting the laundry, and getting organized for the week ahead. Chances are I will think about the wedding album as I doze off to sleep, and not take time to enjoy the pictures of thirty years ago. I hope I remember that as soon as the alarm sounded this morning and I rolled slowly out of bed, Keith grabbed my hand and said, "Happy Anniversary."
 |
| Photo Credit: Ryan Tindle |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)