I'm so blessed. I have so many things for which to be thankful. I'm at a very good spot in my life right now and I recognize that fact. Sure, I have some health concerns that bother me. I have some relationships with people that I wish were better and some relationships that I would like to put more energy into strengthening. And I have a lot of relationships with family and friends that are very comfortable, satisfying and enjoyable. I've been able to see a lot of different people in different situations over this past summer and it has strengthened my faith in humanity. There are always going to be bumps along the way. I have some things I want to improve on and some things I feel like I've pretty much mastered and I don't have to even think about those things anymore. I have such a desire to learn and grow and to spend my time wisely. So far, my retirement years are going very well. We have more money to do some things that need to be done around the house, to travel, to help other people when we find out about a need. We are in a good place, and I recognize that fact.
I have a faithful husband who has been with me for over 39 years. He is my best friend. We celebrated our anniversary in June. This fact alone is my number one blessing. I recognize that this long-term type relationship and marriage is harder to find and to hold on to in this day and age. It makes me feel safe and secure to know that he has by back and that he is my biggest cheerleader (maybe sometimes even a little too much!) It has given our children stability and has helped them launch their own successful marriages. We are fortunate to have been born into homes where this type of relationship was modeled. Our own parents gave us a fabulous foundation upon which to build our own family. Rick and I talk about this often. We were so fortunate to have been born to goodly parents. And they were each born of goodly parents. And so on it goes. It's all about families and keeping those ties that bind strong and being a strong link in the chain of generations.
We have four amazing children who married four amazing spouses. We love them all so much! Each one brings their talents and abilities to the family and we celebrate their strengths, their differences, their good lives and the choices that they make. They are solid and are making great homes together with their children. The have brought us 10 (gong on 11!) darling grandchildren who we love and adore.
We have had a very busy summer. We traveled a lot. Really, almost too much. Three east coast trips and one west coast trip in eight weeks is a bit much. We've been able to see more of this beautiful world of ours and to spend time around people of all different backgrounds. Hence, my belief in humanity. People are generally good and willing to help their fellow man.
It's been wonderful to spend so much time this summer with family and friends. Those are really cherished times (which I know sounds cliche, but it true.) We got to spend a week in NC with Dave, Courtney and their children. We went to Rupert to see Janet and Dave and their family (who we love so much!) and had a great time there. We went to Rhode Island for four days and explored that beautiful state. We went on a cruise from New England to Montreal, Canada with Rick's mother and siblings. We went to San Diego while Rick attended a conference and Carol got to go with us. She and I had a great time exploring around while Rick was in meetings (poor guy.) We got to see Andy and Chelsea in CA, and they came to town for a number of days. Dave and Courtney and family stayed with us for a week and we had non-stop fun with them. And of course, I went to Israel for two weeks with Jordan and a group of friends in May for an incredible experience there.
I value my husband, my children, my daring grandchildren, my siblings and their spouses, our mothers, Rick's family, my long-time friends and some newer friends, and my friends from church and community associations. Life is Good!
Now, we are looking forward to what comes next. So much of what comes next is up to us! We get to choose where we spend our time, with whom, doing what we enjoy, serving, fulfilling our church callings, having fun and trying to eat healthy and exercise. We get to choose our attitudes.
There are also a lot of unknowns that lie in the future. We are contemplating those changes. What will we do when Rick retires? Go on a mission? Should we continue to fix up our home or move to a different one? What will be the end story with our aging mothers? What health challenges will we face? How will our children and grandchildren grow and develop and what challenges and successes will they have?
My thought is that we prepare as best we can....we put our faith and trust in the Lord...we work towards our goals....we adjust when things don't go according to plan....we forgive...we ask for forgiveness....we keep learning and improving...we help and serve others...we love and find joy in every day living. There is so much good going on and so much to be enjoyed in life. I'm so grateful for the one I'm living!
