Nature Walk on the Bruce Trail

Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. Psalm 107:43

501. for siblings who love each other

502. for this story-writing, store-making, adventure-seeking girl

503. for gorgeous, not-yet-crunchy leaves underfoot

504. for this organized, inspiring girl

505. for puppy-love

506. for a mom who drives over half an hour just to take a walk with us

507. for His light that makes the darkest places beautiful

508. for this word-writing, crown-wearing, squishy-hugging girl

509. for this observant, gentle-but-energetic boy

510. for stark contrasts in nature that catch our eyes as we walk

511. for the miracle of the mighty oak

512. for craggy rocks and soft pine needles

513. for plenty of space to run

To quote Ann, "If the heavens declare, then let's get out there!"

The Funny Pages

I position myself over the nursing home bedrail and rub his long, thin arm.

"Would you like some water, Grampie?" I hold the glass with the straw toward him.

"Is it wet?" he replies. A wide grin spreads across his weathered, stubbly face. I touch the straw to his lips, so he'll know the drink is there.

"Oh, Grampie, you're so funny!"

He doesn't hesitate, "I know! I'll meet you in the funny pages!" That reply takes me back to childhood and I laugh. He has always called the Saturday newspaper comics, "funnies or funny pages".

That was our last conversation.

Today, my dear, sweet, loving Grampie, went to be with Jesus. His once robust and more than six foot body, now frail and bony, has completed its life here. His spirit, the one with the humour, the wit, the desire to talk about all the people whom he and Billy Graham have helped to get saved, has moved on to a place that's beyond our imaginations. I am trapped in time and barely can comprehend the breadth of it all but I'm overwhelmed with the thought that he will have new eyes that see and a new body. He'll join his wife whom he lost less than one year ago, as well as, other family and friends. Most of all, he'll actually behold the One who gave him life in the first place.

Grampie, you were like a father to me and I'm thrilled for you but saddened for me. But, I'm coming, Grampie! I'm right behind you. Throw your arms around Mama for me and tell her I miss her. Give her the special "hiding place kiss" and tell her she can't wash it off. I'll meet you both soon... not in the funny pages, but definitely where there's much laughter--just your style.

A Lesson In Boundaries

My Grandma's old kitchen cupboard beside her fridge held folded linens of lace and cotton, embroidered napkins, table cloths and draperies. When I was a little girl, I slept over at her home frequently and I loved that she let me pull them out and wrap myself in them whenever I wanted to play dress-up. I instantly became a bride or a princess simply by draping the pieces over my head and shoulders. She would laugh and take my picture. My throat aches and tears sting as I write these words, thinking of her. I miss her. She allowed me, as a child, to imagine and play without restraint. It was at her home, I felt I could be almost anything I wanted.

I sometimes find myself restricting my children's play or art by my need to keep it tidy. It's funny how this photo reminded me of my Grandma (Mama). She loved seeing the kids dressed up. It was her favourite thing. Now when I look back, I realize, she had a grasp on the fact that they're only young for a short time. Just as she allowed me to have unfettered play, she loved to see me giving my children the opportunity to be silly and to have fun without such rigid boundaries.

I don't want my children to remember how they were hurried, how they were "reined in" just when they got a great idea for their artwork. I do want them to remember how their mom gave them liberal opportunity to just be kids. They love dressing up, especially as animals, so when our church was planning our annual Fun Fall Fair, my children were imagining what they were going to be transformed into for that night. Of course, there were some regulations on the dress code, as there should be, but the memories will be sweet for my little frog, penguin, lion and angel.

As my mind turns heavenward, I'm assured we'll see Mama again, but for now, I'll follow her example, slow down a little and remove some of the boundaries around my kids' playtime. One day, after years of imagining, experimenting, and just plain having fun, I will turn around and realize... they've grown up.

After I wrote this, I came across this inspiring little post from another blogger... www.afamiliarpath.com/2009/02/sewing-memory.html :)