Morning Girl

Are you a morning girl? Do you wake up before the sun rises? Do you spring out of bed? Do wake up whistling before the birds start to sing? Do you get 15 loads of laundry done by 10 am? Not me! But, I have a morning girl. And because the sun peeked me in the eye a little early today, I was able to capture my morning girl, who was off to fill her head with learning about probability, the Roman Empire, and other stuff she will need to know to be a successful chef, which is this year's future profession!

Morning girl didn't notice me. She had other things on her mind. Maybe that new, cute boy at school. Maybe wondering if her best friend was on the bus today. Maybe wondering why her legs were still sore from track practice. But then I noticed this:

Our dog, her bus stop companion, had noticed me! I couldn't tell what she was doing (through the telephoto lens). And then I realized she was doing this:

Yep, she was taking a picture of her companion, Bella, another morning girl. So maybe she will be a chef, maybe a photographer, maybe something else. But she will always be my morning girl.

I can't wait to see her this afternoon & see how her day went. Did you talk to the new boy? Did Miss K make it to school today? How did the history quiz go? Did you see me outside on the porch this morning in my pj's? Then comes the eye roll and the groan of "Mooommmmm!". I am looking forward to seeing my morning girl this afternoon, when I am awake & ready to go!

See this Couple?

These are my parents, Dan & Sherry. Aren't they a cute couple? They have been married for 45 years! Don't they look healthy in the S. Florida sun? They certainly don't let on to what they have endured in the past 5 1/2 months. On October 2, 2009, within 24 hours, they both found out that they had cancer. Just as luck would have it.

It is horrific to find out that both of your parents have cancer at the same time. I would never wish it upon anyone. You are scared & overwhelmed & you cannot stop crying. (The best words that I received during this time from sweet friends, was, "I am sorry". Three simple words.) I cannot imagine how they felt. The concern & fear for yourself & the concern & fear for your spouse, all at the exact same time. I am sure that it was indescribable.

It is their story to tell how & what they felt. I can just say that I am amazed at their strength & their faith. Can you imagine telling your 4 children that you both have cancer? My mom says that we all had the exact same response. After telling each of us, it looked as if we had been punched in the stomach. Funny, that's how it felt, only worse.

They endured many doctors appointments, tests, surgeries, treatments, & consultations. All at the same time. It was not a walk in the park. It required my parents to be vigilant in communicating with various doctors & medical personnel. It required an extreme amount of good attitude & patience.

Dan & Sherry are now cancer free. And they are an amazing testament that if you have a positive attitude & your faith, that you can endure the toughest of times together. No one looking from the outside would even know what they have endured. That's grace.

I am thankful for my graceful parents & their ability to kick cancer!

Distracted

I have been rather "distracted" lately. I haven't posted many blogposts lately, but let me assure that I have written quite a few. I just haven't had the energy to post them. It is that distraction thing going on.

I guess really what it comes down to is that I am worried. I am worried for a couple who really want to have a baby. I am worried that if the treatment doesn't work this time, that their hearts will break. And they will be such wonderful parents when the time comes. Please let that be now!

I am worried about a friend whose health has deteriorated. I am worried about how ill she looks & what it will take to get her back to her laughing, vivacious, spunky self.

I am worried about my oldest daughter. She is beginning a new sport & I am just hoping that she really likes it & that she will be able to create balance with studying.

I am worried about the mini-projects that are in place but haven't made any progress. Worried that soccer season will be here & that I won't have the projects checked off the list. Worried that new things will compete with the list (like getting my mailbox fixed from the run-in with the township snow plow-grrrrr!)

These worries are weighing on me & causing me to be distracted. I promise to get going & post some fun things & project completions soon. Stay tuned. I will be back with more great posts.