He's such a handsome young man. Today is my son's 16th birthday. I could have been working out of town, but the thought of not being with him today sickened me. He and I share the same birthday. The date falls on Mother's Day.
My mom is going strong at 80. We all went out to brunch. Last night I took my son out for a steak. I couldn't take him to get his driver's license. I just don't have the courage.
It's been a day filled with gratitude for me. I remind myself that Blago's daughter turned 16 a few months ago. It must have sickened him that he couldn't hug her. That's all I want from my son today. A hug.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Gotta Love Going Out For Breakfast
I love going out for breakfast. There's just something so perfect about a pot of coffee that doesn't end. Nothing finer than a stack of pancakes.
My cousin told me her favorite memory as a parent was taking the kids out for breakfast after church on Sundays. Look around you. Families are sharing stories, laughs. They don't have to spend a fortune. You don't have to dress up. The day is still ahead of you. At a recent funeral I attended, the eulogy was given by the 14 year old grandson of the man who passed. He told us that what he'll miss most is going out to breakfast with his grandpa.
My son had a late arrival at school last week. He asked me if we could go out for breakfast. So grateful for that time with him.
My cousin told me her favorite memory as a parent was taking the kids out for breakfast after church on Sundays. Look around you. Families are sharing stories, laughs. They don't have to spend a fortune. You don't have to dress up. The day is still ahead of you. At a recent funeral I attended, the eulogy was given by the 14 year old grandson of the man who passed. He told us that what he'll miss most is going out to breakfast with his grandpa.
My son had a late arrival at school last week. He asked me if we could go out for breakfast. So grateful for that time with him.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
I'm Up At 3am. Must Be Flea Market Day.
I love a good nap on a Sunday. One of those full-on 2 hour naps. No one to tell me that I can't nap. Today marks the return of Wolff's Flea Market. I was there at 3:30 in the morning so I could watch the dealers unload their goods. It was freezing out and the wind was crazy.
The fella with the baked goods was there with the best almond crescent rolls. Best. I don't feel too guilty, because I walk the entire lot at the market for 4 straight hours. Didn't find anything great this time. Chicago is the hardest market in the world when it comes to competition from "pickers" and antique dealers. The guys out there are fierce. One vendor pointed to a small wooden box and told me to look inside where I'd find sterling jewelry. The fella next to me grabbed the box and literally shoved his fist on my knuckles so I'd let go of the box. I didn't let go. I regret not shoving my knuckles down his throat.
I was back before everyone woke up and took that nap. Grateful that I am free to spend my Sunday any way I wish.
The fella with the baked goods was there with the best almond crescent rolls. Best. I don't feel too guilty, because I walk the entire lot at the market for 4 straight hours. Didn't find anything great this time. Chicago is the hardest market in the world when it comes to competition from "pickers" and antique dealers. The guys out there are fierce. One vendor pointed to a small wooden box and told me to look inside where I'd find sterling jewelry. The fella next to me grabbed the box and literally shoved his fist on my knuckles so I'd let go of the box. I didn't let go. I regret not shoving my knuckles down his throat.
I was back before everyone woke up and took that nap. Grateful that I am free to spend my Sunday any way I wish.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Obituaries Never Tell You Who The Person Was
My mother's cousin died this week. His obit reveals his age, the name of his wife, his children, his grandchildren. It doesn't tell you that this was a man who truly led by example.
He was born in Italy, but his parents chose to move to America so their four children could prosper. His father was my grandmother's brother.
He went to school here and made certain that each of his sisters and brother would go on to school. He served our country in Vietnam, and quietly came home.
He married a beautiful, strong woman whose family came to America from the same town in Italy. They worked together to open a beauty salon, and he later developed and sold real estate. They raised 3 daughters and were blessed with 5 grandchildren. Their first house was small, but soon moved into a fabulous house on a small lake. Somehow, he managed to convince the girls to move their families to be near him. I think of him as the captain who sailed his little crew safely to an island.
It's hard to imagine anyone's kids actually wanting to live near their parents. Yet his love was so genuine, that living any other way would be ridiculous. He took care of everyone. They would be safe.
Over the past few years he stayed afloat even though the real estate market shut down. He never spent money like a fool. He didn't need new suits. If he worried, he kept it to himself or shared that with his wife. He was always such a positive force. Never judged. He accepted you. When he greeted you, he always took the time to look at you and genuinely care how you were doing and what you were up to.
His funeral will be held tomorrow. 68 years old. Heart attack. The doctors gave him a clean bill of health just last week. All tests, including the EKG, looked great. He had returned from a trip to Mexico with his wife, the love of his life. His anchor. He was cooking dinner at the outdoor grill, where he was found. After dinner he had planned to visit his youngest daughter who was excited to show him videos of their little baby who is due in a few months. Not a bad way to go. Always taking care of the ones you love.
I'm grateful that I can visit him one last time. Grateful that I can mourn with his family. Treat others as you want to be treated. So sorry that I didn't tell him that's what his example taught me.
He was born in Italy, but his parents chose to move to America so their four children could prosper. His father was my grandmother's brother.
He went to school here and made certain that each of his sisters and brother would go on to school. He served our country in Vietnam, and quietly came home.
He married a beautiful, strong woman whose family came to America from the same town in Italy. They worked together to open a beauty salon, and he later developed and sold real estate. They raised 3 daughters and were blessed with 5 grandchildren. Their first house was small, but soon moved into a fabulous house on a small lake. Somehow, he managed to convince the girls to move their families to be near him. I think of him as the captain who sailed his little crew safely to an island.
It's hard to imagine anyone's kids actually wanting to live near their parents. Yet his love was so genuine, that living any other way would be ridiculous. He took care of everyone. They would be safe.
Over the past few years he stayed afloat even though the real estate market shut down. He never spent money like a fool. He didn't need new suits. If he worried, he kept it to himself or shared that with his wife. He was always such a positive force. Never judged. He accepted you. When he greeted you, he always took the time to look at you and genuinely care how you were doing and what you were up to.
His funeral will be held tomorrow. 68 years old. Heart attack. The doctors gave him a clean bill of health just last week. All tests, including the EKG, looked great. He had returned from a trip to Mexico with his wife, the love of his life. His anchor. He was cooking dinner at the outdoor grill, where he was found. After dinner he had planned to visit his youngest daughter who was excited to show him videos of their little baby who is due in a few months. Not a bad way to go. Always taking care of the ones you love.
I'm grateful that I can visit him one last time. Grateful that I can mourn with his family. Treat others as you want to be treated. So sorry that I didn't tell him that's what his example taught me.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
College Campus Visits & Looking Towards the Future
My son and I traveled to a few different colleges this past week. I don't know what it is about this that makes it more fun than sitting on a beach in Florida over spring break. I really love it. I traveled with my daughters to various schools and the same feeling was there. It's all about looking towards the future.
My son's a sophomore, and he'd love to play baseball in school. Most folks look for the science building, or campus cafeteria first. I head out to the baseball field before checking in on the campus. It turns out he actually did visit Florida Gulf Coast last year while playing in a Florida tournament. "There were palm trees behind the baseball field, mom." That's nice.
The students on campus are wonderful. I love being around them. They're always looking forward to the future and they don't have to be in the, "real world," for a while. Maybe that's why they're always smiling and looking pretty happy. You see that same look on the prospective students. Optimism. Sad to know that rejection letters wait in the background. Enjoy it while I can.
I can't put any value on sharing this time of optimism with my son. I don't care how many schools and baseball fields I visit. I'm just grateful that I can be there with him on this journey.
My son's a sophomore, and he'd love to play baseball in school. Most folks look for the science building, or campus cafeteria first. I head out to the baseball field before checking in on the campus. It turns out he actually did visit Florida Gulf Coast last year while playing in a Florida tournament. "There were palm trees behind the baseball field, mom." That's nice.
The students on campus are wonderful. I love being around them. They're always looking forward to the future and they don't have to be in the, "real world," for a while. Maybe that's why they're always smiling and looking pretty happy. You see that same look on the prospective students. Optimism. Sad to know that rejection letters wait in the background. Enjoy it while I can.
I can't put any value on sharing this time of optimism with my son. I don't care how many schools and baseball fields I visit. I'm just grateful that I can be there with him on this journey.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Spring Is In The Air
I was out this afternoon and there it was, that something in the air that tells you spring is here. I'm looking forward to getting something new done around the house. What if this is the year that I plant flowers that turn out like the ones on the covers of the garden magazines? It's possible.
My family is planted in front of the television set watching the NCAA Tournament. Will this be the year my son chooses the winner? It's possible. Did you know there's a school called, Florida Gulf Coast?
My daughter left for a fun trip to New York and Florida. I'll be checking out colleges with my son. We're not traveling far, but it's fine. Besides, it won't be long before he leaves for the dreaded college spring break trip. I'll enjoy my time with him.
I love this time of the year. I wonder what spring smells like for Blago? The possibilities for me are endless.
My family is planted in front of the television set watching the NCAA Tournament. Will this be the year my son chooses the winner? It's possible. Did you know there's a school called, Florida Gulf Coast?
My daughter left for a fun trip to New York and Florida. I'll be checking out colleges with my son. We're not traveling far, but it's fine. Besides, it won't be long before he leaves for the dreaded college spring break trip. I'll enjoy my time with him.
I love this time of the year. I wonder what spring smells like for Blago? The possibilities for me are endless.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Marathon Television Is Too Much Fun
Everyone I know talks about their addiction to the PBS series, "Downton Abbey." The story covers the family and servants who live in a castle in England during WWI. I'm too busy watching shows like, "My Strange Addiction." Today I started a project at home, and turned on the Downton series. LOVE my ComCast. I started with the first season, and by the end of the night, I was on season 2. No commercials and I didn't have to wait until next week to find out what happens.
No excuses. There was no one to tell me I had to turn off the T.V. I do this every once in a while. I wish I could do it more often. So grateful that I can do it at all.
No excuses. There was no one to tell me I had to turn off the T.V. I do this every once in a while. I wish I could do it more often. So grateful that I can do it at all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)