Pain

Whenever I am in pain I learn. When I was ugly after my brain surgery I thought about all the people who have a lopsided face all the time and others who can't eat correctly because of some kind of physical problem. When I had my hysterectomy (sp?) and Terry was with me so faithfully I thought of those who don't have anyone to love and support them. When my children were small I appreciated those who are single parents and never get support. This week I am thinking of those who have no teeth, or those who are in constant pain and are crabby. I get it and the only way I get it is because I'm uncomfortable. I don't like uncomfortable. I really despise pain. I am grateful for the empathy it brings to me. Maybe that's why God invented it (no theological arguements please). It can bring us together because we have compassion. The people I admire the most are those who have experienced lots of pain. I want to be like them. But I don't want the pain that made them that way.
Mmmmmmm...

food

One of the things I am most grateful for about my upbringing is the way I was fed. I love, for example, that almost every morning Mom fixed the following: hot cereal, eggs, meat, toast, or pancakes or french toast. I almost put "each morning" but I know that someone might not believe me though I think it's true. I can't imagine the amount of time, energy and commitment that took. I thought I was doing good to always have one of the following: french toast, pancakes, eggs ,etcfor my own kids. Diane tells me by the time she came around it was cold cereal. One of the draw backs of being at the end instead of the beginning.
I also loved having a variety of food on the supper table. I understand Dad demanded meat and potatoes rather than casseroles but I still loved it. We always had desserts too but I never thought about eating 3 or 4 helpings because there was so much variety. I think it's a good thing.
ok, I'm writing about food because I had oral surgery and I can only have soft stuff this week. I'm really tired of yogart. This morning I woke up dreaming about a salad. Karen Sacry brought a salad to a meal Saturday night. I'm still thinking about it.
Some of my friends make fun of me when I order a salad when we eat out. Like they want me to have a huge burger. But I really love salads and veggies and fruit. I am giving my Mom and grandmothers the credit for this because I still love variety and I like food that is good for me. ok, so I love lots of butter and a little too much bread. (does it count that I prefer whole wheat?)

Spencer Edward Drake

 
 
 
 

Featuring Spencer

"The first shall be last." The day Spencer was born, in the room as they were just finished cleaning him up Jamie whispered to me, "He's perfect!" Yes, he was. And, he still is! (spoken like the grandmother of her first grandchild) People tell me Spencer is a beautiful child with his blond curly hair and big blue eyes. Of course that makes me proud. But what I love about him is that he is so enthusiastic about life! Confidence oozes from him. His list of LOVES is long: school, friends, Abigail, Birthday Bash Day at school, cakes, his new scooter, family home evening, his Dad when he's silly, his Mom's hugs, going to "Old MacDonalds" (McDonalds)...
He is sure he is right and that things will be wonderful. He is so kind to his sisters especially considering he is definitely outnumbered. He wants to do the right thing and has no problem telling me if what I've done is not appropriate. "No, no no (very fast) Oma, you do it this way." His verbal skills are amazing. His balance has always been advanced. He loves to laugh and be silly. I love to be with him.

Kate Nonie Reiff

 
 
 
 

Featuring Kate!

My favorite pictures of Kate are symbolic of who she is: Sitting in a large chair with her Mother in the corner of their living room, talking quietly, like they are adult best friends and sitting in the other corner of their living room on her Daddy's lap resting her head on his chest, listening to the adults talk. She carries the spirit of my mother, her namesake, a combination of confidence and vulnerability. A child who is on the one hand a little adult and on the other a fun-loving, laughing child. When she was younger she was afraid of vacuums and now she can climb huge rocks. I love her ability to pretend, caught up in a world of her own imagination. I love her hiding when we come to visit, and then her tight, warm hugs when she finally reveals herself. She is the kind of child that causes people to exclaim, "What a beautiful child!" And yet, her true beauty is her spirit of love, loyalty and compassion for others. She is not afraid to be alone, in fact, prefers it at times, but she loves to be with other people, children or adults and fits well in the company of many, able to hold on to who she is despite the activities around her. I feel it's a privilege that Kate lets me into her life. I truly adore her.

Michael Vernon Reiff

 
 
 
 

Featuring Michael

I LOVE to be with Michael! Taking a good pic of him is hard because his head is down as he is always discovering. And, because, when I am with him, instead of recording life, he drawns me into life. A spider, a plant, a new book about dinasaurs. One of his favorite dvd's is Earth. Another is Shark Week (wrong name I think) He loves to learn. Michael is totally without guile. He is totally undeceitful! I love his love and loyalty to his family. His spirit is so gentle, forgiving and kind. When he was here in August tolfs horse got cut and had a gash on it's side. One of the first things he asked me in SC was how that white horse was. I love Michael's spirit. It brings me such joy. He is the kind of child that could be anything he chooses because he is determined to do whatever it takes to reach his goal. My words fall short of who he is. He is such a brilliant combination of Jamie and Logan. To share a day with him is a gift to anyone wise enough to receive.