Tick Tock

Tonight we are attending the “Life’s Too Damn Short” party, put together by a couple of friends of Daniel’s.  Truth be told, they were more friends of Daniel’s brother who passed away, but nevertheless, we are attending, kids too, because life is short.

I like the premise that “Life is too short” for missing out on the important things of family, friends, and love.  We don’t know how long our time is on this earth; we may live 109 years, or leave tomorrow.  The fact is we need to live and celebrate life right now.  This is not an “eat, drink, and be merry” post, but just a reminder to myself to enjoy and celebrate the little things that matter to me.

Life is too short to miss the enjoyment of watching the sun creep over the tip of the mountain, rays of light piercing the iron gray dawn.  It is too short to walk along the side of the duck pond and miss the elegant dance of the geese, the majestic gliding of the swans.

We are ever reminded of how fast time speeds by, no respecter of persons or situation by looking at our children and how fast they sprout up in height and precociousness.   Every mother has that moment, looking at their child, and sees that vast difference in not only physical appearance, but in character as well, and her breath catches with tears at the edge of falling.  It may be at the wedding day of a beloved daughter, or the college graduation of a son.  It may be the entrance to kindergarten, or the first steps taken.  In fact, mothers probably have that moment many times over.  I know in my short time as a mother, I have.

What about my relationships with those I have loved and hurt?  I remember the fights with friends in grade school, and how my world ended with venomous insults hurled at each other.  What about the friends that time and distance have caused the relationship to fade into acquaintance status?  Would I do something differently were I to know my life was ending tomorrow?  Would I mend fences?  Would I let bygones be bygones?

Life is short.  It was meant to be that way, and I don’t want to waste a minute of it today.  I want to run barefoot in the grass, fly a kite on the breeze.  I want to kiss my children’s cheeks, flushed with sleep and pleasant dreams.  I want to hold my husband’s hand, laying side by side, looking at the stars.  How about a roller coaster ride, adrenaline pumping through my veins, to verify I’m alive and kicking?  Why don’t I sit on a grassy knoll, face tilted to the sun, and let the warmth ignite the fire within?
*Thanks Google, for the image.*

What are you going to do today, to remind yourself that “Life is Short”?

Twelve Years and Counting

Perhaps I should have scanned a picture that was taken at our wedding twelve years ago, but I think I may be a bit embarrassed to think how much we have changed over the dozen years we have been married. Oh well. You will have to deal with the one we took last November. We don't have too many of us together. Perhaps I should rectify that!

I can remember vividly, not sleeping the night before we made our way to the Bountiful Temple to be married. I also think fondly on our day of chaos that was wonderful, filled with family and friends. But what I choose to ponder and place emphasis on most days, are the amazing experiences we have weathered together in the twelve years of married life.

We started married life off with a very, very short courtship and engagement. While it made a very bumpy first year, I would never change a thing. We learned about each other, and had a lot of growing pains that strengthened us for the trials that were to come.

Daniel held my hand as we experiences five miscarriages as we endeavored to start a family. We stood side by side through lost jobs, school mishaps, deaths of loved ones, and many moves, some more spontaneous than others. We smiled at each other as we welcomed child number one into the world and now laugh as we recollect the fact I tried to kick him out of the delivery room because his voice grated on my nerves. He tenderly helped my battle the mommy blues where I lost myself and everyone around me. I watched him as his chest swelled with pride when child number two joined us, although I wasn't too sure what to do with a boy. He knew and that was enough.

We have driven across time zones and numerous states together, sometimes caravanning with family, other times just by ourselves. It never ceases to amaze me that this man of mine can navigate strange places without a map and alway know where he is going. I always feel safe when we are together and to be honest, I don't know how we survive apart. Just ask me about our short separation last month. I didn't do very well.

All in all, the last dozen years have been a ride of magnificent hills and valleys, dips and turns. It has been exciting, thrilling and so much fun. I thank the Lord everyday that we are still learning and growing with each other. Twelve years.....just the beginning of eternity. Daniel, I love you!