The Trip Through Happyville Continues

Graduation weekend is officially over, and Young Son has begun his  two-week journey through the midwest and up the eastern coast. It is a very loosely designed itinerary: he had a ticket to Chicago and a ticket home from Portland, Maine in a few weeks. The traveling in between? Well, have you seen the movies "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"? He told me, and I quote, "Oh, Mom. I'll figure it out as I go." And he will. I'm sure he'll have many great stories to tell when he returns with his one backpack of belongings. Which would be just about big enough to carry my shoes for the trip. Young Son's philosophy is: travel light, hang loose and all will turn out OK. And you know what? It does turn out well for him. He always lands on his feet. I've learned to filter my unsolicited, yet "helpful" advice, and pray harder. Together, we've become a supportive team.

Another Happy Turn: Married Daughter is getting to stay with me for a few more days and I don't have to share her with anyone. We've shopped (where she has talked me into shoes I'd never have bought on my own) and  attended movies (where she patiently listened to my whispered explanations that the characters in "Letters to Juliet" played  Lancelot and Guinevere in the movie "Camelot", and are married in real life. She whispered back she never saw "Camelot".  I was shocked beyond belief that a daughter growing up in my home never saw my second-favorite (behind "Gone With the Wind") movie. I always stop  watching when the kingdom of Camelot begins it's demise. I'd rather remember , as the song says, "Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief and shining moment that was known as Camelot". And now I have digressed you to death, and you will need a nap to finish this post. I'll wait.)

So, anyhoo...Married  Daughter and I have done a lot of talking about how I am doing these days. I never mind being asked that, because it makes me feel like people are still remembering and thinking about Dave, too. I don't want every thought or mention of him to  disappear just because someone thinks the "So, how are you doing...really?" question makes me feel uncomfortable or sad. The good news is, I've discovered through these long mother/daughter talks is that I am doing much better. Much better, indeed. I think the Scale O' Grief has tipped to favor the Happy Side. Old memories seem sweeter, appreciation for the past is emerging to overshadow loss, and almost all the stories we share about D leave us laughing. Ten months of processing must be successful in many areas. (If you are interested, I found my daughter's version of this trip on her blog found here.)
Before I sign off (because The  Monument Cafe in Georgetown, Texas is calling out with its glorious gingerbread pancakes), I have to share another layer of Joy. The beautiful bride seen above was in my  third and fourth grade class, lo those many years ago. We've kept up with each other over the years, because we share a Mutual Admiration Society for each other. Well, S married her life's love, B, on Saturday wearing the veil her mother wore 29 years ago. Can I say it again? Watching all these children grow up well in the Lord is one of the best parts of life, and I look forward to more and more of it. Weddings. Showers. Babies. Graduations. Loving the marking of the milestones.

S and B are shown leaving the church on their way to their new future. B is a pilot, so guests were given blue pieces of paper to fashion airplanes. We launched the paper planes at the glowing couple  as they slipped away to their honeymoon. (Beats rice or birdseed for creativity. Young brides, you ever amaze me with your whimsical ideas and sense of fun.)

And I end today with the beauty and healing found in time.

"He has made everything beautiful in his time.

He has placed eternity in our hearts..." (Ecc. 3:11)

Amidst all this happiness (and did I mention there are only 10 more days in The Kingdom of First Grade?), I'm believing that spring is making all things new. Amen.