Descendent?

Happy Birthday Margaret. My Mother-In-Law turns 87 today.

“Mom” is still living in the house she was born in. Same house her entire life. Never moved out. Never moved away.

She was one of nine children. Her Mother, “Grammy”, open a one-room grocery store (1927) in what is now the living room in their three-story row home in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Grammy raised nine children, ran the store from early morning to late at night for 44 years.

Her Father, who died in his 30′s, was a shoe cobbler in the the back of the house.

“Mom” has aches and pains like most 87 year olds, an answering machine, and even a Trac Phone.

She is a devout Catholic and prays all the time, even when it doesn’t seem so.

She has shown us unconditional love, simplicity, kindness and generosity, loyalty, and love.

Mom, you amaze us with your spirit.  We love you.

Share/Bookmark

Growing up in south-central Pennsylvania, these are the memories of Fall.  An exciting time marked by dramatic changes from Summer.

Well, in central Florida, these changes from Summer to Fall are much less distinct.  In fact, they are almost invisible.

Attempting to share some of our history and traditions with our son (9), a native Floridian, I had to find small ways to tell big stories.

So, the first night the temperature starts with a six instead of a seven, well, that’s when I officially declare Fall has arrived.  We haven’t seen a day or night temperature below 70 since April, until today.

As we go through our busy lives, it’s these little things that make life more interesting, more “alive”, for me.

Do you have small ways to tell big stories?  Want to share any here?  Please feel free.  But I’ll completely understand if you’re too busy.

Share/Bookmark

My Aunt Jennifer’s birthday is today.

She may never read this, but that isn’t stopping me from thinking about her and hoping she has her best birthday ever.

Some people say it stinks to get old.

I guess it could if you let it.

Don’t you think getting old is one of the greatest gifts God bestows on us?

I do.

Carpe diem, jeff noel  :)

Share/Bookmark