Way to Go

Parents always seem to have high expectations for their children. In our case our expectations have been greatly exceeded by all of our children and we are constantly amazed at what they have accomplished, and are still achieving in their lives. This week was a celebration of our son Kevin's lifelong dream. When he was about four years old he decided that the world of physics was where he wanted to grow up and unravel the mysteries of the universe. Tuesday he received his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Rochester and completed a thesis which explored the attributes and applicability of the Bose-Einstein condensate in new ways. While the math and science are way beyond what this mere mortal mom can comprehend, I can understand in some small measure what being recognized for this sometimes agonizingly painful research means to Kevin. The whole family rejoices in his success and are grateful for the gracious patience of Kevin's wife, Dana who has encouraged him at every turn. So, Dr. Wright, we honor your achievement. Now, about that teleporter I asked for. Maybe next on the list?

Extremely Good

Last week it was announced that the ABC television program "Extreme Home Makeover" was coming to Fresno. Five families were in the running to be chosen to have a home built for them. At 10 a.m. on Thursday morning the Riojas family was greeted by host Ty Pennington's bull horn announcing they would be whisked away to a ski vacation in Colorado while their old house was demolished. A new home would be built in one week that would meet the needs of Mary Ann Riojas who was born without legs. Read about this amazing woman and her family. http://www.extremedeyoung.com/family.php I have been a fan of this TV program for years and had heard of friends who had participated in builds in other parts of the country. The stories all have the same motivation; to make life better for some very deserving people. I have admired the enthusiasm and sensitivity of the that filled each episode. I was not ready, however, for the impact that I have felt in my own life seeing such extreme measures of good will come to my own backyard. I wanted to be a part of this demonstration of community service. As soon as I heard the project was going to be in Fresno I signed up on the builder's website as a volunteer. That was Sunday. The volunteers would be notified in the next couple of days with what their assignment would be. On Wednesday I got the email. They had so many volunteers they could not use them all and I was too late. At first I was disappointed, but then I realized that they had 4,000 members of the community willing to hammer, nail, dry wall, shovel, scrub and serve donuts round the clock for the five building days. Some skeptics may think these people were only trying to get on television. I like to think otherwise and believe that people are inherently good and you just have to give them an opportunity to shine. Since I wasn't going to be able to work as a volunteer, I decided to visit the construction site. Today I joined about 100 people waiting in line for the shuttlebus that would carry us to the construction site. The crowd was a great mix of people who were chatting and enjoying the beautiful afternoon of 65 degree weather. It reminded me of waiting for a ride at a Disney resort. There was anticipation and a feeling of joy as we went to witness something that reaffirmed that there is still goodness in the world. After a short ride we arrived at the construction site, the house completed and ready to load in the furniture. There were hundreds of people lining the neighborhood street and more streaming in from the regularly arriving shuttlebuses. The television crew was moving cameras to various locations, the blue-shirted volunteers were herded to the side of the driveway, and after about 20 minutes a huge roar rose up from the crowd and two of the design team members, Michael Moloney and Didiayer Schneider led another group of volunteers out of the home to help unload one of the truckloads of furniture. All the time the crowd was laughing, visiting with the neighbors who were perched on rooftops and front porches. It was a scene that in all its chaotic glory was electrified with hope, goodwill, and generosity. Yes, it was extreme. Yes, it was just one family. But it is one more effort that perhaps will touch the hearts of those who have been even a small part of something that is good in life. I know it has touched mine. In an extremely good way.

Looking Back at 2008

In case you didn't know (I didn't until I looked it up) the traditional New Year's song, "Auld Lang Syne" was written by poet Robert Burns. Its translation is, "old long since". In the cryptic sort of way of a Scotsman in the 1700's it reminds us to look over the past year and recall the people, places and things that remain forever in our memories.
Therefore, on this last day of the year I look back at 2008 with fond memories. It has been a year filled with amazing adventures mostly involving the people I love most, my family. A trip to Hawaii with all our family, travel to see Alex and Teanca in plays, visiting in Utah, an Alaskan cruise, Grandma Louise Wright's memorial service, Robyn and Jeff's Wedding, Thanksgiving week with Ken, Sarah, Addie and Ian, Christmas with "Super" Grandpa Wright, a visit from Megan and Jonathan Day, Dad's retirement...well, sort of. If I could have seen a year ago what 2008 would have held for me I probably would have said, "You've got to be kidding!" And yet, this year has been one of the most amazing of my life. I can't wait to see what 2009 will bring.
My resolution for 2009 is simple. I plan to enjoy the adventure of each day. That's it. I figure I can keep that resolution. I've gotten over the expectation that I can plan my life out in advance for the most advantageous use of my time. I know that the Lord has a plan for me and if I am courageous enough, and faithful enough I will allow the Lord to lead me through this grand adventure of life.
Happy New Year and may 2009 hold wonderful adventures for you, too.

Celebrating Life

Tomorrow our baby girl turns 24. How did that happen? I think of the song "Sunrise, Sunset" from "Fiddler on the Roof" and I can understand the whistful phrase as the parents consider their children, "I don't remember growing older. When did they?" Not that I begrudge my daughter's growing up. Those were fun-filled challenging times that I would not trade for a second. I loved being nearby as she took her first, very independent steps, watching her excel in school and being her most ardent audience as she danced and sang through life. She has grown into a woman of great grace and beauty. I just don't know what happened to me while she was growing up. Where did all those wrinkles come from? How did my eyesight blur so much? How come a nap sounds better and better even though I still can't nap. Yet. It's as if my mind has been in suspended animation for years but my body has been oh, quite steadily marching to time's cadence. And now as I consider our daughter's birthday, reality catches up with me. And I see what I've become. But, I have a lovely 24 year old daughter to focus on, and four other children, their spouses, four grandchildren whom I adore, and a husband who tells me I'm as beautiful as I've always been (I think his eyesight is a little fuzzy, too, but maybe that's a gift from God at our age.) As I have said many times, I don't mind growing old, I just don't want to grow up. What I mean by that is I always want to enjoy life as a child does with open appreciation for beauty. I want to always be ready to laugh...and cry...and not apologize for either. I want to love openly without having to qualify to whom I give my love. I want to cherish every moment, for I have learned moments quickly turn into years...24 of them sometimes. Thank you, Megan, for being such a beautiful part of my life. You are a reminder that life is very, very good...no matter what age you are.

A True Friend

Nancy is a true friend. The two of us have known each other since 1984 when we both had babes in arms (or in her case babe in backpack), several other children in tow and husbands busy providing for our families. We are sisters, not by genetic linkage, but sisters of the heart. We have shared in the joys and the sorrows of our lives, laughed until we cried, and cried until we laughed. We can talk for hours. Once all the way to Utah. Nonstop. Sometimes there are no words. Just the quiet understanding of two friends. We have forged a friendship that will last for all time. Over the years we have been separated by distance from time to time, but the friendship that began over 23 years ago has continued and grown. We still laugh together, we still cry together. We still get ourselves into mischief fairly regularly. Our families understand and shake their heads in wonder at the bond we have. Closer than friends. We truly are sisters of the heart.

Let's Have a Simple Wedding

It started during the summer with a simple "Will you marry me" and ended simply with a "Yes!" last weekend, October 11, 2008, as Jeff and Robyn were sealed for time and eternity in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple, Utah. Friends and family gathered to celebrate the creation of this new family...The Jeff and Robyn Stockett family. And it was simply wonderful. I have been part of the wedding plans of many friends and family members, watched brides stress over choosing the right dress, the perfect invitation, the correct number of attendants and have even myself watched "Platinum Weddings" on the Wedding Channel just to see what a lavish wedding looks like. I have come to the conclusion that the most elegant and lovely wedding is the one where two people who love each other deeply marry and promise to be together forever. As I have said many times..."the rest is just fluff". The love that we saw in Jeff and Robyn as they began their lives as husband and wife was truly a joy. To have our family gathered to help celebrate in itself was a slice of heaven. These are the moments that no wedding coordinator can manufacture. A simple wedding, yes. And simply divine.

You're Still the One...and We're Still Havin' Fun!

Thirty-eight years ago this week we started on this journey together. Without a moment's hesitation we said "I do", not really knowing where our path would lead, but knowing we would walk it together hand in hand. We have a quirky way of holding hands, interlocking our little fingers... because it is more comfortable that way and it's our way of saying, "I love you." We have always done this. From the first moment our hands joined, they slipped naturally into this configuration. It is as if we were uniquely fitted to one another from the first. Companions, friends, sweethearts, confidants, cheerleaders, fellow adventurers, soul-mates. Forever as one.

Today, wherever we go we still hold hands, interlocked fingers signifying the most treasured relationship of my life. And yes, John, you're still the one...and we're still havin' fun!