Today, I am grateful for:
The beauty of a drive, with my dear husband, on back country roads, lined with pastoral farms, grazing animals, Amish buggies and green fields. So lovely and peaceful.
Seeing the renovated one-room Boyd’s schoolhouse! It’s beautiful! We often gathered there on Sunday evenings, with my cousins, from my dad’s side of the family, to roast hot dogs, marshmallows and corn! We sat around the fire talking, laughing and eating. I was always excited when my cousin, Dale and his wife, Maxine arrived from Orrville! They had 6 children!!!!! What could be more exciting!
Being able to attend the wedding of my great-niece, Jena, to her long time beau, Cole. It was a beautiful wedding, with a gorgeous bride and handsome groom.
Seeing all of my sister’s children and grandchildren was the best treat of all. For so many years, we were all together for holidays, birthdays and so many other times. In recent years, there are few get-togethers. There were babies I had never met, and nieces and nephews, whom I love, but rarely see. I was so glad to see my sister, Faun’s wonderful family and have the opportunity to reconnect with them.
My nephew, Joe, told me a date had been set for a picnic and corn roast, where I will have time to relax and chat and laugh with all of Faun’s family. I am so grateful to Joe for setting this up! I know it’s going to be a very memorable afternoon and evening!
A special surprise was seeing my favorite teacher from high school, Mr. Tim and his wife, Joyce. His last name is Miller, and probably half the teachers at my high school had the last name of Miller. He became Mr. Tim so we would know which Mr. Miller we were talking about. One of the classes I taught many times, was “If I am elected,” It was one of the most powerful of all my classes. It was based on a class Mr. Tim had taught. It’s a mock election, and teens learn what a real election is like. I tell them at the beginning of the class, “you will get caught up in the political process.” Usually, by the end of the first day’s lesson, they’re hooked, and enthusiastically at work on their party names and their platforms. I’ve never had an election that wasn’t a hard fought battle. Thank you, Mr. Tim, for inspiring me!
There’s nothing that compares to a visit from a former student. This past week, many students visited me, and I will never forget our wonderful conversations. I know that each of these students will be successful in life, no matter what path they choose to pursue. I always suggested that they set goals, or make plans for things they want to do, although I wasn’t sure which ones would really do that. All of the former students who visited this week are busy setting goals and working to achieve them! I am so proud of them!
An evening spent with a family that has inspired me. They have helped me move, helped me to clean out a house that I needed to sell, fixed my raggedy vehicles for years, and been there for Kylia, Kari and I through good times and bad. If you’ve ever been to any of my workshops and presentations, you have probably heard the stories of the young boy with his metal detector, his brother who loves log homes and has taught himself everything he can about their construction, another brother who is an amazing mechanic and, yet another brother who taught himself everything he could about economics, history and investing. All 4 boys, now fine young men, were raised by a single mom who saw their gifts and talents and did everything she could to feed those interests. Her love and support of her boys helped them achieve so many goals. Thank you, Cathy, for sharing your family with me!
An entire afternoon, with a very dear friend. Talking, laughing, crying, planning, hugging and, of course, eating…. Mmmmm, Panera shortbread cookies…
Having time this week to just be with my husband, and my daughters. I love them so much, and words are so inadequate at times like these. I know they know how I feel about them, but I still feel the need to find a way to show them how they have enriched my life beyond measure. I am so grateful for their loving care!
Remember to look for the gifts in your life! No matter how dark things seem, there is always hope, and there are always gifts!
Beautiful! I wish I could take your election class!
Good Morning Ruth! Thank you for sharing more of your extraordinary family…so lovely!! Your last two sentences remind me of a picture I have that says, “Every day is a gift, just untie the ribbons.”
Love and BlessingsxxxJean
You took me down Memory Lane this morning. I remember 4H meetings at Boyd’s School and my 2 favorite teachers EVER were Tim Miller and Roger Dunn. Oh yes, and I can’t forget my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Loyal Brown. Do you remember him?? I remember the family reunions at Doughty Valley and how much I loved your Dad. I remember Cue, Faun, Joe, Rick and Sonya with fondness. I remember thinking that Gary was the tallest man alive!!! I remember Bunker Hill. So many memories that were neatly tucked in the far corners of my mind have now resurfaced and it just makes me smile!! Thank you. I didn’t find my true talent until later in life…being a Nana. I love my girls with all my heart, but my grandchildren are what makes my world go round. Someone once told me that I watched my grandchildren way too much and my response was ” no, not nearly enough”!! Family is everything to me. It saddens my heart when I think of what you are going through, but it makes my heart smile to see your zest for every minute. You are a true inspiration Ruth. Have a really super day!!!
I just thought of the one corn roast I attended in Ohio at Kue and Fauns….I remember Ricks hog call..thought that was the coolest thing ever and heard across 3 counties
What a great week you had…lots of wonderful memories too…Enjoyed reading this reflection of your week as I could relate to some of the things you mentioned since we both grew up in Holmes Co….I love driving those country roads too! I too remember your sister well and all of her kids too…Glad you had family time and have a corn roast to look forward to!