I think Helen Keller gets credit for this quote. It's also the tag line on one of my favorite blogs Daring Young Mom. Today, it makes me think of my Grammie. You just can't have a photo like this in your album and not blog about it. This is Grammie about two weeks ago at her 95th birthday, sitting with my uncle on the back of his Harley. This ride was planned since her 90th birthday. Unfortunately, my uncle had a slight mishap and broke his leg. Alas, no birthday ride for Grammie.
Generally speaking, I wouldn't characterize her as adventurous, yet she definitely made some courageous choices in her long life. After all, she raised FOUR boys and lived to tell about it.
My sense of adventure ebbs and flows these days. I always feel particularly brave and adventurous on the front end of a move. The adrenaline rush of packing it all up and moving to a new place, the excitement of exploring a new city, the absolute delight in finding Chick-fil-a and Super Target in the same parking lot. These are all the up sides to relocation. But now we begin week 3 and reality starts to set in. I don't really know anyone here, apart from Steve's cousins and one or two others. I'm a long way from my own family and the part of the country I call "home". Leaving the house was a challenge before we moved, now it is just downright miserable. Putting multiple children into car seats in a very hot car, relying on GPS to get where we need to go, completing the errand, repeating said car seat procedure...coming home totally exhausted. Ugh.
Sometimes it is easier to just stay home and fuel my hunger for social interaction through Facebook.
But then I think of my Grammie, counting her blessings on her birthday. Listening to her talk about the phone calls she received, some of them from friends she has known since the first grade. Those friendships didn't develop from hiding in her house. And she certainly didn't have Facebook or Twitter. I guess what I'm trying to say is that she inspires me, even at 95, to be just a little more daring. Because I don't want to miss out. I don't want my children to miss out because I was too tired, too shy, too overwhelmed to help them get out and build relationships.
After all, they are boys and life should be a daring adventure.
Hang in there, Heidi. Things will get better, and cooler. :-) I'll call you when we're back home in a couple of days. I'm sure that I'll be feeling the same way in a couple of weeks. I've been able to put it off a little longer with some family vacation time.
ReplyDeleteSending some encouragement your way, Heidi. Good for you for attempting to be courageous. It is okay to take a break, though.
ReplyDeleteLove the pic of your Grammie!
Heidi- Great post! So know that feeling, brings back lots of memories. It is so overwhelming to move and try to find your "place" in your new town. I am praying God sends you many good friends and that you find a great church too.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, friend....You are an amazing woman with TONS to offer! God has a great plan for you and your family. Sending prayers and love your way!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove Grammie!!!!