I am a very imperfect follower of Jesus, and “Mum” to my two grown sons, Rory and Ian. After two decades of single motherhood, I have mastered the arts of chauffeur, household financial manager, maid, coupon clipper, laundry expert, floor scrubber, homework checker, meatball maker, stain remover, hugs and kisses hander-outer, alarm clock, friend, and broken heart mender. Currently, I’m attempting to transition from the “empty nesting” season into the “preparations for retirement” season, which …….. won’t be for a few years but, since I don’t want to waste those years, I’m attempting to approach them wisely. Any & all wisdom is welcome.
I have two grown sons. My oldest is Rory, who is married to my daughter-in-law, Holly. They have given me a grandson Owen, age 7, alligator handler, artist, and snuggler extraordinaire, a granddaughter Lyla, age 8, my beautiful little chicken mama and tomboy in a dress & boots, and sweet little Maci, our 3-year-old darling little all seasons tutu-wearer and make-up artist (look for her on Broadway in the future). My younger son is Ian, who is a married to my daughter-in-law Hayley, and they are expecting their first child – well, any minute. I am blessed.
When not working as a Registered Nurse in a Metro Detroit area Hospital, I cherish every moment I can snag with Lyla, Owen, & Maci, do a lot of reading and writing, go for walks, or travel to visit and spend time with friends and family. I have a goal – not to waste the always changing, and often unexpected seasons of life – and that means a lot of reflection, asking forgiveness, being quick to forgive, believing the promises of God (including living as though I believe them), and walking in who God says I am. It requires remaining willing to learn and to listen, and sometimes…… well, let’s just say the struggle is real 😉 But thankfully, I have a few faithful friends who keep a close eye on me.
I accepted Christ in 1979 while in the 11th grade in high school, and had no idea I was then supposed to actually FOLLOW Him! I spent the next 29 years wandering through life knowing something was missing. During that time, I traveled to Panama, Honduras, Korea, and Germany while in the Army, eventually married, lost a daughter, had two more children, and then moved myself and sons across the ocean and into the home of my parents after a failed marriage, purchased a place of our own, returned to school, started a business from my home, went back to school again, graduated from nursing school, and raised two young men, ALL by the grace of God! (and THAT is the short version!)
In 2009, after many years praying that some day my sons would “get it,” through a divinely appointed twist of events, both Rory and Ian miraculously accepted Christ as THEIR Savior, at exactly the same time while on a mission trip after Hurricane Katrina. From that point on, we learned together what is “supposed” to happen after accepting Christ, that is, the “following” part, which is certainly a life-long adventure!
Much of that journey has taken place at my kitchen table, and much of my current journey as an empty nester takes place there as well. So I invite you to pull up a chair, enjoy the stories, send me some of your wisdom in a comment, (hey, we’re all in this together!), and maybe even collect a recipe or two! I’m so glad you’re here!