Merry and Bright

Things didn’t shake out as planned, but that matters not.  The holidays have been mostly about resetting and recharging, spending time with our people, reflecting on things past and looking forward with hope to the future. The best presents could not be wrapped. As a family, we laughed about our Christmas of chocolate, socks, and underwear; we marked the calendar with dates of adventures, and shared lots of memories.

This week has been moments that transcend time; past and future are present—we’ve been here before, and we’ll certainly be back in some form again. We see the boys as they were—and to some extent, we can see where they are going. A lot of whether they get there is up to them. We’re running alongside, helping them balance as they pick up velocity, but it’s getting on time to let go.

That’s the hard part.

A month ago a big piece of the future wasn’t even on our radar; we have so many questions, doubts, fears…but sooner or later, we will need to let go. The stamina and strength aren’t what they were; holding on might mean slowing them down, and we can’t let that happen.

So this time will be spent collecting ourselves, charting next steps, but understanding that we plan…and God laughs.

Temple Owls Are Everywhere

I bought my first college swag in decades.  Took the boys (elder constantly reminding us it was ‘against his consent’) to Preview Day, and both, for the first time, glimpsed a bigger world than their current situation. One admissions person asked me “Why not now? Why not spring?” Referencing my guy not currently enrolled, resting on his Associates and laurels, not to mention the destroyed couch in the man cave.

Why not, indeed?

So, four hours on a rainy Sunday, I sat with one, then the other, while each filed his application.

Younger’s is pending.

Elder had an acceptance in 5 days. Turns out his application came in under the wire for spring.

If that wasn’t enough, they also awarded him a merit scholarship. That, we’re hoping, will prove to him he’s worthy to keep going. We have a lot to do before January 16. 

But he’s warming to the idea.

Ten years ago, I was told this, and many other things, would never happen.

There is nothing that makes me happier than watching him prove the naysayers wrong.