let him go?

If Norman Rockwell had Painted it. He would have been in uniform with his duffel over his shoulder the bus waiting; and him turning, for a last glance waving with a shy smile. The doorway and front yard would have been spilling over with teary-eyed flag waving friends and family waving, wishing him well and praying for his safe return. Every sentiment would be illustrated each in the beautifully executed faces of each person chosen to grace the painting.


We cooked hamburgers, sausages and beans, which we forgot about and left sitting on the back burner; we opened wine, chilled beer and soft drinks, and the people came. They were friends and family, some from many years ago and some he had just seen hours ago, it didn't matter they were here to wish him well. People asked when he was leaving and where he would go, for how long..... much was unspoken in his presence. WHY????? and stuff like that. A few folks took me aside to ask how I felt or to offer reassurances. Some told me the stories of their own service or their sons or daughters deployment and the great relief when they came home safely. They shared of the growing up that happens and the maturity. Others were discreetly honest about their doubts . I concluded this is just one of the many things we do during these time as a people and as Americans.

So now it is December 23rd 2011, the tree is up the house is ready for Christmas, brisket and ham are in the fridge ready to be eaten on Christmas Day, new recipes will be baked and too much food will be eaten. And there will be the lingering of Monday at noon when he does more than head out for a new job or go to school far away, he will become an Air Force Special forces soldier. He will still be my son even my little boy in my heart. He will become who he is looking to be, to fulfill his calling.

Write that Christmas letter???

Where do I begin? Everyone has a computer story and the more basic your knowledge the bigger the horror, I wont bore you except to say I think I saved some pictures of the boat ...I will try to include here. Wish Me luck. OK there they are! 3 of these are artist renderings I accidentaly erased one so now there are only 2 of what the boat is supposed to look like when finished.

Then there is one of the "Actual build" taken in October of 2011. Yes there is still a way to go but progress is happening and the date of launch is somewhere in March, April or May . David spent 3 months up there in the summer/fall of 2010 and will go back up in February to help move things along faster.

So as Christmas and Year end updates go here is mine from the Texas Balfour's.

Quickly, things that happened ...we sold the McCormick Mt House and moved in 36 days, SO as of April 28 2011 the new address has been 10008 Liriope Cove Austin 78750. forwarding mail is up in April of 2012 so please write it down...

We remodeled the kitchen in the new house and are enjoying the "new" island, appliances and granite counter tops.

David retired from URS and is either home or at the boat full time. this would require a book to review....

My Mom passed away in July. As many of you know who have lost parents...how it is to really miss someone. Mom had a sweet smile and gentle ways. My sister Debbie, our Aunt Ginny and I have been dealing with the missing her at the Holiday Table, the memories brought on when we see a picture or something that belonged to her; and even the occasional sniff of her fragrance from a sweater or scarf we each may have kept to keep her memory close. Love you mom.

My 3 boys, daughter in law Erin and Grands are all well. I have taken on a second day of the week as Nana, and feel so lucky to be involved in my their lives. They are truly little for too short a time. Something I think Grand parents get more than moms and dads...The new saying I just read and adopted the days are long... but the years are short!


Evan has reviewed his life and decided to join the Air Force, he leaves the end of December.

We have mixed feelings but are proud of him...

So to everyone reading this and to your families...
Merry Christmas and Happy Happy days weeks and years to come.

Here I borrow a few lines from Joyce Rupp as she wrote in "Out of the ordinary"

"May the coming year be one of Good health for you. May you have energy and vitality. May you care well for your body, mind and spirit. May you keep your eye on the Star within you and trust [H]is luminescent presence to guide and direct you each day. May you go to the Bethlehem of your heart and visit the one who offers you peace. May you bring peace to this world."

I pray for you that 2012 will be prosperous and enriching in all the ways that matter most.


And last but not least I enclose a pic of the grandchildren because they make us so happy we have to share...

Love Cindy

Live for the day

The Happiness project is winding it's way into my life and my thoughts. A story I read recently about a mom walking her daughter to the bus, everyday, and then the moment of realization; that it wasn't a duty on the calendar for certain number of days to be endured; but a limited gift to be treasured. The walk to the bus was the precious moment for the memory.

How many times will I miss the gift because I am in a hurry to do something else?

Today I got up early and washed my hair and fixed my self up for a Tuesday date with my grand children. We will need to set some small expectations for today and be ready to handle any plan "b" that may come along; but a date it is. And I know with some sadness that there won't be many more. They are growing so fast they are moving on in their life in a way that cannot nor should not be prevented. My privileges have limits that must be respected and wisely treasured.

join

My youngest son decided about a month or so back that he wanted to join the military. He explored the Coast Guard and the Air Force and chose the AirForce. I am proud of his initiative and stamina and integrity. He has fashioned a life for himself after a high school career where he had almost no friends or "not good to be around" friends. He was made fun of and hassled, teased until he joined the football trainers where he learned to wrap ankles and wrists and have the bench ready before the game started so all things would be nearby to refresh thirsty tired players. The only thing that kept the team from teasing the death out of him was a rule. no hassling the trainers or any other support groups, ie fans cheerleaders etc. it was a rule that was upheld; it allowed him to work in confidence even if he knew there might be opinions that he might not want to hear about from the "cool guys on the team. Graduation was like rebirth suddenly cool wasn't so darkly classified. He went to train as a firefighter and then worked as a lifeguard. he started working out and became proud of himself. the same kids he sat next to in History class were asking him what high school he went to.

Now he wants to try the Air Force I am proud of him. The tension comes because his oldest brother and usually his biggest fan is totally against it. Primarily because he doesn't want his brother going to the middle east to fight a war that he disagrees with. The tension is heavy when brother is here even when he isn't here he is here in an email phone call.

Lord bring us peace. allow us all to trust in you. Bless Evan and keep him strong.