~FREEDOM..~

And the rose called "America" is nearly half way to the top of the arbor  and growing fast.  This time it will be in full view when we sit on our patio.  The one out front was a  traffic stopper.  I must get out and get it trimmed.
 

Freedom. 

I often wonder how I ever found the time to work full time and clean, cook, wash, iron and care for eight people besides myself.  Every one is gone now. 

Even in the face of the changes in my life, huge ones, I still am busy, only this time I am doing things that no one is requiring me to do.  Those days are long gone.  I can do absolutely nothing if I so desire.

It's funny how you think the time will never come when it will all be over, and the years stretch endlessly out in front of you.  You think "one day the children will be all grown, we will be retired and then we can do all sorts of wonderful things.

We can travel, perhaps even visit Ireland, buy that motorhome and see the country.  (That was one dream we realized.) We won't have to set the alarm clock, pack lunches, comb hair and tie in ribbons, go school shopping etc. etc. 

We can just do anything we want.

The problem?  I LOVED what I was doing.  Every single moment of it!

I heard older folks say how quickly the time goes and to enjoy every moment, and I did.  My mother used to tell me, "when they are little they step on your toes and when they are grown they step on your heart!"  I would laugh and say "Oh Mom!  You always say that!" 

...but what she said was true.  They did, but not in ways you would think.

Some have moved away, some are just so busy working and speeding through life just as we once did, that I seldom see them.  But..it's the way it's supposed to be.  They are living their lives.  And isn't that what I raised them to do? 

 

I wanted them to be independent, make their own decisions, choose spouses they loved and could depend on, be free spirits..and they didn't disappoint!

 

Even my losses are part of the plan and I am learning to accept that fact as difficult as it may be. 

In life like a tree, you either bend with the wind or you break.

 

If I haven't told you, my blogging friends, how much you have helped me to bend and not break, I am telling you now.  I am such a lucky, lucky woman. 

All is well.

 

Love,

Mona

 

Oh..and the other thing?  I would tell you how I feel about that but I might get FIRED!  I write and erase and write and erase and write and erase.  I think I'll go to bed.  :)