OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO

"Don't tell me the sky is the limit,  For there are clearly footprints on the moon"

Austin graduated from The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse this past weekend. Britt, Chad, Kristin, and Molly all made the long trek back home for Austin's big day. Because we don't get that many opportunities to all be together anymore, this family time was special. We celebrated Austin's past accomplishments, and toasted his future.  Tom and I gave ourselves a huge pat on the back as well. Having all our children graduate from college was a goal we set and planned for as each of them was born. So, Austin's graduation was one of those magical milestones that, as parents, we have looked forward to for a long time. (Then it came and was over in a flash! How I wish we could go back and do it all over again to make the moment last.)

It was a grand weekend.
And, just the beginning of a succulent, rich, rare, wild, new adventure for us all.

THIS ONE'S FOR YOU, MOM

This Sunday is Mother's Day, and as I sit thinking about my Mom, I am pulling sweet memories from my heart.

Like...Mom sitting so patiently through all those summer 'show performances' Jim, Deb, Dan and I put on in our garage;  Mom cooking her special 'Wednesday Night Dinners' (chicken and handmade noodles was my favorite) on her only night off from work; Mom buying matching dresses for herself, Debbie and I;  Mom driving a petulant teenage me to a city an hour away to indulge my quest for the perfect prom dress; Mom driving two hours from her home to mine (and then right back again) to keep my new baby daughter overnight so that I might have an evening of rest (she did this often that year); Mom hauling out her old ruffled silk nighties and high heels so my young daughters might play dress-up; Mom spending all day on the lake fishing with my son; Mom caring so tenderly for my terminally ill brother, and showing such strength at his recent passing.

My Mom and I have had our disagreements over the years as I imagine most mothers and daughters do, but, even so, we have remained close. And, as I have grown older I have certainly come to realize how important my Mom has been, and still is, to my life. I am thankful for each day we have together.

I love you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day.