Welcome Back

When I was young my father use to watch a show called "Welcome Back Kotter". I always knew it was on, because I could hear that all familiar tune blaring from the TV in the living room. At the time it drove me crazy. It was just another boring adult sitcom. A teenager can only take so much of their parents shows before locking themselves in their room, wearing earplugs with their head face down on the bed and a pillow firmly hugged around their ears to help drown out the noise even more. Now, however, every time I hear that theme song I get these warm fuzzy feelings inside that take me back to my childhood. There good feelings however and ironically I now like the tune. (Doesn't God have a mystifying sense of humor). I picture myself sitting at the kitchen table doing homework while my mom does the dinner dishes and my dad relaxes in his recliner. I can hear him chuckle at some of the silly one liners John Travolta and the rest of the cast say. Ironically like the song, I am taken back to a place I never thought I'd go back too, or at the time wanted to come back to. I am taken back in time to a good memory that I misfiled somewhere in my mind with the DO NOT Open categories. I relish in this good feeling for a little while and my heart grows heavy with sadness for my parents who are miles away. Now I dont feel so bad when I refuse to turn the channel from little house on the prarie because my son thinks its boring. One day he will remember his mother crying her eyes out because Mary's eye operation to See again didnt work and he will smile. He'll wish for simpler times and a chance to be in his parents presence as he experiences their realness, their vulnerability, what makes them laugh. I miss my father, and I would love for a chance to hear that all familiar tune again to "Welcome back Kotter" along with his chuckle as he relaxes and is just.......Him.

Birthday

Today was a great day! I turned 34 today and it is hard to believe I have been on this earth for 34 years. It is amazing to think that God loved me so much that he made me. Today I got to sleep in till 9am! Wow that was cool. Then right after breakfast I had a dear friend, Kathy call this morning, hoarse and sick to wish me a happy birthday. Then my son and I packed a lunch and went to a co-op playdate. Before we went though, outside my door was a pkg. It was my Bible on Cd I ordered a couple weeks ago. I couldnt help but think the Lord purposelly waited to deliver this on my birthday. Ironically, his word. Then we came home and relaxed. This afternoon my husband got off early and surprised me at home with a dozen long stem roses(my favorite). That was awesome. I recieved many e-mail bday cards from friends and this evening my husband and I went to dinner together. Afterwards we picked up the movie Notebook, which to my surprsie he agreed too, after all it is my birthday. We plan on watching that with a glass of wine and some snuggling. I came home to 3 voicemails from my family singing happy birthday to me and it took everything I had to hold back the tears. I miss them so much. Needless to say this has been a blessed day. The Lord gave me this day 34 years ago and so I know he will continue to bless this special day in my life every year. I look forward to the blessings. I also wish the best for every single one of you on your special day. After all they only come but once a year. God bless!