Month: July 2004

I planted a small bush next to our lamp post in the front yard. The leaves are supposed to turn purple in the summer. It was purple when I bought it. The problem was that it was so happy where I planted it and grew so fast that it had to be trimmed all the time. The outside leaves that would have turned purple never had a chance. So what I had was a giant green bush. I just spent 2 hours carefully taking it apart. Mainly because it has huge thorns. Also because lizards were jumping off every little twig trying to find somewhere to go.

While I was doing this, a man came by walking his dog named Pooh. He told me that Walking Bones name is Flanagan.

It’s funny how you just don’t get some things until you’ve lived them.

Yesterday David, Andrew, and I were swimming and playing in our pool (which we are always thankful for). Andrew decided it was time for dinner.

Eric is in Cincinatti, and Bob was working late. Andrew decided on hotdogs.

David and Andrew sat at the table outside drying off and talking while I went inside to make their dinner. I watched them through the kitchen window, talking and laughing and enjoying each other. I brought their dinner out on a tray and got the usual “thanks Mom”. I left them and went back in to clean up. I watched them talking and laughing and eating their dinner all up.

My heart was so happy. I thought of my brothers and how much they enjoy each others company. We have shared so many meals together and happy times. Of course it didn’t start out that way. We fought like all siblings do. We fought a lot, and it wasn’t just verbal!

But watching my young sons together last night gave me a glimpse of the future. I thought about our parents and how happy they are when we are together. It must be one of the most satisfying and fulfilling successes of a lifetime when you see your children enjoying each other and getting along.

I know it made my day. I told my boys how happy they made me. I got some funny, insightful kind of looks as if this never would have occurred to them. But then, I’m 41 and it just occurred to me.