Transitions

There have been some transitions going on lately in my life. My grandmother died a few weeks ago, and while not unexpected, there is the grief to deal with. I hate to see my mom grieving more than anything, because I know there is nothing I can do to fix it for her. I just have to let it take its course. But I wish I could do more than I am.

We have all been sick in recent weeks. My teenager had pneumonia, and then my other son and I had some bacterial yuck that took almost 4 weeks to get over. 

My younger son had minor surgery last week to treat ankyloglossia (tongue tie). He has been in speech therapy for 9 years, and we finally decided to treat his speech impediments (r's and l's) surgically. We learned something we didn't know...my son's tongue is attached almost all the way across. (Most people just have a thin tendon). So the surgery was more involved than we expected, as has been the residual pain. Fortunately we had opted to have the procedure during spring break, and he is doing pretty well now. His speech therapist was excited, and he can finally stick his tongue out! This is a big deal for an 11 year old.

I started school again today. As you may remember, I returned to college in 2009, after 20 years out of school. I took 8 classes last year and got straight A's (perfect marks). I was really proud of my ability to conquer this. I applied last year for a restricted entry program, for which I was accepted to begin fall 2010. There were 120 applicants and 32 spots, so I was excited and honored to be accepted. However, some changes in our financial situation made it impossible for me to begin the program and I had to withdraw.

I took fall and winter terms off school, but have been able to return this term. I have reapplied for the same program for fall 2011 entry, and have met with the director. She assures me my chances are good, and I am hopeful. However, if the competition is anything like last year, I won't count my chickens before they hatch. I have an academic plan B, but I really hope not to use it. 

This term I have a writing class (research), a sociology class, and a psychology class. I had my first classes today, and I think it's going to be a good term. I'm really happy not to have any math or science classes! 

So that's what's going on with me. What's new with you?

The Apparent Purpose of Lent

My concern isn't specifically for this girl. I do not know her, her history, or her motivation. However, there is an evident mentality here, one that I have had to renounce in my own process of deconversion.

Seven years ago, I might well have agreed with her, or at least given lip-service to that perspective while inside I died a little. I certainly was around people on a regular basis who would have agreed completely.

What terrible twisting of the bible has taken place in order for Christians to rejoice at the suffering of others? How is it possible to so overlook the mission of love that Jesus, according to the bible, seemed to be on?

I'd love to say I'm completely stumped as to the answers to those questions, but unfortunately I know all too well, and am ashamed to admit it.

What's Wrong With this Picture?

ht Hemant Mehta

How many things can you find wrong with this video?

OK, I admit "wrong" is subjective, but I think most of you will have the same views I do.

Remembering Life

My grandmother passed away the other day. She was my mother's mother, and my last living grandparent. She was 88 years old and had a good life. In her last years, and especially the last months, she was increasingly afflicted with dementia, and her passing is a blessing to her and her caregivers.

Two weeks ago she fell and broke her leg, and had to have surgery to repair it. She then experienced a cascade of complications, and after a few days the decision was made to discontinue life-prolonging measures. She was ready; always asking for her husband, who passed almost three years ago. 

On the morning of Friday, March 4th, she left this world peacefully. This week, we are planning her funeral, to be held on Friday. I have written her obituaries, and today helped my mom and my aunt and my cousin order flowers for the service, which will be held at the church where my grandparents were life-long members. There will be uncountable numbers of family there, from all over, because she deeply touched every life she met. 

She taught Sunday school to four year olds in her church for over 40 years, and she was always proud of that accomplishment. She loved the children. 

She was an avid gardener, and loved her flowers and her vegetable garden. Pansies were her favorites.

She was a musician, quite talented on the piano and organ. 

She was a historian, documenting all the lives around her for decades. 

She had a remarkable sense of humor, and I scarcely believe a time when she did not make me laugh.

She was wise and had insight that was priceless.

She had collections, one for every month of the year, that she would display around her house. I don't remember them all, but January was snowmen, February was cupids, March was leprechauns...etc.

She was an artist, crafter and seamstress. I used to wear clothes made by her when I was a girl. I wore them proudly, because she was so talented.

I don't post this to elicit sympathy, for I am not sad. I am grateful for the years she gave us here on this earth, the decades she nurtured us, fed us, clothed us, played for us and with us, laughed with us, and loved us. However, she ceased being the woman who was my grandmother some time ago. She was quite ready to move on. Please don't say you are sorry, for I am not. 

What I would really like, if you feel inclined to comment, is to share a fond memory of one of your grandparents or other wizened person in your life. It would mean a lot to me that we share the ways in which the people in our lives who have had more years of experience than we have are able to touch us, help us grow, comfort us, or laugh with us. 

Thank you.