Today is one of those days! WHAT to write about??? How to select just one topic on which to expound......
But, I'm going to narrow it down....not just sit here, with fingers poised above the keys, waiting for inspiration to hit.
Today, I am thankful to live so close to much of my family!!! Since we moved back to Abilene, less than two short years ago, our lives have changed in many ways. One of the best changes is that we get to see loved ones much more frequently!
Ben and Sam share an apartment here in town. They come over for dinner pretty regularly, as you would expect two young, single guys to do. Sam's schedule at work even allows us to get together for a late lunch now and then. When they need something, they know we are just a phone call away. And this is one momma who enjoys answering the phone every time caller ID shows any one of her kids!
Bonnie and her two children also live here in town. Occasionally she has to work on Saturdays for a while and Trayden and Ansleigh get to come over and spend some time with Mimi and Papa Ed. They will arrive early in the morning, before the sun is peeping over the horizon, and snuggle back into bed with me until Papa Ed cracks out the griddle and pretends he is the cook at IHOP.
Mom lives just over a mile from me. I've even ridden my bicycle over to house when the weather is fair. Now that she is retired, we can get out and do a bit of "junking" from time to time. And every outing includes stopping at Sonic for a cherry coke! She is faithful to run over and take the pups out for a potty break when I get detained at work. And she painted tirelessly when we moved into our place here. She's more than my mom - she is my friend.
Daddy lives a couple of miles away, but he shows up quite often on Saturday mornings with a box of donuts....for no reason, whatsoever. He loves to come over and have dinner with us and he and Ed get along famously. Since I live on his way to HEB, he stops by en route quite often. Sometimes he just drops off the newspaper or coupons he has collected for me and visits for a minute. But, I love getting to see him on a regular basis.
After living so far from family for several years, I truly have a deep appreciation for living near everyone now. I love that no one has to travel for holidays or special occasions. We can get together and then everyone gets to go home and sleep in their own bed. It's such a wonderful set-up that there are days when I can scarcely believe what a blessing it is to be near family. It is something I will never take for granted!
 |
| Getting together for a birthday dinner at Famous Dave's |
 |
| Celebrating Sam's graduation from high school |
 |
| Squeezing into the kitchen/dining area for dinner together - card table necessary! |
 |
| Pumpkin carving on the back patio before Halloween |
Blessings to you, sweet friends.....
Jane
Many people would give their eye teeth to have their family so close by. It's is wonderful that you do and even more special because you truly appreciate it and take every opportunity to spend time with each other.
ReplyDelete