the past remembered

Friday evening, there was a terrible wind storm at our house that really did terrify me. It would have been scary a year ago, but it was even more disturbing now that we have this little life in our hands. After I realized we were going to live through the storm (I was really worried!), it made me appreciate the small things even more.

The power went off and yes, it was hot and aggravating. But, at the same time, it allowed me to have experiences I would have missed if the power was on. First of all, we finally made it to the creek and took our son for the first time. We probably would have talked ourselves into staying in the air conditioning if the power was on. But, we made our way down the creek and took advantage of nature’s air conditioning – the cold water and shade!

Last night, I got to sit out on my dad’s porch and hear him reminisce about how his great grandfather worked the piece of land his house is on and how he played there when we were a kid, just as I did when I was growing up. He’s so excited that Ezra will get to play on the same plot of land. Five generations and that piece of land is still in our family.

One of the best parts was the whippoorwill… I was just telling my husband the other evening how I hadn’t heard one in forever and dad has them all around his house. It’s one of the best sounds ever. After that, we saw a very white skunk in his back yard, too.

When I was a young teenager, we lived in a house with no running water for about 18 months or so. I’ll let you use your imagination, but times weren’t that hard and we really appreciated our running water when we finally got it back in our new home. Ever since then, I feel like I look at situations like that a bit differently. I’m glad my parents let me experience life like that. Maybe I’m crazy, but I feel more well rounded for it.

I started reading a book the other day called “Hope is Contagious” and it really is. It asks if you’re going to be the person grumbling all the time or if you’re going to be the one trying to find the bright side. I’m not perfect and I never will be, but I sure I hope to see the bright side more often than the dark. What about you?