Diary 5/23 - 5/29

Daily thoughts that may or may not be helpful.

Friday, May 23

There’s a writer I like who wrote that to measure one’s achievements, you should see where they started from. That is, a trip that ends in the same place for two people is different if one has a flat road and the other’s path has steep inclines. When Rex graduated from high school today, this was on my mind. I looked around with joy at all of the graduates and am excited for this milestone for all of them. It brought me back to Rex’ beginning. His start in life was tougher than most. He has overcome so much! I am grateful to God that he chose Rex for our family and us for him. It reminds me that where you start out does not determine where you end up. This gives me confidence as we send him off to college. Rex is resilient!

Saturday, May 24

Today we had a graduation open house to celebrate Rex and thank his friends and supporters. We were so grateful that my parents and twin brother and his family came to town. There were many meaningful moments, from seeing how much his friends love him, to him receiving a grandfather’s blessing, to watching the cousins playing together. I gave a little speech, mentioning that maturity means thinking about the essential parts of one’s life, and Rex is doing that. He is cultivating his faith, he is working out and thinking of nutrition, he is connecting socially, he is maintaining a part-time job, he is earning /saving his own money, he is enjoying hobbies, he finished school with a high GPA, and he is reading books—voluntarily. Along with the life resilience he has demonstrated, he is paying attention to the parts of his life that make him well. Yes, all of this is reassuring for parents sending their kid to college!

Monday, May 26

Today Colette flew to New Hampshire to visit her parents. Although we just finished a four-day graduation extravaganza, it was important for Colette to spend time with them. I smile thinking of Colette with her parents. Her mom is rich with life, engaged in relationships, and loving. Her dad is hard working, a rigorous learner, and resourceful. As we wrapped up time with my family, and Colette went on to hers, I think of our three kids. God willing, they’ll have kids who will graduate high school one day, and Colette and I will be the grandparents. What a wonder that will be.

Tuesday, May 27

Several people have asked me recently, “Why don’t I teach more?” which is interesting because I didn’t ask them in the first place; they were just reacting. But they’re right - I really enjoy teaching subjects that interest me and can help others. In the ebb and flow of work and life, I have had more opportunities to teach at times, and in other times, I haven’t. I think in another version of my life, I could have been a teacher. But I realize that teaching takes different forms. One form is a teacher as a paid vocation; another is teaching as a function whatever vocation you are in. This is something I am pondering.

Wednesday, May 28

Hopper and Harry are rebelling. They won’t tell me why, but I have a few guesses. They say dachshunds are among the most anxious of breeds. They like their homes quiet and consistent, but due to graduation activities, we’ve had many guests. And Colette is away. They normally follow her around the room with their sergeant eyes and around the house with their stubby bodies; they simply adore her. So, they are protesting the upheaval by the guests and the abandonment by Colette. Poor dachshunds can’t read the calendar, so they don’t know she’ll return tomorrow. But their routine has been upset, so they are restless at night—I’m utterly tired—and have forgotten how to relieve themselves outside, so they are peeing and pooping inside. I’m cleaning up a lot of messes, but at least it’s cheaper than counseling.

Thursday, May 29

Colette is back. Yahoo for all and for all a good night!!!

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LAST WEEK

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