Celebrating Mother's Day

Dedicated to the two brightest stars in my universe. 

Muse and Pea, you have brought blessings to my life beyond measure.

"In My Daughter's Eyes"  

Martina McBride

In my daughter's eyes I am a hero

I am strong and wise and I know no fear

But the truth is plain to see

She was sent to rescue me

I see who I wanna be

In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal

Darkness turns to light and the

world is at peace

This miracle God gave to me gives me

strength when I am weak

I find reason to believe

In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand

around my finger

Oh it puts a smile in my heart

Everything becomes a little clearer

I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart

has had enough

It's giving more when you feel like giving up

I've seen the light

It's in my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes I can see the future

A reflection of who I am and what will be

Though she'll grow and someday leave

Maybe raise a family

When I'm gone I hope you see how happy

she made me

For I'll be there

In my daughter's eyes

For all the Mother's Days that we have celebrated and all those that we will.  I do so love each of you. 

Old Age, You Scare Me

You know, there isn't a whole lot in life that causes me great anxiety.  Not a whole lot, but still there is one nagging fear I have.  It’s getting old that bothers me.

Really it’s not even about old age per say; rather, what my life might look like when I’m in my 70’s or 80’s – God willing I live that long.  And this isn’t something new that has snuck up on me either.  About 9 years ago one of the girls and I had a heart to heart about just this topic.  I was at the back end of my 30’s; she was a very wise old age of 5.  Egad, that conversation continues to haunt me.

The short version of the conversation is this: Pea had developed a fear of getting old and being a homeless woman…a bag lady.  It wasn’t personal life circumstances that caused such fear for my little one; instead it was because of our family’s outreach for the homeless.  The conversation really was fabulous.  In the end, Pea made a promise, a commitment; to herself that she would save a large percentage of every dollar she was given or earned, from that moment on.   And she has.  Fear became an incredible motivator for her.

Truthfully, Pea didn’t learn this from me.  In fact, though I know the importance of saving for my own old age, I’ve not been as proactive as I might have been; I dislike having to admit that.  Lately I’ve been wondering if the universe is conspiring against me, because I am bumping into more and more information about women not being prepared for their retirement years.  I guess I could count myself lucky to be in such great company – but I don’t.  Instead it seems to be more of a call to arms; a screaming out for action on my own behalf.

Have you ever had this fear?  If so, and if you have moved beyond paralysis, then I’m hoping you will share some wisdom you have gained.  What resources have you turned to; are there specific online sites you take advantage of, or books you might recommend?

This article puts things in glaring perspective.  I know I am not alone…it is time to move into action.