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Found His Mother

Posted by eph21920 on June 5, 2017 in Answer, Baby, Connected, Family, Joy, Life, New

I got together with a friend of mine and he told me a great story. He was adopted at birth and was always an advocate for adoption vs. abortion. He would talk about it especially with his daughter’s friends and they would realize that if he would not have been born, his daughters would not have been born and they would not be a part of their life. He tried to find his mother on and off through the years with no luck. Recently, he participated in the “23 and Me” DNA testing. He reviewed the medical information and when he spoke to his non-biological sister about it, she pointed him to a section that listed people he may be related to. When he looked at that information, he recognized one as his biological last name. He was able to track down that person who was his biological cousin. That person knew my friend’s biological mother and got them connected. The first thing he said to her was “Thank You” for allowing him to have a life. It turns out that she had been trying to find him as well, but didn’t have a computer, internet, or a cell phone. She was a self-proclaimed hippie and basically lived off the grid. She had other children and had told them a few years ago about my friend. Once they connected, she sent my friend pictures that he shared with me. He sent her pictures of his daughters and their children, so she was a great-grandmother. He is planning on visiting her in the near future and meeting some of his new family that he never knew he had. Listening to the story and seeing the pictures was surreal and made me teary eyed. It was beautiful to witness the joy exuding from my friend. He is such a caring, giving person and I was elated to see him so happy.

I Found God today celebrating my friend finding his mother.

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Welcome Home, Son

Posted by eph21920 on June 4, 2017 in Children, Family, Grateful, Happiness, Home, Job, Life

When I said good-bye to my children and grandchildren 2 1/2 years ago and moved across the country, I thought that was the last time I would be a close distance to any of them. Ironically, both my sons were born here before we moved and made our home on the east coast. They both said they wanted to move back to the area at some point. As my younger son was gearing up for his last semester in college, he was in job-hunting mode and determined to find a job before graduation. While he was here visiting for Christmas, he had set up a job interview. When he returned from the interview, he got out of the car and said, “They are going to offer me a job.” He was right. After much consideration, he accepted the offer. Of course, I was elated. When we made our long drive across the country, it seemed like just a road trip. But when we came out of the scary storm and I saw the city, it became very real. I got quite choked up. We had arrived – together – with his car and his things. The next day, he got the keys to his apartment and my family threw him a wonderful party. He didn’t bring much with him, so during this past week, I have helped him shop and get some things set up. It still seems somewhat surreal that he is only 10 minutes away, but I am loving it. When I moved, I never thought one of my children would actually be living in the same area – much less in the same city. Since I heard my son accepted the job, I have thanked God several times every day for this blessing and will enjoy it for as long as it lasts.

I Found God today being able to live close to my son.

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Traveling Weather

Posted by eph21920 on June 3, 2017 in Car, Creation, Family, Home, Travel, Weather

After all the graduation celebrations, packing up belongings, and saying goodbye to friends and family, my son and I hit the road for the long drive home. We had originally thought we would take our time and do some sight-seeing along the way. But my son was excited to get to his destination, so we decided to drive a few longer days. The first day was perfect driving weather. It wasn’t too hot or too cold, too cloudy or too sunny. We got in a good routine of drive sharing and taking breaks. That night we checked the weather for the next day and found that we would be on the edge of a large storm. We made sure to get up and start driving early. I took the first shift. It was sprinkling as we left and the harder rain followed. The storm was chasing us as the rain continued on and off for the next few hours. Luckily, we remained just on the edge and didn’t experience anything too severe. By the time the skies cleared, I was done. We had a quick bite to eat and my son took over from there. He had clear weather for the rest of the day, but did have to deal with crazy drivers. Perhaps everyone was trying to beat the storm. That night we checked the weather again for the next couple of days. The area where we were heading was supposed to be nice the next day, but getting bad storms the following day. It was beautiful weather for most of the day as anticipated and we made very good time. We debated whether to stop somewhere for the night, or keep going. We knew we didn’t want to be in the area the next day, as severe weather was likely. When we took a break for dinner, we were only 3 hours from home. As we left the restaurant, we saw dark clouds not too far away, and the wind was picking up. Decision time. Stay and take the storm as it came, or try to beat it. We opted for the latter – we were so close to home. I took the wheel and drove maybe 15 minutes when we got the alert on our phones – tornado warning, seek shelter. We were skirting the edge of the storm and could see the tumultuous clouds. At this point, there was nowhere to seek shelter. And now, there was an even larger, scarier storm right in front of us with lightning in abundance. My son kept an eye on the clouds, we made an emergency exit plan, said lots of prayers and continued on. It didn’t take long before the wind and torrential rain came. I followed the car in front of me just close enough so I could see his lights to guide me on the road. At one point, the raindrops were so large and hit the windshield so hard, I was afraid it was going to crack. Just as we made it to the next town things settled down somewhat and there was blue sky in the distance. We received another severe weather alert on the phone. I was not about to stop and wait to see what would happen – the blue sky was so enticing. It rained and blew on and off as we made our way out of the storm, and a rainbow appeared. We thanked God for getting us through. Once clear of the storm, we looked back at the awesome clouds. We were so grateful when we arrived safe and sound to my parent’s house. The next day we found that the storm we went through did in fact produce tornadoes and more severe weather right where we had been the day before. Even though it was frightening, we were glad we kept going and didn’t stop.

I Found God today in safe travels through scary storms.

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Graduation and Faith

Posted by eph21920 on June 2, 2017 in Connected, Faith, Music, Youth

There were many ceremonies and celebrations on the college campus that were included in the whole graduation experience. My son and I attended 5 of them in the course of two days. There was an Honors Reception, Senior Toast, and of course the Convocation and Commencement. One that I had not anticipated was the Baccalaureate Mass. I was so glad that I was able to change my travel plans so I could attend the celebration that had a special meaning of its own. When my son went to high school, he was part of the group that provided music for the prayer services and Masses on the campus. I was happy that he connected with the Catholic Newman Community at his college. This was one more way to give and receive encouragement and support. It didn’t take long for him to offer his musical talent. This was also a place where he connected with his girlfriend. During the last few years at the school, the two of them shared the responsibility of directing the music for the 2 Masses that were offered every Sunday. The Baccalaureate Mass was their final act of leadership. I heard the music group a couple of times during the years, and noticed a marked improvement at this Mass. It was clear that they had all worked very hard together. And it was clear that they all shared a very special bond. After the Mass, the “passed the baton” and said good-bye. That night we started practicing the advice that the wise priest gave – to say the phrases, “I’m sorry”, “I forgive you”, “Thank you”, and “I love you” as often as possible. The group, the faith, and the music was a huge blessing.

I Found God today in the faith and music group that my son was a part of.

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Graduation and Friendship

Posted by eph21920 on June 1, 2017 in Connected, Family, Friends, Relationship, Youth

Before my son started college 5 years ago, he decided to live in the “Honor’s Dorm” that housed those who had chosen to enter into the Honor’s Program. He also got online and chose a roommate. I remember moving him in and meeting his roommate for the first time. They seemed to be a good match. I also remember visiting him that first year during family weekend and meeting many of his new friends. There were also 2 friend’s from high school who started with him. As the years progressed, one of them changed direction, but my son remained good friends with the other. His first roommate became one of his closest companions and they roomed together for the whole 5 years. He remained good friends with most of the other people who I met on that first visit – including his girlfriend. At graduation, it was quite a sight to witness their accomplishments. I was proud of my son for surrounding himself with people who encourage one another and help each other to be successful. They stuck together for the duration – even up until the day we left when they had one last breakfast together.

After graduation, my son and I spent a little bit of time where we used to live and had an opportunity to get together with some old friends. That community has been such a support to us both for many years. There were lots of hugs and congratulations. I have said it before, but it is always amazing and comforting to pick up relationships and conversations after a year or more of not seeing someone. Their love and encouragement have helped both me and my son to become better people.

I Found God today in the wonderful friendships that God has provided especially for my son during his college years.

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Graduation and Family

Posted by eph21920 on May 31, 2017 in Children, Family, Grateful, Home, Travel

Well, it has been 2 weeks since I last posted as I arrived for my son’s college graduation. It has been a whirlwind of 2 weeks, full of excitement, anticipation, activity and emotion. During the next few days, I will attempt to recount some highlights.

My son has been dating his girlfriend for most of the 5 years they have been attending the college together. During that time, I “met” her parents via video chat. On the first day of graduation events, I had the privilege of meeting them in person. We stuck together most of that day as we moved from place to place. They were just wonderful people and I felt very comfortable with them. Of course, we talked a lot. I realized that my son and his girlfriend had grown up with the same basic core values and morals. I am sure that has played a big part in their relationship. By the last celebration, we were like old friends.

My older son and his family arrived to witness the commemoration. While I saw them only 9 months ago, my grandchildren had all grown so much. It took my 1 1/2 year old granddaughter a little while to warm up to me, which was to be expected, but it did make me sad that I am not able to be with them more. During the ceremony, we sat in a place on ground level with a lot of room around us so my granddaughter was able to run around for a while. My son walked right by us as the graduates entered and gave a couple high-fives. The 2 older boys were very patient during the long ceremony and we talked about what they might want to do when they go to college. The following day, the men went to help the new graduates pack up, so my daughter-in-law, kids, and I went to the “Museum of Play” and play we did! After all the celebrations, my new graduate and I spent a couple of days with my older son and family before we headed to our final destination.

Back at home, my brother and sister tag-teamed my parents. My dad and brother spent most of the time at the cabin in the mountains. They enjoyed working on projects and just being together. My sister and mom went to physical therapy appointments, shopped, and also enjoyed being together. Although no one could come to the celebration, they were all able to watch some of the ceremonies via live stream. When my son and I arrived, we had a wonderful party. This was the first time since I moved in with my parents 2 1/2 years ago that I was able to leave for an extended period of time and NOT come back to someone being in the hospital. I was incredibly grateful, relieved, and almost in disbelief.

Family is everything to me and the reason for a heightened emotional ride during these past 2 weeks. There were so many events for the graduation and each led to more reasons to be proud of my college graduate. I was so grateful for the contribution my father made to his education and somewhat sad that he was not able to come to the graduation. I was elated to see my older son and his family, and sad to leave them again. I was worried about what was happening back at home, and incredibly relieved when I returned. Most of all, I love my family with all my heart.

I Found God today in all the ways that family played a part in my son’s college graduation.

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So Far, So Good

Posted by eph21920 on May 17, 2017 in Family, Grateful, Life, Travel

It was a long day of travel today. I left my house early and took the shuttle to the airport. I think the driver was a stunt car driver in a previous life as we got to the airport in record time. After that experience, I was happy to find a quiet place to sit and eat some breakfast as I awaited my departure time. It was an expensive bowl of oatmeal and fruit, but so worth it at the time. The airplane rides were fairly non eventful, other than that seat belt sign going on every time I wanted to get up and use the restroom. My son and his girlfriend picked me up from the airport. It was wonderful to spend some relatively quiet time with them before the graduation festivities begin tomorrow. Back home, my brother took my mom to her scheduled doctor’s appointment and took copious notes. So far, so good! I am so excited for the next few days.

I Found God today in safe travels and good news from home.

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The Music Flowed

Posted by eph21920 on May 16, 2017 in Answer, Connected, Family, Grateful, Healing, Music

My mom and her friend played the piano together today as they do every Tuesday. Today they played exceptionally beautiful. As we talked about it later in the day, my mom said she could feel the difference. She continues to play best she can, but it is often a struggle. She said she get frustrated because she can’t play like she used to. But, today she said she felt like she did before. Her fingers stroked the keys with just the right touch. The dynamics of loud, soft, fast slow, were definitive. And they music just flowed. She said it has been a very long time since she felt that way. My brother, dad, and I were blessed with being able to hear what she felt.

I Found God today as my mom felt the music flowing from her and out for us to enjoy.

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St. Anthony Comes Through

Posted by eph21920 on May 15, 2017 in Answer, Faith, Family, Grateful, Miracle, Problem, Saint

Last week, my mom realized that she was missing a ring she wore to church. It was a “mother’s ring” that included the birthstones of each of her 5 children. She thought it was tight enough not to fall off and she didn’t remember taking it off herself. We called the church, but no one had turned in a ring. We prayed to St. Anthony – the patron saint of lost items – and searched the house and the car to no avail. This week at church, I stopped by the office to check again. There was no ring. I left a description of the ring hoping that it still might turn up. As I was talking to the receptionist, I told her that we prayed to St. Anthony and still didn’t find it. She encouraged me to keep it up and not to stop. I realized she was right. I shouldn’t just give up. So I prayed when I thought about it yesterday. Before I went to bed, I had conversation with St. Anthony and with God. Well, actually it was one-sided with me doing all the talking. I told them that my mom shouldn’t have to lose this meaningful ring at this point in her life. They knew where the ring was and regardless of where it was, God could make it possible for my mom to find it. When I got home from running errands this afternoon, my mom announced that she had found her ring. It was on the floor next to her nightstand. She saw something shining and there it was. Thank you St. Anthony, Thank you God.

I Found God today in a beautifully answered prayer.

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Daughter to Mother

Posted by eph21920 on May 14, 2017 in Connected, Faith, Family, Life, Relationship, Sacrifice

On this Mother’s Day, my parent’s gave me a card and wrote in it, “The daughter becomes the mother.” I guess that is true in some ways, but my mom will always be the mother. I cook, do some cleaning, and do my best to make sure everyone is taken care of. But my mom is still the loving, encouraging, matriarch of the family. As much as I try to put her first, she is selfless and always thinking of everyone else around her. The sacrifices she has made for the good of the family are innumerable and I feel many are hidden that we may never know about. She taught me faith not by preaching it, but by doing and living it. She has a private relationship with God, but connects on a level that is obvious to those who are paying attention. It would be a blessing indeed if I would become even a small resemblance of the mother that she is.

I Found God today reflecting on the blessing of my mother.

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