Monthly Archives: October 2014

“Angel clown”

My youngest grandson just turned five in September. He is the family clown. One morning a couple years ago, after he finished his breakfast, he noticed his sister (who is 15 months older) was still eating. He climbed down from his chair, went over to her, and pleaded, “Share with Bubby.” His sister, according to his mother, was not pleased and did not smile at his antics. However, it is hard for adults to ignore the tactics of this little blond “angel” or use discipline when needed. His preschool teacher told his mom it was hard for her to discipline him because he is really so sweet and his smile so disarming. I’m glad that my daughter can resist–most of the time–his need for discipline. Sometimes, she just has to turn away and smile so she can continue to do what needs doing. Hopefully, she can continue to discipline when the need arises and not be taken in by his disarming smile and sweet hugs.

SITTING AT MY COMPUTER

 

 

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I’m sitting at my computer, looking at emails and blogs, deciding who I should follow, what I should write.  I pause to look out the window. It’s open, letting the cool breeze blow items off the window sill.  It’s gray outside, but I don’t mind. It’s neat to look at the tree in the back yard with its autumn yellow leaves dancing to the music of the wind. The leaves are so beautiful, but they are facing their last days, in the throes of death.  I am reminded that even in the autumn of my life, there is much to be thankful for. So often I am ungrateful because my body’s aches take my attention from God’s goodness and faithfulness, and the many blessings he has given me. So I make a commitment to let praise and gratitude spill from my mouth, for then my body won’t have the last word and there will be music in the wind for me as well as for those beautiful but dying leaves.

Watching my first grandson come into the world

I have 7 grandchildren, six boys and one girl. This is how I felt when I watched him coming into the world.

GRANDCHILDREN

How magnificent to see myself
wrapped in the soft pink skin
of my newborn grandson.
 
In him I see the dawning sunrise
of hope released in
the squinched blue eyes and tiny fists.
 
With a squall, he grabs life
and demands his place by his mother,
taking sustenance from her body.
 
How marvelous to see
the flesh of eternity
bound in the seed of love.
Darlene Estlow