A few fall pictures

Superhero time...

We listen to satellite radio in the car ( I love it - I could never go back) and when the kids are with me, which is a high percentage of the time, we listen to a station called Kids Place Live. This afternoon they were asking kids to call in and talk about people in their family who might secretly be superheros. So Ansley decided if she called into the radio station she would talk about Mamaw Jo - who is Jamey's grandmother.
"Why is she a superhero?" I asked.
Ansley replied, " It takes her about one minute and she just has all the supper made. She just does it and then we eat it. It's like magic."
"So who do you think is a superhero, Stephen?" I asked.
"Grandad (Jamey's dad) because he can make you laugh and even when I want to mad I still can't be mad and then I laugh and I can not be mad so he could make bad people laugh and they wouldn't be bad anymore."

I think those are 2 pretty good superheros myself.

But I also thought yesterday, while sitting in church, about two women in my life who I learn from daily.
My motherinlaw is one. A few weeks ago, our pastor preached on true hospitality. Willingly and totally giving of yourself for the comfort and happiness of others. And that is Judy. If you come to her house, she will not rest until she is convinced you have everything you need - food, rest, toys, entertainment. Many times on Christmas Eve, a random friend or relative will unexpectedly show up to family Christmas and she miraculously pulls out a wrapped gift with the correct name and when it is opened, it is always a fabulous present that seems chosen especially for the recipient. When she packs for tailgating, she packs for anyone and everyone who may show up and she is happy to do it. Does everyone have a seat? Does anyone need something to drink? Can I do anything for you?  True hospitality. A lesson for us all.

I also thought of my mom : for reasons I can't really talk about b/c of privacy issues with her job, my mom recieved the most thoughtful and heartfelt thank you note from a patient. The woman was thanking my mom for going above and beyond her job to help her. The woman wrote, " I do not know your religion Ms. Anne, but I believe you must have goodness in your heart. I would like to have a mass said for you that you will be blessed as you have blessed me. "
How wonderful that the lady took the time to thank my mom. And how wonderful that my mom works in the field of hospice. Full of compassion, a heart that desires peace for those at all stages of life, and spirit of love and respect for those who are dying and the family members surrounding them. If I have learned anything from my mom, it is that death is not to be feared. It is a part of life and a part of life where we can walk together and not be alone. And she is good at what she does.

Superhero time - they are here with us. They walk with us. And we are grateful for them...

the men in my life.

I am sitting with my laptop on the back patio watching the two boys I love more than I can say play a game of football in the backyard. Jamey runs with Stephen, throws the ball to him over and over b/c Stephen has not quite mastered the art of the catch, lets Stephen tackle him and is now teaching him how to do a victory dance after he scores his touchdown. . And for the past 30 minutes I have laughed at them in the backyard - I watched Stephen throw back his head and laugh from the deepest part of his little 3 year old body when his daddy chases him through the grass. Stephen loves his daddy. He trusts him completely.
"Catch me, Daddy! Catch me!"
"Let's have a game, daddy - Let's play where I win and you are happy that I win and then you will chase me again, Daddy. Ok, Daddy? That is the fun part, Daddy."

This is love, people.  My backyard is filled with love. How lucky am I?