Blew 'til Blue

Just like the big bad wolf in the three little piggies story they blew and they blew until they were blue in the face and it was to no avail. It was a great weekend with family in Toledo. Again this year Dot & Gene Kobylak, the parents of my daughter Ellisa's husband Matt, hosted the family birthday party for our eldest Grandson Payton. At six he is aware enough to enjoy an occasional good-natured practical joke. He received one at his birthday party in the form of relighting candles on his cake. He attempted to get them all blow out several times, then his brother and other onlooking children came to his assistance. It was fun to watch and he seemed to enjoy the joke as much as anyone. I don't think that he takes the concept of receiving his wish if he can blow them all out at once very seriously. It was a great time with friends and family galore to help him celebrate the occasion. Of course he/we enjoyed great cake, good food, laughs, and lots of presents. The house was full of cameras, if you were there, wish your were there, or are just curious I have posted those shots that were taken by my wife and I here.

I have had some recent challenges that have once again reinforced the truth that health, wealth, and wisdom are fleeting benefits which we may enjoy for awhile but that we have no assurance of being able to keep. In contrast the rewards of kindling loving relationships with family and friends are much more durable and lasting. Although I was not able to interact fully with those at this gathering it was worth the little extra effort and planning that it took to be there, plus everyone went out of their way to be accommodating.

I guess the guiding principle here is that regardless of circumstances life will go on, and that in order to thrive we must adapt to and move forward with it. Here I am with song lyrics running through my head again, this time it is "I Never Promised you a Rose Garden".

I beg your pardon,
I never promised you a rose garden.
Along with the sunshine,
There's gotta be a little rain sometimes.
When you take, you gotta give, so live and let live,
Or let go.
I beg your pardon,
I never promised you a rose garden.

While on the subject of the family, you can see from the change in my template I have recently been meditating on the upcoming Mothers Day weekend. I am still missing my mother after many years, but more on that later. For you letterboxers I have put out "Dixie" my Mothers Day letter box. It will be left in it's seasonal home for several weeks.