As a child, and later as an adult, my fondest memories were created on family camping trips.
When Americans vacation in foreign countries, they look forward to experiencing everything they can’t see and do at home. They enjoy learning about new cultures, how the natives of that country live, the food they eat, their style of dress, entertainment and leisure time activities.
Mother’s Day has always been one of my favorite holidays, when my sons show their love and appreciation for me in special ways. It’s a day when I know how truly blessed I am.
Growing up in Illinois, I was blessed to have many educational opportunities outside of the classroom. You might say I was a nerd, but I absolutely devoured the big activity books my mom and dad bought for me and my sisters. I spent hours plowing through them, doing the word search, word scramble, crossword, connect-the-dot puzzles and more. I also loved coloring books of every description and my big box of Crayola Crayons.
My mother used to say the reason why healthy humans don’t live past their 80s, 90s or even to 100 years old is because when they get to that age they have experienced so many things and changes in their lives, they can’t wrap their heads around what the future holds – especially in terms of technology. It’s just too overwhelming.
There is a saying, “all things happen for a reason.” I firmly believe this is true. For the past nearly two years, I have had a medical condition that rendered me unable to go out and about without the assistance of a cane or walker. Thankfully, my issue was temporary, and I am well on my way to full mobility. Not everyone is as fortunate, however, and I would like to share what I’ve learned – things most able-bodied people never give a second thought.
The month of January is the one time of year when we all get a “clean slate” to start over, or at least make some positive changes in our lives. Like many people, I have never been too successful at making and keeping New Year’s Resolutions, with “keeping” being the operative word.
If I ever had to leave my house in a hurry with just a few moments to grab my most prized possessions, there is only a handful (in addition to some clothes) I would choose to take with me. They include family photos, the little gifts and cards my boys made for me through the years, and my favorite books.
In our household, November was always a very busy month. The first part of the month involved my husband preparing for opening day of rifle deer-hunting season. He looked forward to his annual trek up north, where he and his buddies would spend countless hours and days in the woods.
October is my favorite month of the year. It brings us cooler, crisp air, high school and college football, homecoming celebrations, fall color tours, bonfires, pumpkin treats, Halloween and … haunted houses.
One of my earliest TV memories was watching the original “Flash Gordon” show every week after Sunday school. I was fascinated with outer space and the idea that life beyond Earth may really exist. Later, one of my favorite movies was “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” I loved the handsome alien and his reason for visiting our planet – to insist that earthlings stop the wars and violence and learn to live in peace for the sake of all planets in the galaxy.
When my son was in his early twenties, he worked in the fulfillment area of Macy’s Department Store. When the large delivery trucks would arrive with shipments, countless boxes of goods were placed on conveyor belts. My son and his coworkers would unpack the boxes, mark the goods with the destination department name and send them down the line. He loved that job. “We didn’t know what was in the boxes until we opened them. It was like Christmas morning every day, Mom,” he said.
