Time With Our Kids

 Before making any big decisions Sean and I always pray to find out what our Father in Heaven has in store for us.  Are we making the right decision?  We knew moving in with one of our children was going to bring challenges along with big changes.  Sean was confident that we were up to the challenge, I was a bit more uncertain.  I never questioned whether or not I wanted to be with my daughter and her family, or help with my grandbabies, I was concerned about the impact on our other two children and if I could actually move.  After three years of discussions, fasting and lots of prayers we had our answer.  This is what we were to do.

We have two other children.  Our son is attending college to earn his secondary education degree and  our daughter is working on her masters in intelligence.  Both of them are married and attending the same college.  Their school was an 11 hour drive from our home or a two hour flight.  while they weren't close they weren't far away either.  By moving it meant that their childhood home would no longer be there for them.  It also meant that we would be potentially spending less time with them, but daily with their older sister.  These concerns kept me up at night.

Harrison is well on his way to becoming a PE teacher and coach.  He has been blessed with great opportunities even before graduation.  Currently he is attending school, teaching at a charter school, was an assistant coach for a local high school football team and is now the JV coach for the girls basketball team at the same high school.  WOW!  He hans't even graduated and he is already gaining experience.  We are so excited for him!

In early September we flew to Utah to watch Harrison coach in two football games and spend time with him, his wife, our daughter Marissa and her hubby.  Many people thought we were crazy to fly all the way to Utah to watch our son coach in a high school game.  We couldn't understand why parents wouldn't do that.

It isn't about the game or what our kids are doing, it is about spending time with them.  This is even more important now that we spend each day with our oldest daughter.  We get to explore this area together and enjoy Cutie E's first.  Harrison and Marissa get a few days or a week a couple of times a year.  Even though our address has changed our desire to spend time with them has not.  They need to know that we love them, are here for them, support them and will drop everything if they need us.

Watching our son coach was incredible.  I have no idea what plays were made during the game, I spent it watching our son.  I noticed his stance, his connection to the players, his kind gentle heart and desire to help these players grow as athletes and young men.  I couldn't be prouder of him.  He works daily to help his wife create a home of joy, where everyone feels loved and valued.

We also spent some time with Marissa.  We attended one of her masters classes.  She has an amazing professor that welcomed us to class and then insisted we participate in class.  We got to see and experience first hand what Marissa's masters program is about.  Sean and I contributed to a small group activity, then watched Marisa apply her critical thinking, questioning, and leadership skills in her small group.  I'm so glad we didn't miss out on this opportunity.

Watching our children do "their thing" fills our hearts with joy.  All those years we spent wondering and worrying if they would find their path, their dream or if they would find their love melts away as we spend quality time with them in their space.  We enjoyed a wonderful weekend filled with football, hikes, golf, ice cream, yummy food, and the familiar setting of Utah.  There is nothing better than being a parent to people you admire and look up to, expect maybe being Grammy and Pops to and adorable little boy.