Time is a Thief

Time is a thief.  It steals our babies. While we are busy mopping floors, and making a buck, time sneaks in and steals our tiny ones.  But time is also kind. With just as much stealth, our stolen babies are replaced with cherished friends.  From where I sit, those events happened in the blink of an eye.

We sat at the dinner table tonight, just the four of us, feasting on chicken enchiladas. (Ryker says the best place for Mexican food in Hawaii, is his Mama's kitchen.  That boy has a way with words.) It is probably the last time we will have a Sunday dinner like that in a while.  Ryker is leaving for Utah on Wednesday.  His ticket is one-way.  That doesn't mean he will never be back, just that the return is not yet defined.  He has a place to live, a job, and a pretty good plan for the next year or so.  His future awaits!

As we sat around the table tonight, we started talking about the old days.  It's funny how big changes like this make you think about the past.  Milestones in life cause our minds to look back at the path we took to get here.  When they were small they did funny things and even today they made us laugh.  Those are the unexpected joys of parenting.  The little gems you treasure for a life-time.

When your tiny boy (Ok, so he was never really tiny. He was tiny only in contrast to how he is today.) shows you his amazing new skill, and the most amazing thing about it is the words he uses to describe his accomplishment, it is unforgettable.  Words beyond his years, words perfectly strung together, words that convey more than their dictionary meaning.  Words.  His words have always been amazing, his super power of sorts. (What did he say about my cooking??)  His love of language began early, and continually astounded us.  When he was a newborn I remember staring into his face and wishing he could tell me what he was thinking.  I just knew he had interesting things to say. 

I will miss my interesting, funny boy popping in and brightening my day.  My favorite is when he plays guitar and sings.  There is a depth of soul in his music, that makes me happy to my core.  I love it when the house is full of his music.  He hasn't really lived at home for the last few years, but he has been in and out, except for that 4 month stint in China.  I am grateful he is only going to Utah this time, not China.  My worry level is way more manageable.  I'm not really worried at all.  After China, Utah is nothing :).

Ryker asked what we used to think Quincie would be when she grew up.  That was easy -  a Mommy and an Artist.  She has always had a tender, nurturing spirit.  Her super power is infinite patience with the small and helpless.  She is calm under pressure, never rattled by a crying child, or naughty puppy.  She is patient.  She is calm.  She is selfless and caring.  She loves with all her heart and is the kindest person I know.  If she calls you friend, you are one lucky person.

If Quincie wasn't mothering something or someone, she was doing an art project.  Not much has really changed over the years.  In her free time she is still either making something beautiful, or making someone happy.  The sculpture from her 1st college art class is sitting proudly in my living room.  It's beautiful, and my daughter is amazing.

I love my two wonderful, unique, amazing, talented, awesome kids.  They are very different, but perfectly fit together as brother and sister, son and daughter, in our family.  I wouldn't wish for anything different.  I can't wait to see what their futures hold.  I know it's going to be wonderful!

Gifts

A few posts ago I wrote about accepting presents from an enemy, and how that is not really such a good idea. Those presents are offered with BIG strings attached. They are not gifts, as they are not freely given. They are a trade. When we accept them we trade our future and even our freedom for immediate gratification of our desires.

A true gift is given without strings, without requirements, asking nothing in return. You don't have to do anything to qualify for a gift. Gifts are given and they are received. They can be rejected, returned or even re-gifted.

A mother's love is one of the first and most precious gifts we receive in this life. From even before the moment of birth our mother's love us. They love us completely when we are unable to give anything in return. We benefit greatly from this love throughout our life, but in the beginning, it is essential for our survival. Because of her love we have our very existence. It is many sleepless nights and years of selfless giving before a child is able to begin returning that love. As we grow, that love provides us with so many other necessary things in life, and even as an adult, a mother's love can make all the difference. A mother's love is truly a gift.

The ability to learn is a glorious gift. From the moment of birth our minds begin to learn. This process of exploring and learning need never stop. Our minds are capable of expanding and changing on a continual basis. A formal education may come at some expense, but learning is free. The world around us offers continual lessons, if we take the time to notice.

The gifts of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch are magnificent and together they fill our lives with rich experiences. Most people born on this earth have had the use of their 5 senses. Each morning when I walk I start out in the dark. The air is a little cool with the faintest hint of the sea mist in the breeze. The feel of it on my skin is invigorating. Watching as the night sky of moon and stars gives way to the sunrise never fails to impress me. The ocean sounds alive and the sight of it's vastness is humbling. Comfort to the soul arrives in the sweet scent of the plumeria trees.

Just remembering the taste of home made Christmas divinity candy transforms me into my 10 year old self and transports me to my Grandmother's kitchen. It has been decades since I have had that candy in my mouth, but my mind can recall it to perfection. Taste is a powerful gift. Imagine the joy that would be lost if our food had no flavor. Where would be the celebration in a Thanksgiving feast, or the excitement of a birthday cake without the gift of taste?

Our memories are a wonderful gift. All of the joys in life can be experienced over and over again in our memory. The lessons learned need not be forgotten. We can replay the voice of a loved one who is gone, or the giggle of a baby who is all grown up. Loved ones can live on in our memories, long after they are gone. Treasured memories make the past ever present and those joys continually experienced.

All of these gifts come from God, our Creator, our Heavenly Father. Life is wonderful and rich because of these, and many other gifts from Him. The greatest gift is that of His Son. The world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ for a reason. Many people in the world today may not have a deep understanding of why Christmas is so important, yet they do celebrate. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. The ancient people understood the significance of His arrival and the traditions of celebrating this magnificent event have endured to this day. We give gifts because He gave us the greatest gift - Eternal Life.

The gift of Eternal Life is freely give to all. We will receive this gift even if we are unaware of it in this life. No qualification is necessary, it is a true Gift. Life is a gift and the lessons and experiences we have here prepare us to live eternally. We do not end, we are eternal. Our minds, our hearts, our bodies and our relationships are eternal. Because of the sacrifice of our Savior, we are able to experience this life complete with all the mistakes required for true learning, yet return and live with Him.