R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Yesterday The Mr. and I attended a funeral for an elderly gentleman named Stan. Although we had seen him on a few occasions, we didn't really know him. Our attendance was meant to show support for his daughter, who we know through church.

Until the funeral, we had only known Stan to be a fragile senior with Alzheimer's. What a treat it was to learn more about him as the letters from his children were read aloud. We learned that Stan was a fun-loving man with a strong work ethic, positive parenting skills, and a love of nature, music and family. It felt right to be there.

There were a few things, however, that didn't feel right. Like the fact that so many people showed up in extremely casual clothing. Like the man seated in front of us who kept laughing obnoxiously loud at his own jokes. It seemed to me it would have been nicer to show more respect to Stan by dressing and acting a little more dignified. But I guess I shouldn't judge. Maybe Stan would have wanted it that way. In fact, I'm sure Stan is far more tolerant than I am.

But did that one person really have to clip their fingernails so loudly throughout the entire funeral service? I bet even Stan found that a little disgusting.

Dixie

Family

This past while my thoughts have been focused on my family. How much I love and appreciate them. How much I worry about them. How much I enjoy being with them, and miss them when they're not around. What a wonderful blessing to belong to a family!

Last week I was informed that my mom was taken to the hospital and not doing well. Of course I wanted to be there. Because she's my mom, and I love her.

So I hopped a plane, and Kim picked me up at the airport and chauffeured me the extra 45 minutes to the hospital. Because she's my sister-in-law and she's cool like that.

I was impressed to see the love and concern my brother and sister, and my grown daughters showed for my mom, although it wasn't really a surprise. Because that's what families do.

The Mr. and Daughter #3 arrived a few days later to check up on Mom. Later they took me with them to visit Daughter #2 and her family, as promised. What a fun time we had enjoying nature, playing games, visiting, and eating. Because those things are more fun when you have a family to do them with.

I loved practicing a song with my grandchildren on Saturday night, and then watching them sing in church (with the other children) the next day. It was especially fun to see them take their seats on the pew again, and then flash me a big "thumbs up". It warmed my heart. Because they're my grandchildren, and I love them.

I'm looking forward to Daughter #1 visiting with her children in four days. I can't wait to give them hugs and kisses and do fun things with them. Because that's what grandmas are good for.

Tonight Sons 1A and 1B called -- just to chat. Gotta love that! Because I miss them terribly since they moved out.

I love my family! What would I do without them? Because they're pretty much the only ones who read my blog :)

Dixie

Thirty-nine Years Ago...

Today I shed a tear of disappointment as I read the newspaper. David Cassidy was charged with a DUI in Florida.

What's become of David?

When did he go down hill?

How could he have changed his ways so quickly?

He was always such a nice wholesome young man.

Wait a minute. The newspaper just said that this "young man" was now 60 years old. Has it really been 39 years since he was making headlines as a teen idol? Has it really been 39 years since I called my first meeting as president of the fifth grade "David Cassidy Fan Club"?

I remember listening to one of his records over and over and over again in my bedroom. I'm sure my mom wished she would never have gotten it for me as a birthday gift. And how could anyone resist watching "The Partridge Family"? He was about the cutest thing I'd ever seen. While other girls were swooning over Donny Osmond and Michael Jackson (mere babies), I was interested in a more mature 21-year-old.

Okay, David, I'll forgive you this once, but don't let it ever happen again.

Dixie