Last night with a group of friends, Ronnie B shared a story from our high school days. I just have to share it with all of you. Yes, we were high school sweethearts in the early seventies. So one day Ron got the bright idea to put someone else’s locker padlock through my back belt loop and leave me stuck there in the hallway. When the bell rang I obviously was not going to class. An administrator came by and asked me what I was doing. I explained that I was locked to this locker. Remember this was way before computers and such. Eventually, she got the padlocks number, poured through paperwork, found the combination and set me free. Everyone in our group last night chimed in that after that I still married this man?! Yes, I did and would again. Even with his ornery streak he is the best. That goofy, misinformed act is still making us laugh over five decades later.
Sometimes the silliest or most random moments can embed themselves in our brains for a lifetime. Susi and I met while we were both working at a primitive camp in Flagstaff for underprivileged kids. One trip to Lake Powell found everyone scrambling for cover as a rainstorm hit. Kids were taken care of first to get them to a dry spot. When we had that accomplished the only place left to lay our heads was a way too fragrant bathroom. We were wet and cold when we laid on that concrete floor. So we put our extra jeans on our head to block the glaring light and provide a bit of warmth. We still talk about chatting the night away and that because of those circumstances we became besties for life.
I know that I could write endless events that captured my thoughts and became memories that are cherished even now. What I know is that life rarely goes as planned or unfolds as we expect. In those sideways moments there are always a few positives in the chaos if we choose to look for them. Even when my mom was on her final day of this earth there were moments that make me smile still. Teri, Mom and I were in her room having coffee. Teri and I were drinking coffee. Mom never let that bitter stuff touch her lips. Allen came in and told us we needed to stop being lazy and that Mom should get her ass out of bed and go mow the lawn. Mom winked at him and told him she would gladly do it tomorrow. By the way, Mom never mowed the grass even though Allen always teased that she should. The next day Mom was in heaven and not riding the lawn mower through the pasture. Well, at least she wasn’t mowing down here but she was out of the bed that she had been resting in with her two daughters by her side.
Life is a tapestry of moments that weave together the good with the bad. The memories that are created as we walk the path of life fill our thoughts on occasion. Like sitting in a living room with a group of friends sharing experiences that remain smile makers even a lifetime later.
In Him,
Joyful
11-9-25
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