HAS IT REALLY BEEN THAT LONG?

We're not quite sure we recognize ourselves here. It's like looking in the mirror and saying to yourself, "That couldn't be me! I'm way younger than that!" With a little more skill than I have today, I wish I could scan in how we really look (or is it how we feel inside?). I would upload a picture of the Art and Janet of fifty years ago. Today is our anniversary. These particular pictures were taken almost two years ago, the best I could do today. Maybe, by the time we celebrate "for reals" (after surgeries) we will be able to have more then and now pictures to post. In the meantime, it has been a day when much has been unspoken and we both know we would make the same decision all over again. The highlight of our low-key day so far has been opening a package together from Joan and Howard. We received it a few days ago but saved it for THE DAY. We both shed tears at the love and thoughtfulness which went into the exquisite embroidered and framed announcement of our 50th. It is beautiful.

What a Woman!

This is a photo of Marsha, my absolutely favorite daughter-in-law. She is energetic, wise, accomplishes her goals, is spiritual, kind and generous. I love the way she mothers our grandchildren with a balance between being strong and firm and also nurturing and understanding. Marrying her was the best gift Chris could have given us. Happy Birthday, Marsha. You have so many good qualities I admire. I am remembering many special times we have had together and all the laughs and shared tears. Thanks for once in a while letting me be a small part of your school papers. Love you lots! Maybe you would like to listen to the song "Miracle" on my playlist. I think it was written about Celine Dion's little baby. On Mothers Day I listened to it and cried. Happy tears.

Love You Chris

While looking through items on a shelf, I found a print given to me by Sid Crnich. She brought it over shortly after Chris was born. She had framed the picture, gluing it onto cardboard covered with orange burlap. (It looked better than it sounds!) The print was an artistic rendering of a mother holding her baby, was a little abstract and I loved it. Maybe some of you will remember when it was hanging in the hall. Anyway, I have decided it is time to give it a new frame and a place of honor. The reason I am writing about it today is because I am thinking of Chris, just after his 41st birthday. (Yes, I did finally figure out his age.) This particular art print always did remind me of him as a baby. It brings tender feelings to my heart even all these years later. Lucky for me, I found what I consider to be the perfect frame for it at Michael's craft store, on sale! Soon it will be hanging on the wall again for me to enjoy--a nice reminder of my son and all the other babies I held in my arms.