Anita, that's hilarious! Did I use a fresh tissue for each of them? Or did I spread their germs all the way down the line? Thank you for your kind words -- and for teaching me about Jesus at 2 years of age.
It delights a parent’s heart to see our children grow to be good friends. There will be many hard times ahead (life is hard), and reminders of our dependence on the Lord’s strength when we’re too weak to help (2 Cor 12:9), so never stop praying for them.
Oh goodness - the parenting woes!! We are a few years behind you, but def feel the challenges you describe! So well written. - I can feel the unforced rhythm of the story.
I loved this! It reminded me of you as the largest 2 year old in my class lining up all your classmates against the wall and wiping all their noses. I have watched you grow into the fabulous woman you are and love seeing how God is using you.
Having known your parents at a time when they were raising you and Peter, I always admired their gifts of parenting. Your writing is a beautiful tribute to them and I think you are a better parent than you portrayed.
Joe and I both think your writing is "PERFECT". An amazing essay that made me laugh out loud and cry, sometimes at the same time, plus take the time to thank God for taking care of us! Keep up the outstanding work.
What a perfect essay! Your parents are wonderful and remarkable and so are you and Kirk. The wit and clarity in your expression is a joy to read, Kate. Thank you.
Thank you for your ability to put your thoughts on paper so we can all profit from your wisdom. Such a wonderful break to stop and read and then reflect on the power of God’s divine intervention in our lives as we learn to rely on Him. And by the way those of us that knew your mother and her parents the with “perfect” comes to mind!
Thoroughly enjoyable. A “perfect” mixture of humor and insight. Although it is tempting to say you have a wicked pen, in truth you are blessed with a joyful one. God is good.
I Love this story! Thank you for sharing it with me in our chat thread. There's so much here that touched me. Several times I laughed and a couple times I gasped. I'd love for you to read my short piece called "Be Careful With Plots of Revenge." You might relate.
That was wonderful to read! Thank you for telling your child-rearing adventures. I loved every bit of it, and found refreshment in the Truths you shared.
Oh my gosh, I could soooo relate here, even though I only had one child (maybe with reason!)! Life wasn’t very fun as a parent for the first 10-12 years, (I even prayed that God show me one glimpse of my son as an adult that didn’t have prison bars in it), but then it all changed and he turned into a terrific teen (albeit not perfect….what teen is), and now an amazing adult and father himself.
I’ve always pictured your mom as a calm mother, and subsequently you the same…so it’s tickled the heck out of me to learn we faced very similar challenges, tried to remedy in similar ways, with similar “results”! LOL
Now your dad, I bet he was a hoot of a father in most aspects! There’s always been a fun elevated energy about him. That he came through 3 crisis in short succession doesn’t even surprise me….I see him not settling for anything less!
Now as to Peter, poor Peter, having to survive you accepting him! My sister is almost 8 years older than I am, so I know the feeling. She demanded her due as the elder (On road trips I got the floor or the window ledge, but no seat), but thankfully she left for college and I relished being any only child. We didn’t live near each other again until I was in my early 30’s, and things sadly fell back into old habits. I told her we were both adults now, could have a wonderful relationship, but she had to stop being my mother. To her credit she did reform, and I cherish our relationship.
Good for you, Barbara, for salvaging that relationship with your sister! You younger siblings have a lot to forgive and we older siblings a lot to confess. Well done, friend! I'm so sorry you could relate to this post, but I love your encouragement -- thank you!
Kate - you did it again! Another engaging, funny, and honest essay with beautiful depth and poignant meaning! Thank you for sharing your writing with us. ❤️
Anita, that's hilarious! Did I use a fresh tissue for each of them? Or did I spread their germs all the way down the line? Thank you for your kind words -- and for teaching me about Jesus at 2 years of age.
It delights a parent’s heart to see our children grow to be good friends. There will be many hard times ahead (life is hard), and reminders of our dependence on the Lord’s strength when we’re too weak to help (2 Cor 12:9), so never stop praying for them.
Amen to that, Charlie! Thank you!
Oh goodness - the parenting woes!! We are a few years behind you, but def feel the challenges you describe! So well written. - I can feel the unforced rhythm of the story.
Thank you, Kate! Keep praying — there’s hope!!
God is so kind and gracious with us. I love how you share the unfolding progression here, Kate, in your heart and theirs.
Thank you for reading, Bethany -- and for your encouragement! Happy Thanksgiving!
What a kind thing to say, Rachel! I'm grateful for your reading and commenting.
Thanks, Dede -- you're sweet to take the time to encourage me. I hope you're well!
I loved this! It reminded me of you as the largest 2 year old in my class lining up all your classmates against the wall and wiping all their noses. I have watched you grow into the fabulous woman you are and love seeing how God is using you.
Having known your parents at a time when they were raising you and Peter, I always admired their gifts of parenting. Your writing is a beautiful tribute to them and I think you are a better parent than you portrayed.
Joe and I both think your writing is "PERFECT". An amazing essay that made me laugh out loud and cry, sometimes at the same time, plus take the time to thank God for taking care of us! Keep up the outstanding work.
Sharon, thank you so much! Your encouragement means the world to me. Please give my love to Joe.
What a perfect essay! Your parents are wonderful and remarkable and so are you and Kirk. The wit and clarity in your expression is a joy to read, Kate. Thank you.
You’re so kind, Sharon! Please share it with anyone you think might be encouraged by it.
Thank you for your ability to put your thoughts on paper so we can all profit from your wisdom. Such a wonderful break to stop and read and then reflect on the power of God’s divine intervention in our lives as we learn to rely on Him. And by the way those of us that knew your mother and her parents the with “perfect” comes to mind!
Marilyn! Thank you so much for reading and encouraging me. Yes, you knew them well and could tell some stories, I'm sure!
Thoroughly enjoyable. A “perfect” mixture of humor and insight. Although it is tempting to say you have a wicked pen, in truth you are blessed with a joyful one. God is good.
Mike, you lift me up -- thanks for your encouragement!
I Love this story! Thank you for sharing it with me in our chat thread. There's so much here that touched me. Several times I laughed and a couple times I gasped. I'd love for you to read my short piece called "Be Careful With Plots of Revenge." You might relate.
Ooo! I'll check it out -- thank you, Shell! And thank you for reading!
That was wonderful to read! Thank you for telling your child-rearing adventures. I loved every bit of it, and found refreshment in the Truths you shared.
Thank you, Karyn!! we haven’t seen each other for ages! I hope motherhood is a joy for you. Thanks for taking the time to read and reach out, friend.
Oh my gosh, I could soooo relate here, even though I only had one child (maybe with reason!)! Life wasn’t very fun as a parent for the first 10-12 years, (I even prayed that God show me one glimpse of my son as an adult that didn’t have prison bars in it), but then it all changed and he turned into a terrific teen (albeit not perfect….what teen is), and now an amazing adult and father himself.
I’ve always pictured your mom as a calm mother, and subsequently you the same…so it’s tickled the heck out of me to learn we faced very similar challenges, tried to remedy in similar ways, with similar “results”! LOL
Now your dad, I bet he was a hoot of a father in most aspects! There’s always been a fun elevated energy about him. That he came through 3 crisis in short succession doesn’t even surprise me….I see him not settling for anything less!
Now as to Peter, poor Peter, having to survive you accepting him! My sister is almost 8 years older than I am, so I know the feeling. She demanded her due as the elder (On road trips I got the floor or the window ledge, but no seat), but thankfully she left for college and I relished being any only child. We didn’t live near each other again until I was in my early 30’s, and things sadly fell back into old habits. I told her we were both adults now, could have a wonderful relationship, but she had to stop being my mother. To her credit she did reform, and I cherish our relationship.
Good for you, Barbara, for salvaging that relationship with your sister! You younger siblings have a lot to forgive and we older siblings a lot to confess. Well done, friend! I'm so sorry you could relate to this post, but I love your encouragement -- thank you!
Kate - you did it again! Another engaging, funny, and honest essay with beautiful depth and poignant meaning! Thank you for sharing your writing with us. ❤️
Sweet friend, thank you for reading, and taking the time to encourage me. Let me know when you’re coming back home! I miss you!