Peaceful Morning

The view of our backyard.  

This morning I sat on the back patio with a cup of coffee in hand and my dog sitting at my side.  It's supposed to feel like 100 degrees later today but so far it's been pleasant.  I watched as the chipmunk, who has taken residence in our backyard, scurry his way into a crack under the deck.  He peaks out ever so often and it's the cutest thing ever.  I also watched a rabbit eating from the freshly cut grass as birds chirped from every direction.  It's been a beautiful and peaceful morning, to say the least.  I also watched as two neighbor kids were running around in their backyard.  The boy, about three years old, was running while his toddler sister tried keeping up from behind.  It brought tears to my eyes as I reminisced on those days with my kids.  Oh, how I miss those days.  I love experiencing each stage with my children but at the same time I'd give anything to have my toddler and preschooler back.  Those were simpler times when I'd watch them explore the world around them with innocence.  My boy loved on his sister a little too much and she would look at him with adoration, now it's hard to keep those two from fighting.  I also watched as the neighbor's grandma played with them and trying, herself, to keep up and it got me thinking about the years ahead.  Since my kids were born I have prayed for their future spouses and children.  I'm in no rush to get to that point, but I would love to experience the joys that being a grandmother brings.  For now, I'm living moment by moment just embracing these days with my own kids.  One is going into high school and the other is going into middle school and I just can't fathom how we got here so quickly.  

In the beginning of the week we received news that a fellow boy scout and friend of our son's passed away in a car accident.  At only 17 years old with a bright future ahead, I can't believe something like this could happen so someone so kind, polite and sweet.  I only saw him a few times but in those times he always had a smile on his face and carried a lot of energy.  He would also call out for my son as if he was excited to see him.  Tomorrow is the funeral.  I'm not sure if my son would be willing to go, although we will try and encourage him.  It's a difficult loss but I rest peacefully knowing that he is in the hands of God now, a place we all will be someday.  

With everything that's been happening in our country and in this world lately, heaven seems like a far better place to be.  As much as I dream of watching my kids grow into adulthood and the sweetness of grandchildren, I know my time may be up before then.  So, with every moment in each passing day, I will not take anything for granted and be thankful for the gifts I have now.