Unicorns and Puppy Dogs

 

 I’m a tired old man. A day that finds me with energy and motivation is a rare one. I can actually feel the wheels of my life slowing down like the momentum of a train as it stops accelerating. My choo choo has no more steam, it would seem. The “I think I can, I think I can” is being smothered in its sleep. Presumably during a Sunday afternoon nap. The mantra has changed into “Just one more time, just one more time” and I feel it in my bones.  

My weekend was filled with family. My daughter threw a birthday party for both my son’s partner, Terry, and her doggy-child, Bo. One turned six years old and the other will be forty on the twenty-sixth. I’ll let you guess which one turns how old. I don’t want to embarrass anyone. It was fun to see so many people I love under one roof. Hectic too, but worth it. My daughter, Candice, did an awesome job decorating the house and preparing so much to eat. My daughter in law, Charlotte, made a beautiful cake for Terry, complete with a unicorn. It was a delicious treat. Gifts were opened and the birthday song was sung. We laughed, talked and enjoyed being near one another. Then, a couple of hours later, they were gone.  

The older I get, the more I appreciate these get-togethers. Each time I watch them leave I feel a twinge because I may not see them for a while. Summertime is nearly here, and they’ll be doing their own thing, as it should be. I’m proud of all my kids and grandkids. They’re living their lives as best as they can, and they’re all good people. I know they make a difference in their own family’s lives and are making this world a better place. Laura and I are proud of them. I wish for them to enjoy their lives, be themselves and make the most out of their time on this earth. Still, I miss them when they leave.  

My oldest son, Chris, couldn’t make it. He and Anna were stopped by the heavy flooding near Nashville and had to turn back. My mom didn’t make it either. The weather is a factor in most of her travel plans, being an octogenarian and all. I missed seeing all of them, but I’m glad they’re safe. Much better to miss this visit than to end up being on the local news as a casualty of the weather. There will be another time soon.  

          If this week’s column seems like an old man’s meanderings, then you understand that I wasn’t kidding when I began. I’m tired. I’ll gird my loins, get some sleep, and try and tackle the rest of the week with a little more gusto. In the meantime, you all can call that person in your life that you haven’t seen in a while. Make sure mom, dad or your kids know that “I miss you” isn’t just something we say. It’s a condition of the heart.  

God bless Y’all!