When I was growing up in West Virginia, I could hardly wait to get out of there. I saw the place as old and behind the times. I wanted something…anything but what was here. When Hubby #1 joined the Air Force, I was thrilled to get out and see the world and live a more exciting life than what Appalachia could afford us.
Our first station was in England and was an amazing experience. But I was homesick…not so much for WV, but for my family. We decided to have a baby and Daughter #1 came along a year later. Life then took us to Colorado, the marriage fell apart, Hubby #2 came along and ten years later Daughter #2 followed. When marriage fell apart again and eventually Mr. Virgo entered the picture and I thought…this is where I’ll spend the rest of my days.
Well, just like John Lennon said, life is what happens when you’re making other plans. Mr. Virgo died and West Virginia beckoned once again. My life came full circle. I had dreams of a home in the country, but it just didn’t pan out in Colorado. I thought I had become ever so sophisticated…being a doctor’s wife and living in the big city. The closest to living in the country I ever got was the first house Hubby #2 and I bought. A five bedroom log house on two acres with a commanding view of the Flattops Wilderness Area.
Living with Mr. FixIt on our five acres is wonderful. But nothing compares to sitting on the front porch at my Grandma’s old house. It recharges me. As I sat out there yesterday afternoon…the sunbeams on my face…I searched my mind for other memories sitting on this porch. Sunday afternoons when the neighbors showed up for a visit and a cup of coffee with a sliver of pie. Sitting by my grandma stringing green beans for the canner. Watching my kids catch lightning bugs in a jar.
So much warmth and memories here. A life in the country is such a blessing. Spring is on the horizon and I’m here for it.
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PS: After I wrote this last evening, Daughter #2 let me know she was being admitted to the hospital with this terrible respiratory illness that’s going around. Her wife stayed with her at the ER till they said they were admitting her and then went home. She’s coming down with the same thing. I would really appreciate it if you would send up some prayers for them both!
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“The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.” Psalm 41:3 ESV
***Gratitude Journal***
Today I am grateful for the excellent care my daughter will receive at the hospital. I worked in the Professional Building there for years and it’s the best! I’m grateful she has much better coping strategies today to keep her anxiety in check.