A “Leave It To Beaver” family – that’s what my family was (except instead of 2 boys, we had 2 girls).
They say that the first 3 years (or so) are the most formative years in a child’s life. How grateful I am for my foundations. Being the wife of a former home inspector/DIY’er, I am very aware of the importance of a solid, well-built foundation. Without it the entire structure is in jeopardy of collapse. And so it is with our lives.
My dad worked as an electrical engineer for the City of Burbank, California and my mom was a homemaker. My sister was the oldest and was a perfect child (except when she made me drink her concoction of soap and water, telling me it was an ice cream soda – I was so gullible). I was the bratty little sister, maniacally jumping on her while she was trying to sleep in on Saturday mornings. One morning as we were eating breakfast, we got into an argument. She told me, “You think you’re so smart.” I looked at my mom and said, “Mommy, I’m not so smart, am I?” (Hmmm, I guess that tells you something.)
Our home was filled with laughter and music and love. My mom and dad were deeply in love with each other. They would sing old Nelson Eddy and Jeannette MacDonald love songs to each other and whenever we went on road trips, every time we crossed a county line, they would kiss. (However, my mom would sleep a lot in the car so my dad would count the county lines and kiss her that many times when she woke up.)
Road trips were favorite adventures in our family, whether 2 week vacations to National Parks or Sunday afternoon drives to the desert to see wildflowers. Our car was filled with the joyful harmonies of a loving family singing together. S’mores around our campfire were accompanied by my dad playing his guitar (or ukulele) and singing old cowboy songs and hymns. Sometimes the joy in my heart would bubble up into my throat until I could hardly speak.
Church was an integral component in our family and our lives revolved around it. Wednesday nights we went to prayer meetings and youth group activities. Sundays were filled with Sunday school classes, services (both mornings and evenings) and youth groups. These were followed by meals with friends: kids at one table, parents at another. We took great joy in embarrassing our parents with our antics (like filling water glasses with disgusting mixtures of ketchup, mustard, salt, sugar, leftovers, then turning the glass upside down on a saucer). We undoubtedly made them wish they could disown us.
Mom and Dad were youth group leaders and Mom was our children’s choir director. For our age, she taught us some pretty difficult music. Between our family harmonizing together and children’s choir, I learned to love making up harmonies to songs (and still do).
Mom and Dad both sang in choir and my sister and I would sit in the congregation. That’s a very bad place to be because they had the perfect place to watch every move we made. We became painfully aware of the “look” which, when we got home, would translate into “words” (or worse, if you know what I mean).
More than just church, however, our family prayed together and loved and trusted Jesus together. I now have my Dad’s old falling-apart Bible; the testament of a life built upon its truth and reality; a legacy passed on to me. What a solid foundation for which I am eternally grateful!
Stay tuned for my next post about my dad: the gentle giant.
Donna, You write beautifully! Why is it you always told me to write a blurb for the church
bulletin, when you could have worded it so much better??
Miss you lots! Let’s fill one of your days with a lunch, ok?
Thank you so much, Laurann. But you ask me why I had you write the bulletin blurbs? It’s because I’m lazy. Besides, you did a great job.
Yes, I’m still looking forward to lunch!!
How fun to read about your childhood, much of which I shared with you! It is such a blessing to still be in touch after all these years. I look forward to each post. As others have said, I too look forward to your annual letter, which is a sample of your writing skills.
We really do have a history together, don’t we – from our earliest days. In writing these memories, it’s an amazing experience and it seems that the more I write, the more I have to write. I’m so glad you want to join me on this journey.
Love this, I haven’t gotten your letter yet but always look forward to it. So glad you are doing this!
Thanks Trina. I’ll email the letter to you. Thanks for the encouragement.
I love you so much sis! Just wish we could spend more time together!! I miss your mom more than ever. You have so much of her in you. Charm, fun and most of all your love for our God!! We will always be sisters and thank God, we will spend eternity together. Can’t wait for THAT reunion. I’m so blessed to have you in my life, and I can’t wait to read your “story”. Even though I know a lot of it, I’m sure it will encourage us all! Love you and your family!!
Gee, Sis. I’m so glad we had the same “mom”. I loved sharing her with you. Yes, someday we will all be together. Can’t wait for that either. Stay tuned for more stories. I’m glad you are part of it.
I received my family letter today and read it twice…I wanted to savor your story and your writing skills. I can’t wait to read the blog each time you post something new…just like receiving the holiday letter. Love ya
Susan George
Susan, your comment brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for your encouragement. Love you back!
I love this SO much! I was just telling Valorie yesterday how I look forward to your letters each year. She had already read hers and told me about your blog. Looking forward to this, girlfriend!
I’m so glad you love this, Julie. I’m looking forward to bringing you along on this adventure with me!