Into the Fire

One of the fun things I remember doing as a little girl was hanging on my dad’s muscles with his arm flexed. He’d have a big grin on his face as I dangled there with my two hands wrapped around his biceps.

After one year at the University of Washington, I’d had enough of school for awhile. I went to work and saved my money to go to Great Britain and Europe. During the year it took to save the money I was able to buy some very cool things like black Vogue-featured calfskin boots that went all the way up to the tops of my thighs. Those boots raised a few eyebrows and questions such as, “How far do those things go up?” I’d smile and answer, “All the way up.”

I became engaged when I was 18 and disengaged at 19.

Yesterday was my 31st wedding anniversary. Although we’ve been together for 35 years.

My maternal grandmother’s name was Lila. I have a beautiful picture of her as a young girl and one of her at around 16 years of age. She outlived both her daughters and died at around 93 years of age. My mom, her youngest daughter, died at the age of 62. So young.

Father, every life tells a story. Some good. Some not. Thank you for life. As hard as it is, you provide answers and sanctuary. Please help me to do what you desire of me in mine. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.