Pensive

I am definitely in a pensive mood today. I had a severe allergic reaction yesterday morning. It actually began the previous day but had worsened considerably overnight. The medicine made me feel better, but I feel a little wrung out. Larry took me to the emergency room when he saw and heard that my tongue was swollen again. I am lucky-supremely lucky. I know that and am aware of it every day of my life. To know he cares and that he shows it without contemplation of how it affects him makes me feel safe. After almost 40 years, my heart still jumps a little when he comes home from work. His eyes are still the young eyes that I fell in love with so long ago. He still shows the same happy spirit and kind heart.
This is Dianna’s last week of class at USF, and graduation is Sunday. It is hard not to feel slightly sad. She calls often to keep me informed of what is happening in each class. I am so proud of her. Possibly when she relays the updated report, it feels more real to her, or she could subtly be checking up on me; showing me her love in her own way.
MJ is moving soon. Every day for me is an act of control. I know he has to pack and do it his way, but placing miscellaneous objects into half full boxes and declaring them ready for the garage drives me to the brink of lunacy. I pack carefully with similar objects together and careful labels, but these are not my things, not my turn. He must do it like the song-I did it my way (not my mom’s). How long will it be before it gets so quiet that I miss his loud off-key singing, his mess from breakfast, his snitching my potato chips, his hugs, his tickling of my feet, his keeping Dad busy, his weird television shows, and his loving generous yet sloppy kisses?
School has been wonderful. These are mostly ambitious students who want to learn and succeed. They might just be pulling the rug over my eyes, but at least it is enjoyable.
Part 2 of Pensive:
Dianna graduated. She looked lovely with her eyes glowing. Her little dance was energetic and happy. The reception with her friends was hotter than anticipated. We walked in to set up, and it was already 81.9 degrees. It did not cool off until Clay came. He works there and knew how to regulate the heat. The food was yummy; MJ was crabby; and the girls loved it. They all know some very handsome young men.
Since Monday was Memorial Day, school actually began on Tuesday which throws off my whole system. I actually was quite tired.
THE YANKEES ARE HERE!!!!! Daddy and I had planned to go to Minnesota and watch them. We are sitting on the couch and watching from home. It actually is a money-saving idea since I am taking part of the summer session off. Right now they are tied four to four with the Twinkies. Jeter close-ups are clearer this way. He is so cute! The Yankees just went ahead with a hit from A Rod. Go team! I am sure that my team is on the path to a win.
Daddy and I went to the hotel furniture outlet place this morning and found four chairs for MJ’s table. They are mauve but in good shape.
Last weekend we played cards with Mike and Denise. Girls versus guys. We had some power hands. The guys won two games to one. We had snacks and great laughs.
Well, I am not so pensive anymore. Life is good. Betty

Just Thinking

Just Thinking
Last night a violent storm ran through Sioux Falls with a couple of tornado sirens. Dianna called once or twice; it was not quite the same. She and I used to stand on the deck and watch developing fronts. Her excitement would become almost electrical (pardon the pun) as we watched the lightning. Time passes. Life changes. Soon Dianna will graduate from USF to join a long line of Anderson graduates. A firm foundation for the future comes with the diploma; however, a foundation is only that. It is a beginning, a start, a commencement (pun intended) for something called life. It takes so much more than a college diploma to be successful. Now a graduate degree has gone past highly recommended to absolutely necessary. Learn more. Accomplish more. Add more to the already growing academic prowess. Baylor has been chosen for this next step and has graciously accepted the challenge. They will be getting one of the best. They already have two of the best of which I am very proud. Because I am a mother, there is a sense I have which others do not possess. I sense that Dianna does not always feel up to the task; I see her eyes cloud over momentarily. The control and confidence return, and the eyes fill with the sureness of a female in charge of her life. At these changes in life, it is often difficult to maintain the equilibrium of positivity. It is normal (oh, how I dislike that word) to feel this way. What is needed? What can be done? Be yourself is the only answer that this humble (?) mother can give. Being yourself will give strength, happiness, and peace. Then when another time like this comes again (and it will), you will know how to rediscover strength, happiness, and peace.