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	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" September 2, 2004 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator @ write2theheart.com Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart." All new subscribers will receive a free downloadable copy of the e- cookbook, "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover." To join, send an e-mail with subscribe written in the subject line to: subscribe-me @ write2theheart.com. After the parties, Kathy and her husband have a private celebration of their daughters 21st birthdays. They really give you a visual picture of releasing their children and their prayers for them. 21 Birthday Candles Kathy Whirity From watching as a determined toddler struggles to blow out the lone candle on their first birthday cake, to decorating a young adult's cake with 21 candles, I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around the reality that my baby will very shortly turn 21, a legal aged adult. A big birthday bash is being planned to honor this milestone in our daughter Katie's life. We've been down this road, once before, when our eldest daughter, Jaime, celebrated her arrival into adult- hood about two years ago. We sure surprised Jaime with a party in a hall, where all her friends and family stood anxiously waiting for her to come walking through the closed doors, and then, SURPRISE!!! I was remembering all this the other day in my mad hunt to find the huge box of decorations we so wisely saved. In the box were a few banners declaring the Big 21 that is the number of honor. There were also a few rolls of unopened, glittery ribbon which surely wouldn't be going to waste this time around. Planning that first 21st birthday bash, I envisioned an abundance of balloons, each attached to a piece of ribbon that would give the room a magical touch of whimsy. We had little time for celebrating then, what with hosting the party and all. But, as the night came to a close, and we said good night to our guests, my husband Bill and I looked up to the ceiling and wondered what to do with the room full of balloons still ceremoniously hugging the ceiling. We each gathered up the ribbons, handful by handful, and walked outside. There, in the moonlight of a crisp, autumn night, we released the balloons and held hands as we witnessed yet another milestone on our journey on the road of family life. I remember standing there in silence, in awe of the bounty of balloons filling up the starry sky, my heart bursting with joy. And here we are, once again, privileged to be planning another 21st commemoration. We'll spend the afternoon filling balloons from a helium tank and tying the ribbons to them until our fingers ache. We'll once again welcome the duties of hosting a gathering of family and friends who will help us reminisce about the two decades that got us here. But, when the party's over, that's when the real celebrating will take place for us. Hand in had we'll walk out into the stillness of a July evening, accompanied by another batch of brightly colored balloons. We'll count to three before releasing our bundles sky- ward. And, for each balloon that floats towards heaven there will be a prayer of thanks sent with it, to a loving God who has gifted our lives with so much grace and meaning. And, this mother will cling to the belief that the helium of hope will forever fill our hearts with love, joy and gratitude. Kathy Whirity kathywhirity @ yahoo.com Kathy Whirity is a freelance writer and newspaper columnist. She's been happily married to her husband Bill for 27 years. With their daughters Jaime and Katie away at college, these empty nesters are discovering, with sweet surprise, that the honeymoon's not over, it's only just begun, again. Kathy has had her writing published in, "Finding the Joy In Alzheimer's,” "The Golden Formula" as well as the online publications, Story Time Tapestry, Warm Fuzzy Stories, Hearts With Soul and Pet Warmers. Kathy looks forward to hearing from you. You may contact her directly. kathywhirity @ yahoo.com You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator @ write2theheart.com Write 2 the Heart now has an affiliate program with Cognigen. They have several long distance plans to chose from. I personally use the PowerNet Global 4.5¢ Per Minute Plan. I love having my own toll free number without the monthly fee; I only pay for actual calls. My family can call home whenever they are out of town. I have used it more times than I care to remember over the last three years in emergency situations. Cognigen has more than just great long distance rates; they have calling cards, internet access, web hosting services and much more. You can check out all of their telecommunication products and services at http://ld.net/?cbspeir. Looking for an affiliate program? You will be surprised at all the products and services you will have access to. Letters From Our Readers I loved "The Night Monster." It's one of those stories that brings to mind many night adventures of my youth and the imagination involved. It made me smile. Pete Hall I too suffer from over active imagination. The most innocent things can become mind boggling until I know the truth. Great story. Enjoyed reading and relating. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the end, after all I’ve been there. Tina Military Prayer Reminder As you read over this list of names, please take a moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ken Prieur Ryan Larry Miele Daniel Amy John Joanne Gary Boardwine Josh Hadassah Chanz Wackerly Robert Henderson David Habighurst Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. Cheryl’s Corner Five-year-old grandson, Drew, is now going to kindergarten. He proudly announced to me a few days ago that he can write his name with his voice. He proceeded to do so. D-R-E-W he proudly spelled out loud. Children are so much fun! Cheryl Copyright © 2004, Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.