|
Write 2 The Heart
April 19, 2005
Welcome to your latest issue of Write 2 the Heart.
Take a moment to browse our new bookstore at:
http://www.write2theheart.com/html/book_store.html
You will find wonderful books written, or include stories by many
of our talented writers. You will also find books that aide the
budding writer. I highly recommend “Sally Stuart’s Christian
Writers’ Guide,” and “2005 Writer’s Market.” Both are must haves
for all serious writers. They are great tools to find that perfect
market for your writing.
After reading Kathy’s story, you too will be wondering, ‘where
do all those quarters go!’
Spring Break
Kathy Whirity
Ah! The return to peace and quiet. Such a welcomed relief. Has
it really been a month since we stood anxiously waiting at the front
door to welcome our youngest home from college? What greeted
our arms that first day of spring break was an avalanche of dirty
clothes - which had me wondering what happened to all the
quarters I consistently donated to her ‘away from home’ laundry
fund.
Isn't it funny how time can change your perspective on things?
Take for instance the difference between sending your children off
to college for the first time and then welcoming them home for
spring break. When children fly the coup in the direction of a
college campus it is heartbreak mixed with a bit of parental panic.
We make sure they have everything from stamps to socks,
phone cards to Baggies filled with quarters (which don't get used
for laundry) and enough snacks to stock a mini-mart. Our hearts
are heavy, our little nest is empty, and for a few days we sulk in
silence. But, we parents, we're pros at adapting to change.
We surprise ourselves at how quickly we regain our sanity and
over dinner for two one night we reach for each other's hand,
lovingly look into each other's eyes and say, "Hey, I remember
you!" In the quiet of a second honeymoon mentality we discover
that middle age can be blissful.
But, wouldn't you know, just when we thought we were
cruising on the highway of love, spring break rolls around.
The house was cleaned and organized in anticipation of
spending quality time together as a family. Oh, but aren't we
parents a hopeful bunch! The house was abuzz with not one but
two college co-eds, doubling the chaos, doubling the fun.
Their dad filled the gas tank, took it for a spin through the car
wash, and bid his pride and joy a fond farewell for he knew it
would be awhile before he'd be in the driver's seat again.
For one week our home seemed to have a revolving door that
never closed, a frig door that was constantly opened and a phone
that never stopped ringing.
It hasn't been easy but we're learning to have a sense of humor
when dealing with 'independent' college kids who have one hand
on our wallets and the other on the car keys.
The insanity of spring break is only a temporary condition.
And, though we do miss them terribly, in between visits, we know
our kids never leave us for summer vacation is right around the
corner. When summer comes we'll bid ado to the serenity of our
empty nest as the kids come home to rule the roost.
Oh, but have no fear. Amid the short term anarchy is the
anticipation that soon their dad and I will once again enjoy a
leisurely dinner for two; and as we reach for each other's hand we
will have one thought: "So...where were we?"
Kathy Whirity
kathywhirity @ yahoo.com
Kathy Whirity lives in Chicago where she shares her life and
love with her husband of 28 years, Bill, their two daughters Jaime
and Katie, and two rambunctious retrievers, Holly and Hannah.
Kathy is a family life columnist for two area newspapers. For more
of Kathy's writings please visit her web page~
http://www.heartwarmers4u.com/members?kathyw
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.
Military Prayer Reminder
As you read over this list of names, please take a moment to
pray for these young people and their families:
Tim Speir
Alan
Todd Holland
Graham
William
Julie Sagel
Jessie
Marshal Thompson
Jason
Eric Hernandez
Kristin Danielson
Ryan
Larry Miele
Daniel
Amy
John
Joanne
Gary Boardwine
Hadassah
Chanz Wackerly
Robert Henderson
David Habighurst
Tonia
Melissa Bair
Matthew Nutter
Nick Nation
Seth Jarrell
Matt Hall
Donald Wayne West
Frank Schambach, Jr.
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.
Copyright © 2005, 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.
|
