The Secret to Joy

Lately I’ve been intrigued, inspired, by one dear old woman who comes tri-weekly into our fitness facility.  Parkinson’s is crippling her and consuming her very life breath.  There are days when her feet don’t work, when her trembling hands can’t grasp her bags, when her throat is restricting as if someone’s choking her.  There are days when her landlord refuses to take care of her constantly flooding apartment, when her taxi service forgets about her and leaves her stranded for hours.  And yet, each time you ask her, she smiles and says she’s good.  “It’s always a great day!” she says, and her face a bright sunbeam, shows it.  She has learned the secret to joy.  Thanks.

No matter how tough life is, no matter how much it seems she has nothing left to lose, she continues to smile, continues to give thanks. 

She giggles as a handsome 45-year-old man in his work out clothes notices her.  And she comments on some teenage boy’s great butt.  But in everything, she gives thanks.  She enjoys the simple things.  She notices the small things.  And she always give thanks.  This is such beauty.  Such challenge.  The secret to joy, is thanks.

Tribute to 13040 Alder Street

In the next couples weeks my parents move out of our childhood home.  When I think of this place, there are so many incredible memories.  It is with sadness and wonderful, fond memories we move on.  This is the end of life as we know it.  I couldn't help but post some of our years with this place...

Disclaimer: Please excuse the lack of photos which truly portray what was our home.  My sisters really have all the good pictures... maybe they can help me out? ;-)

* baking for annual church and staff Christmas parties * baking for fundraisers * baking for youth group * baking for friends * baking disasters * just baking in general *

* decorating the house with Christmas lights (doesn't everyone remember this, we were a legend in SE Portland) * playing dentist or house * having HUGE Thanksgiving and Easter meals where any and all were invited * matching homemade dresses hanging on our doors every Christmas, Easter, and Mother's Day * 

* nighttime Bible stories with Mom and Dad * hiding in Manda's stuffed animals at night so I could stay and laugh with my sisters longer * eating veggies straight from the garden * picking dead rhodedendrons off the bushes (to this day I still hate those flowers) * countless bonfires and hangouts * being TP'd, though usually we were the TPers * high school Bible studies * Amazing Race parties *

* wedding chaos * wedding dreaming * HOURS of playing music with my sisters * squeaky clarinets * several litters of kittens * watching Martha Stewart every summer morning with my sisters * days without electricity * cold house remodels * making up dances to Brent Lamb and Mary Rice Hopkins * performing made-up plays for mom and dad * oh and so many more! *

In short: baking, music, God, family, and blessing others.  I wouldn't trade our time there for anything.

Good bye, Alder Street.  You have been an incredible place of fun, memories, blessing people, parties, morning runs, learning, and hours of baking.  We will seriously, surely miss you.