Those who love deeply never grow old. They may die of old age but they die young. When grace is joined with wrinkles, etched by love, it is attractive. and life is pleasurable and full.
I'm often amazed at the love that is offered me. My children, grandchildren, family and friends provide me with joy, gratitude and love unfeigned. I have learned to cherish all my loving, happy moments. They make a fine cushion for old age.
I have many happy, loving moments on the near time horizon. Last evening, my granddaughter, Grace Van Wagoner became engaged to a fine young man, Tim Glenn. The Van Wagoner family was enjoying a spring break in Scottsdale, Arizona. Tim flew down and with the very gracious assistance of the Marriott Camelback Hotel surprised Grace with a diamond ring in a gorgeous outdoor setting arranged by the hotel management. I was so happy when I was one of the first called with the news. That loving. sharing moment was important to me. Wedding bell will ring on August 30. What a great family event to look forward to.
Granddaughter Brooke Morrison let me know when she heard of Gracie's wedding date, that she would be big with child on that date. Another Great Grand baby is on the way. Yippee. Another happy event to look forward to. It's important at this stage of life to always have something on the horizon to anticipate and plan.
Grandson Alexander Dahlstrom will be returning to us on May 29. He has been serving as a missionary in Brazil for the past two years and has served with distinction and much success. He has been terribly missed and his homecoming will provide much love, joy and celebration.
Granddaughter Isabelle Diederich has let me know that she does not in any way want to take the spotlight away from Grace and Tim at this happy time. However, she and her young man, Alex Baker will soon announce their engagement. Another family wedding this fall? It sure looks like it.
I only have one close family member who does not live in close proximity to me. Oliver Dibblee, grandson, has been living in Meridian, Idaho as an employee of Frito Lay. (PepsiCo). He, his wife Lisa and sons Jack and Liam have been so missed. But, great news. Oliver has just been notified of a major new promotion. Where is the company transferring him to? SALT LAKE CITY! This has made me so happy. Another momentous event in my life. Can't wait until they are relocated.
How large a portion of my life is spent surrounded by love and glorious events. To some, the previous anticipated events are of no major concern. To me, they are monumental. In youth, we are looking forward to things that are to come. To some people my age, they are looking backward to things of their past. I don't want to appear indeed to be more occupied in things that are present, when that is too often absorbed in vague determinations to be vastly happy on some future day when we have time, I want to love the present and enjoy immensely events when they occur.
The year 2014 is filled with love and joy. Bring it on!
