Like the rest of you, I have a story. Peaks and valleys along the way make up each of our stories. Thankfully, I have a deep, strong faith. A close walk with the Lord has seen me through some hard times. God also gave me a sense of humor. It helps. I just don’t usually find the ordinary sitcoms and comedies funny. A few years ago, I was at grandparents’ day at the Catholic school where my granddaughter attended prior to their move to Kentucky. We’re not Catholic but it is one of the top schools in the state, and she’s smart. We were sitting in the bleachers for the grandparents’ day mass. The young priest was reading a scripture and kept repeating: “Lord, have mercy!” Honestly, though, he was saying it just like I’ve said it a million times in a Southern accent! I promise I didn’t laugh but it struck me as funny. Lord, have mercy! You gave me this weird sense of humor!
I’m the mother of two sons and one daughter. Each is married to a wonderful spouse who is just like my own. I’m the grandmother of seven granddaughters and two grandsons. Each and every one of them bring me great joy.
I’m married to the last love of my life. He’s one year younger and a sweetheart. He loves me. He loves my two sons, my daughter, the beloved spouses and the nine grandchildren just like they were his own. I was blessed with two sweet sons when I married Doug. I love them like my own and I am thankful for them. They are so good to me.
I’ve been a Registered Nurse since 1978 though, thankfully, I’m now retired. I loved nursing but I love this retirement stage even more. We love to travel and are usually in the midst of planning our next trip – even if it’s a year away. We had a second home in Chicago four blocks from my youngest and his family for four years now. We loved it! Doug’s sons are also in Chicago. Unfortunately, when Covid hit and we could not travel for a year, we sold it.
Being retired also gives me time for hobbies. Anything that has to do with creating! Blogging, writing, sewing, quilting, decorating, knitting…the only problem is I don’t seem to be as fast these days. Imagine that! Everything takes me a bit longer and I’m okay with that. I’ve finally accepted the fact that I’m aging. There are wrinkles and lines now that have just crept up in the last ten years. But I’m alive and well.
Life is good. Whatever time is left, I will rejoice in every day that comes.
Blessings,
Dianne
mysouthernheart@gmail.com