Living my Life

My father is just how you imagine "fathers" to be. He takes care of his family, calls his kids every so often to check up on us, and still lectures us- even when we don't want to hear it. He is a father by every sense of the word. When we are together, he pulls the "dad" card. He hugs, laughs, teases, and LOVES us. He works hard, worries about the economy, and volunteers his time in the community. I would say that for the most part, he is very happy and complete.

But every year, for his birthday, he rents a Harley for the weekend and just drives. He loves it. I suppose some would call it "mid-life crisis" but as we celebrated another year with him, I realized that this is a chance for my dad to be "free." For one weekend, he calls the shots. He drives in the mountains, acts as old as his spirit feels, and breathes. There are no sales calls, no demands, NO KIDS, and no responsibilities. It's just him, his girl, and his bike! He is living life!!

As with everything in life, there are two parts to every story. The other part of this one, is my mother. My mom, works hard to earn the money that helps her and my dad maintain the lifestyle to which they have grown accustomed....or that is what I used to think. I have since come to realize, that my mom works so that she can play. Because of her, they will have extra money for retirement and possibly that "mission" that she wants to go on. They will have money for Disneyland and Disneyworld. They get to have fun. My mom- never worries about things that she has no control over. She worries about the things that are here right now. My moms day can completely change with a phone call from a child or friend. She is a caring mother and wife, and plays "therapist" very well. She is doting Omi and mother. And is loved by most everyone that meets her. She find solice in the ocean and rythem of the waves. Her life is full and complete. I still think she is the happiest when she is holding tight to my dads waist, riding that Harley. A perfect setting for her would be riding the Harley on the beach by the ocean- she would do it in a heartbeat. Why? Because at that moment, both her and my dad would be living life. Her man would be happy, she would be happy, the roar of the bike and the smell of the ocean would make life feel complete.

When you put my parents together, you get interesting results....lets call them Julie, Cindy, and Paul.

Julie- I have learned a lot by watching my sister. Julie takes chances like she has nothing to lose. She is sometimes doing so much of what she wants that I wonder if she is too busy. She ALWAYS has some sort of project going on. She takes all of her "wants" and turns them into "needs." And somehow, it always works out for her. Her life is a life made for sharing. And she does. Her home (and pool) is open to any person, child, or animal that needs it. She has 4 kids, 2 dogs, 1 bird, 1 bunny, 5 chicken eggs ready to hatch, a pool, a large home, a minivan, a truck, and a wonderful husband. Her life is full and complete and she shares every second of it. She is happy.

Paul is a good mix between my parents. His life is full of laughter and for the most part, he glides through it. There are the occasional stress out modes- usually when he has deemed something as REALLY IMPORTANT. He doesn't waste time worrying about things he can't do anything about, but will spend time worrying about what he is going to do with the things he CAN do something about. He is very focused on his life and the things that are a part of it- namely, God, wife, child, work, play (the latest electronic phenomenon) . His focus brings him success and I believe happiness. I tease him about being self- absorbed, but for the most part- he has his priorities right where they need to be. Paul, like Julie, will decide that he NEEDS something and will obsess over it until he has figured out a way to get it. He is like me, where he will carefully plan it out and make sure that the decision is safe to make. Like dad, he will analyze the decision from every angle. Finally, like mom, he takes the leap. Paul is happiest when order is in his life. Himself, and those most important to him are safe and secure in the gospel, in their relationships, and therefore, in their lives.

I am similar to my dad. I worry- A LOT. I am ultra conservative in financial decisions, and actually in most of my decisions. I work hard, trying to please everyone. I am mother, wife, musical director (for free) and voice teacher! Still, watching my dad last night, I saw more than I expected and some things struck me. Six months ago or so, my dad told Jeff and I that we needed to relax and take more chances. I think that I "loosened" up a bit after that. However, last night, I realized that he is right. Jeff and I talked last night about taking chances, and living life. We are now going to ride our Harley, swim in the ocean, share our life with those that want to be a part of it, and focus on what is important.

When I die, I want to be in Heaven. Well, heaven won't be heaven without my family. First off, Jeff and I have committed ourselves to continue to live the gospel to its fullest. Next, we are committed to each other. We believe that if our eyes are both single to Gods glory, we will both be headed in the same direction. We decided to KNOW our boys. To spend time with them, and make sure that they know that they are loved by us and their Heavenly Father. We will surround ourselves with as much family and friends as we can, and last but not least, we will TAKE CHANCES for the chance to obtain those things that we desire most- which is to be complete and fulfilled physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Some of our endeavors may fail....some of our endeavors have already failed, but we are still here. We are still walking, and now we are going to live. No worries. No stress. No limits. Just love, work, and fun.

A life lived in fear is a life half lived. We get one life on earth and I am going to live it! Thanks Dad, Mom, Julie, and Paul. I now know why I chose this amazing family.