goodbye, cameron

One of my favorite things about the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is the character, Cameron. When I first saw this movie, I'd never heard of the name (only as a park in Waco). And he was so hilarious, especially when he's sick in bed and they play the song which ends with: "...let my Cameron go."

I've met a few Camerons now, but probably none as sweet as my son's friend. He is a really great kid, in addition to being smart, talkative and helpful. So it was with a bit of sadness today that we said goodbye to Cameron as he and his family make a move to another city.

On the way to pick him up for a last-minute playdate this evening, my son David asked me to play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. I don't know why I was even a little surprised to see my very kind-hearted son getting misty-eyed as he asked me in a quiet voice, "Mom, is this the last time I'm going to see Cameron?" I was shocked but managed to tell him that maybe it would be. I added that it was a real treat they were getting to hang out one last time.

So for all the friendships out there, short-lived or long, treasure these. No one ever knows what life will bring, when people will leave or how long it might be before you see someone again. And may we all be the kind of friend who would want to play a sweet little song to capture the mood of one last playdate with a good friend.

Good luck and God bless you and your family, Cameron!

currently me

Had some facebook time the other night and I updated something about myself. Thought it worth sharing here, for what it's worth. (By the way, I was in the middle of a new post today about my sons TEACHING THEMSELVES TO PLAY CHESS when the power went out and zapped said post... suffice it to say, those boys continue to amaze their mommy!) But, back to me:

i like people and solitude. outdoors and indoors. summer and winter. comfort and change. i love to shop until that hour is over, then i hate the very idea of it. old friends and new friends. i want to love the me i am today and not be so preoccupied with the me i want to be or the me others see. i keep the faith. i hate my lazy side. i LOVE the water and i LOVE my kids. i think i was delusional as a young person (both as a kid and as a young adult), but i guess that's ok now. i'm married to the best guy ever. and that's saying a lot because my dad is AWESOME. i'm pretty big on family, even when i feel distant and like they don't understand me (or i them). i think and worry too much. i can admit this, but i'm not ok with it. i don't ask anyone to be friends on facebook or anywhere else because i just don't. love what you do! i absolutely LOVE that i get to be home full time as a wife and mom. and i'm finally owning that and not ashamed of sounding spoiled or lazy, or afraid of people thinking i do nothing all day. if you don't know, you never will. i've learned to expect less of people, but i don't feel jaded or cynical... just wiser. i am way less outspoken than i used to be but i still love passionately, and i am totally ok with the fact that i don't have all the answers.