It's the small things...

Those that know me well, know that details really matter to me! My brain is just wired to see the tiny details of situations and recognize how much thought and love one must have put into creating that situation, that scenario, that event when all the details are covered. I recognize it and I appreciate it, especially when someone has gone to the trouble of covering all the details for something special for me.

So, when I see that this big, wide world is chocked full of meticulous, minute details around every corner of nature, I am just humbled! Humbled to think that this not-created-by-accident world, was created to function like clock work everyday but is also filled with a crazy amount of details just for me! Details that I can sit back and enjoy and take pleasure in knowing that someone cared enough about me to know that I would love it! I just get goosebumps...

Today, was one of those detail events. I mean, yeah, I get that there's a sun in the sky and it keeps me warm and its light gives us life. I appreciate that there is a moon that lights the night sky and does more beyond that. But I adore that God thought so much about me that he said, "Wouldn't it be really cool if they crossed paths and created this awesome shadow and light at the same time!?!"  

I mean was it really necessary? I don't think so, they function fine without this detail. But because of it, I just know deep in the depths of my heart that he cares that I love details! And they are all around in nature... constant reminders that He loves being involved in the small things of my life.

On the sidelines...

This past weekend wrapped up summer lacrosse season in the Patterson house. Our Jac has grown so much as player in the past six months, and as a young man. It makes me reflective... and when I'm reflective, I write.

More than once, in fact many times, as I have relayed my sideline experiences with colleagues, friends, acquaintances... they have shared with me that they are really kinda glad that their kiddos chose not to play sports. Yes, my sideline experiences include being covered in sweat, getting sunburned because I forgot the sunscreen, watching in a sleeping bag because the wind chill was below 15 degrees, slopping through mud, being soaked due to watching in the rain, holding back tears when they were disappointed, cheering their success, hearing opposing parents bash my player and his/her teammates, maybe yelling at the ref a time or two, and possibly even napping in between tournament games. Even so, I have never regretted that my three play sports and that I get to cheer from sidelines. In fact, I love it!

Why do I love it? In amongst all of these experiences, I've been able to see my kiddos develop leadership skills and perseverance, work as a team, learn to win gracefully and to lose without being a jerk, overcome obstacles and work through pain, experience success without becoming arrogant, understand that their actions impact others beside themselves, know that they will be held accountable when rules are broken and be sent to the penalty box, and see that sometimes, life isn't fair... 

Games have always been a family affair in the Patterson house. My guy and I make every game possible and if the other two kiddos are not playing one of their own games, they go support their sibling. We never gave them an option. And now, one of the things I love most is hearing them cheer each other on... seeing them get excited for their brother or sister.

Sports has helped them become part of who they are. It's helped develop their character; helped them become more physically fit; kept them out of trouble; helped them learn to manage their time; and has given them a sense of accomplishment. Now, don't get me wrong - I think other activities can provide many of these same benefits. But honestly, in what other setting, can I, as a parent, stand up and cheer for my child with unbridled enthusiasm and it be socially acceptable! But you know, it sure would be great if we adopted that practice in other areas because kids need cheerleaders in all areas of their lives.

Yes, we run here and there. Yes, we head out early some days for games or get home late. Yes, we log the miles on our cars. Yes, sometimes they play terribly and we don't sugar coat. But we do always cheer and we love it because they love it. And yes, one day... I will miss it.

 

Lillian Howard Simpson

This past weekend, my husband and I, along with our oldest 1-of-3, traveled to WV for a very important birthday party. A type of birthday party that many probably can't say they have attended, let alone had for themselves - a 100th Birthday party!

My great Aunt Lillian turned 100 on June 19. She was born in 1917.  Y'all, just stop and think about that for a few minutes....1917!! Can you even begin to fathom what this sweet lady has seen in her lifetime? And boy does she remember sooooo much of it!

Left - Aunt Mabel, Lillian's oldest sister  Right- Uncle Clarence, Lillian's only brother

Lillian and her Grandfather Collier
He fought in the Civil War and lived with them after he got older.

Lillian's four sisters
L to R - Lucille, Mabel, Byrd and Peggy (my grandmother)

Lillian in the 1930s

Her spunk and smiles and waves and conversation and energy amazed me! I went expecting a much less lively Aunt Lillian but I was oh so pleasantly surprised. About 50 family members traveled to be with Aunt Lillian on her special day - from California, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina. I think all genuinely enjoyed celebrating her.

Aunt Lillian with the cousins - her four children and Buzzy and my dad

My Doodlebug and her Great Great Aunt Lillian

Aunt Lillian is my paternal grandmother's baby sister. I only remember two of my grandmother's sisters even though there were five girls and one boy. They grew up in tiny Pennington Gap, VA. Aunt Lillian was even Miss Pennington Gap of 1934! She has a splendid parade wave and smile and if she hasn't ever been in a parade, she should be! I mean every 100 year old needs a parade, right?

Aunt Lillian and my dad

I had a few moments with Aunt Lillian to myself, so I asked her what advice she would give to young people today. Her response (paraphrased), Well, young people today want to grow up too quickly. I would tell them them to slow down and not grow up too fast - enjoy being young. Responsibilities, even good ones, come very quickly and then that's your life. Those responsibilities are good, but you have obligations. So, be young while you can.

I also asked her why she had so many scarves tied to her walker and she said, "Oh! That's my hobby. A long time ago, people used to wear beautiful scarves and I just loved them. People don't wear them anymore. I had some in my drawer and thought 'Those are just too pretty to sit in a drawer' so I tied them to my walker. And then people would ask me about them and I would tell them why I had them tied there and they just started bringing me ones that they had in their drawers. I think they are pretty!"

My grandmother and Aunt Lillian

All Aunt Lillian asked for - for her birthday was that everyone at the party receive an ice cream cone. I don't know about you, but if that's my only desire after living an incredibly long life - I'm good!

So, lessons I learned from Aunt Lillian on her 100th birthday?

• Take pleasure in the simple things.
• Remember your roots.
• Be kind, gracious and generous and think of others.
• Stay active.
• Have a hobby.
• Enjoy time with your family.
• Smile.

A very young Lillian Howard

Lillian Howard Simpson - 100 years old