As a young farm girl, I loved animals. I grew up on a dairy farm, and for the record…the size of a dairy cow is significant, especially for a young girl. I can honestly say I had no fear of their size or strength, until the one day I will never forget.

Before surgery, one of my sweet girlfriends reminded me it was just as important to let people help me, as it was to help others. It’s a circle of love and friendship that needs to be equally fed. So, that’s what I’ve been doing…..letting go, and allowing to be loved and cared for by others.

During my first couple of days of recovery, I had to plan out most of my moves. My son and I thought doubling my steps each day would be a workable goal. Day one I was moving so slow that my Fitbit didn’t even register my steps and doubling that on day two was a cinch…..HA! Getting from the bed to the chair took effort, and I didn’t realize how much I normally do on auto-pilot, without a thought.

I would say that from the outside exterior, my son is definitely a man’s man, but I know on the inside, his heart is tender. He is the one I would want to have on my team for survival or competition. He can MacGyver just about anything if it doesn’t have to do with a computer or electronics. He has little use for those, but if he did, he’d figure it out. He’s a nature loving, risk taking, adventure seeking, hard working, young man that once was a mama’s boy, but has since turned into a self-made man.

My children have taught me so much over the years about being brave. Even though both children show bravery on a regular basis, my post this week will focus on my daughter’s latest adventure, and how her courage amazes me everyday.

“It takes a village”…..how often have you heard that phrase before? I had the pleasure of being involved in a community project last week that surprised me in the best way possible. Between two and three hundred people volunteered to build a community park. Being an elected official in my city, I was invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the event.

As we both hopped out of the vehicle and unloaded the luggage, we wanted to take a quick selfie together to capture the moment. Two months earlier we did the same thing when she left for her Canadian adventure. However, this time she went all the way to the curb instead of standing behind the vehicle. I questioned her, but followed the extra feet toward the curb; we smiled and clicked.

I am a hopeless romantic at heart, and adore a good love story. I was able to be part of the incredible journey my niece and her recently married, husband Broc shared with their families over the last two years. Their romance blossomed quickly, and both knew they were meant to be together. Although they lived many miles from most of their tribe, they wanted to include everyone in their love story.

My brother and sister-in-law were blessed to have the first grand baby in the family. This tiny, beautiful, baby girl was given the name, Chanel Alexandra; it suited her to a tee. She looked like a precious baby doll, and everyone instantly fell in love with her, including me.

Spending time along the coast of California with my family, was a dream come true. It was a chance to spend time together, creating memories and having fun. Amazingly enough, my siblings plus my Mom and Dad were able to make the trip. One of my brother’s daughter, lives and planned her wedding in northern California.

First stop was Pride Mountain Vineyards. The drive alone was spectacular, hills and valleys around every curve. Upon arrival we were greeted by our host, Paul, and within a short time handed each person a glass of wine, then started the tour. There was a couple celebrating their first wedding anniversary, and a woman celebrating her birthday.

I attempted to lift the door but it wouldn’t budge. I thought tackling it from outside might be easier, it was not. I could only get it to raise two inches. I tired again and again, but came up with the same results. I had so much to do that day, including two doctor appointments, a meeting, and a picnic….not to mention the normal workday in between.

Living near two big cities provides ample opportunity to attend major sporting events throughout the year. I usually make it to at least one or two, but for some reason this year was different…..nothing was on the calendar. As luck would have it, I was invited to a baseball game; the Cubs vs the Cardinals. The group of people going were split on who they were rooting for. One thing I knew for certain, half the people driving home would be elated, and the other half would be irritated…..HA!

With my recent closet clean-up, I was feeling I didn’t have the right combination of clothing to pack. Because of the location of my adventure, I needed to pack for cool as well as warm weather, and realizing I didn’t have enough, or better put, I just wanted a few new things…….the shopping began.

I have had a lot of things going on in recent weeks that have added stressful moments in my life, and I sent out an S.O.S. I mentioned I needed an in-person meeting and within minutes, it was arranged. To accommodate schedules, we planned meeting later than normal. Even though one girl was out of town, if possible, wanted to join by phone.

As my daughter gets ready to head to Canada for a summer internship program, she has been busy this week spending time with her friends. They travel in packs to each other’s apartments, homes, restaurants, stores and such. Recently, some have been over helping her pack, providing advice and encouragement, as well as just hanging out together. Usually I am in a different room, but can usually hear them laughing and chatting from anywhere in the house. It’s like music to my ears.

During my daughter’s senior year of college she applied for several domestic and international internships. She received her degree in Biology and has always dreamed of having a career working with animals. Fortunately for her, and not so fortunate for me, she was awarded her number one choice, Brazil. With all the talk of crime, human trafficking, and the Zika virus alert, I was less than enthusiastic about the news. She was also awarded another internship in British Columbia, Canada, that I was excited for her opportunity.

One woman from the church faithfully organizes everything to do with the children’s curriculum, and truth be told, I’ll gladly let her. However, if she asks for volunteers, I usually say yes. This year my role was to help in the craft area, as well as all around support for the group.