I have a Facebook friend that I've only known via Facebook.  Years ago the boys were part of an organization called Hugs and Hope.  It was a group of people that would send cards, well wishes, encouragement and prayers to kids with special needs.  Several SMA families were a part of the group.  The boys had several members that consistently sent cards to the boys.  After many years, the founder of the group had to stop and the group ended.  But there was one particular person who continued sending cards to the boys.  She was very creative and would hand-make cards with all sorts of stickers and embellishments.  We also became Facebook friends and she would regularly send me encouragement, as well.  She is getting older and has many health concerns that limit what she can do these days.  She regularly messages me with cute Grinch related videos and pretty sunflowers.  She always remembers Colin and especially thinks of him at Halloween and always remembers him with Blue.  

Any way.  I haven't taken much time to respond to her messages lately.  She always says that she doesn't expect replies but I feel badly that I haven't reciprocated.  And she really has been a support for us for years.  So today I decided to tell her that she means a lot to me.  

I had to use Messenger because she doesn't even have a mailbox right now so she isn't able to receive or send mail.  Except her postman drops her bills on her porch as a courtesy.  (she doesn't drive). 

I won't write here what I messaged her.  It was short and not too sappy but sappy enough so that she knows that I mean it.  😊

Seasons of Change

Ramblings from The Corn Rows🌽

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, in the Holy Bible, tells us everything has its own "time." We can see it when we look at Nature and in our own lives. If you're old enough, you might be hearing that popular song released in 1965 in your head right now by the Byrds, "Turn! Turn! Turn!" It is so true, especially for this toddler to teen to middle-aged woman! How did that happen so quickly? The stiffness in our joints or the subtle silver highlights in our hair, and wrinkles appearing in the reflection in the mirror are evidence that time marches on.

 We are currently transitioning from a hot dry summer in the Northeast to a cool, even drier fall.  Here in our neck of the woods, the temperatures are much cooler in the evening while the days are getting shorter. Our cat has been snuggling down in her cozy bed in her cat house on the porch. The corn stands dry and crisp in the fields for the harvest. I like the way it rattles when the wind blows. I especially like when I see the chubby groundhog wrestle off an ear of corn and drag it back to its den by our old woodshed. Shhh, don't tell the farmer!

In the spring of this year, I could see a lot of heavy equipment and machinery taking down trees to the east of the cornfield that was just planted. Hmmm... what are they up to? I thought as I watched the pile of timber grow. You might remember some of the stories I've spun about a particular Shanty hidden between the trees visible from my kitchen window. I have enjoyed the view so much over the years and Change can be hard. I will remain hopeful that whatever the landscape looks like when the fields stand empty of corn, I will be GRATEFUL and still find beauty that will capture my attention. Maybe it will be a family of deer passing through or the wild turkeys that flock together eating the grain leftover after harvest.

The weekend is not far off... It seems like the perfect time for a campfire. I can almost hear it crackle and smell the smoke. I think I have some graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows in the pantry. Come on Andy and Hannah...let's go outside. 🍁🔥

Bears/Believes/Hopes/Endures...It's what we do!

 BEARS - BELIEVES - HOPES - ENDURES

by Jennifer Watson Perkins

1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV

“Love bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things.”

⚘🌷🌺...⚘🌷🌺

I love this scripture! It matches so appropriately what our family Journey is about. Although Hannah was born with a muscle-wasting disease, God has used it to "grow" our Spiritual Muscles. The back flap of our Story might use the same keywords from that scripture: BEARS, BELIEVES, HOPES, ENDURES to help summarize what is held between its pages.

I didn’t realize another National Daughter’s Day snuck up on us yesterday. I quickly scanned the photos on my phone and shared some along with all the other proud parents on social media. I then went to interrupt Hannah on her computer in the Fun Room to tell her what today was. A tear rolled down my cheek as I kissed her on the top of her head and told her she was a Blessing and that I love her.

It’s hard to even capture, with words, the thankfulness I feel in my heart. I speak to people about Hannah every chance I get. I want them to see how God continues to use our Life experience to uplift, encourage, grow Faith, and reach the lost. Kind-hearted and well-meaning folks always apologize when I tell them about my sweet daughter the second they hear about her medical diagnosis and life support/total care. “No no no, don’t be sorry or sad! Hannah is the best thing that could have ever happened to me! She’s the reason I came to Jesus. She’s amazing and I wouldn’t trade her for anything!”

I can speak personally as a Special Needs Parent/Caregiver. It’s not always easy and there are many unexpected bumps in the road. We continue to stay the course. I can do this because I know who sits on the Throne and He has a plan that I have grown to trust. Hannah helps us to see Joy in the Little Things. Some days are harder than others, but I am full of GRATITUDE for having another day with her. Our Heavenly Father is working things out behind the scenes and I already know how the story ends, and it is beautiful.

Three things I am most thankful for today

So our season of Summer is quickly coming to an end and we are seeing the first signs of fall, my favorite time of year!  The days are getting shorter, the temperatures are cooler at night, but what amazing sunrises I have noticed. This morning, besides my delicious coffee Andy made for me, I am thankful and blessed for another day :) This tells me God's not done! He woke me again and I am here for a purpose, His.

 Along the way he continues to bless me. Some days are more challenging, but I look for the small Joys that can be found in the Little Things. Besides the Hope I've discovered in what lies ahead, which is eternity with Him. It feels good to let Him drive the bus, as one lady said to me recently. I will sit back and enjoy the view.

Being somewhat homebound, God keeps making a way for Hannah and I. Virtual opportunities have opened a huge doorway to friendships and fun for us. As a matter of fact, this week is jam-packed with arts and crafts, besides joining our SMA family to share a story and conversation during book club. If one good thing has come out of STUPID covid, it is this. Very thankful for the combined effort that has maintained this connection of support for several years now. The same holds true for my ability to place grocery orders from home, online church and related groups, and join our area library and parks and recreation for activities. Admittedly, Hannah and I are pretty good at creating things to do, but it's always more enjoyable to spend time with others and make Memories.

We all know, Life is not always easy. I joke with Hannah on the more difficult days that I'm going to hit Eve with an apple when I reach Heaven. I can't blame Eve for the sin that happened in the garden causing our World to be fallen. I would have undoubtedly been tempted by the serpent also. Heck, I would have made a cobbler from that forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and served it up ala mode. I am thankful when my decisions have led to some good outcomes. And, I have seen how God can even use those bad decisions or a bad season to help grow us into a Light that can shine in the dark places of this World. 

 I had a discussion awhile back with a pastor. I was wondering WHY did God allow us to have sin-nature. Why couldn't we have been created perfect? He explained that our Heavenly Father didn't want a bunch of biological robots. God gave us choices and free will. It's us that make the wrong decisions when we take our eyes off Him. What a wonderful thing it had to have been in that beautiful garden, walking and talking with our Creator each day.

So it is that HOPE of being reunited at the end of this Earth Time and stepping into Eternity with Him that causes me to have a GRATEFUL HEART today. 

❤

CULTIVATING GRATITUDE - "A Day Spent with Mom"

   It doesn't happen often, but I'm so grateful Mom and I got to spend some time together yesterday. It was a beautiful sunny Sunday. I knew our time was a bit limited, and so we crammed in a lot of stopping here and there. It was fun reminiscing along the way as we'd pass old familiar places in Auburn. Of course, we found ourselves talking about Ang a lot. Our first stop, sadly, was the monument place. Mom helped me pick out the granite to be used to make Ang a memorial bench. I'm looking forward to a place to sit and remember her. We both agreed Sis would have liked what we decided on. I'll let you all know when it is finished and placed.

   Next, I wanted Mom to see the Free Little Libraries I had told her about. We visited two that were close by and enjoyed sorting through the many books. Mom even found a couple I hope she'll take time to relax and read. 

 I also remembered something else I wanted Mom to see. I know she doesn't get out very often and this was extra special. A trip up North Main Street led us straight to Jesus :)

   We pulled in the parking lot at the Trinity Lutheran Church. There is a beautiful sculpture of "The Last Supper," by Timothy Schmalz. Twelve seats around the long table with Jesus in the middle breaking the bread. Wow! It is amazing, go check it out! Mom and I seated ourselves on each side of Jesus and found ourselves talking about what Heaven will be like someday. Although it was so warm out, there was a gentle breeze that seemed to blow across the church yard and I thought I smelled the fragrance of Heaven. 

 

If you know my Mom, you know she loves plants and flowers, and so, I could not stop her from "borrowing" seeds from the many flowers we saw while we were out. She asked if I thought she might get thrown in the pokey for theft and we laughed so hard. I can see the headline in the paper now. So I guess I was an "accessory to the crime." To make it easier for her, I found a bag in my van so she could maximize her seed collecting. 

*** Flower Seed Thievery! ***

The air conditioning in the van was a relief each time we would get back in. "Just two more stops, Mom, and then I can drop you off at home." My van can be a little tricky to step up into and so I found myself wanting to ensure she got in and out okay. I'd quickly run around to the other side and help guide her up/down. I remember Mom making sure Ang and I were always safe and secure throughout our childhood. Now, I had the privilege to do the same. I clearly remember THE MOM STOP-ARM that would automatically fly up to protect Sis and I if we were riding in the front seat of the GTX or the Fury III and she had to brake abruptly. 

A short trip to the beautiful outdoor fountain at Eckhart Library gave us a relaxing break on a bench.

We watched as two squirrels played and chased each other. I admit, more flower seed thievery occurred. I held the "loot bag" as I assisted Mom back into the van to head to the famous Dairy Freeze, another Auburn Landmark. Mom and JR would have cheeseburgers, fries, and delicious shakes for dinner. I gave Mom a big hug before leaving. We never know what tomorrow will bring, but today it brought me a heart full of Gratitude for the Memory we made.

God Bless ❤

 

CULTIVATING GRATITUDE - "A Family Tradition I am Grateful For"

     I am grateful for my Little Family (husband Andy and sweet daughter Hannah) and love that we have created some special traditions over the years. I'll mention just one, now, that I think we all three can agree we enjoy very much! It actually happens in November, typically the same week as Thanksgiving. It can be a little challenging hosting a Thanksgiving dinner the same week and packing our van with all the things medically necessary to travel with Hannah, but we continue to do it every year. We've made so many good memories in doing this. And what is it you ask? We go to Auburn's Downtown Christmas Parade! Yay!!!! 🎄

     Hannah will be donned in a Christmas-themed sweater or sweatshirt, warm fleece pants, and some sort of festive socks for the occasion. She and I also enjoy picking out knit hats to wear from our special collection. I personally like the "Cat Hat" that has a thing you squeeze and a cat tail flies up in the back. Cracks me up every time! Oh, by-the-way, Hannah's favorite caterpillar plushie, known as WORMY, also gets to wear a hat! 

 

     In preparation before leaving, Hannah and I put on a crockpot full of sweet and creamy hot chocolate that will simmer on low to enjoy when we get back home. On this night, we also drop off hats, gloves, and scarves at our local library for their Giving Tree. Another fun part of heading out on this special evening is that our friend, Clara, will have all her lights and Christmas decorations out and we get a special Sneak Peek before the Holiday is even here. And, like Hannah, she loves chocolate and will enjoy the pint of homemade hot chocolate we take her!

     Hannah helps me pick out Christmas storybooks to take along to read in the van while we wait for the parade to start. Andy will find our usual spot on Main Street and position the van so Hannah can see out the large side windows. He'll also tune in some Christmas music for our listening pleasure. 

     Besides the floats, horse-drawn wagons, dance groups, firetrucks, cars, choirs and bands, we all wait expectantly for the white bearded man in red and his wife, Mrs. Claus at the very end of the parade. Immediately following the parade and to wrap up the night, all of the community meets for "The Lighting of Frosty" in Courtyard Park. It is a 40'x30' display mounted on a building downtown. It's fun to hear everyone shout out, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2.........ONE! 

     I'm sure you can see why this is s beloved Family tradition and holds a special place in our hearts. ❤

Season's Greetings and many Blessings to you All!

Cultivating Gratitude "A Place I visit that Inspires me"

I pondered this question for about two seconds. Without a doubt, one of my favorite places that inspires me is in my hometown. The Eckhart Public Library ❤  The cornerstone was laid in 1910, with the building completed and dedicated in 1911. The landmark is a charming Bungalow/American Craftsman design, gable roof, round arched windows, and a raised basement faced with Indiana Bedford limestone.

My favorite feature is located on the west side of the property donated by Charles Eckhart. A beautiful fountain that was added in 1918. So many visits over the years that started when I was just a child. I'm thankful my Mom took my sister, Ang, and me. The library was close to both the elementary schools Sis and I attended, so sometimes our teachers would take the entire classroom for a visit. The library definitely sparked my interest in reading and now, many years later, in writing. I have been known to refer to the library, fountain, and beautiful park as an "Old Friend."

Photo credit - Me:)..... August 2025

It's a place you can rest your weary bones on one of the metal benches encircling the outdoor fountain and delight in the beauty of the native plants and flowers, watch the variety of birds and butterflies they attract, and the occasional curious squirrel. The sound of the water fountain is peaceful and calming.

Photo credit - Me :) ..... taken 2014

I can call to mind the familiar smell of the books from back in the day and hear the librarian as she would stamp the due date on a card in the back of each book. Everything now modernized, I still could look up a book in the card catalog if I had to (wink.) Beautiful woodwork, a fireplace, and stained glass windows. Not to mention, all of the stunning artwork on display.

This historic library holds a special place in my heart. ❤

* a watercolor I recently did of my favorite place