Missing Michigan

We've been back in Arizona for over two weeks now, but I'm still missing Michigan. We had a wonderful vacation visiting family and friends, and perfect weather to compliment it all.
One of my favorite places is the Grand Haven Pier, and this was the first trip we were able to walk on it as a family.
Both Karl and I talked about the possibility of moving back, but I suppose we were just dreaming. I've lived near water pretty much all my life, and I'm finding that I miss it more and more. I also know we both are miserable with the overcast winter skies and the dirty, messy, ugly end of winter. For now, we'll stay put.

Why Michael Phelp's Mom Cries

[NY TIMES Photo of Debbie Phelps]

It's been a lot of fun watching Michael Phelps achieve history, but even more fun watching his mom's reaction to his wins. How can I be so presumptuous as to know why she cries? Of course she's utterly thrilled with having a child win a gold medal in the Olympics, but there is more. I have an ADHD kid. Michael has ADHD as well, and I KNOW the challenges Debbie had. Challenges with a hyper, distractible kid, challenges with schools who may not see the full potential of your child, and challenges with folks who just have a hard time dealing with a child who isn't "normal".

Of course, I'm talking about Carlos. This morning, he drove me insane; just a few minutes after he got out of bed!! He was distracted by the kittens, a toy lying on the floor, seeing the plate as a flying saucer and doing anything and everything but keeping his butt on the chair and eating his orange. When I deal with a distractible, hyper, giddy kid on a daily basis trying to accomplish simple things to get through the day, I get easily frustrated and impatient. Not only is our cute little Carlos ADHD, but he's VERY strong willed and very smart. That all spells T.R.O.U.B.L.E. for a parent. Fifteen minutes after Carlos got up, I told Karl, who knew that Michael was ADHD - " I know EXACTLY why Debbie Phelps cries."

Debbie has already been through similar circumstances to what we're going through with Carlos.
The awesome thing is not only has she seen him overcome his challenges, but she's been watching him become a champion in the world's eyes. This kid who was teased because he looked and acted different has shattered world records.

Even though Carlos may never achieve what Michael Phelps has, it helps me to focus on the future for Carlos and that the daily challenges we have are just temporary. Carlos' destiny may not be greatness in the world's eyes, but it WILL be in God's. He actually has already achieved that in his young years solely because he is God's child.

You go, Michael; and Debbie, I'm crying right along with you!

Deshun Glover - In Memory

While visiting in Michigan, we received horrible news. A friend of Carlos and Vicki, and the son of my friend Mary, died in a tragic accident. Deshun was out on a baseball field, one of his favorite places, helping his older brother's team. A storm was coming, and they were told to clear off the field. Deshun went through a puddle that turned out to be electrified, and in front of his family, baseball friends and spectators, little Deshun was electrocuted. Many tried to get him out of the puddle he was standing in, but the electricity wouldn't let him go, it was so strong. Only Deshun's father, Chuck, running from a distance away, swooped up Deshun like "Superman", as the paper noted. CPR was started with a wooden bat because he was still electrified. He was taken to the hospital, where shortly after, he left this world.

I don't want Deshun's legacy to be about his death, but about his life. He was a friendly little boy who's beautiful smile radiated. He was a good friend, who forgave easily and helped others. Deshun overcame a very difficult beginning with the help of Mary and Chuck. He joined their family close to the time we first met him, and Mary saw to it that all of his challenges were overcome, and Deshun was a willing partner. Deshun tried so hard to be the best he could be, and honestly, he succeeded.

Deshun's legacy - his life, wouldn't be what it was without Mary. His life is a tribute to her, and all the time and encouragement and love she gave. Deshun absolutely couldn't have had a better mother than Mary. God knew what he was doing when He placed Deshun into Chuck and Mary's life, and we also have to trust that He knew what He was doing when he took Deshun. Mary said "God must have needed Deshun more than me." We'll never know WHY, but our lives are all the richer for knowing Deshun, and seeing the true love and devotion of his incredible mother. Thank you, Lord!