Just Some Reflections

A friend from my youth died this past week. She had never been ill, just went to sleep and didn't wake up. It made me stop and think about life, and what I've done with mine. What I continue to do with mine. I went to the funeral home. I didn't see any of our classmates there. That's sad. My mom went to the funeral and most of the people there were friends of my friend's mom or her kids. No classmates. How did we grow so uncaring? So far apart? Or are we just afraid?

I count myself rich in friends. I have long time friends from high school and college. We don't see each other often, but we keep in touch. I have close friends from work. People I can count on if things go wrong. I have long distance friends, I've met on the internet. I have friends I've met through my writing associations. I count each of them as a blessing. So how is it that none of my classmates could set aside time to pay last respects to someone they new? I don't understand.

I hope that someone will remember me. That someone whose life I touched will care. That somehow I will have made a difference to someone. I hope that someone will share a memory with my loved ones when the time comes. Because when all is said and done that's what we are...memories.

Things That Make Life Worth While

My granddaughter had her state gymnastics meet today. She qualified for Silver States at Level 5 in the 7 & 8 year old group. Gold States were Saturday. Let me tell you, I am one proud Granny. Her first event was uneven bars where she brought her daddy off his seat when she scored 9.075. It was a beautiful routine. From there she went to balance beam, she was on her way to another high score when she fell off the beam doing a cartwheel...this has been a problem all year. She will get it. Her score was 8.15, still nothing to cry about. Her third rotation was floor and what a routine it was. You could see she had impressed the judges. She was awarded an 8.95. Finally we went to her best event which is vault. She did everything just right and nailed it for a 9.25 which brought cheers all around. During the medal ceremony she earned a Gold medal for her vault...which was the best in the state for her age. She even beat out the girls on the Gold team. She earned 6th place for both floor and uneven bars. She tied for third with an all-around score of 35.425 her best meet all year. Her two teammates also received medals. Lauren placed 7th on beam, 12th on uneven bars, 14th on floor and 10th all-around with a score of 34.45. Chandler placed 9th on beam, 12th on floor, and 11th all-around with a score of 33.95. Those little girls are outstanding. They cheered for each other and were pleased when each medaled.

They are amazing when you consider that they spend 12 to 16 hours a week in the gym. They will be in third grade in the fall. Their second year at level 5 the competition begins in September. As first year level 5's they did not start competing until January. They will have two state meets next year and will be 16 hours a week in the gym. Twelve hours will no longer be an option. Think of the discipline it takes to do something like that.
On my own personal level, my second book is underway. I have four chapters complete. My goal is to have it go on sale the end of August or first week in September. I have found that I like to write mysteries. So, I will stick with that genre for now. I am not rushing to get this one completed. I have my own mental deadlines, but am not racing a clock as I was in November.