A Denver Merry Christmas

I thought Denver was a sure bet for a snowy Christmas. It has dawned bright and sunny this morning. It will make for a nice driving day. Don't get me wrong, snow still thrills me, but when you are road warriors, clear and dry is best. I know all of you back home are growing weary of the snow. Hang in there. Oh, speaking of snow, since I am now in the market for a car (so sad Kelly gets mine with his 5 new shoes), please keep an eye out for a used, AWD, low mile car.

Thank you to all of you who text and call along the way. You don't know how much we enjoy hearing from you. Don't worry, Tracy, we don't allow texting or talking on the phone while driving. Robby is the (self-appointed) car PR person who answers all texts and calls for the driver. When I don't drive and sit in the back, those two get quiet in the front. They listen in on my conversations then critique me. I'm used to it. A couple of years ago walking to the car at the Pass, those two were already sitting in it. Their observation, "You carry your skis like a lesbian," has haunted me ever since. Sometimes, it's not so much critcism as mocking. I'll hang up and one of them will start repeating what I said into the phone. Their defense? We're only trying to help.

This day, I want to scream from the rooftops how lucky I am to have the life I have because of you all. We are on the 33rd floor, so I could, if I wanted to, shout it to Denver. Here are some examples.

Yesterday, just outside of Laramie, there was a message on the phone from Jeff Rashoff, mechanic and friend, asking how the car was doing and how we were doing. How many people would do that? If I were him, I'd change my number and deny knowing us---and I know some of you would too. He's also the one who said he couldn't guarantee Little Black a Honda (remember the children's book by Walter Farley???? That's what Little Black a Honda is named after) could make it to Orlando but he'd come get us. Sorry Jeff, we're past Wyoming...Kansas City here we come!

Suzy Creighton from the coffee shop confessional: sure she sucks at fixing people up (hey, Suzy, define single), but when my car was broken into at Woods Creek last May and my wallet stolen, she came to the school, got my car, vacuumed the broken glass, bought me a new wallet and some gifts, and returned my car to the school. And, she helped me paint my house and forced me to finish it. She had Nick build us scaffolding for the high spots. How nice is that?

When Berkeley got hit by a logging truck, the angels in my life were amazing. Tracy, Darla, Ethan, Danielle...When I had to go to my conference for five days, Danielle and Ethan not only house sat, they cleaned the house, took the dogs for "makeovers", and took care of Berkeley giving him his six medications, blending his food so he could eat it, and even cleaned his bottom braces....amazing.

When Teena moved away and got a duplex so her parents could live next door, Kelli B said she and Steve would add an apartment on for me. (How's that coming along?) Also, Steve is one of the "can-do" men who help out like bringing me my French doors etc. (that didn't fit) Nick Creighton, Mike Elliot are in the same league and all wish their wives had never met me because their wives volunteer them to help me out.

Pass People: Eadie, Louie, Laurie, ski patrol dentist...my second job with more people who make my life rich. Eadie went from being Jill's mom to a dear friend / boss at the Pass. Eadie and Louie are a hoot to work for. Louie lets me pretend I am ongoing employee- of- the -month if- we- had- one. I spend more time with Laurie at the Pass than I do at WPHS. :)

At school is my second family. Elyssa and Shanna so friendly to me in the dist. office and making me laugh, Jim helping me make my gates and encouraging me in my power-tool prowess, Kelli and Trina keeping me company on Sundays...so many lights. And then there is the SSPLC who when I am sad remind me that there is plastic recycling at the dump in Morton. Darlin' Darla, thanks for knowing all my faults and loving me anyway.

Cousin Cris, who bridges family (cousin) and work (Dean of Students) shares my home during the week and is the resident handy-man. And Cris got me a great Christmas gift: a counter-top composter! I know Nick Crieghton, Mike Elliot, Tod Garred, and Steve Bloomstrom breathed a big sigh of relief with this arrangement. It's so nice to have someone to talk to and build the fire and have it going when I get home :) Tracy...there are no words to describe what she means to me. She has sacrificed for me. She is my rock. And if it weren't for Tracy, we'd still be in Boise, Idaho. She is the planner. She loves Berkeley, my children, and me which on any given day is not easy.

Tyler. "Bet you never thought I'd be the good one." He's right. I remember in a weak moment when he was in high school, I said, "I just wish once I didn't have to use Tyler and bitter disappointment in the same sentence." I think it may have been the night the police showed up to the basketball game to arrest Tyler for stealing gas...(just a big misunderstanding, but until it was cleared up...) He has become an amazing man in spite of me. He likes to remind me of the time he broke his arm in PE and I had him wait in my classroom until my meeting was over to take him to the doctor (how was I to know it was broken?) , or the time he dislocated shoulder (again, how was I to know it was dislocated) snowboarding, but I was watching Kelly compete in her only event (shot put) at her only home meet, and told him to ask Mrs. Hornby for an aspirin. Then we went to dinner and he kept whining about his shoulder...then we got home and he asked me to help him off with his shirt...ooops...let's go to the emergency room. Now he is engaged to a beautiful girl, owns a home, is a responsible, respected employee, cares about his aunt, sister (not so much), brother Robby, and mom.

Before I end, this session, with a million more people to mention, I need to mention the Walster's. Chris and I have been divorced for almost 20 years. Together we have two wonderful children. But I still feel like I still have something more: two parents and a sister. We did it: we divorced each other but not the families. And even though our divorce has had some rough patches, I count Chris as a friend. When my parents passed away, his parents were there. When I talk to Pat on the phone or Pat and Ray at their home, it's like nothing has changed. It's a testament to their kindness and love and grace.

Enough for now...more later, there are many still to mention. I am blessed. I wish I could give back half of what I get. Merry Christmas---

Keep up the texts, messages, and blog comments. They keep us going.

Peace on your jouneys and we'll pray for traveling mercies.