Tender Feelings

It's been a very long day today but one that has filled me with deep tenderness towards my children. We threw a baby shower for Gillian up here in Elk Ridge inviting her family members and friends from Elk Ridge. I woke up at 5:15 a.m. to start getting things done for the day. Because I wasn't asleep just before sunrise, I was able to catch this gorgeous picture and I knew it would be a great day. As the shower began, I watched my daughters and daughters-in-law work together to honor Gillian. All of these young women are deeply talented. I had no worries that this shower would be a dud. They all just seem to know how to put things together with class and style. I love every one of my children and their spouses. I keep wondering how I am so lucky to know so many beautiful people. Gillian was gracious and excited with every single gift. It has been so fun to watch her go through this pregnancy with such amazement and wonder. I never get tired of the coming of new children to this earth. I feel deeply blessed to have so many children and so many grandchildren.

And so as the day progressed, it became time to get Ammon ready to go on his first date with our next door neighbor, Shelby Lane. They have been good friends for a long time. She used to work with him as a respite caregiver. She decided to invite him to the Sweethearts dance at the high school. Her mother called and talked to Jim first to make sure it would be ok with us. Ammon has been excited but not overly giddy. I asked him tonight if he was nervous. He said, 'No, no I'm not. I've been to my school dances before." Well, this is a high school dance and will be far different than his school dances after school. But he loves to get his groove on and do the boogey and I have a feeling that he will have the time of his life.

Here he is, all spoofed up, handsome as ever.

Here is Shelby in a beautiful dress with a great big smile on her face.

Shelby's sister, Jeralyn invited her younger brother, Chance to go with her to the dance so it's a Lane party. they all looked beautiful and handsome. What a great family and how sweet of them to think about Ammon. This family is full of heart. They do great things for others all the time.

As they left for the dance, the tender feelings flooded through me. My youngest has gone on a date. I didn't know if he ever would and I don't know if he will again. My desires for him are no different than the desires I had for my other children. I want him to have great social experiences. I want people to get to know him well enough that they are not afraid to spend time with him or take him places. I want him to have hope for his future. It is difficult to imagine what his future will be like but hope carries me a long way. I worry about what will happen to him after his parents are gone. I worry about the hope this might give Ammon and whether or not the hopes will be dashed. But how can his hopes be dashed? He's so enthusiastic and loving that surely that will carry him through. Will it? I was hesitant to send him tonight because of expectations on his part for the future. Shouldn't he have expectations? Why shouldn't he? Of course he should! I think we are in for continuing adventures with this young man. Why am I crying tonight? Jim and I are finally alone for a couple of hours. For two or three hours we are truly empty nesters.... and that's good, isn't it?