O Happy Day!

I'm such a sucker for music! Music has been such a joyful part of my life since I was a child, and church (sacred) music has been a HUGE part of that. Alerted by my co-grandparent-friends who sing in the choir at our church that there would be some gospel doin's today, I went to worship in happy anticipation of what we would experience. I wasn't disappointed! We had a guest singer--an African American woman who could sing gospel with the best--accompanied by our choir, a piano, drums, and guitar. There were at least three numbers with that combination, the last of which was supposed to be a recessional--getting people out of the sanctuary--but no one would leave! They were singing "O Happy Day"--a rousing favorite of mine. No way was I going to leave and miss that!! I actually considered skipping Sunday School so I could experience it over again in the next service, but a cooler head prevailed. The service was so joyous, I almost forgot to cry (but still managed to do that during prayer). If I had never been a part of excellent music programs, perhaps I would not be so quick to brag...but the fact is that I have experienced great ones and not so great ones. I do know the difference. We are so blessed at Plainfield United Methodist Church with inspired directors and willing musicians who give worship so much more meaning for the likes of me!

When I got home from church, I was online with my daughter who told me her mother-in-law's flight number so I could track it on the Internet. Luda Shchepetov was flying in from Russia today, having not seen her son (my new son-in-law) for two years. She flew from St. Petersburg to Paris, then from Paris to the US via a hugely roundabout route that went straight north from France over the Atlantic (presumably to miss the volcanic ask cloud from Iceland), up into the Arctic Circle--way north in Canada--then down through Canada to the US. When the flight finally landed in San Francisco, I called Megan to tell her. They were en route to SF at the time. Luda still had to go through customs before she could even see her son and daughter-in-law. I suspect she will be a very tired lady for a few days. She'll be in California for a month before returning to Russia.

I admit to some lonely moments today. It's Mother's Day, after all...and I can't remember ever having to endure one without my daughter since she was born 31 years ago. I wasn't neglected, however. Meg has a Creative Memories published scrapbook coming my way, which I got to view online this morning. These books aren't cheap but are wonderful mementos of good times. I look forward to having it in my clutches.

I think the happiest Mother's Day I ever had was one when Robin was a crawler. Megan was pregnant with Ryan and was working at the golf course clubhouse that morning. She didn't know I was coming, but I brought her a McDonald's breakfast and a maternity shorts outfit. I was so in love with being a grandmother that I just totally enjoyed being there with my baby Robin and my unborn grandson...and my daughter. I do think she appreciated it, and I loved doing it. The rest is history...

What else did I do today? Laundry, mostly. (Funny how laundry used to be a HUGE deal over the weekends, but now that I am all alone again, I do maybe four loads a week.) Getting ready to gear up for the Dayton Hamvention next weekend. I have a radio club meeting tomorrow evening. I can't believe that it has been almost a year since I retired! Much of the year was lost in a horrible depression over things at home. I am better. Not great, but better. I have asked the Good Lord to let me live long enough to get this mess at home done so I am not embarrassed posthumously!

Happy Mother's Day to those of you who are mothers and might read this. There is a special place in Heaven for mothers!