Seems only a few months ago that everyone was writing about and talking about how bad things were going to be when our computer programs failed in the year 2000. Of course, we all worried about something that didn’t happen. In fact, as I reflected today, the year 2000 was a great year for us — I retired after 32 years of teaching, we went to Europe with 8 other wonderful friends for three weeks, and our grandchildren (with their parents) moved much closer to us.

All of these thoughts came to me as I drove in a wonderful August rain to pick up our grandkids about 25 minutes away from our house. Since school starts next Monday, it’s great to have them with us a few more days whenever possible. On the way back to our house, I told them to be on the “lookout” for some big rocks on the side of the road — to be put upon the top of each grandchild’s head to stop their growth! They always heave a BIG sigh when I tell them this.

Where have these past five years gone? Many events have occurred in our family — mostly blessings. Just a few:

• Terry also retired — for the second time
• Randy and Kelby received teacher certifications and taught
• Melissa finished classes and received her registered nursing license
• Keegan starts fifth grade next week
• Brielle starts third grade next week
• McKenna starts K next week
• Kelby became an Austin firefighter–after a decade of trying
• Daddy passed away, peacefully, after months of struggle trying to breathe
• Terry’s Mom settled in with his sister in Illinois
• Randy, Melissa, and her family went on an Alaskan cruise
• Aunt Mary passed away — my hero
• Five more years of continued good friendship, travels, and fun times with Ann, Nick, Paula, and Tom
• A business was formed (Samtiques) from our hobbies and interests
• Several surgeries and followup treatment for skin cancer has been effective
• Terry’s Aunt Macky passed away in Illinois.
• Purchased a small RV and have traveled West to Arizona, East to New England area, North to Niagara Falls and Canada, and South to San Antonio.
• Quilting has entered my life of leisure
• Did I mention I retired?

Yes, life after Y2K has been very good, except for the loss of our loved ones.

Our grandson MADE OUR DAY today! Melissa shared with us a comment that she overheard him make to his friend, Hayden, while they were in the car on the way to our house. They had been to Target finishing up school supply purchases, and Keegan mentioned going to his grandparent’s house. Hayden repeated, “We’re going to your grandparent’s house?” . . . (as in “that doesn’t sound like any fun”). Keegan responded, “yes, but they are really cool, you’ll like them.”

You can’t imagine how that made our hearts swell upon hearing that!

As a business teacher for 32 years, one of my personal goals each day I went into the classroom was to “Make A Difference.”

In today’s email, I received this poem and would like to share with all:

MAKE A DIFFERENCE
by Debbie Preuss

Lord, help me make a difference
In someone’s life today.
May I always be alert
As I go on my way.
May I reach out in love
To point the way to you;
Showing Your direction
When this life is like a zoo.
May fear never be a reason
For me to shrink away.
May I always feel free
To say “come on let’s pray.”
May I be a beacon
Shining brightly in the night;
Radiating joy and mercy,
Shining forth Your light.
May I always be alert
As I go on my way.
Lord, help me make a difference
In someone’s life today.

We might not ever know the “difference” we made in someone’s life, and many times it might happen with just an expression or one word.

STAN night — it was Ann’s pick. Spaghetti Warehouse was our destination because she had a birthday letter from them worth a nice meal. Our SW is located downtown — where parking is a premium even on a Monday evening. There are several nice restaurants in the same area and most of those offer valet parking. Across the street from and in back of SW are two parking lots, but each one had a well-made sign: “Parking $5.00.” We lucked out just a block away at a parking meter — free after 5:00 pm. Now, this empty space was on the far left of a one-way street, and we were on the far right lane as we passed it by. Nick spotted it and “spoke” to our driver, Ann, about grabbing that one! So, Ann scooted over to the far left lane, but by this time we were about 5-6 parking spaces past the empty one. No worry, Ann CAN put that minivan in reverse as good as any soccer mom. We only had to stop once when a car coming up behind us in the far left lane interferred with our bi-directional vehicle. That driver finally went around us — think we may have received a kind gesture from him. Ann parallel parked us and we were only a block from good food — closer if we walked through an alley, which we did. Our noses later told us that was a mistake — but it was a safe shortcut, and it was daylight. SW was very good tonight, and our waiter even entertained us with some “contact juggling” — first with the empty Sangria wine bottle at our table and second with a small crystal ball. He was quite good. We all agreed that our walk back to the car would be around the block, the long way home. What pleased us the most as we left the restaurant were all of the rain puddles and the sprinkles still coming down upon us — such a blessing to have rain here in August!

It’s Saturday and — just like all the week days of a retired person’s life — so, why the hurry about getting out of bed early? “Early” means some time before 9 am — if for no other reason to stay in bed, it feels great to turn over and think about all the non-retirees on the road heading for work.

However, this beautiful Saturday morning, BEFORE sunrise, my dear husband of 40 years got out of bed and wrestled me out as well. He had made plans with a clock buddy, Dan, to meet at our house at 6:30 a.m. and ride to Wimberley for Market Days. Now, I love flea markets and antique shows, but this was asking quite a bit of me, I thought. However, once I got some coffee, showered, and dressed — it wasn’t too bad at that time of morning. And . . . I WAS in the back seat of the car for the 30 minute trip to Wimberley, so my eyelids could check for light leaks without anyone noticing.

Wimberley Market Days has certainly grown since the last time we were there — the advertised “free” event becomes a $5 event if you wish to park within walking distance to the treasures for sale. The gates open at 6 am and believe this: we certainly were not among the early bird arrivals. With our sunscreen on, our full water bottles in hand, and our hats in place, we started our August Market Days treasure hunt. Terry and Dan were scouting for clocks or related items. I was not looking for anything in particular, because I’m broke! But, as always, whenever I do spot a bargain (especially for Samtiques) and look up at Terry with sad eyes, he bails me out. So, it was and I came home with a jar of buttons (vintage, that is), a punch bowl set (because the bowl would be great for banana pudding), and two art deco photo frames. The guys did find a good deal on three clocks, so we were all smiling as we headed for the parking lot before 11 am.

Lunch or breakfast at 10:55? Big decision! “Breakfast” won out. Of course, it was still perfectly all right to have a big waffle cone of Blue Bell ice cream afterwards. My favorite flavor now is “Chocolate Covered Cherry” — oh, it’s wonderful.

Made another stop in Wimberley — a new building that contains several shops. I returned to Unique Antiques to look at the old French upright piano again and to check for more estate jewelry that “a little old lady from Pasadena Houston” brings in on consignment. Terry and Dan headed upstairs to Hill Country Guitars, where Cousin Dale bought his Collings guitar and we bought Randy’s guitar last week. Learned that Dan plays a bass guitar and enjoyed looking at the group of old goodies for sale. Also, we were reminded about “don’t throw ANYTHING away.” Old amplifiers are sought out and bring big bucks — especially, of course, Fender brands — as in thousands of dollars.

Home again about 3:30 and the guys disappeared to the clock shop. I disappeared to the grocery store and Wal-Mart for a couple of hours. Enjoyed some rain on me and the car while out and about, but upon return to the house sadly saw dry grass and thirsty flowers.

Sunset and the guys are still working on some clock repairs. Dan brought one of his from home that needed work and asked Terry to help him. About 9 pm they came home for a home-cooked meal (yes, that’s right! — so, there goes my reputation) and then back to the shop for another hour.

Today, for the first time in a LONG time, we saw the sunrise and the sunset — and you know what, maybe we should do that more often. God’s beauty should not be missed!