Joys of Love

It is beautiful as the gentle white snow falls quietly on this early December morn. A reminder that we must slow down and not race around today. I have so many people to see and so much to do in the few days I am in Chicago and this gift of nature will give me the opportunity to simplify some of my grandiose adventure.

I am in Mundelein IL, with my beautiful extended family the Mellons.

Laura, in her mid forties, was my daughter Abby's first baby sitter in Evanston IL. Laura was 11 and Abby was 6 months.

Last night we listened to Christmas carols and semi-decorated the tree. Actually Mallory, the Mellons adopted daughter who is now 11, and John the man of the house put some lights on the top quarter of the tree.

Mallory is truly an inspiration to illustrate the power of love. She is the biological daughter of Laura's sister Carol, who lived a life of drug and alcohol addictions.

Mallory was born premature with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and after a few months was placed with her maternal grandparents Mary and Bob Wadsworth (another story of love) until she became part of the Mellon family in 1995. This beautiful child, with her special needs, has blossomed into a magnificent being. She has met and moved through many challenges. This is truly the work of love from her parents and grandparents and all those who meet Mallory.

As soon as I figure out how to scan a picture of her I will post it.

The Mellons also have Liam who is 10. What a joy and delight. He is in the gifted program in school and continues to amaze us with his brilliance. He taught himself to divide during summer vacation when he was 6. Just an example. In addition to this gift of brilliance, Liam has a great sense of humor and is a delight to be with. He also is an awesome normal kid.

Laura has been an inspiration in my life as well as a fabulous support and truly a bright shining soul. To celebrate my 70th birthday, Laura and my other Laura about whom I will write later on this blog, went on 7 roller coasters at six flags. Sometimes in the front row and laughed so hard people thought we were crazy. Which of course we are.

These connections are sacred to me and keep me young, vibrant and happy to be alive.

I wish you all the connections of love I find in my extended families.

The Great Adventure

There are not enough words in my vocabulary to describe the most incredible experience I have had in South Africa for the past three weeks.

It was worth more than any college education or any amount of software.

I learned about humanity

I learned about humility

I learned about racism

I learned about unconditional love

I learned about oppression

I learned about freedom

I learned about beauty

I learned about ugliness

I learned about total poverty

I learned about wealth

I learned about ubuntu

I learned about anger

I learned about forgiveness

I learned about corruption in government

I learned about generous hearts beyond imagination

I learned about SOUL

These are simply a few samples of what I learned and when I get the pictures to go with them it will be clearer.

Packing

Well the adventure of packing for a three week trip to Cape Town SA has taken over my whole bed.

I am so tired and can't go to sleep because there is no room.

Fortunately I was able to solve one big problem about shoes. I finally found the quintessential shoe for the trip. A pair of NAOT sandles that are totally FAB.

that takes the total of 13 pairs of shoes to 3.

Getting ready for a great adventure

Welcome to my blog. I am getting very excited and totally chaotic about my preparation for my trip to South Africa. I leave tomorrow and have about enough clothes for 6 years in case it snows or rains or the sun shines or it doesn't.

More later as I sort through all my feelings. Just wanted to get something on this new adventure of blogging.

Happy Day

Have a happy day. Hope this becomes easier as I move through my blogging life.

First Post

Welcome to my blog. I am getting very excited and totally chaotic about my preparation for my trip to South Africa. I leave tomorrow and have about enough clothes for 6 years in case it snows. pr rains or the sun shines or it doesn't.

More later as I sort through all my feelings. Just wanted to get something on this new adventure of blogging.