Family Time

In recording my childhood story, I’m stopping to re-collect the memories. When I look back, I can see the Lord’s hand of mercy in my life – even before I knew His love.

3rd & 4th grade brought new adventure – when Dad took a job out of state. This Texas family {through and through} was headed for Arizona! Flagstaff, that is. I can still remember when we drove into the mountain town. It’s beauty and splendor offset the fear of the unknown.

Family time was our comfort – since my parents had more time for us. The rich natural resources around us became our playing ground. Dad thrived in the out-of-doors and Mom packed a mean picnic lunch. Most every weekend we set out to explore the new world around us, and I loved every minute of it!! We had no church ‘home’ – so weekends were ours for the taking. However, we also had no spiritual roots – which would eventually leave us vulnerable to life’s trials.

The Grand Canyon was only a day trip for us! We hosted family members, as they trickled in to see our new ‘found’ land. I saw native Indians, in their warrior-clad splendor and visited the ‘ruins’ of their cities. Fresh water creeks, brimming with fish, were our swimming pools and mountain trails were our stomping grounds. Invigorating, fresh mountain air would leave my brother and I wanting for more.

We had record breaking snowfall which us kids saw as a winter wonderland deposited in our front yard. For Mom, it was more snow than she would want to remember. Maybe because it lasted until April …

We lived in a wonderful, creaky, old house with a staircase and a fire place! I had an attic room, slanted ceiling and all.

My teachers were exceptional and I prospered in school (a first!). Mrs. Langley read aloud to us in the afternoons (also a first!). My classmates would laugh out loud, when she read ‘Pippie Longstocking’. The next year my teacher taught us to appreciate poetry. My poem entitled ‘Snow‘ (a familiar topic that year) won an award! (another first)

I’m sure all the outings were a great deal of work for Mom and Dad may have had pressures at work. My brother was even suffering physically. But, they kept family time separate from ‘adult’ problems and I thank them for that. In our innocence, my brother and I savored the picnics and outdoor adventures with our family of four. We had no idea the outside world was pressing in on us.

I can still remember the majestic sight of seeing clouds hover within the Grand Canyon from above. My dream vacation, for our family, is to watch our kids see first hand – this indescribable work of our Creator.

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Tagged as: Family, middle years, move, picnic