Debbie Macomber's Blog, page 29

Taking on the World

Recently, I was able to attend our oldest granddaughter's graduation from college where Jazmine has completed a course of study to become a dental assistant.  It seemed impossible that just a year ago Jazz graduated from high school.  At nineteen she's ready to take on the world.  I'm sure many of us can identify with that feeling of confidence and adventure, convinced we have what it takes.  And while we might be older and wiser, I'm fairly confident we still have that feeling.  I, for one, feel I do because life is still an adventure and a joy.  

Remembering...

As a kid I can remember the big Memorial Day parade in Yakima, Washington. My father, a WWII veteran, was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a vocal advocate for veterans. Dad rarely spoke of his war experiences. In fact it wasn't until our son, Ted, became an Airborne Ranger that I learned that my father had been a German POW. Every Memorial Day Dad proudly marched with his friends carrying the American flag. He would be the first one to say God Bless America. Today let us all remember those who served us so honorably and sacrificed so much for the very freedoms we enjoy.

Love at First Sight

I am blessed nine times over with grandchildren. Jazmine Lynn is the oldest grandchild and the day she was born my entire life's focus changed. Our daughter, Jody, was pregnant and we watched as her belly grew and helped her gather the necessary items for the baby's arrival. While we were happy and excited for her, there was a certain distance. Then Jazmine was born and I was in the delivery room. The baby, just minutes old, turned her head and looked directly at me. Our eyes connected and I swear I actually felt as if she sank hooks into my heart. In that moment I recognized that I was going to love this child. I mean love this child with my entire being, heart and soul. She was the first but I've experienced that same feeling eight additional times.

My Mother

My mother died over ten years ago now but not a day passes that I don't think of her for one reason or another. There's a strong bond between a mother and daughter, a mother and her child. I couldn't help but think of my mom this last Sunday on Mother's Day. I heard from each one of my children who lovingly sent me cards and greetings and promises for when their father and I return to Washington. And I spoke to my own mother, too. "Hey, Mom, I miss you every single day. You were the best ever. Thank you for everything you taught me, for encouraging me and inspiring me. For loving me. Love you forever and ever."

A Spicy Cinco de Mayo

My Dad once insisted that I must have Latin blood in me because of how much I enjoy spicy food— in particular, Mexican salsa. For me, the spicier the better. In fact, Wayne often shakes his head and says, "Debbie, Debbie, Debbie, food is not supposed to hurt." I disagree. I love all the different flavorful variations.

Today is Cinco de Mayo, the day we celebrate with our neighbors to the south on their independence day. We should all thank them for the culinary delights they have shared with us— especially the salsa.

My Prayer for You

Today is the National Day of Prayer. For the last fifteen or twenty years I've kept a Prayer Journal. When I'm feeling negative or depressed all I need to do is pick up one of those journals and leaf through a few pages. It doesn't take long for me to feel emotionally and spiritually uplifted. As I read through my prayers I am left in awe by God's goodness to me and to my family. He hasn't answered all my prayers the way I'd expected or hoped, but I've come to believe His picture of the future is far bigger than my own limited vision.

On this special day of prayer I would like to say a small prayer for each one of you: May God bless you and keep you and may you remain in the shelter of His arms as you go about your day. May you be blessed by your family and by the work of your hands. May your heart and your life be open to God's love for the special person He created you to be. Amen.

A Clean Slate

For those of you who have followed my career and taken notice of my publicity photos, you might have noticed something about me.  Like most women, my weight fluctuates up and down, sideways and edgewise. Because I am in the public eye, I worry about my appearance.  All too often I would gauge my day by what the scale had to say.  But with spring and renewal, I am worrying no more.  Every day is a fresh new beginning, a clean slate, and for that I am most grateful.  I invite you to join me in thinking positively and being kind to yourself.

The Hills Are Alive...

I think just about everyone is ready for spring this year. I know I am. There's tremendous promise in spring; new beginnings, (new diets) a sense of hope. Over the years I've noticed how I change with the seasons, too. It's more than my choice of clothing or activities, it's my attitude as well. In winter I'm more contemplative, working on goals; in summer more physically active, reaching out to friends and relatives; in autumn I seem to focus on family; and in spring I want to throw open my arms and twirl around like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. Join me, won't you? Toss your arms wide and welcome spring!

My Favorite Blossom Street Character

One question I'm often asked regarding my Blossom Street series has to do with the characters: Am I partial to any one particular character I've introduced over the years? Of the several ongoing characters, the one who has touched my heart the most is Lydia. I've seen several of my friends valiantly battle cancer and wanted to create a character that showed the same determination as I saw in them. They refused to let a disease define their lives. Lydia has dealt with cancer twice in her life and there is no guarantee she won't need to face the beast again. That doesn't deter her from taking her inheritance and opening a yarn store. That took indomitable spirit and true grit. It was what I saw in my high school friend Judy, in my cousin Karen and in my Florida friend, Melinda.

My Favorite Little Garden

This has been one of the harshest winters in recent memory and spring has never been more welcome. I already have my garden plotted and the tomato plants started. About three or four years ago I had a section of our property cleared and a tall fence placed around it (to keep out the deer) and the grandkids and I planted seeds. The bounty in that tiny space was truly amazing. We harvested the crop and cooked the vegetables ourselves. What fun we had with that little garden. I'm planting far more than vegetable seeds with my grandchildren. I'm planting memories, life lessons and a whole lot more.