Is It Still Lent?

I'm really not even sure what month or day it is, but I'm pretty sure that it's still lent and I'm way behind on my letters. I think I'm ahead on life though so I guess that's the main idea anyway.

My ankle is starting to feel stronger, I think. I've slept some better the last couple of nights. The Cincinnati Reds won their opening day game for Will. The Final Four tickets that Will sold to Cathy's daughter, Kristin, actually arrived in time. . . and today the sun was shining in Murray, where I'm spending the weekend with Cathy to sort of help out with her grandkids, Ben and Cate.

After the last 24 hours, I'm beginning to realize why God did not create 48 year old women to be mothers of young children. I'm exhausted, but in a sort of good way.

As I was swinging Ben at the park this morning, I was reminded how lucky I am to spend most of my days with children. . . so here's a generic, but very heartfelt letter.

To All of the Kids that have been part of my life:

Thanks to all of you for the hugs and pats. Thanks for the letters that you write telling me I'm pretty and smart and cool. Thank you for letting me share in your excitement on the first warm day of Spring as we go to recess with a brand new kickball.

Thank you for teaching me that a simple, "Will you be my friend?" can be the start of a beautiful thing.
Thanks for all of the questions and the big dreams. Thank you for being outraged at injustice and building stick houses for caterpillars.

Thanks for the Valentine's and 2-inch high school pictures. Thanks for thinking that eating lunch with me is a reward and not a consequence.

Thanks for caring about the illness and death of a class hamster and for really believing that you can save the earth.

Thanks for trusting me enough to share your secrets and pain. Thank you for spending your time and energy with me, for being so free with your love. You have saved me in so many ways.

Thank you.