Can't Stop This Train

My heart goes out to those of you who have lost your parents or had a less than desirable childhood.  I consider myself very fortunate to have had a healthy childhood with two loving parents who raised me the best they could.  Growing up, it seemed all my friends lived in single parent or blended family homes!  It saddens me to think this is the norm. 

I'm going to be 45 next week, and to this day I still need my Mommy and Daddy!  Life keeps chugging along and I feel I can't keep up with it sometimes.  I tend to be a nostalgic person, wanting to hang on to the past in some way or another.  I am extremely grateful for the way I was raised and have fond memories of life at home.

A couple days ago I got to take Andrew to my Mom and Dad's house on Vashon Island.  It was like going home again.  Here's my beach:

During our visit, we talked about their parents, my grandparents, and what loving people they were.  I can't stomach the thought of my own parents passing on.  I pray they have at least 20 more years!  What a blessing they are to my son too!

John Mayer states this well in his song, "Stop This Train,"

     Don't know how else to say it
     I don't want to see my parents go
     One generations length away
     From fighting life out on my own

     Stop this train
     I want to get off
     And go home again
     I can't take the speed it's moving in
     I know I can't
     But honestly, won't someone stop this train?

I want every moment I spend with them to be rich and meaningful.

In my nostalgic state of mind, I decided to post my pcitures in black and white.  :)

We used to pass our time on the ferry playing "Uno" at these tables.

Approaching the Tahlequah Ferry Dock on the south end of the island.

The welcome sign upon arrival.  ;^)

And another shot of our beach, with a flock of birds flying by.

It was a wonderful, peaceful day!  I will miss this place terribly.  The Lord and I have had some great talks there.  Much of my heart holds dearly to this beach.

Of course we hunted for Sea Glass while we were there!  Andrew has developed this love of the hunt as well, and is really good at it!  He found a couple great pieces on this trip.  My Mom and I joined him, and together found a great collection of treasures.  We take a seat on some driftwood and sift through the rocks, hoping for that unique treasure to catch our eye.

I may post a picture of our latest loot next time so you can see what it is we look for.

Thanks for joining me on this trip!  The train keeps moving, but I'll enjoy life along the way.  I am thankful the Lord holds me in His hands and in His sovereign care.  Until the next adventure...