Childhood Reflections

The top photo is me at sixteen. The bottom is a fairly recent pic of my mom and dad.

I have so much to be thankful for. When I look back on my childhood, I think of all we had and I never knew. I have a mom who still to this day irons my daddy's shirt every morning for work or church. We ate dinner that my mom prepared together every night at the table and said grace before every meal, the whole family. Tommy and I didn't know there was any other way to eat. Daddy has always worked so hard and his hands show it. He has the hands of Goliath, big and strong and mysterious.... yet gentle enough to hold and comfort his baby girl. We didn't have everything we wanted, but we had more than we ever needed. When we were really little daddy worked multiple jobs to make sure we had all we needed. He even sold his fancy pickup so that we could get a better house in a better neighborhood with a better school. My parents have never been crazy about credit. They basically have always taught us that if you can't pay cash, you can't afford it... and to save for a rainy day. They have that old school mentality that seems to be sadly unappreciated these days. I think everything they own is bought and paid for. We were in church three times a week. I never imagined that it was optional for folks because we did it like breathing. I can't fathom having done any differently. Thanks to my parents and the church I have a very strong spiritual life, and I can quote an immense amount of scripture that brings me so much comfort. I was never fearful of my mom and dad splitting up. I have friends who discussed that childhood fear, but I felt sure that mine would always be together. Since Tommy and I have grown up and left it seems as if mom and dad are more in love than ever. He refers to her as his "bride", and it makes my heart sing to hear it. There is nothing better than knowing that after all these years, they never stopped loving each other. My mom won over my dad with her mad cooking skills... pinto beans in the crock pot. I never have gotten the recipe but I need to put it on my to-do list. Tommy was so protective over me. He once got in a fight with a neighbor boy who cussed in front of me. He warned him first, but the kid didn't listen. The guys seemed to like me so Tommy was always extra protective. I remember when we went on a trip to Canada for choir, he caught me being flirtatious with this guy that was a senior, I was a freshman. He didn't like and made me come and sit next to him! I was mad at the time but looking back I wish I would've done less pouting and more hanging out with my brother. Tommy has the most beautiful wife, Chanda. They were high school sweethearts. She kinda looks like an even mixture of Julia Roberts and Kyra Sedgwick rolled into one. I am so glad Tommy has her. She really gets him and for a guy who is just like daddy (the strong, silent type) that isn't an easy task. My mom, dad and brother spend their days together, doing locksmith work for their community. My great-grandad, grandad "Papaw", grandmother "Granny", my daddy, my uncle and my brother have done lock work for the area for what seems like forever. You can even mention my great-granddad's nickname, "Keyhole Miller", in public and most know exactly who you mean. He was kinda notorious for a few service calls he did. Some days I wish I was back at home with them all, but I think of all I have here. Florida had me at my worst and I still intend for my best to be seen here. I found love in Florida and I have a great job and wonderful employers. I know that one day the Navy will call us to leave, but wherever life takes me I will have the love and support of my family and my handsome sailor by my side.