Ned, Kathy and others,

Your description of relying on your parents is a comforting one. You were
fortunate. I'm not knocking my parents at all. My dad is a powerhouse of
persistence, he is like that Energizer Bunny and keeps on going. I remember
times in our family business I'd likely had cashed it all in and gave up,
but he didn't he kept right on going, I also see this in his life in other
ways. And I have, in a few times past, confided in him in weak moments, but
generally that was not the case. Perhaps it was more my issue of simpley
not sharing rather than his lack   of willingness to listen and etc., in
fact, now that I think of it, I believe that is the case. My mom is of
course quick to justify any situation I'm in, but that isn't what is needed
much of the time. For instance this past weekend when visiting family. I
spent the majority of my time at my parents as my mom's health has
prevented them from traveling out here for visits so I see them less than
my in-laws as a whole. I was making comment of how when my kids were
younger, I would never go to there school functions, or events with them,
but rather stayed home, usually working, or whatever, and my wife was
always the lone wolf as other husbands were at these events, but her's was
not. That of course changed since then, but there was a stretch of time I
was so involved in my own thing I didn't attend. My mom then is quick to
say... "Well it is your vision, how can you be expected to go with your
vision?". I simply said, that has got nothing to do with it nor is it an
excuse and left it at that. What would have been more appreciative is an
honest answer of... "Well we learn from our mistakes and it's good you now
learned family is more important than other things". My mom is also not one
to talk on the phone much, similar to Kathy's dad, although she surprises
me sometimes and will do so. I'm fortunate to have both parents yet and
know one day I will not, which is also partly why we returned from Texas to
Wisconsin.

Brad

Ned Benton wrote:
>Kathy,
>I can identify with your Lizzie.  My mom and dad both died and were promoted
>to heaven, my dad in 1981 and my mom in 1989.  I loved my dad and was
>blessed to have a part in leading him to the Lord but my mother and I wre
>very close all my life.  I still miss them both.  Often, I get very homesick
>to see them and especially my mom.  Always, whne I was down, under pressure
>or just needed someone I would call my mom.  No matter what the problem, it
>just seemed to go away or to lighten up when I talked to my mom.  It wasn'at
>that she offered advise or that she supported in whatever situation, no, it
>was just the sound of her voice: just talking to her that made the
>difference.  When those times come now, I think, "If only I could call
>Mamma".
>Why can't we long to hear the voice of God like we long to hear the voices
>of our loved ones?  We can!  Let's do it!
>
>Ned

Brad

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