I realize my last two blogs were a little heavy, so I want to write about the fun and games of Sabbatical! I also want to mention my service project, so I’ll start there.
Originally, I was supposed to work at my daughter in law’s school. It’s a low income school with kids who are mostly raised by grandparents, so there is little parental support and very few of them volunteer. I thought it would be right up my alley, so I offered to volunteer in her classroom. These plans were made in early 2016, but they changed because our grandson was born in June, and she is still on maternity leave. So, I was talking to a social worker that is heavily involved in the community, and I mentioned that I needed a service project. Her eyes lit up, and she said she had just the opportunity for me. I had the privilege of working with Comfort Keepers and Meals on Wheels to call churches and private schools and encourage them to hold food drives or donate money to feed seniors on the weekends. I found out that 1 in 3 seniors in Lubbock doesn’t have enough to eat on the weekend because Meals on Wheels only delivers during the week. I plan to continue working with Meals on Wheels after Sabbatical is over. Nothing truly enlightening happened during that experience, but it reminded me that I need to serve others. I’ve been out of practice.
Grandkid paradise is the only way I know how to describe the rest of Sabbatical! This summer, 3 of my grandkids moved to Ft Worth from Amarillo. I saw them on a regular basis when they were only 2 hours away, but 4 1/2 hours is another story! An entire month passed without a visit, so, needless to say, when they came for a weekend, I was beside myself. We hung out and ate and laughed and hugged and did what we always do. There is never a dull moment with the Bowyer bunch.
After they went home, I flew to North Carolina to see the other 3 grands. They left Amarillo in 2015, and I have only gotten to visit them one time in the last two years!! So, I planned a long trip to go catch up on hugs and kisses! My oldest daughter also flew out so we could have a little mom-daughters time. Sometimes, I just miss hanging with my girls. When you add husbands and kids to the mix, it changes everything, and I was nostalgic for days gone by.
We helped Melissa, my oldest, live out a bucket list item – visiting Duke University. My son in law, Shane, and my grandson Brennan are crazy Duke basketball fans, so, we went to take pictures and buy souvenirs. We arrived at Cameron Indoor Stadium on a cool Wednesday morning with hopes of catching a glimpse of the iconic gym, but it was locked. We were so sad, but had the privilege of looking at memorabilia from teams past, and soaking up the atmosphere in the foyer. We weren’t there ten minutes when a gentleman walked up to us and asked, “Would you like to go inside?” After we picked ourselves off of the floor, we went in with eyes and mouths wide open. I’m not a Duke fan, but I can appreciate any place where athletic history is made and great athletes are molded. We took dozens of pictures, and admired the beautiful Blue Devil blue color that was found on everything. Another few minutes passed and another gentleman addressed us with, “Hello there. How would you like to know how to get on the floor?”It was too much. Standing on Coach K Court was overwhelming. It was an amazing experience, and I could go on and on. Needless to say, it is a memory I won’t soon forget.
Hanging out in North Carolina gave me a much needed respite from regular life. I had no responsibility. I got to nap, sleep in, and just “be.” My son in law spoiled me with good meals. My daughter, Christi, and I had some great conversation. I got to watch my granddaughter, Aubrey’s softball team play twice. Catching up with my youngest grandson, Jamison was incredible. He is 5, and taught me about binary math. What??? He knows his times tables and can add large numbers. What a smarty pants. He is a joy, and smiles all the time. I was worried that he wouldn’t remember me, but he did! Barrett, my 9 year old grandson, is into video games and penguins, so, I spent a lot of time watching him play. I could write pages on all my experiences, but I won’t .Suffice it to say, it was a relaxing and refreshing trip. I am a happy Nana.
The icing on the cake of this visit was bringing Aubrey home to Lubbock for a few days. We got up early and stayed up late, and had more fun than I have room to write about. Before she flew home, I drove her to Ft Worth to see the cousins she hasn’t seen in two years. They face time everyday, but it’s not the same as face to face visiting. I cried when I sent her home. She is 11, and she is my girl. I will miss her greatly.
So, today, there is no company, and I am not traveling. I am home on my last day of Sabbatical. I am alone with my thoughts and a weird one crossed my mind. This morning, I did something I haven’t done in 8 years. I went to church alone. I’ve been on church staff or a church music team since I was 8 years old, and sitting in the pew alone is something I don’t know how to do. I’ve always had a job and a place to be. Toney works on Sundays, so he couldn’t go with me. I told God I would step out of my comfort zone and walk in like a big girl, and I wasn’t alone 5 minutes before I noticed two familiar faces that I had not seen in 10 years. It was a couple I was on staff with at a church in Dalhart, Texas. They asked if I was alone, and if so, would I like to sit with them. The moral of that story is that the Lord provides! It was a wonderful experience, and I’m actually thinking I’m ready to start attending somewhere on a regular basis. It’s time.