You are Not Alone

You are not in this life alone
There are always people who want to help
Will you be brave enough to reach out before it's too late?

Don't wait until you've reached a point of no return
Think through the consequences ~
really take the time to reflect.

Ode to My Parents

I never thought my parents were old.

Growing up, their life path was my goal.

Even now, seven decades into life,

they continue to inspire and thrive.

Traveling in and out of the country,

and driving through two states to willingly

and excitedly babysit grandkids.

Mom has joined groups to read and to knit.

Dad still takes the soccer field by storm,

playing and reffing, in continued good form.

Enjoying life to the fullest extent,

they are living models for lives well spent.

Coach's Daughter

I'm not a coach. I'm a coach's daughter.

This season three of my kids are playing.

Each Saturday they kit up for the pitch.

I don my layers and drive to the field.

While the team warms up, parents make small talk.

We hope rain holds off, our kids play well,

and the other team isn't too tough.

Of course we hope our kids win the game,

but mostly we want them to play their best.

Life skills can be taught on the soccer field:

Be a team player. Talk to each other.

Know your zone, but play up when possible.

Don't wait for the action to come to you.

Listen to your coach. Get into the game.

Take the shot if you can. If you can't, pass!

Don't stand still. Go to the ball. Help your team.

If it's yours, take it and run to the goal.

Take defeat with grace. Win with even more.

I'm not a coach. I'm a coach's daughter.

Life skills can be taught on the soccer field.

Anniversary Poem

Although I know you already know

I need to say it again and again:

I love you and you are my favorite.

I could not have foreseen 19 years in

our love would not yet reach a plateau.

Though much has changed, what’s important remains.

It sounds cliché to say our love has grown,

But the passing of time is not the cause.

We grow closer inside a crisis zone.

It’s not that chaos doesn’t cause strain,

But

When life gets intense, I can count on you

to have my back and fight alongside me.

There are days when I feel I don’t deserve

such support given unconditionally.

I know you could not ever be untrue.

This is why I feel the need to repeat

the words you have heard quite frequently:

I love you and you are my favorite,

Unconditionally and completely.

Without you I would exist incomplete.

Behaviors Have Consequences

What? My behaviors have consequences?

Ramifications that are just for me?

That can't be right. That does not feel fair.

I know how to fix this. I'll gain more stealth.

Hiding evidence of my misdeeds

should lead to the results I am after.

Oh no! I am caught. Time to sob and scream.

If you ignore, I'll stomp and slam the doors.

Don't speak unless you are looking to fight!

These are the tirades of one who is a teen.

Yes, your behaviors have consequences,

ramifications that are just for you.

My Favorite Time of Year

Fall is my favorite time of year:

A cool, crispness returns to the air and

The household routine regains structure.

Fall is my favorite time of year:

Blindingly bright, blue skies followed by

Drizzling drops tumbling onto bone dry grasses.

Fall is my favorite time of year:

Snuggle deep under cover while slumbering;

Wear a cozy sweater, but don’t forget sunglasses.

Fall is my favorite time of year:

Take comfort in hot beverages and carb loaded food.

Build a fire and huddle under a warm blanket to read.

Fall is my favorite time of year:

Nature puts on a colorful, vibrant show as

Green growing things prepare for the cold months ahead.

Meanest Parents Ever

We are quite clearly the meanest parents ever.

Obviously! Who else would ever endeavor

to ensure protein is ingested at each meal?

Or reject almost every plea and appeal

for screen time before completing homework and chores?

Natural consequences reside at the core

of our main disciplinary strategy.

And that’s what makes us, yes us, Chad and Natalie,

without a doubt, the meanest parents ever all.