Monday, July 14, 2008

a Monday sort of post

This is a picture of my Dad and brother after graduating recently from the sheriff's academy. I wanted to put it up right then and write this great post about how from my Dad I have learned to never stop asking the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Build on the old, by all means - Dad's had a long respected career as a physician - but don't ever think you're done. I admire that.

But I didn't take this picture with my own camera, so I didn't get a copy of it right away and failed to write that masterpiece when it was in season. Now I'm posting this picture because the last post had a picture of my sisters and I wanted to round it out with the brother. Not that he EVER READS MY BLOG. But still.

It was very Mondayish for me today. (My closest family members, the ones who DO READ MY BLOG, have heard that now three times. What can I say? It was the topic of the day.) But it had one really memorable moment. Kids will do that for you.

I have this habit when the kids are scared or sad or worried about something. I remind them of the good thing similar to it and say, "So think about that instead." For instance, "You don't think the time to go swimming again will come soon enough? But you had such fun doing it today . . . just think about that instead."

So today, it got me back. I burned the cookies (not possible with the air bake pan actually, but they were way more brown than I like them . . . especially since I like them straight from the bowl.) Anyway, I said to John when I took them from the oven, "Wow, I am not having a very good day." You know what he said?

"Well. Yes you are. So just think about that."

When you put it that way . . . I'm convinced!

9 comments:

Tracy said...

Great post! I'm a firm believer in choosing where you let your thoughts dwell!

And if I were you, I'd send your brother an e-mail with a link to your blog and a firm but loving suggestion that he read it. After all, someday that book WILL sell and he'll not want to be the brother that never read his famous sister's blog!!! :o)

Adam Gonnerman said...

I had no idea your Dad had made this career change. He had a pretty good reputation in Edina back in the day. The one time I went to him was because something got lodged in my eye on a windy Sunday afternoon. I was 11 or so. We actually went to your home and asked him for help. Of course he did. Glad we avoided the ER!

Kathy said...

Hi Adam,
Wendell actually believes in layering careers rather than changing them :) He is still a country doctor here at Heartland, but now he can also serve as a reserve deputy in the county when the need arises. I'm pretty proud of him.
Kathy N.

Anonymous said...

Wow, a guy who can multitask! :) I thought they could only do one thing at a time, just kidding. Way to go Wendell and Jo!
Andrea C

Tracy said...

His career "layers" make perfect sense. Now he can take down the bad guys by whatever means necessary, administer medical care later if needed, all while revealing the heart of Jesus... what great layers! :o)

Anonymous said...

Yep, love reading it, even the ones you don't think of as a masterpiece. :-)

Anonymous said...

Seren, DD used to draw me the same way every time, beginning when he could hold a crayon, all the way through Elementary. The pic had me with long flowing PIGTAILS, and a bubble above my head that said "Yay!" in it. I loved it. I took it that he felt I always championed him. You champion your boys by giving them the positive side of life.
YAY!
luv
Tiffy

Bonnelle Pagel said...

Serenity,

I've been reading your blog for a little while now and I just wanted to take a moment to say that I LOVE coming to your site. You are a great writer and I love the stories you share! I'm always reminded of when my kids were little (who aren't so little anymore) and the great things they would say are do. Cherish each and every day and hug them often!

Blessings to you!

Bonnelle
(a friend of Cheri White's)

Karen said...

Cool picture. And that's cute what John said.