I marvel at how simple life seemed during my youth. Mom worked full time and cared for five school-aged children with extracurricular activities. Dad worked full time at a local sawmill. Also adding to his schedule was a part-time job at another mill in town. Repairs and yard work were his responsibilities around the home. It's hard to imagine the pressure that must have accompanied these tasks. The weight of responsibility must have been immense. However, they still managed to create a family life of togetherness and outdoor activities. Our lives flowed with the rhythm of laughter and joy, though it may have seemed chaotic at times.
Fast forward to my adult life, I was privileged to raise four exceptional children who are now successful individuals with their own families. Their growing years were filled with school, sports, social events and life. I often think of the chaos of those days, trying to balance a schedule and wonder how I ever made it work. When speaking with my now-adult children, they look back, only remembering a rhythm of laughter and great joy.