Hanging On

I received the hairbrush below in my stocking for Christmas when I was in the 7th grade:

I know it seems weird, but I still use it to this day.  When I was in the 7th grade, there were 5 females in my home, and we all had to get ready in the mornings.  Finding a hairbrush wasn't always the easiest of tasks.  For Christmas, my Mom got all of us a hairbrush for our stockings I'm assuming to cut down on the warfare that went on every morning when we all wanted the only hairbrush left in the bathroom.  Let me say though, there were probably 30 hairbrushes in the house, but only 1 was in the bathroom when we all went looking.  If nobody else understands that, I do know that at least my Sister's will appreciate it. 

If you know me at all, you know that I have severe OCD tendencies.  I fold my paper the same way every morning after I pull the crossword out, I use the same pencil to take my roll, my keys all face the same direction on my keyring- simply said, it's over the top.  But, it's me and it's what makes me go. 

So why, why in the world am I hanging on to a hairbrush that I got in the 7th grade?  I honestly can't say.  The bristles are old and worn out, the handle won't go all the way on, it's bent.  I.just.don't.know.  I mean, it's a hairbrush, easily replaced at Wal-Mart for less that 5 bucks, but I can't let it go.  I suppose when you find something you like, you keep it, work with it, figure out how to get through the scratches and dents, and love it until the end.  So, for now, I'll get up in the morning, brush my hair with my 20 year old hairbrush, and smile- because it works, and nobody can fight me for it!

Being Neighbors

I have great neighbors.  It seems everywhere God has planted us, he dropped great neighbors around us.  Call it what you want, but for me, it's a blessing.  We moved to Antioch, TN, a southeast suburb of Nashville, three years ago this month.  It was so exciting to move into a bigger house, a place where Shannon's business could expand and where we would eventually begin our new family.  Prior to Antioch, we lived in Gallatin, TN which is a northeast suburb of Nashville for two years.   In both homes we have owned, we have had excellent neighbors who have also become great friends. 

With immigration becoming such a huge topic in the Obama Presidency and more heat pounding down today from Senators, I want to tell you about my neighbors, my friends.  This really isn't a debate or a stance, just a beautiful story of wonderful people. 

My neighbors are from El Salvador.  The family consists of a husband, wife, and two children, a girl and a boy.  The husband came here, well to California, many years ago seeking refuge from a violence stricken nation.  It took him 31 days to walk, hitch-hike, etc. to California.  I can't imagine leaving my home and everything I knew with little to nothing in hand for a land of uncertainty.  After he was here for awhile, he sent for his wife (they weren't married yet) to bring her to the states.  She came, they were married, and then along came their two children.  They don't just have a boy and a girl, they have beautiful, awesomely well behaved children.

So as the story continues, I want to say that my neighbors did everything the right way when they got here.  They obtained legal work permits, green cards, and anything else they needed to be here the right way.  He makes an honest living, pays taxes, and everything else that natural born Americans have to do.  They are also GREAT neighbors.  He's a painter by trade and has helped us transform our new house into our home.  He's come to our rescue when we've had water leaks, sealed our fence when we couldn't figure out how, watered our flowers while we were on vacation, and so many other things.  She's made us tamales, bought beautiful gifts for Emme, invited us over to visit with their visiting family, attended Birthday parties, and so much more.  The children have helped with Walter, and played with Emme when we needed a few minutes to breathe.  All of these things neighbors are supposed to do, but rarely do without something in exchange. 

You know what this amounts to?  The American Spirit.  Well, about one year ago, they became American for good.  I was so excited for them!  I can't imagine how they felt, if I felt so happy!  This is what immigration is all about.  No, we don't always understand each other or we might do things just a bit different, but we can all learn from each other.  I've learned by watching and listening.  I want Emme to be just as well behaved as their children, I want Shannon and I to always value family like they do, I wish my house was as clean and sparkly as theirs, and I'm learning. 

I challenge all of you to find neighbors, friends, coworkers, etc. who aren't the same as you and learn from them.  Listen to stories and realize just how lucky we are to be born American.  America is a great nation, we just need to figure out how to create stories just like my neighbors, for everyone.  I hope my neighbors, my friends, read this blog because I want them to know just how lucky we are to have such great friends. 

The Elias Family

These are my neighbors holding Emme the day she came home from the hospital.

FINALLY!!!!

 

I've been thinking about starting a blog for quite some time. Tonight, I took my first step into Blogville. Part of my apprehension about getting started is that I am a perfectionist and I didn't want to start the blog without the perfect name, the perfect background, etc. It hit me this evening that if I wait on "perfect" I may not get the chance.

If you have turned on the news lately or you live in Nashville, you know we have suffered terrible flooding. I'm not sure why we were so lucky to not have any significant damage at our house, but I am so thankful. The pictures, reports, video, etc. do not even begin to do this city justice. It's unbelievable.

When you think of Nashville, you think of the Grand Ole Opry and the Opryland Hotel. Sadly, they are underwater. I went to Opryland Hotel for the first time in my five years in Nashville only a few weeks ago. Shannon wanted some new photos for his new website and he was adamant about taking them there. I, on the other hand, disagreed. I wanted to take our pictures outdoors as it was one of the first weekends of perfect Spring weather. Boy am I glad that he got his way! We now have 150+ pictures of this historic hotel prior to the devastating damage it sustained over the weekend.

If you have a few extra minutes, pray for Nashville- all of it. I don't think this city has even realized what a major impact this flooding has caused. Tourism dollars are gone, jobs are gone, homes are destroyed, lives are lost, schools are destroyed, it's mind boggling.

I can say, I love the city I live in. The people here are incredible. We lived in Gallatin a few years ago when the terrible tornadoes destroyed the city. I see today, what I saw then- a city made up of the most kind, generous, and giving people. What one hand can't accomplish, another hand comes along and fills the need. We are Nashville, and we will survive!