The Candyland Perspective

The days leading up to Mother's Day pack an intense punch some years. As a momma with no babies of her own, it's almost always a struggle every second Sunday in May for me. From the pulpit on Mother's Day, we *always* hear there is nothing a woman can do in this life that is greater than becoming a mother. Sigh. Yes, I know. But what I also hear, using that logic, is "Candace, there is nothing you can do in this life that will matter as much as that woman, or that woman, or your mom, or your sister, or your best friend..." That dad-gum Satan will whisper whatever stings the most, won't he? I'm working on building up so that narrative won't have the same impact anymore. And honestly, it doesn't have the same impact that it used to. The sting has lessened dramatically, and that is a very good thing. In my work to overcome those feelings of "less than," I turn to my Savior. He is such a champion of women! I LOVE reminders from the scriptur...

(not that there are only ten... or that these are the ten best reasons either)  1)  He stopped on a busy road at night in the pouring rain to help a stranger get her huge SUV out of the road.  He pushed and pushed 'til it was safe in a parking lot.  He was a drowned rat & she was able to comfortably wait for her friend to bring her some gas.  2)  He has The Most Adorable voice when he's mimicking.  It's scratchy, a bit high-pitched, and cute.  3)  He actually called Kramer "son" when K was in BIG trouble.  4)  He knows that I have a favorite candy bar, and will get one for me when he sees it's needed.  5)  He is a true Christian gentleman.  6)  He always kisses me goodnight or goodbye.  7)  He prays for our families & friends.  8)  He set up Pandora channels just for me... without me even knowing it.  9)  He checks in on me after a sad day, just to make sure...

My dearly beloved gifted me with a beautiful and lovely engagement ring just over two years ago, and just 2 1/2 months after that, he gifted me with an equally lovely wedding ring.  I've loved these rings.  I love wearing them.  I love looking down at them.  I love feeling them on my finger.  I do not love, however, the nasty little rash that has cropped up underneath my rings. }:( Grrr. I would wake up at night finding myself scratching my finger 'til it was raw.  It burns, it itches, it looks awful.  When I was in middle school, I had a strange case of something skin related.  Eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis... it was called everything by varying doctors.  There were different treatments tried, but ultimately, I think I grew out of it.  Given my history, I thought maybe the same thing is going on with this ring issue.  I bought a little topical stinky gel medication for the problem area the other day, and it has done not...

I absolutely LOVE my dog.  He's sweet.  He's quirky.  Oh and yes, the chicken DOES have large talons.    Whilst I was in a sitting position in a private room this morning doing what I do every morning before I take a shower, Kramer busts in and gives me a hug.  Literally, a HUG.  He stretches his neck out and lays his head on my shoulder for a moment and says "good morning mama...I love you."  Of course I reply in kind and tell him it's time to get down.  On his way down, he leaves his mark so as to say "YOU ARE MINE, WOMAN!"  Ouch.  Meh.  I wonder how many days the red streaks will remain.  Sigh. Anyway, I love my dog and my dog loves me.