The First Hundred

...in the light of eternity. "Life's a tough proposition, and the first hundred years are the hardest." Wilson Mizner

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Valleys

A valley can be a beautiful place; a place of comfort and rest. You lie back on the lush, green bank of a bubbling stream, drinking in the blue sky and foamy clouds. That's the valley of refreshing.
But there's another valley; the shadowy one. It's the lowest kind of valley; dark, rocky, thorny. No refreshing spring here. Not even the faintest hint. Only arid soil beneath your weary feet. Dusty earth, parched and cracked, makes your journey unpleasant.
No where to go but up. So you climb. Your efforts are rewarded by a rich sense of accomplishment. And the view is breathtaking! You are stronger for having climbed.
Soon, on the mountain top, you begin to feel the breeze picking up strength. The winds are forceful, and buffet you. You can hardly keep your footing, so you start to seek the shelter of a valley.
Valleys surround every mountain, and from the heights it's hard to tell one from another. On your descent, you'll naturally look for a valley of refreshment, but if you happen to stumble into a shadowy one, don't worry. It's okay if you have to spend some time there. It's a place of strengthening, too.

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Oh, Brother!


Reiley and Luke

Safe and Sound


LUCAS BENJAMIN AUSTIN
a.k.a. "LUKE"
arrived
Friday, September 16, 2005
at 12:03 pm
8 lb. 9.5 oz.
21.5 inches tall
Mom & Baby doing great!

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Happy Birthday Mark


Dear Mark,

In two days you'll be turning twenty-four, and we know it may be a while before you get this birthday note. Uncle Sam told us he'd be keeping you quite busy for the next several months. (He said something about maybe having the computer hooked up after the first 9 weeks of your visit there.) When you decided to go help him out, we knew there'd be a lot of hard work involved, but none of us knew the full extent, for sure. Your uncle can be a tough task-master, but you are strong and we know you'll do your best for him. Even though you won't have a chance to celebrate this birthday in the usual way, we want you to know that we are celebrating you and your decision to toil for Uncle Sam. We are proud of you!

Love,
Dad and Mom

P.S. We're planning a big party for your return.