Blessed Am I

My sweet mom is 91 years old today, and while she isn't feeling nearly as chipper as she did in this picture from last year, she is hanging in as best she can. Mom has her good days and bad days, but every day we are grateful for all the love and support she has given us through the years. Our mother has a generous heart, and we are the beneficiaries.

Below are the lyrics to Blessed Am I, written with my mother as inspiration. I thought it seemed just right to print them here today. The sheet music can be found on the website of Lindy Kerby, who took my heartfelt words and composed the loveliest melody imaginable. We were introduced to one another years ago by Janice Kapp Perry and have collaborated on several songs since that time. This one is generally sung for Mother's Day.

On this day, however, Blessed Am I is a happy birthday song for Grace Darlene Robbins, whose daughter I am grateful and proud to be. 

Blessed Am I

©1996 Lindy Kerby (music) Susan Noyes Anderson (lyrics)

I came to a world that was cold and unknown.

You reached out to hold me and made me your own;

and you made me strong, and you filled me with love

and whispered that I was a gift from above.

Blessed am I; my mother is you,

sharing His love in all that you do.

Each gentle smile is an answer to prayer.

Deep in my heart, you'll always be there;

deep in my heart, you'll be there.

Your love is the truth that I came here to learn.

You listened and counseled with love and concern;

and you understood me when other hearts failed,

when you were the reason my spirit prevailed.

Blessed am I; my mother is you,

sharing His love in all that you do.

Each gentle smile is an answer to prayer.

Deep in my heart, you'll always be there;

deep in my heart, you'll be there.

I thank you, dear Mother, for all that you are –

no softer a moonbeam, no brighter a star,

no stronger a mountain, more constant the sea –

No other could be such a mother to me.

Blessed am I; my mother is you,

sharing His love in all that you do.

Each gentle smile is an answer to prayer.

Deep in my heart, you'll always be there;

deep in my heart, you'll be there.

💗 Happy Birthday, Mom. 💗

You are loved,

dearly loved,

by all of us.

xox

=)

Depression: Cornering the [Black] Market

Depression: Cornering the [Black] Market

©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson

You don't understand me,

he said.

No one knows

of the suffering

stored in my soul.

I told him of dark days

I stumbled 

and bled,

days when life nearly

swallowed me whole.

But it wasn't the same,

he insisted;

his pain

was unique and mine

could not compare.

My empathy suspect,

my counsel

in vain,

I held back things

I wanted to share.

It bruised me to look

 at him,  

caught up in

misery, claiming

it all as his own.

He holds the black shadow

so close to 

his chest

that he's left

to do battle alone.

for more poems, click below

Taking Back the Knack

Taking Back the Knack

©2017 Susan Noyes Anderson

I think I may have lost the knack

that surely was my stock in trade

in days gone by. The years have made

me less adept. I've gone off track.

Relationships: I had a gift

of sensing need, meeting it well.

But lately, I am empty shell,

and every comer gets short shrift.

Oh granted, things are crazy here.

A drooping sun. A spinning moon.

Wheels of (mis)fortune turn too soon.

No respite. Toxic atmosphere.

Machine gun miseries from all.

A clip of trouble raining down.

Can't keep my people off the ground.

Can't always see them when they fall.

It rankles when I fail to see.

Not used to it. Don't like it much.

I'm fading, dropping balls and such.

Not quite the force that once was me.

Used up. Burned out. Like melted wax.

Point taken. I'm no northern star.

But they're my heart. Straight up, they are.

And I'll not drop them through the cracks.

for more poems, click below

Mother to Son

I am the mother of three adult sons, who have warmed my heart on a regular basis since the day they were born. Of course, sometimes their antics and exploits have sped it up a bit, too. Happily, increased maturity (theirs and mine) has done much to convince me that they can handle whatever life throws their way, which doesn't keep me from offering a word of counsel now and again. (I'm glad to say they don't seem to mind too much…)

Mother to Son

©2016 Susan Noyes Anderson

Face the future squarely, son.

Grace it with the past.

Learn and grow, but don't let go

of things that last.

∞§∞

for more warm hearts, click below

On Parenting: Walking the line

On Parenting: Walking the Line

©2014 Susan Noyes Anderson

 

Of late, my life is hard at best,

and best is hard to find.

I lay down, but I get no rest

with so much on my mind.

My body's always out of sorts;

my brain is stuck in worry.

I do the things I have to do

but flatly, in a hurry.

I'm eating more than I should eat

and exercising less.

Anxiety and consternation 

crowd my happiness.

The things I fret and fret about

are not in my control.

I know if I would let them go,

then I would feel more whole.

I need to give them to the Lord,

just trust Him and be still;
but it is hard to watch and wait
until I know His will.

That's parenthood: To care so much
yet have so little "juice."

Adult children need struggles. 

Face the facts, and cut them loose.

But don't forget to walk that fine line.

Keep the rope on hand.

Supporting is a parent's role

(at times). You understand?

It's no small feat to be a mom

who gets the balance right,

who listens lovingly by day

and still sleeps well at night...

The one who keeps a boundary, but

knows when to cross it, too.

God's training me again, right now.

(I still have work to do!)

∞§∞

It does help quite a bit to see

the Lord knows what He's doing.

I feel Him with me every hour:

supporting, not rescuing.

{Apparently, He's got this parenting 

of adults thing down pat.}

:)

for more P posts, click here

Dads Are Grand

Matt, Todd, Karin, Dave, Ryan

Father's Day has historically been kind of a mixed bag for me. Though he did have his moments, especially when I was a little girl, my dad wasn't always the kind of father I wished for. My husband, on the other hand, is exactly the kind of dad I wished for, and my children (and grandchildren) have reaped the benefits.

Don't get me wrong. Big Daddy Dave isn't perfect, but he definitely has come close enough to get the job done. His success is evident in the faces of my adult children when they look at him; in the security they feel knowing that someone of substance always has their backs; in the respect they have for his integrity and selflessness; in their teasing as they interact with him playfully, knowing for sure that he is and always will be their friend. Loyalty is so important in family relationships, and my husband has plenty of it to go around. Through thick and thin, he has been there for my children, and he always will be. Of that, I am certain. And more importantly, so are they.

With this in mind, I will be celebrating Father's Day with a grateful heart and no small appreciation for the man I married and the children we have raised together, one of whom is an excellent father himself. As for my own dad, he has been gone for many years now. Strange as it may seem, I think my connection with him has improved since his death. Either he has done some growing in his new state of being or I have done some growing in my old one (probably a bit of both), but I'm glad for it. When I think of him on Father's Day, I now find myself remembering the good times…sitting on his knee zipping and unzipping his leather key case, turning the ruby class ring around and around on his finger, feeling safe and secure diving under big waves in his arms, singing silly songs with him in the car as he honored my pleas to go faster over the bumps, laughing at the jokes and teasing that were so much a part of his personality. I'm convinced he meant well, and that counts for a lot.

So happy Father's Day to all you dads out there…and to my own dad, too. Happy Father's Day to my mom's husband of over 40 years, who has been a friend to me and a wonderful grandpa to my children. (Dave's sweet dad was a terrific father and grandfather, too.) And finally, happy Father's Day to my husband, a devoted family man who has given his all and then some to the ones he loves most. No wonder we love him so much in return.

Have a great day, Dave. 

Breakfast in bed is coming your way!

=)

for more D posts, click below

A Little Birthday Bird Told Me...

Some mothers know just what to do

to build a cozy nest.

They know where every twig belongs

and choose only the best.

Their young are nurtured carefully

in colors warm and bright.

To comfort and protect them brings

these mothers pure delight.

They gather feed to fit each need,

 

till every mouth is filled.

Their eyes are ever watchful, and

their love songs never stilled.

How wonderful such mothers are. 

What beauty they impart.

How blessed the little ones they bear

and care for, heart to heart.

Dedicated to my mother, Darlene Robbins,

and her very cozy

Robbins Nest ~

where every child 

finds love enough

to grow. 

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Would you be mad if I told

everyone how old you are today?

Because you sure don't look 87!

;)

We love you.

Sue, Dave, and the FAM

(Are you wearing your new necklace??)

Knowledge Has Its Price

Knowledge Has Its Price
©2014 Susan Noyes Anderson

The phone rings.

Innocence answers cheerfully,

vanishes on a sigh.

Lightning shouldn't strike twice.

Children should be bulletproof.

Hasn't the freight been paid

for this (and more) already?

There is no King's Ex,

no Not It,

no fingers-crossed immunity.

No substitution or proxy.

Life happens, happens and happens.

Comes at you full force,

teeth exposed, jaws open.

Swallows you up, spits you out.
Takes another bite.

You can teach the Ninevites,

cling to the belly of the whale,

or swim free, wiser...

Ready to struggle,

capitulate,

embrace the process,

live in fear. 

Repeat.

Humility. Submission. Acceptance.

Jonah missed the message

in the end.

Was taught again.

Again.

∞§∞

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding."

Proverbs 3:5

for more K posts, click below

Dedicated to Dads

Father Fan Club
©2013  Susan Noyes Anderson

A dad is an anchor when things go quite wrong

and a fan club when things go quite right.

He's there to protect you when you're super scared

of those things that go "bump" in the night.

He'll teach you to throw, and he'll teach you to catch,

and he'll race you from here to the door.

He may even show you the cool way to spit––

but ya better steer clear of Mom's floor!

He'll wrestle you, tickle you, lift you sky high,

and then toss you around in the pool.

He'll crack up your friends, poking fun at them all

till they think that he's totally cool.

He'll take you on treasure hunts, hike through the woods,

and rent fishing boats out on the bay.

He's gonna make sure that you bait your own hook,

but he'll probably help you filet.

Dad likes to share stories from when he was young,

and he makes up his own stories. Boo!

Sometimes they are scary; sometimes they are funny,

but always they're worth listening to.

He gives you a high-five when you hit the ball

and a backslap when you've grounded out.

He watches recitals and plays and ballet

with no more than a hint of a pout.

He teaches the things every kid needs to know

and forgives you when you make him grumpy.

He breaks out lame jokes when the world brings you down

and reminds you life's meant to be bumpy.

So cook Dad some breakfast and make a big fuss.

He ain't perfect, but so what? He's yours!

Wish him Happy Father's Day. Show him some love.

You're the kid he completely adores.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAVE!
Your kids completely adore you.

{and so does your wife}

=)

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My Marvelous Mother

My beautiful mom and me, 1952

My mother, the youngest of seven children, was a bright and talented little girl who lost her father when she was only ten years old and has missed him ever since. She and her mother, my Grandma Johnson, grew even closer as they bonded together to overcome their devastating loss and maintain a good life for themselves. The older siblings had already left the nest, so it was just the two of them at home, determined to make the best of a difficult situation.

Money was hard to come by in those days, but my grandma made sure Mom continued to take the violin lessons that had become so important to her by baking two or three extra loaves of bread each week to give the teacher. My uniquely gifted mother became a concert violinist, and I have cherished memories of listening to her practice and perform over the years.

At school, Mom was an outstanding student with lots of friends. She excelled in both English and mathematics, winning a full-ride scholarship to Stanford that she never used because she married my father instead. Mom had wanted to be a doctor, and she would have made an excellent one. She also had a talent for teaching; and thanks to her efforts, all of us could read well by the age of four. In fact, every one of Mom's children is an avid reader today, and we are pretty decent writers, too.

My mother had a wonderful example in her own mother. Perhaps that is why motherhood was and is the most important thing in her life. After struggling with infertility, Mom was lucky enough to adopt one child and then bear four more, with a number of miscarriages along the way. I remember how excited she was with a successful pregnancy, and she made us all feel like participants in the thrilling, 9-month process. She also loved caring for a new baby and managed to make each of us feel blessed rather than displaced by the new lives that entered our home. Mom knew how to make nurturing and raising a household of children a team effort, and every one of us felt a strong sense of belonging. I am lucky enough never to have questioned her love and devotion for me, and I am certain my siblings would say the same.

Like my mom, being a mother is the best and most important work I have ever done. I love and will always love it absolutely. Every sacrifice made to nurture my children has been more than worth it; every heartbreak, past and present, is more than compensated by the joy they bring me. In fact, I cannot imagine my life without the amazing young people that fill it so naturally and willingly, reminding me that I will always have a place in their hearts as they do in mine. I hope I am worthy of that honor.

So thanks to my devoted mother and grandmothers, my three handsome-is-as-handsome-does (and they do!) sons and my one-and-only, sweet and lovely daughter. Thanks also to my grandchildren, whom I adore, and my "children-in-law" (Heather and Bobby), who selflessly support and embrace the family. We're glad they belong to us. Most of all, thanks to my husband, who played a fairly significant role in making me the very grateful mother that I am!

I love them all.

And you know what? 

They make it easy.

♥ ♥ ♥

 Thanks for teaching me, Mom.

And for loving me.

{all of us}

You do it well.

∞§∞


TO ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL MOMS OUT THERE 

Let It Be

Missed Saturday Centus yesterday because I was helping our son move into his new house. He is a first-time home owner, so it was a big deal! Hope Jenny will take my assignment a day late this week. ;) The prompt, as always, is in red.

∞§∞

Let It Be

©2013 Susan Noyes Anderson

She walked on crystal now, laid footprints carefully to cushion every step; pitched her voice softly, so as not to jar the room. Beneath her breath, she raised snatches of music: sweet notes, welcoming and warm; sometimes, she paused to feel the beauty. Her hopes? Set free in brilliant bursts of light, sent heavenward on wings of prayer. There was no prayer, no vow, she did not offer.

At last, the ship she waited for flew sails; was in the harbor, safe and sound; but would it find its way to shore? If thoughts grew hands, she’d set that anchor deeply, bury it in fertile sand, but nature had to have its way. Hers would not be the final say.

But for two golden weeks, this dream was close enough to capture if she could; and she would sing that sailor home, lift high a candle, calm the sea. “Oh, let it be,” she whispered softly. “Let it be.”

Take hold and sleep my child, and peace attend thee.

Written for someone I love very much who is waiting to hear the results 

of her in vitro fertilization. She knows that I am adding my prayers to hers.

♥♥♥

Dads Are Rad (Especially Ours)

Isn't he a handsome devil? 

If I could pick any dad in the world to parent my children, this would be the guy (a happy situation, because he already has the job). What's more, he exceeds all expectations!

 

What makes him such a good father, you may ask? Well, he grew up with an outstanding role model, one whom he resembles more every day. Still, I don't think nurture alone can be credited with the full extent of his excellence. Nature has to be a big factor too, because this man's nature is a custom fit for fatherhood. Yep, our Big Daddy Dave not only has what it takes but passes every bit of that along to his kids. (They hit the dad jackpot, and boy, do they know it!)

I know it, too. And while I have no clue how my hubby/parenting partner manages to be both an anchor and an adventurer, a counselor and a comrade-in-arms, he somehow gets the job done. And where did he ever come up with the right blend of stern and silly to lead our sons and daughter, providing both fun and a firm foundation for living? From what source has he learned the intricate rhythm of stepping forward and standing back that encourages self-confidence in a child? And where did he ever find the balance of respecting and protecting that sets up solid boundaries without building too many walls?

One thing is certain. Whatever it is that makes a good parent, Dave has it in spades, and our children (and grandchildren) are the beneficiaries. I wish that every young person could feel as safe in the world as they do, knowing that he will always have their backs, in this life and the next. A father's love has the power to nourish the roots of a family tree for eternity.

Happy Father's Day, Dave.

We love you!

=)

PS. 12 little days till the BIG day.

(aka retirement)
woo-hoo

Song for my Mother, Reprise

My mom is the one in the center, right where she belongs!

Today is my mother's 85th birthday. She probably won't appreciate my mentioning her age, but I do it for the right reasons, because I think she looks so much younger. Right? She is surrounded by my siblings and yours truly, which accounts for the big smile on her face. Mom likes nothing better than to have her children around her. And if her grands and great-grands are there, too, so much the better!

I wish we could all be around her today, but we will have to wait until next month to celebrate in person. Meanwhile, I will remind her of how special she is to me and the entire family by reposting a poem I wrote a couple of years ago that she particularly loves. By the way, the music that accompanies it is one she used to play on her violin as a performance piece...which makes it particularly appropriate.

A Song for My Mother

©2010 Susan Noyes Anderson

What song shall I sing for my mother? What key?

Which chords own the notes that will set her joy free?

Was psalm ever born that could raise her hopes high

as the million bright stars she has hung in my sky?

Might one interval be so deep and so wide

that the dreams of her heart could rest safely inside?

Which chorus would ring through her soul like a bell,

proclaiming in cadence what words cannot tell...

that she is a mother of infinite worth,

whose opus has played since the day of my birth?

What song shall I sing for my mother? What key?

Which chords own the notes that will set her joy free?

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

One melody answers, in strains weak and strong.

Its verses are mine, every line, right or wrong.

I sing for my mother...I've sung all along.

My life is the song.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

May the lives of your children be the sweetest songs of your heart.

We love you!

=)