Joyous Time

[Mark griswold]

I don't think this picture needs words. I received this picture from Whitney and Kirk for Fathers day.

These are joyous days for us.

This weekend we will be celebrating a couple of events.

Andrew's Air Force commissioning is on Saturday. Sandy and I get to pin on his stripes. Our neighbor Barry ( who is a Vietnam Veteran ) is going to be Andrew's 'first salute'.

In a tradition going all the way back to the Civil War, where the Officers ( usually the wealthy and entitled )

would make 2 dollars a month. One dollar to keep and one to give an enlisted man to teach him how to fight.

This has turned into somewhat of a tradition to give your 'first salute' a silver dollar. In this case a silver dollar with a Civil War era theme.

How proud we are of our children that have worked so hard to get to where they are today.

We are also celebrating Andrew's Graduation from Long Beach State with a degree in engineering.

Natalie flies in on Friday night, and we are celebrating her graduation on Saturday as well.

If I had to write the script of my life, this wouldn't even be close to where I would have been.

You see, had it not been for my decision to give my heart to the Lord, I would not have made it this far.

Boy am I glad I decided to surrender,and stop trying to be the captain of the ship(that was quickly sinking).

Every day is a gift for me to either do the best with or throw it away. I do the best with what I have, and from there on it is all up to God to direct me in the direction I need to go. Not the direction I 'want' to go.

I enjoy watching the achievements of my children. Something I hope I can do for a long time.

Remember, every day is a gift....share it with your loved ones. Don't hesitate to tell someone you love them. Maybe they already know but it's always nice to hear.

Love you all, Mark.