Brave Heart, Brave Soul. She who is brave is free.

"Direction is so much more important than speed." ~ Unknown Fall is my favorite time of the year. And not because of any dramatic or major weather changes either. I mean we're talking Texas here. We're warm enough year round to wear flip flops and shorts most days. Even when it's chilly outside flip flops are still in order with your jacket on. And if it gets seriously cold we'll pull out the boots and sweaters, but all ya have to do is wait a day or two and the flip flops are be back in action. I'm just sayin'. Fall around here, y'all, is rather laid back. But honestly, I kinda like it that way. The sky darkens and sun sets earlier. And yes, the leaves do eventually fall. Truthfully though it will still take a few months for the branches to become really bare. Scarves  do begin appearing, sweaters escape from the closet and long sleeves might eventually see the light of day. As for our BBQ? It's a year round deal. I mean not to brag,

"One fine day, it will be your turn. You will leave homes, cities and countries to pursue grander ambitions. You will leave  friends, lovers and possibilities for the chance to roam the world and make deeper connections. You will defy your fear of change, hold your head high and do what you once thought was unthinkable: walk away. And it will be scary. At first. But what I hope you'll find in the end is that in leaving, you don't just find love, adventure or freedom. More than anything you find you." ~ Unknown Growing up is hard to do sometimes. It's not exactly easy for anyone really. Life can throw some pretty deep if not big punches. And for you my beautiful, precious, brave baby boy, it's never been easy.  Has it? Let's face it. From the start you've faced some rather oversized obstacles; and honestly, an unfair amount of immensely substantial hurdles too. You were born under the shadow of complication coming a little earlier than expec

"Pray so big and so often that when God meets you at Heaven's gate, He says, Kid, you kept me very busy."  ~ Unknown The year was 1977. I had just turned four years old. We were living in Germany at the time. Frankfurt to be precise. Back then going to a movie was a real treat. And not one you took for granted either. Disney had just released 'The Rescuers'  and we were on our way to see it. After all back then going to the movies on post was a big deal. I remember being so excited reaching for the container full of popcorn in my dad's hands before leaning over to grab a sip of soda from my mom. My daddy, he was just as excited as I was. As the lights dimmed mama, held my hand, whispering in my ear, "Christie, it's about to start honey." I sat there seated right between my mama and daddy, smiling ear to ear just like a Cheshire cat as the opening credits began. I stayed awake for the whole 77 minutes as the Rescue Aide Society chose B