Tuesday, August 21, 2007

My heart breaks for these parents

This is such a sad story. Two teenagers dead, one seriously injured because of a series of bad decisions that began late in the night. According to the newspaper accounts, these were good kids who, for reasons one cannot explain, made a decision to get in a car with an unlicensed driver at 2:00 a.m. and then flee the police at high speeds. I truly feel for the parents whose children are gone.

I've been shopping for cars lately, since my Chevy Metro seems to be going the way of all flesh. And I have been asking Hannah her opinion about certain cars as I look at them. It is because in a little more than 2 years she will be eligible for her learner's permit, which will open a new chapter in our lives. And stories like this one terrify me. I was a teen driver once, and I don't know how my parents made it through that time.

I try to talk with the kids about the decision-making process that teens go through. I would prefer for her to have a 2-seat car because I believe that the propensity to do something stupid is directly related to the number of people in the vehicle. The more, the dumber, at least that was my experience as a teen. We would come up with plans in a group that would have never occurred to me alone, or me with one of my friends. And the grace of God sustained us. I pray that some of these conversations will stick with them in ways that will prevent something like this from happening.

Pray for these families. I cannot imagine the pain they are feeling right now.

Saturday, August 18, 2007

17 years and going strong

Deb and I recently celebrated our 17th anniversary and we were marvelling at 1) how fast the time has flown and 2) how much stronger our relationship is than it was when we first started out. I surprised her by scheduling a getaway night at The Mill House Bed and Breakfast in Grand Rapids, Ohio. Deb is not one for surprises, and the fact that the kids and I kept it from her for a week drove her crazy. That, combined with not knowing where we were going until we arrived chafed at her natural tendencies. But she loved it. And I loved keeping the secret with the girls.

I'm not going to get all schmaltzy here, but over 17 years we have had our ups and downs, and we both realize that the Lord has blessed us with each other and our love has grown significantly in the past few years. And for that we are grateful.

The Mill House is a fabulous little B&B in a quaint little town of 900 along the Maumee River. The owners, Ron and Kathy Munk, are wonderful hosts and had a variety of treats, coffee, cookies and other goodies available, as well as some good conversation and a lovely view along the old canal that was built through the area in the 1840's. And the breakfast they served left us not needing lunch. You won't go away hungry. Trust me.

If you are looking for a getaway for your sweetie, or just a quiet place to go and do some contemplation or a spiritual retreat, I recommend The Mill House. That is the Garden Room pictured above, which is where we stayed. And Pastors, check out the special they offer to you.
My bride and I had a wonderful time, and I 'm sure you will too.

May God continue to bless us with each other for many many years to come.