It’s time for an update on our book. But first, here is a message from our sponsor…marriage. This past week our daughter Elizabeth, and her husband Brad, celebrated their tenth anniversary. We helped them celebrate at an out of the way place near Cambridge, Ohio called the “Bear’s Den”. Our six month old grand baby, Adeline came along for the ride. She spent dinner trying her go-go gadget arms on everything within stretching distance on the table. She obviously thinks she is ready to sample everything. Unfortunately, her mom doesn’t agree.
Dinner was great. Liz and I each ordered the Greek chicken. Our tastes have always been similar. Brad had a specialty burger and Crystal went with the beef and noodles. But this isn’t about dinner; it’s about marriage. Liz, as all of our daughters, calls from time to time, to vent about the complexities of life. There are job problems, money problems, people problems, insurance problems, medical problems, etc. There is the unfairness of living in a world where people do and say stupid things. The list seems to go on and on.
I sometimes stand in awe of the irony in life. Crystal and I have somehow made the metamorphosis from “you people” (as our eldest daughter was fond of saying) to a potential source of direction. Sadly, we have no ultimate solutions, just suggestions. As parents, we too struggled. Struggle is just part of life. It really doesn’t matter if you are married or single. Life equals struggle. However, if you are lucky, as Liz and Brad obviously are, you can at least share the struggle. You have someone with whom to share your triumphs and to console you when you face failure. Marriage done right adds meaning to life. Happy anniversary Liz and Brad.
As for our book, we have hired a consultant, and will be spending time in beta testing and editing. This book may never make any money. But I know with certainty that it will be a blessing. I am confident that it was God who led us to write it, and He will use it to accomplish His purposes.
Crystal’s Corner:
I agree with Ron that life is full of struggles and challenges, but life is also full of celebrations. Spending time with Elizabeth and Brad and with Michelle and Alex and with Lisa is a great blessing to us. Our family is growing and fortunately, we are close and caring and happy.
As for the book, I think this is just another part of the journey. We have edited the book to the best of our abilities, but we need the professionals to help us. I believe that this book will become even better as we work on it. I also believe that we will be published and doing book readings, workshops, and lectures about memoir writing.
Writing a book together was not something that we planned ahead of time. Now both of us are working on separate books and articles. We have many discussions about publishing, editing, and all that goes with it. In some ways it is like raising children. Ron and I have different points of view on some issues, but we know how to use each other’s talents and abilities to accomplish this project. Being parents of adult children and grandparents also has its challenges, but also rewards. To watch these two little girls (Ayla and Addelyn) growing up in two very different households is fascinating. They are so cute and so much like their mothers. It brings back a lot of memories which we share and cherish.
Dinner at the Bear’s Den 2017. Happy Tenth Liz and Brad!