By The Sea

In College He looked at me, almost glaring, “Are you committed or not?” “Yes, I am committed,” I may have even added an eye roll, but I can’t be quite sure. If I were to take a guess though I added the eye roll. This was a conversation I had with my husband 12 weeks ago. For some crazy reason he had decided that he was going to take on the job of being my personal trainer and for some crazy reason I agreed. I guess to really appreciate the magnitude of this you need some of our history. He was the athletic jock in high school.   The Varsity Athlete, Captain of the football team…He wore his letterman jacket a lot. It was a staple to his “Jock” wardrobe like the sweatpants, cut up sweatshirts and t-shirts. Not a really pretty picture but it was the 80’s. I on the other hand occupied my time with anything else so I would not have to work out. I really could not be bothered with sweating in a room for the sake of vanity. Clearly health was not an issue for me back then...

Rosina Grandmother’s Rocking Chair… If I close my eyes gently I can still see her. Her smile lit inside of me a feeling of love and trust. She was the one constant, strong and honest person in my life. I knew if I felt scared, hopeless or in danger, I could go stay at my grandmother's house. I am not sure if her house was similar to any other grandmothers in the 1970-1980's but I have always felt it wasn't. She was not the typical grandmother of those years. Sometimes it seemed as if God preserved her in a time warp for me so I could have some home grown old fashion goodness instilled in my spirit. Growing up in those years felt like things moved fast, she didn't. We had old fashioned, family, Sunday dinners. There were family games played outside and many hours helping her in the kitchen. If she needed something at the store...we walked. She didn't have a driver’s license and didn't want it. She wore knee highs or tights everyday becaus...