42 years of my journey

42 little known facts about me on my birthday…as seen through the eyes of those who know me best and love me the most.

from mom & dad…

1. Elaine was born April 10, Easter Day. And from that day on, she has exemplified a ‘resurrected life.’

2. When she came home from the hospital, her year-old sister threw a ball into her crib and it bounced off her head. That was an omen of things to come with those two girls.

3. Her first nickname was “Chuckina”, given by Linda Aaron, her kindergarten teacher because she acted like her father, Charles.

4. All her teachers loved to have her in class. They said it was her personality, her generosity, and her passion for even the smallest of things.

5. As a youth, she went to the Wilmore Camp. I had to take two truck loads of furniture and supplies for her needs. It was at camp that she had the first of several conversions.

6. Elaine took piano lessons and it paid off. I still have her Thompson books, and now I am starting to play, beginning with Book I. The first lesson is dated January – 1974. Elaine was 8. Kind of neat…dad playing the same music.

7. The nightly ritual was tucking her in bed, saying our prayers out loud, leaving the night light on, and leaving the door ajar. All of these had to be done in order; it not, they had to be done over.

8. She was always getting into trouble, especially in Band, with her friend Gayle. They drove their director crazy. They both played the sax, each altering between seat 1 and 2, by their devious design.

9. In children’s choir, she gave the impression that she was the director—making sure everyone was lined up properly, much to the chagrin of her parents and the choir director.

10. Her ‘CBS productions’ and her neighborhood dramas, were a sight to behold. Invitations were hand-delivered to the neighbors and props were gathered and set up in the yard or den. Of course, Elaine was the director.

11. She loved the tape recorder and was reluctant to relinquish it.

12. She loved to make up her own dances and entertain us with her singing, dancing and imitations of performers. Her rendition of “Elvira” with a broom as her mike is priceless.

13. One day she came into the house, crying, telling me that the neighbor girls made fun of her, wouldn’t play with her, and that they were mean. I told her to go out there and love them. She said, “Okay.” In about two minutes she was back, crying again and telling me, “Daddy, it won’t work.”

14. Elaine usually had ‘bad hair’ days because she had problem hair. Cowlicks and crowns all over her head. We tried everything, but for years her hair was short and manageable only when given a dose of “Dippity Doo”.

15. One day, in a restaurant, the waitress looked at me and asked, “What does he want to eat?” She’s never quite recovered from her mistaken identity as a boy.

16. As a toddler, Elaine was docile. During morning worship, she slept soundly in a room adjoining the platform and choir loft while anthems soared and her dad preached.

17. She was slow to walk–we finally resorted to a walker when she was 15 months old, and she mastered the fine art in no time. Hard to imagine, when she hasn’t been still since and runs for exercise almost daily.

18. She had a high need for stories to have a happy ending. If the story line did not wrap up all the loose ends, she persisted with the question, “Well, what do you think happened?” until we gave her a probable “rest of the story.” Her need for order and predictability have been both bane and blessing to her, I am sure.

19. As a child she was compassionate to the point of pain when life was unfair to others or they were suffering from illness or heartache. She still practically wears a sign that says, “Tell me your troubles and I’ll cry with you!”

20. At about 6 years old, she packed her suitcase and went to Jennifer’s for a sleepover, but within two hours was brought home in her jammies, unable to handle the trauma of homesickness.

21. She has always been able to strike up a conversation with most anyone, from folks standing in a checkout line to passengers on a plane, to servers in a restaurant—having a natural interest and curiosity which, in her childhood, was often a source of embarrassment to her more reserved family members.

Still awake?

from my kids…

22. Mom likes to sing and dance to Christian music while she’s driving. (N)

23. Mom is passionate. (N)

24. My mom is the only one I know who buys Christmas presents for herself and leaves them wrapped under the tree as a surprise. Like we don’t know where they came from! (C)

25. My mom leaves a broom by her bed so she can hit the ceiling when my brother and me get too loud. She used to climb on the bed and pound. I guess this is easier. (C)

26. My mom…hmmm…she’s perfectly fine for me. (J)

27. My mom likes to watch “Deal or No Deal” with me. (J)

28. My mom is the Queen. I am the princess. (A)

29. My mom loves to hug me. (A)

from my husband…

30. When out to eat, Elaine will use almost anything as a toothpick if no real ones are available.

31. Elaine is cold natured…blanket, socks, and bed slippers year round.

32. Elaine sleeps in a “nest” of five different pillows that she assembles every night.

33. Elaine has a “Beth Moore” closet where she houses her Bible study materials.

34. Elaine has composed several songs for our children, the best being the “Little Green Frog” song.

35. The first story Elaine ever read to me was her “Shed Heart” story.

and finally from me…

36. Baths over showers.

37. Diet Coke over coffee.

38. Chocolate over just about anything.

39. Fall & Winter over Spring & Summer.

40. Writing over reading & talking & watching.

41. People over possessions.

42. God over everything!

And one to grow on…

I have a favorite song that puts voice to the earnest and most sincere plea of my heart on this, my 42nd birthday. A prayer to the Creator and the Sustainer of my life.

Thanks for indulging me!

~elaine