Forever Love

In memory of my parents.
(Written on their 40th anniversary....1992)

Forever Love

They celebrate 40 years today_
A blessing to be sure.
Thru hard times and good times,
With a love that did endure.

A borrowed glass, began their journey
At least, that's what we're told.
And matchmaking parents soon encouraged,
a wedding band of gold.

It certainly wasn't easy,
the changes that came their way,
A fishing cabin Idaho,
brought Diana Beth in May.

Four years later, and a couple of moves,
landed them in Grants.
Baby Scott came on the scene,
to the rhythm of indian chants.

Not ones to let their roots grow long,
they packed again and moved along.
Between here and there, and who knows where_
came little Mattie in Pierre.

To some already, they'd done their share
of packing, boxing, and hauling with care.
But not the Deahls, no, not them....
They moved again,again and again!

This country was not big enough to hold this family in.
So off to Argentina, and then Brazil they went!
They also hit Aruba, where Don, he was in heaven!
But Nan, not quite the water buff, was ready to get movin!

They headed to Bolivia,
and faced a coup d'etat.
Then back again to the USA,
This time they planned to stay.

There love has covered many things in all these 40 years.
Births and deaths, smiles and tears, and grandkids everywhere.

And so no matter where they go,
I think it's safe to say...
Their love goes with them everywhere
Forever and a Day.

Lovingly, Mattie
March 1992

My first year of grieving has come to a close. And yes, time has helped. As have the prayers and support of my many, many friends and family. And they continue to be such a blessing and support to us as we face Mike's job loss and the uncertain future. Truly, we feel His peace and protection at this time as a result of your prayers.
Thank you everyone,
Mattie and Mike

Miss Him Already

Camel Races

Grand Mosque

Ryan's Birthday Dinner..Russell's last night here.

Having grown up a TCK..or Third Culture Kid, I became very used to goodbyes and hellos. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of loved ones for a visit tops some of my favorite memories. That first glimpse as they came thru customs was the best. Of course, back then the world wasn't quite so connected either..We talked to my sister very rarely after she left home to attend nursing school, while we moved from Argentina, to Brazil and then a year later to Aruba. But oh! when she came to visit! Nothing beat it. Scott and I would vie for her attention and we made some great memories. I just loved the hellos...but oh! those goodbyes!...They were so hard. And, although I became used to them, they didn't get any easier.

So there we were last nite. Another goodbye to put in my heart. Our time with Russell was so good. I'm thankful for his long visit. It was like he experienced our real life here...not just a snippet of this and that. Sure, we did fun things...dune bashing, skiing, touring the Grand Mosque and so on...but mostly we hung out. He met Ryan's friends. He met our friends. Played Laser tag with Sallie and Robert. Saw one of Ryan's basketball games. Did the grocery shopping with me. And more grocery shopping. Saw what Sallie and Robert do for school. Hung out with Mike as he navigated the maze of trying to get the very simple problem with the license plate repaired(a casualty of dune bashing). Ordered shirts from our Hindu tailor around the corner...AND felt the satisfaction of actually getting what he wanted...:) Simply put...He lived life with us and it felt great.

Today though, I am dealing with the goodbyes...I woke up and his big ol' shoes aren't by the door. His toothbrush is gone from the counter. The book that he left for us to read, is sitting on the couch. It feels empty. As I watched him walk thru customs last nite, I wanted to run and hug him one more time. The goodbyes...man, they are hard.

And if we are here next year...and I'm saying goodbye to both Ryan and Russell. Well, let me tell you...It will not be a pretty picture. Not at all.

By the way, today Ryan is 18. We are so blessed. He is such a wonderful son. Like I said, I don't even want to think about him not being here next year...nope! I'll leave that goodbye for later.

See you later...

Mattie

Dubai can Do Anything You Can Do, Better. Dubai Can Do Anything Better Than You.

I was shocked to see that it has been so long since I last made an entry on my blog. Russell arrived on the 21st..so I guess that explains part of it. Our days have been filled with Christmas, and New Year's, and sightseeing, and just hanging out. I kind of feel badly...I probably should have set his tickets up for this Thurs. instead of next Thurs. so he could have time in Dallas with his friends...Selfish me. I admit, it is a bit slow with Ryan back in school and "normal" routine setting in, but all that being said, we love having him here. So, we buy the tickets..we get the boy!

Beyond the usual holiday dinners and celebrations, the boys went Dune bashing with their dad and some other men. This is a common activity here...Men take out their 4 wheel drives, strap on their testosterone and fly thru the desert sand dunes...Up and down...sometimes way up and way down...they go across the dunes. Laughing all the way...until the bumper comes off or the gas tank gets cracked...or...or...they get STUCK. all the time...:) But they have fun. And then you take the car to the car wash where they remove sand from everywhere...even with windows up and doors closed the sand ends up covering the inside of your cars. Good times. Good times.

Russell wanted to experience Ski Dubai. So, off we went last Saturday. When he visited last year we just could not face the Dubai traffic but this year we are a little stronger and Saturday was our day in Dubai. Mike and Russell skied in the ONLY indoor ski mountain in the world,while Sallie and Robert and I walked around the Mall. We then all headed to the Dubai Mall, the BIGGEST mall in the world..for Taco Bell(first in the UAE)and the new aquarium. On our way there we passed the TALLEST building in the world. (Feel free to read this with any inflection you like...thrilling, cynical, factual...yes, however you like.... ) The only thing missing was Ryan...he was not feeling great when we left so he stayed home. But he'll have another chance.

Last nite we watched the recorded Fiesta Bowl with some friends. Katie and Kevin invited us over for Mexican food...and we actually managed to NOT know the outcome of the game...A difficult feat with facebook and all. So, there were some happy Longhorns last nite.

We might get to see some camel races this week...Now won't that be something? Trying to set it up before Russell leaves. Also, Ryan turns 18 on the 15th..Maybe a Camel Racing party..hmmmmm....

2008 has been pretty interesting..wonder what's next...