I have always had an insane passion for roller coasters. Not just as a child…I would leap right on one right now. Oh crap, never mind, I’m already in…with my hands lifted high in the sky!
You know how they start out unhurried and deliberate… shuffling slowly as if postponing to reach the clouds. Then suddenly, there’s the one second pause of anticipation, while towering on top of the world before you plummet back to earth, holding on to faith, joy, and fear.
Papa Lou is very sick right now. My Dad can barely walk. Gary has prostate cancer, and let’s just top this scenario off with Janis, who does my hair, is having surgery and can’t do my hair…F-me!
Callie Chester, (my niece in law) gave birth to her beautiful miracle baby girl last night. Kelley and Mercy have exciting new jobs. It’s almost Annie Kate’s 5th birthday, and I got to go to Italy.
We desperately need the house painted. We’ve got a ton of repairs, and we must purchase new gutters ASAP!
But…I’m going to take Annie Kate and Payton to Charleston to see the play, The Little Mermaid, with Whit and Laney. We will swim one more time before fall, and I will have all four for a sleep over…YABBA DABBA DO! (Trying to envision positive sentiments about this little endeavor…no doubt demented)
They say when it rains it pours…I feel blessed and humbled that I don’t live in Texas today. When the glass is half empty…reach for your Chardonnay. When life gives you lemons…make a lemon drop martini. You get the image, put your big girl grannie thong on and let Jesus take the wheel.
If I tell my Grandson we are “about to go somewhere” (i.g.,Target), he will not stop begging to “GO” until we are IN the toy department at Target. His inpatients is relentless. Santa Claus, himself, couldn’t shut Whit up! I don’t know why waiting to see “what’s in store” or “around the corner” is so difficult. But it is. I don’t know why convincing us to believe “things are going to get better” or “things are looking up” is so impossible. But they are. “Living in the moment” or “Being present” shouldn’t seem presumptuous. But it does. It’s all hard.
I believe in fortitude and backbone. Patience may have to wait for another day or two. Right now…I want Lou to be well. I want Gary to have a fast recovery. I want prayers answered for every one! I want stamina like Whit, and a girl trip! I’ve got the moxie for this Twisted Cyclone roller coaster ride… Bring on the good, the bad and the ugly!
The Yin and the Yang…
…and then there is me!
You Better Get This Party Started!
Reminds me of a Jim Valano quote. “Life changes when you least expect it to. The future is uncertain. So, seize this day, seize this moment, and make the most of it.” Make those amazing memories while you can…have a great trip to Charleston.
Life is full…Life is good…Breath in, breath out, repeat.
I googled Jim, He said to Laugh, Think, and Cry every day. That’s a full day.
I couldn’t agree with anything more!
You have a full life, indeed! Wish I could see you sometime. We might have more to talk about than you imagine! In the meantime, keep the faith, and TAKE THAT GIRLS TRIP!
I NEVER miss a girls trip…come “hell or high water”!
Would love to spend some time with you as well…that’s what I would call quality time!
Oh, boy! So sorry to hear about Gary! If it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger!! I’ve never been to Italy! ❤️
Go to ITALY ASAP…It will make you stronger!!!
…and then there is you! Always the backbone, the one we all call when we need someone to hear what we have to say, the one all the grandchildren adore, the one who takes care of her in laws like they were her very own parents and who loves her own Dad to the moon. You are always on a roller coaster because we involve you on our own roller coasters, but you always make the ride more fun and we all feel a little more safe when you are riding beside us!
Great blog, Mom!
Well said, Kelley! I couldn’t agree with you more! Prayers for the roller coaster to come to come to the end of the tunnel and everyone is healed and ready to party! May God bless you and wrap you in his healing arms! Love you all! xo
This roller coaster is not so scary…We know we are wrapped up in His arms super tight!
Kelly, beautifully well said! Tracy, you are a lucky lady…reading this must fill your sails❤️
Soaring!
When the dog bites. When the bee stings. When I’m feeling sad. I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel soooo bad.
(my favorite things are all of you…My children are my rain drops on roses)
I love you!
I am sitting on READY for that girl trip!!!! Your Blogs excite me like I used to feel when I opened the mailbox to see the newest issue of Southern Living!!!! It is a DELIGHT to know you!!! Thankful for your friendship!!!❤️❤️❤️
We are going to do just that, because girl trips are my FORTE…well that and selling a really good looking piece of furniture!
You make me happy Courtney:)
Tracy, great blog! Hope Gary recovers quickly- and hope both of your fathers improve! Well- written! God bless you!
Hoping that your roller coaster settles down soon!
Carol
Just when you start believing the best things in life are around the bend…someone will pop out and say BOO! It’s a much better idea to to take the one day at a time approach and you most likely won’t get spooked!
Every day can be a blessing if you let it.
Wow Tracy, like everyone else I love this blog!!! And as Kelley said, you make always makes everything more fun! I’ll be praying for Papa Lou, Gary, your dad and all of you.
Hi Mandy,
Get your butt to Gainesville and bring me cute babies and some good food!
Great blog! Was perfect with my Sunday morning coffee. Life is a thrill ride indeed. Thanks for taking me along with you these many years! Thrills and spills…but always fun❤️
I understand it is hard to watch your Dad age; same with my Mother aging. She is definitely slowing down. Sorry to hear about Gary. Prayers for his healing. Will be thinking of you. It is hard in this stage of life because we want to have fun with the young and must take care of the aging. Love and miss you.
The circle of life. There is so much to learn and so much to share in this short, fast moving time. You gotta go lookin for the joy…because it seldom comes looking for you…but when it does, you have to grab hold!
I love my friendships, and ours is one of my favs! We need to celebrate us more often!
So sorry to hear all ur sad news T however this to shall end. I was told this many yrs ago when going thru bad times and it is true. u will come out the other end a ok!
Praying for you dad and Gary
Mary you are right…Prayers and Chardonnay can get you through any bad day…and the good ones!!!
Thankful to have read this today. I have been and am on my own life roller coaster right now. We all have this. We turn to God, ask for peace, and if things happen that are heartbreaking he gets us through; then we start a new ride. Love my author friend. God be with your father and Gary.
Thankful for so many things…which gets us through. Holding on tight to friendships during the ride is a sure thing too!
Tracy, you are the dearest Ying and Yang that has ever been! Don’t ever give up ur roller coaster rides, they derserve you and vice versa! How blessed am I to share highs and lows with your/our family!!!
I can’t imagine my world with out the Aldridges….You certainly keep it interesting! Love you so so much!
Love you Tracy! You are in my prayers and thoughts! God is good! Sending hope, prayers and blessings to you, Gary and your dad! You are such a awesome
Roller Coaster and I am so very happy that I have been able to experience some great rides with you! May God bless all of you my sweet friend!
You have been on a lot of bumpy rides with me Irene. Thank you for being my friend for such a long long time. Friends, porch parties, and girl trips can get you through any craziness!
Tracy, you have the rare ability to be strong, vulnerable, worried, positive, and humorous all at the same time. When most people would be feeling sorry for themselves and the situation, you are counting your blessings and taking care of everyone. You, like your blog, are delightful. We are thinking of you and hoping Gary does recover quickly and that both fathers feel better.
You left out what you love most about me…bitchy!!!
Love your blogs. I can hear you talking and giggling in my mind! So sorry about Lou and I hate to hear Gary is having problems. Give him a hug from me. I’ll add him to my prayer list. You take care and be so glad you have those grandbabbies. My biggest regret!
Leah you have such a kind heart. Thank you for thinking of us, but we have been pretty lucky when it comes to this “pot luck dinner” we call life!
I think of you often!