Remembering Scott

I heard the news today that an old friend, Scott Foster, passed away last year of cancer.

Scott was the first boy I had a crush on... he was head of the boys line in first grade Sunday School, and I was head of the girls line. He was fun and friendly and had a wonderful, hearty laugh, even then.

Our parents were friends, and we had younger brothers the same age. We attended the same schools and church.

Scott and I were like brother and sister in many respects, friends who felt comfortable with each other at that awkward teenage time when we mostly feel uncomfortable with our peers.

We went to a movie together the night of our senior prom because, like foolish kids. we were afraid that other kids would think we were boyfriend-girlfriend.

We lost touch in college.He married a lovely girl from our high school, a year younger than us, and I married, too. And life moved on, as it inevitably does...

Scott and I danced at our 20th high school reunion. Both our spouses stayed home, so it was natural that we would laugh and talk and dance together, just like old times.

He hadn't changed a bit from first grade.

But that was almost 20 years ago. We never saw each other or spoke again.

Scott left his heartbroken wife of 33 years, and two young adult children.

I know their loss is terrible and great.

But I grieve today, too. Somehow, I always thought I'd see Scott again...

That Magical Day Heralding Summer

Today is that magical day Ron and I have waited for over six long, rainy, cloudy, cold, dreary, busy-bee months: opening day of baseball season.

We enjoy baseball not only for love of the game, but also for love of the easy rhythm and beauty, the languor, of the season: sunny, warm, less complicated and less rushed.

After work, Ron hurries home and often fires up the barbecue for an outdoorsy, charbroiled dinner followed by leisurely hours of watching our team win or lose. Later, he tunes in ESPN's SportsCenter for the latest scores and standings before nodding off for the evening.

All I can say is... Let's play ball!

"We're on lockdown at school."

The following is an actual text message conversation I had today with my daughter, a junior in high school.... a terrible and terrifying conversation dreaded by every parent in 2008.

Andrea (3:33 PM): we're on lockdown at school so im still in class. we arent supposed to call so im texting. im fine :)

Me (3:34 PM): Are you ok?

Andrea (3:35 PM):yes im totally fine

I called the school office, and a secretary verified that the entire school of 2,500 students is on lockdown because of shots heard north of the campus. Until the police clear the area, school will remain locked down.

Me (3:40 PM): Text me when they release you. Your dad will pick you up. Please be extra cautious.

Andrea (3:42 PM): Okay i love you

Me (3:54 PM): Do they have any idea when this will be over?

Andrea (3:55 PM): no they keep coming on and saying just stay in class

Me (3:58 PM): The office said it was an off-campus incident with a student. Need police clearance to let you go.

Andrea (3:58 PM): okay

Me (4:15 PM): Any word? Where are you?

Andrea (4:16 PM): Nothing. im still in government.

Me (4:17 PM): I should call your employer. (She was due at her job at 5 PM.)

Andrea (4:19 PM): we just got out

She's now safe at home. Thank God!

Moved by the Democratic Ballot

I was surprisingly moved today at the privilege of voting for either a woman or an African-American to be President of the United States.

I suppose that, despite leading a comfortable, middle-class life, I've always unconsciously felt the invisible glass ceiling of hard reality and unfair boundaries.

What today's Democratic ballot means is that I, and my daughters and granddaughter, can be regarded as professional equals to men. That the world no longer sees us as second best... as lesser imitations of white men.

My life's work will be unchanged, of course. But there are no limits for the young women in my family.

Knowledge of that new freedom to follow God's leading anywhere is indeed, a privilege and a deep blessing.

Annual Accountability Moment, 2007

Well, it's here again... my annual public accountability moment on my greatest weakness: exercise!
Stationary Bike Mileage, by Year:

• 2007 - 614.0
  
• 2006 - 645.5
  
• 2005 - 564.5
  
• 2004 - 562.0

I was on track to easily top my 2006 total until my doctor told me to vary my physical activity... include other exercise, as well. So I did... sort of. But not enough.

Mainly, I sporadically walked. The family-heirloom arthiritis in my knees is a hindrance, though... and as a writer and journalist, I'm not inclined to leave my laptop for great lengths of weekday time.

I may shop for a treadmill, as I know that's the answer to more physical activity.

But for now, I feel GREAT about keeping up the pace in 2007.

Christmas 2007 Dinner Menu

Being a semi-foodie, an annual tradition of my blog is to post our Christmas family dinner menu, once the chef (me!) creates and clears the plan:

Christmas 2007 Dinner Menu at the White Home

Salmon, poached in California chardonnay (vintage 2005)

Angel hair pasta with homemade basil pesto

Roasted corn with sweet red bell peppers

French-cut green beans, topped with seasoned, fried onions

Green tea muffins (homemade)

Vanilla bean cheesecake with dark Morello cherries

White cranberry juice

Caifornia chardonnay (2005)

Starbucks coffee, Christmas blend

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones! And remember... amidst the gifting and feasting, give grateful thanks for the reason for our joyful celebration: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Our Christmas Arrived Six Days Early

Our Christmas arrived early this year... on December 19th, to be exact.

At 6:51 A.M, when Ian Maxwell Clark entered the world.

Yes, we were richly, deeply blessed with a second grandchild, a grandson, pictured at left with his beaming father, who happens to be my beloved son.

Mother, father and Ian are healthy, happy and at home now. Big sister Gabriela, 2 1/2 years old, is healthy and at home, of course, but not yet happy about this 7 lb. 2 oz. interloper into her universe.

In many ways, we're enjoying perhaps our most joyous Christmas season ever. Or maybe, just maybe, we're focusing on our blessings this year, and consciously noticing and appreciating all that God has gifted to us.

All four of our children, plus their two spouses and two children, will gather at our home this year (first time in three years!) for presents, festivities and a meal to celebrate family, traditions and God's love.

Like I do each year, I'll post our Christmas dinner menu once I finalize it tomorrow. Until then, savor the season...

And if you have the sacred opportunity this holiday season, hold a newborn baby close in your arms.