I've been spending some time looking through old folders of pictures from our previous digital camera. It's fun to see how everyone looked a few years back, to remember the crazy things we did, and how much time we spent with great friends. I thought that as I have time and feel up to it, I'll put some of the old pics up. They're not all flattering, let me tell you, but they all have meaning.
This pictures are from 2/15/2003. This is Mindy, Tim, Justin, Julie, me, and M.
It was a crazy snowy night in town, and NO ONE was out except the snow plows. But since our small group from church all lived within blocks of each other, we thought it was a good night to hang out and play games. One couple couldn't come, and I'm guessing it was because Brad was out plowing, since that's what he does when it snows. The other three couples of us got together at Justin and Julie's house. I remember that there was alot of laughing, and I remember there were some surprising answers to some questions, but I don't remember specifics. It was a great night though.
This was back when there were no kids for any of us. Tim and Justin were grad students, the rest of us worked "normal" jobs. We had evenings free and spent most of them together, rotating houses, but always hanging out at least a few times a week. It was a time I didn't cherish enough, I didn't realize how enchanted that time was. I rarely wish I could go back to a place in time... but there are a few. And this is one of them. Life was so good then, so worry-free, just a bunch of newlyweds enjoying learning about life together.
Now we're the only ones left in this picture. J and J are in Missouri and have 2 beautiful daughters and a third on the way. T and M have one and one coming too, living in Belgium. I truly believe that life would be different today if only J and J had stayed. But that's silly...it doesn't work that way. We miss them. They were our anchors to reality and to what was important. We still talk to them frequently, but not enough. It'll never be the same, but I'm so thankful we had that time with the whole gang. What I wouldn't give to be that happy and innocent again...
This pictures are from 2/15/2003. This is Mindy, Tim, Justin, Julie, me, and M.
It was a crazy snowy night in town, and NO ONE was out except the snow plows. But since our small group from church all lived within blocks of each other, we thought it was a good night to hang out and play games. One couple couldn't come, and I'm guessing it was because Brad was out plowing, since that's what he does when it snows. The other three couples of us got together at Justin and Julie's house. I remember that there was alot of laughing, and I remember there were some surprising answers to some questions, but I don't remember specifics. It was a great night though.
This was back when there were no kids for any of us. Tim and Justin were grad students, the rest of us worked "normal" jobs. We had evenings free and spent most of them together, rotating houses, but always hanging out at least a few times a week. It was a time I didn't cherish enough, I didn't realize how enchanted that time was. I rarely wish I could go back to a place in time... but there are a few. And this is one of them. Life was so good then, so worry-free, just a bunch of newlyweds enjoying learning about life together.
Now we're the only ones left in this picture. J and J are in Missouri and have 2 beautiful daughters and a third on the way. T and M have one and one coming too, living in Belgium. I truly believe that life would be different today if only J and J had stayed. But that's silly...it doesn't work that way. We miss them. They were our anchors to reality and to what was important. We still talk to them frequently, but not enough. It'll never be the same, but I'm so thankful we had that time with the whole gang. What I wouldn't give to be that happy and innocent again...
Looks like a fun group (aren't small groups wonderful?!)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are missing them, and days past. I have those moments as well.
Miss them too. You know what is funny, the guys look roughly the same and the girls look completely different. Do you think it is the hair styles? Karen K
ReplyDeleteIt is neat to see you moving into the stage of life when "the way things used to be" is pleasantly nostalgic. In our Texas days, we fondly remembered pinochle and bowling w/ Dan & Carolyn; in our MO days, we have pleasant memories of '42' games with the Fenders and the Whites while in Texas. Life goes on. Sweet memories are part of it; but there are always current good times that compensate for -- and sometimes even exceed -- the "old days." The BEST is always yet to come.
ReplyDeleteThe old philosopher,
Papa Beagle
I was told by someone smarter than I (your dad, I think) that happiness is a state of happenstance; peace & joy come by choice, in spite of the happenstance.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, men get older; women get better :o) YOU have helped make me better! Love you!
Hey, I was just catching up on some of your blog and read the one where you said you had wished it was the "not so bad" kind of Down syndrome. That was so me!!! As soon as we got home from the hospital I started researching on the internet about DS, (because I had NO clue) and latched onto the idea that she HAD to have mosaic DS because it is better! Oh, how silly. It's funny how it just doesn't even matter anymore, but at the time I was desperate! Anyhow, just thought I would let you know you aren't the only "crazy" one : )
ReplyDeleteI truly know where you are coming from on this. I miss some very similar things about my past and past friends. It is very difficult. And I don't think people reach out enough to one another anymore. Just for companionship and fun even........
ReplyDeleteI like Papa Beagle's advice. I hope he's right!