Faith, Family, and the beauty of Everyday Grace

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Dear Younger Me
grief, Life Debbie Prather grief, Life Debbie Prather

Dear Younger Me

May 14, 1985 

Dad died in the hospital today. Why, why, why, why, why? Why wasn't I taken instead? Mom, Karen, and the boys could live fine without me. How will any of us survive without Dad?

June 9, 2023 

Dear Younger Me, 

These are such good questions.

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humble and kind
Debbie Prather Debbie Prather

humble and kind

“I love you, Mom.”

“Hmmm?”

(A little louder) “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too ... so very much.”

I’d been deep in thought, listening to the song we were slowly dancing to.

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point to the son
Debbie Prather Debbie Prather

point to the son

Today is my middle child's twenty-first birthday. Only yesterday, I was dragging myself around the supermarket in tears because it was his first week of kindergarten and I felt like both of my arms were missing. Two kids now in school, and I walked in circles for weeks until I figured out my new normal. Today, this birthday boy is six weeks out from marrying a radiant and vibrant young lady from Canada.

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the last turn home
Life Debbie Prather Life Debbie Prather

the last turn home

As we rounded the corner onto our street, the anticipation I'd felt for the last ten days couldn't be contained one second longer.  In our driveway, I left everything in the car and ran through the snow to the front door, flinging it open.

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our bodies, our vehicles
Life Debbie Prather Life Debbie Prather

our bodies, our vehicles

I drove my daughter to school today in our well-used, ocean mist Honda Odyssey van.  It's rusted in a few spots; dented in the rear from our sons' driver education days; and smelly from transporting dogs and athletes, wet snow boots, skis, bathing suits, and God knows what else. That old van is worn out but reliable. Rusty but sturdy.  Beat up but because I'm nostalgic, dare I say beautiful.

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peace, love and homeschooling
Debbie Prather Debbie Prather

peace, love and homeschooling

Like putting sore, tired feet in front of the fire, homeschooling has brought peace and rejuvenation to our hearts and to our household. And sleep! Ahhhh, did I mention sleep?

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the affair
Debbie Prather Debbie Prather

the affair

I'm having an affair.  I should feel very, very guilty ... but I don't. He's a married father of three. I'm also married with three children. I happen to know his children very well.  In fact, I've known his wife my whole life. I am her, she is me. I'm having an affair with my husband.

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