Logan's Confirmation

What a beautiful spring day we had for Logan's Confirmation on May 20, 2010. Mom and Rudi flew up to spend this day with us as well as Bill's parents, my dad, and Mrs. Salerno.

For the past year, Logan has prepared to make his Confirmation through religions ed (actually 7 years of this), his community services, and the various projects it takes to make this commitment. This is his final step for the initiation as a Catholic. During his Baptism, his God parents stood up for him as his acceptance into our faith. This is Logan's chance to stand up for himself and repeat those exact words that were said around him on September 14, 1997.

Mrs. Salerno was chosen by Logan to be his sponsor and stand up with him before the Bishop as he made his vows. We began the day with photos of Logan, Mrs. Salerno, and the family. We went on to the Church and were joined by Bill's parents and Mom and Rudi across the aisle from where dad, me, Logan, and Mrs. Salerno sat with the rest of the Conformati.

Logan was one of the last children to step on the alter (all due to the last name of "S" and the seating arrangements.) He stood before the congregation and presented himself to the Bishop with his name of Anthony. This is one of the beloved saints and also the name of my papa who meant the world to me. It was very emotional for me as the Holy Spirit was called on to bless and guide him. I don't think Logan is at the same place as I am with our faith, but believe he recognized the special moment for what it was. I hope so.

We went on to have a lovely dinner around a table at the Olive Garden. It was so nice to break break with Bill's parents and to share this celebration with them. I had invited Bill, but he did not make it.

Logan's religious education will now continue through attending mass and whatever he can take from it. I will encourage him to be the good person he is meant to be. Since there is no formal training anymore, I will step up as his parent and religious guide to continue to give of himself by giving back to the community every season with a special day of dedication. I'm already looking into seeing what we can do in the summer with the Habitat for Humanity organization in our area. As a soon-to-be 13 year old, he still has a lot to learn and I hope that the foundation of the past seven years, can support a strong faith and belief to guide him through life.

Two Months of Catch Up

As I whispered in my previous post, it's been nearly two months since last post...let me give you a recap of what's been happening:

Houseguests - Mom and Rudi came just short of two weeks and enjoyed some Long Island living. This included visits with friends, Logan's Confirmation, biking in the city, glasses of wines, deep dark conversations, and a glimpse into our every-day-living as a single mom and young tween.

Confirmation - see next posting which will capture that day.

Employed/Unsure/Employed - I was on the edge of my seat for a day or so as I waited to hear if my contract would be extended or if I was going to be released. Happily, it stands that I've been extended again and I am very grateful. Without jinxing anything, it's all looking good.

Waiting on the Weight - I had told mom during her visit that one day and at one pound, I'll find the motivation I need to continue my journey of weight loss. Little did I know that it would happen while she was here. I broke out of the "70s" and am happy to be headed to the "60s." It seems more reachable now and I'm hoping I continue on this path.

Cluttered Mind/Cluttered Life - I've discovered how keeping a balance with my checkbook (overtime helps), my housework (Logan is now actively involved with two chores a day), and my health (had most annual appointments completed), all need to be aligned for me to move forward. I am feeling great all around and finding a great peace with knowing all is in tune.

School Ending - summer vacation begins officially on Thursday for Logan which means that my 9-month routine changes and allows me a different sort of freedom. I'm taking advantage of Wednesdays off and Mondays as half-days at home. That enables me to make the most of our summer before Logan leaves for his many vacations.

And that in a nutshell is what's been going on!

Happy Father's Day!

It's been nearly two months since my last post and so much has happened. I'd like to first wish all the dads in my life a Happy Father's Day. This group of men includes my dad, my stepdad, my former husband, my former father-in-law, the husbands of my many friends, and Logan's future stepdad (wherever he may be...I'm waiting...where are you?!?)

Dads are so different then moms. When you think of a mom, you think of softness, hugs, gentleness, wisdom, etc. When you think of dads, you think of big, strong, provider, protector, and the "man-ly" roles of the family.

For me, I think of my faith and the symbol of fathers as leaders and protectors. It saddens me to not share this day with Logan's dad because it's his role as a father that completed my path to motherhood. I hope that he sets good examples for Logan as in how to treat and respect women. This is a role I cannot take on. I can teach my son to be a gentleman with manners and respect...but will he understand his role as a man, husband, father? I also hope that Bill is able to understand how his actions and reactions set examples for Logan. Remembering his finer qualities, I do encourage Logan to follow his lead. An example is how Bill enjoyed racquet ball and joined leagues not knowing anybody. He followed his heart and was able to do so for himself and nobody else. It's important do embrace and develop our wants regardless of others. It's important to know when to do this and when not too. Let's leave it at that.

On the flip side of the coin, I look at the men in my life and am grateful for the goodness that they brought into my life. My father has introduced me to my faith and taught me how to forgive and move on. My stepfather has taught me to understand that you don't have to be blood to be "one of us" - sorry Rudi...you are! He has taught me to know that not everybody agrees with me...but that's okay. My experiences with my papa and my opa, remind me of the generations before and what they did for their families as their lives were colored with war and loss...and yet survival.

My biggest hope is that Logan learns and understands the many aspects of being a good father and that he can take the good from all and turn the not-so-good into strengths as he -- way down the line -- becomes a father. So with all that said...HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all and know that you have touched and effected the lives of others.

Love & Hugs!

Karen