Just do, she said and don’t ask why! It was her mantra, her Om, her ominous threat! This great, great grandmother of Emma E. with her brood of young held us all in check being a sergeant at arms. We muttered our displeasure but we did what needed to be done. We inherited what I call the jenny genes, inspired some of us and caused some of us heartache. But we see in our progeny the results that give us hope.
And we know without doubt that hope is the factor that gives life meaning, for without it there is no tomorrow worth waking up to. Emma E. with her fragile and precarious beginning at 1 lb 13 oz is the now charming and lovable child pictured here having just passed her first birthday. She keeps on giving intangible gifts of love and laughter that are priceless.
Thirty three years ago her father came into the world early as she and I thought determined to live as he was, he would have even if born in pioneer times on the prairie enroute. His daughter is determined as he. Being only familiar with my side of the family intimately, I see the jenny genes from the orphan my mother was, working yet through her progeny of grands and greats.
Having just come through a week of laying to rest a President of what is called the Greatest Generation, I am reminded what the characteristics that were their legacy. Commitment, frugality, work and responsibility are the hardest things to teach the children.
The Depression years took the laughter out of many lives but the birth of Emma E. has given all of us reason for joy and hope. When the larger picture is kept in mind, we can cherry pick the legacies and keep what is fine and good and what gives life. These are worth working for and keeping.
We always hope the best of who we are is born into our progeny. I look upon this smiling face of Emma E. and am glad I hold onto that thought. The thought that the jenny genes will be her strength to persevere but never to forget to laugh.
The Journey. . . a life. .
So we pitch our tents
on the side of the quiet river
and look for landmarks in the morning.
It has been a full day, rafting and
wandering through the rapids
hoping for a night of calm waters.
Still, we hope. Christmas will
come knocking at the midnight door
and hope will enter. And she will
be welcome for she enters with a promise. 
3 responses to “Hope Enters With A Promise. . . .”
What a beautiful soul. Her eyes are already wise. You’re blessed…truly.
Suzanne, to whom much is given, much is also required. It has always been thus and I hope I have made the match. Hope so because energy and time are used up! I am truly blessed.
email from Jane. . . Your little Emma, is a doll!! What a beautiful child!! What a hope indeed for the future!! So precious!! thank you for sharing your little Emma!! What a joy to see her!! love, jane