Pure Joy

This past weekend was long and exhausting, but also too short and… wonderful.

Because of my work situation or maybe because I’m a workaholic, I rarely fly home for a visit. Home being the place I was born and mostly raised: Indiana.

My mom still lives in our home state. As do three sisters, one brother, and their significant others and offspring. The other three sisters, oddly enough those here at SIS, flew the coop. Bren, Barb, and I pursued careers as singers, which meant a lot of traveling. We ended up settling wherever the most gigs were or where our significant others were… or both. It’s not that I don’t like Indiana. It’s certainly not that I don’t miss my family. But, dang, time flies for a workaholic and suddenly a sibling says, “Do you realize I haven’t seen you in the flesh in seven years?” And I’m like, “No way!” But… Way.

This year, for very personal reasons, it was imperative for me to fly home. I’m so glad I did. I jammed an awful lot of sib-bonding into three days, although I didn’t coordinate things quite right with my sister Brandy. My time with her was incredibly brief. I’m still bummed about that. But, happily, I was able to squeeze in some quality time with the bulk of my family. I could share highlights from the state fair, the small town café, the family cookout, the Elvis movies with Mom, the Uno game at BJ's cool medieval abode, or Brandy’s ‘House Beautiful’, but instead I want to share a moment of pure joy… albeit faked.

While riding in Barb’s Hummer, at least I think it’s a Hummer. It’s big, black, and cool, and intimidating for a wiener driver like me. Where was I? Ah, yes. While riding in Barb’s massively huge vehicle, I brought up the subject of happiness—spurred, I think, by Bren’s previous post about ‘laughing’.

Beth: Have you ever seen one of those ads where the woman is laughing? Uncontrollably? Where she looks absolutely, I don’t know, carefree?”

Barb: Pure joy.

Beth: Yes!

Barb: I’ve seen them. Beth: Sometimes I wonder what’s wrong with me that I don’t feel like that.

Barb: Too much stress. Your work schedule. Your writing deadlines.

Beth: Right. I’m thinking I need to reevaluate my life. Reprioritize. I want to feel like the women in those ads.

Barb: We should take a picture of us faking 'Pure Joy'.

So we did.I mean, come on, who could pass that up? Certainly not us born hams.

Even though I faked Pure Joy, I felt Pure Joy after because, dang, that was silly. Then Barb sent me the pictures and I snorted and laughed--again. Pure Joy!

Poor BJ. She's so sweet and shy... and a really good sport. Barb and I roped her into this shot. "Just look amused by my moment of Pure Joy," I said. Hmm. I don't think she's acting here.

Barb and I in a moment of feigned Pure Joy. Or was feigned?? All I know is that we are officially GOOBERS!

Here are two pictures, two moments, that bring me genuine Pure Joy.

With my awesome sisters, Brandy, Barb, and BJ. (Bren couldn't be there! Wah!!) Barb will argue she's the pretty one. *g* If that's so, our brother would venture--Brandy's the smart one, BJ the cool one, and me the sweet one. Hee!

My reason for flying home pronto. My incredibly brave and inspiring brother, Bobby. Okay, these days he goes by Bob. But he's my little brother and thus in my heart--Bobby. He's battling the big 'C' with more grace and humor than I could ever imagine. We here at SIS would appreciate your positive thoughts and prayers. I believe in miracles as do my sisters and my brother. We'd love it if you'd share a moment, any moment, of Pure Joy! When's the last time you felt it?

SIS Beth