There are times when I wonder whether I can go on. Morning arrives and the day seems daunting. Evening arrives and I am exhausted. I often question if I will ever not be tired. Will I ever get a full night's sleep? Will I ever enter my day without concern or worry? Will I ever be fully satisfied with a job I have completed? Will I ever feel as if I have done totally right by my children? Work has a way of tiring you out and it should. It also can also inspire you and push you through another day.


Just when I thought I was too exhausted and could not possibly contribute more or be the least bit more creative in my work, I spent the weekend with my mother. I live in Southern California on the Los Angeles / Orange County border. My mother and brother (and his family) live in Las Vegas proper and my little sister (and her family which includes a brand new baby) live just outside of Vegas in Henderson. I was very excited to take my family and see them all this last weekend. Mom opened my eyes once more about what one can accomplish and how life should be lived.

Just outside of Vegas is a lovely little hamlet, where the homes hover at about $1M, called Boulder City. Every Independence Day, Boulder City hosts a fun little parade. This year, privately-owned fighter planes started the parade off with a double fly-over. Oooh's and aww's gave way to cheers, as parade goers were graced with the buzzing presence of American history. Politicians rode in nice cars, a few tractors rode past, as well as some clowns with melting make-up. This is a Fourth of July parade desert-style, in 100°+ heat.

Then came the "water entries." Marching in the last half of the parade were different organizations that were ok with you throwing a water balloon or being shot with a high-powered squirt gun. As a matter of fact, as a watcher, you better be prepared to get a little wet. Much to my amazement, out there with all the other shooters and tossers, stood my mother with her perfectly coiffed hair, beautiful red skirt and patriotic shirt and she gave it to 'em, more than most. My mother is beautiful, incredibly refined, and comes from tough pioneer stock. I know these things because she has told me many times in my life time. After witnessing her water assault, I now know she wasn't joking. I feel ashamed to have ever said, "I am old, I am tired, I am not well..."

I took away from that weekend, a greater understanding of what it means to give more and to give tirelessly. And smile while you're doing it. I am not an old dog and I can learn a new trick. What if Einstein had decided he was too old, or Warren Buffet? Brilliance can come in any form, even in the form of a grandma shooting a congressman with a super soaker.


by rayannethorn