It seems like yesterday

that I traveled to Russia to adopt my daughter.

I can remember that special time in Russia, the sights, the people

in vivid color.

It seems like yesterday that I brought her home

and began the journey of single parent.

Yes, like yesterday.

It seems like yesterday that I traveled to Russia to adopt my youngest daughter.

Memories of a fairyland winter in Kostroma come to mind.

Picturesque and

Exquisitely beautiful.

And I began the journey of single parenting two.

Challenges and shining moments galore

But always sensing that I am not alone.

It seems like yesterday that I stood before my first class of first graders

knees knocking, hands shaking

feeling so inadequate and unprepared

slowly growing in confidence.

The One Who called gave me all that I needed to meet every challenge along the way.

Yes, it seems like yesterday

that I began to write.

First a poem here, a short story there

discovering my voice

and learning to write.

It seems like yesterday that I won an award for a poem I had written in seventh grade

but many, many years were to follow  where I only wrote in my journals.

And it seems like yesterday that I sold an article and realized that I was a writer.

Called to write

Challenged to write

Carried as I write

For I am never alone.

It seems like yesterday that I wrote that page that is now yellowed with age

With a coffee stain on it.

Time flies as quickly as  puddles dry

Leaving no mark and only a memory

But deep within my soul all those memories are making me who I am today.

Does it seem like yesterday to you too?

Are there moments you cherish and altar building times you hold close?

Let each one encourage you today

For today will be like yesterday

One day.