There was a time when I was so focused on being serious about college and my career that I forgot my silly side. It wasn’t until I had my son, Afton, that I finally remembered how fun it is to act like my goofy old self. I play the same games with him—peekaboo, building “forts” in the living room—that I remember my mom playing with me. I’m so glad he came along to remind me how much joy acting like a kid brings! Lynn Paszkiewicz, Kansas City, Missouri
When I became a new mother 30 years ago, I started oil painting. It was great fun to turn on the stereo and paint my heart out while my little girl danced to the music. Now my “little girl” has become a mother herself. After her daughter was born, I got the urge to paint again. I did a large oil painting for the mother of my beautiful granddaughter. Every time I see it hanging in her home I remember the wonderful times I had with her while she was growing up. Arlene C. Silver Koslow, Atlanta
When I was a young child, my father would take me to the library and I would leave with a stack of books so tall, he’d have to help me get into his truck. Once I entered college, I rarely found time to read anything not related to one of my courses; when I got my first job, I was too tired to pick up a novel. After experiencing several months of stress and exhaustion, I decided to visit the library once again. I’m an early riser and now spend time each morning reading a few chapters in a good novel (any genre will do) as I eat a bowl of cereal and listen to the bamboo wind chimes outside my kitchen. Kimberly Yates, Manor, Texas
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
