If Wishes Were Horses

"If wishes were horses, beggers would ride." I do not know the origin of that statement. I do know my mother used it on a regular basis. It was a staple in the "verbal arsenal" all good mothers have, and her response to such whinings as "I wish I could stay up later" or "I wish you would just spank me instead of lecturing me."

I have done a great deal of wishing these past two weeks. My bud Kay moved away on June 22. She and her daughter spent their last weekend in town at my house. Kay and Juneau really bonded. I took many mental pictures of the two of them, cuddling on my bed. I wished she could stay, but I knew why she had to leave.

I wish they would outlaw fireworks in my area. Yes I know, bah humbug and what a cranky woman to wish for something like that. The City of Vancouver is not known for many things, but it is IS known for putting on the largest fireworks show west of the Mississppi. You'd think that would be enough. Miss Jessie is terrified of fireworks. She pants, she paces, she trembles, she cries, she runs in circles. There is no comforting her (we have tried medication - it doesn't work) and for a solid week, she lives in this state of anxiety.

11 years ago today my father died of cancer. I wish he had lived to see his grandson growing up. He would have been so proud. I wish he could have met my husband and been able to see what a wonderful man I married. I wish he could have realized that even though I'm not skinny and didn't graduate from college, I am still a person worthy of his love.

I wish I were better at dealing with my pain, and my flashbacks of the accident. I wish I were better at concentrating on asking God for His help and His grace. All the king's doctors and all the king's counselors cannot put Humpty back together again. Only God can.

There you have it - my stable of wishes.