Hello August!

This week we have said goodbye to July and Hello to August.

Here in Dickson, TN, that means back to school on August 1st and August 2nd was the primary elections for governor, senate and lots of county positions as well.

I am thankful to see another Friday Afternoon. Even though the temperature is up today and it is humid here, I choose to see the beauty in the day.

My dear David had an interview earlier this week and we are waiting to hear news from that. I so want him to have a regular schedule and not have to work 12 hour days in the elements to sell 8-10 vehicles a month. Being on commission pay is no picnic because of the stress involved with the up and down pay levels.

Since June 2nd, my dad has had 3 surgeries and he is still going strong. He is truly one of the strongest men I know. We have all pitched in and helped to make sure mom/dad have what they need.

We have been blessed to have the boys stay over a few nights this summer and it was lots of fun and we made great memories those nights.

When you are planning schedules and you have a conversation with a family member, you just never know what someone is going to say.

I had a conversation today with my daughter that made me realize how much she saw me hurting in a past relationship and I was happy to tell her things are much better now. As I was raising her and her brother, I was a single parent most of the time and didn't really consider their point of view with the fights and arguments with their step-dad at the time.

I know my children are grown with kids of their own these days, but I still want to call them and tell them over and over again how sorry I am that I couldn't give them more or other things that I view as failures in the years they were growing up. I am pretty sure they have forgiven me and I have to forgive myself too.

I am making blankets and scarves for the domestic violence shelter in Cheatham County. If you want to help by making items or donating supplies, please reach out at maryann_parish@yahoo.com and let me know. There is a never-ending need there for these items because they leave home with nothing sometimes to get to the shelter.

We have a dream to start Parish Mercy Ministries and want to give back to the community as much as possible. Want to hear more about our plans? Just ask!

If you need a place to stay, or guidance on how to get out of a violent relationship, please call the hotline for help. 1-800-799-7233. Tell someone, get help and don't stay another day!