Without a doubt, my most important relationship on Earth is the one I have with my husband of 30 years, Matt. This relationship fuels me, inspires me, grounds me, and makes life a grand adventure. I found my soul mate in 1979, lucky me!
These are my grown daughters. They take my breath away! They are so much fun to hang out with. They make me laugh till it hurts and occasionally cry as we navigate our mother-daughter relationships. Each of them is wonderful in her own way and I feel so lucky to have been here to raise them. I must mention my nearly 20 year old cat who gives me someone to talk to now that the girls are on their own.
I will use this accomplished, talented, good looking group photo to symbolize my relationships with colleagues. I work with and know some absolutely amazing teachers who challenge me to grow in my professional life. My professional relationships are key sources of thoughtful conversations, interesting dialog, and passion for the work I do. (See if you can find me in the pic above)
What would I do without my friends? I love having a circle of friends in my life, some who have known me since grade school, to just be with. My friends insist that I go after my dreams. They push me, they laugh with me, they are there no matter what. They understand me and accept me for who I am. I have lots of women in my life who at anytime are welcome to walk right into my house and make a pot of coffee, no matter what the bathroom looks like! I love that you cannot see faces in this picture, making room for new faces too.
Oh to have five more hours in everyday to devote to my relationships. During the school year, and especially in the last year and a half as I represented Minnesota, I was challenged just to maintain many of the relationships I enjoy so much. I do know that it really doesn't take much to stay in touch these days. I credit my iphone with salvaging many relationships through Instagram, iMessages and emails.
I believe that each of these categories of relationships are partnerships. I am in a lifelong, loving partnership with my husband on a mission to love one another the best we can. I am in a lifelong partnership with each of my daughters on a mission to create a family we can all feel loved and accepted in. I am in a career partnership with many colleagues on a mission to make schools and our communities better for children. I am in a partnership with my friends on a mission to love, support and challenge one another to live our best lives.
I love reading your post today. Relationships and partnerships are so important and we must be committed to working hard to make those relationships/partnerships strong and full of joy for us as individual. When you are surrounding yourself with positive relationships/partnerships life just seem to mean so much more! Great Post
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. You have a beautiful family. I admire the relationship that you have with your husband. It surely does seem like you have found your soul mate. You guys inspire me. It sounds like you have done a great job trying to maintain the relationships that you mentioned. Keep up the good work. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteKaty-
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 30 year marriage!! My parents have been married for 36, and it is so great to see two people commited after all that time. I also can't believe you have a 20 year old cat!! That is amazing. I love my animals, and they truly do comfort you in hard times and love you no matter what. Thanks for your post!
-Melanie
Katy,
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing your pictures. I have two sisters that I haven't seen in 4 years, well not in person. I loved the photo of your girls and it made me think of my sisters and my relationship with them. We have our ups and downs, but the respect to disagree is always there. I can thank my parents for instilling independence and to be strong-minded and strong-willed. I can see how the friends in your life give you joy and provide you with support. Friends are special and important to have. Great post, Melissa
Kathrine great picture of you and your husband Matt. It's great to know that you and Matt I been married for 30 years. Kathrine you always post great pictures to your blog. What a joy it must be for your cat to be apart of your family for 20 years. I hope one day in the near future to have a wonderful relationship with my husband.
ReplyDeleteHi Katy, the picture of you and your husband kind of grabs you as the page loads. Your daughters are beautiful and I never knew a cat could get to be 20 years old. You have definitely taken the effort to maintain your relationships. Great post and I enjoyed reading your blog.
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