A Weekend of Kindness, Gratitude, and Gentle Reminders

Hello my dear friends,

How is everyone doing this evening? Come sit with me for a moment and let’s catch up. Once again, I find myself behind on my writing and my emails. Starting a business is tough work — even the tiny details take time to figure out.

I’ll let you in on a little secret: I wish my business was strictly writing. But to make writing a business, I have to design business cards, flyers, brochures, and build a marketing plan. I have to decide where I’ll market, how I’ll market, and how I’ll manage my health while doing it.

I’ve been using a little visual board to keep myself organized. It helps. When my brain gets overwhelmed, I lose focus. Writing letters, stories, obituaries, and eulogies works for me because I can do it at my own pace. A writing service business fits the way my mind works — and even if I’m not making money yet, I’m grateful for the time to simply write and help others.

So tell me, how was your 4th of July? Shoot me a text or drop me a comment. I always love hearing from you.

Our 4th was nice — well, leading up to it was nice — until John got sick and we had to come home. I could have stayed at the venue, but he was pretty sick, and I didn’t want to leave him alone. We’ll have plenty of other celebrations in the years to come. This year though, I needed to be with him. Even though I couldn’t do much, just being here and making sure he was okay was what mattered most.

I also wanted to share something with you — something super positive about the holiday weekend. My brother and his three kids were here, and gosh… it was so nice having moments with them. The best part, besides seeing them, were the compliments I received about their behavior. Friends texted and called to tell me how polite, helpful, and courteous the teens were. One friend said, “They may come from a divorced family, but their mom and dad are doing one heck of a job parenting and raising them. I’ve never seen such polite and helpful teens.”

I can’t help but smile thinking about those compliments. My nephews brought warmth and positive energy into our home — and into the community too. My niece is still a little shy, but she received her fair share of compliments as well. She’s sweet, polite, and just a lovely young lady.

Yesterday, I spent one‑on‑one time with the boys. We went to the mall, Nordstrom Rack, and Boot Barn, where they tried on the most spectacular cowboy hats. They looked so handsome. I remember when they were just little boys, and suddenly here they are — young men.

These boys, 16 and 18, work, go to school, and attend trade programs. Tryston lives the farm life, tending animals and chores while holding down a job. Landon flips cars, works, is finishing high school, and is enrolled in a program teaching him how to restore vehicles that were in accidents. And yes — he has a beautiful girlfriend too.

I’m blown away by how they’re easing into adulthood. I’m proud of them, and I know my daddy would be proud too.

The boys were especially helpful, as was Katelynn — if they saw me doing something, they were right there asking if I needed help. Please and thank you were never forgotten. Yes ma’am and yes sir rolled off their tongues naturally. At one store, Tryston saw a young lady on her tippy toes reaching for something. He ran over and said, “Ma’am, let me help you with that.” The look of shock on her face… that was the sad part. Maybe we need more polite young men in this world so fewer people are shocked by kindness.

Maybe her reaction was a reminder — to both of us — that good, well‑mannered young people still exist. And maybe we need more of them. Random acts of kindness really do happen.

Jimmy and Brit, you’ve raised fine young men — and a fine young woman — even while parenting apart. You have every reason to be proud.

As I sit here with you, reflecting on their visit, I feel blessed. It was an honor to have them here. It’s a blessing to be their auntie. I can’t wait for our next visit.

Watching these young people reminded me of something beautiful: young adults are capable of so much when they choose to engage with life. Hearing them talk about their goals and dreams… I have no doubt they’ll make them all come true.

I hear so much negativity about today’s youth, but my niece and nephews gave me hope. They showed me that kindness, respect, and hard work still exist. They showed me that helping others — even strangers — is a form of love.

I’m grateful for their example. Grateful for the positivity they brought into our home. Grateful for the reminder that participation is a form of appreciation. When they offered to help me, it was their way of showing love. And when I let them help, it was my way of showing them how valued they are.

Sometimes I think it’s easy to forget how incredible teens can be, even when you’ve raised some of your own. Or maybe it’s not so much forgetting as it is taking the actions of our own kids for granted. I know I’m guilty of that.

The kids this weekend… they were a pleasure and a joy to have.

A beautiful circle of life I got a front‑row seat for.

Sometimes the sweetest reminders come from the youngest voices — showing us that kindness still has a place in this world, and that love is often expressed through simple acts of help.

P.S.

If you spent time with family this weekend, I hope you found a moment that made your heart feel full. And if you didn’t, I hope you found peace in the quiet places.

Until next time, don’t forget, Love Life++ Hugs,
Dawna‑Rae
may your heart return to itself again and again