c'est la vie

Church.  What image comes up in your head?  A building? Home? Warmth & Love? Responsibility? Guilt? Pressure? Redemption? Joy? Anger?  I asked a number of people to tell me the immediate word that comes to mind when I say the word "church".  It was quite fascinating how the answers differed - but somehow a thread ran through most, but not all of them.  ,  That thread was almost like "a place of sanctity" ..... a place that is always there, 24/7, always welcoming no matter how little we visit or if we forget to visit.  A place where we go to ask for guidance, forgiveness, wisdom, answers, direction.  A place where we can express heartfelt joy, disappointment, anger, confusion, weakness, strength and intense longing for something we find ourselves always chasing.  The only place where you actually can, at some times, step into and be the only physically present person there, however you are never alone.  The only place where yo...

So after completing her 3rd Commi practical training at a brilliant restaurant in CT, and before returning home to graduate, my daughter, also referred to as chefgirl or the shorter child, was offered a position as a demi chef at that same restaurant, to return to once she had been home to graduate and spend time with us.   I am delighted for her to have been offered a job based on her performance and dedication during her practical period.   Why couldn't she have been less spectacular? I am delighted that she gets to return to CT, where she still wants to see so much of it.  Why can't she just be happy with Pretoria and day trips to nearby cities and landmarks? I am thrilled that she gets to share a flat with a friend whom she gets on so well with.  Why can't she just sleep in her room in our house?  I know she is following her dream and doing so in a fantastically talented way.  Why could she not have wanted to be a dog walker.   I am happy...