Getting Even


Several months ago, I read an article about getting even with people. It suggested that rather than focusing your energy on getting even with those who've wronged you, focus on getting even with those who've had a positive impact on your life. At the time I was dealing with a lot of internal negativity and frustration so the idea of focusing on something else that was positive was extremely appealing.

After that, I started to think of little ways I could get even with people. I don't know that I've done a great job of executing all of my fleeting ideas, but there was one in particular that got me really excited! I decided I wanted to make a book for my Grandparents. They are in their 80's, and I am realizing more and more how lucky I've been to have them in my life. My Grandparents are such caring, positive, content people who were always eager to open their home to 20 + people for an extended weekend with no complaints or reservations. When we all come to visit every square inch of that small farmhouse is put to use. Sleeping bags on the floor, folding chairs at the table and four to five people waiting to pounce as soon as you vacate the couch.  We love visiting the farm, and I know they love having us.

So I thought it would be fun to give them a book with pictures and memories of the hundreds of visits we've shared together. I asked all of my cousins to write a letter about their memories on the farm, the things they've learned from Grandma and Grandpa, and how much they appreciate them. Then I searched through Mom's old photos to find some good ones of us. I put everything together and gave it to them when they came for a visit over spring break.

We all had a good time reading some of the memories and looking at the photos from when we were little. I know they appreciated it, but I think I still had the most fun putting it all together. It felt really good to do something nice for them even though I'm well aware there is no "getting even" with them. I will be indebted to them forever for all of the love they've given me over the years, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Comments

  1. Pictures From The Passenger SeatApril 10, 2013 at 9:39 PM

    What a wonderful idea Abby! You're a good granddaughter to give them such a gift of love! Love the idea of getting even with those who have helped you! Excellent!

    <3
    Leesa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Abby FoxApril 11, 2013 at 4:34 PM

      Thanks, Leesa. It was actually a lot of fun to do! I am kind of obsessed with photo books right now. :)

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Love Text

Image
I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned this before, but I LOVE the first Sex and the City Movie. The second, not so much, but I’m pretty sure everyone in America agrees with me on that one. I watched it while I was sick last week. In the movie, there’s an exchange between Carrie and Big that goes a little something like this: C: “Have you ever written me a love letter?” B: “Does a love fax count?” C: “When have I EVER gotten a love fax?” B: “Oh, I'm sure my secretary sent you one...at some point. What can I tell you, baby? It's just not my style. Besides, those guys had to write. They were separated from their loves by wars and hundreds and hundreds of miles. I'm right here. Hello. You make me very happy.” C: “Yeah, yeah. Put it in writing.” Comic genius. Anyway, that got me thinking that Kyle and I rarely ever stop to focus on what we love about each other. Unfortunately we spend far too much time pointing out things we wish the other would do differently.
Read more

A Yellow Brick Farewell

Image
Written August 18, 2017: Well it's finally happening. This weekend, we are packing boxes and preparing to move out of our little yellow brick house. I can't help but be sentimental as I think about all the life we've lived here. It has been a wonderful first home for us. We both agree that if we could pick it up and move it, we would. But it's time to start a new chapter. Life has changed in so many ways over the past seven years. In these four walls, we have experienced it all - highs, lows and plateaus. (And no, I am not just referring to our house hunt, which was brutal for everyone.) I am so grateful for where we are today. God has blessed us in so many ways. I started this blog to document our lives, and I am so glad to have all of these yellow brick memories to look back on. But as we enter this new chapter, I am finding my devotion to capturing the moment is often keeping me from living in it. I don't want to hold so tightly anymore. I am ready to l
Read more

Independence Day

Image
Where did this week go? It seems like the 4th of July was just yesterday, but I realize I'm a little delinquent with this post. Last weekend was a very long one for me - four days to be exact, and I loved every minute of it. I especially loved Monday because for the first time in a very long time, Kyle had a holiday (besides Christmas or Thanksgiving) off! We weren't incredibly productive, but we got to spend time with the Fox family and Tom, so it was a pretty good day. Stillwater's fireworks were on Sunday, so we invited Amanda and Kurtis over for a cookout. Then we drove across town to Kim and Trey's so we could have a front row seat for the show. They weren't there, but they were kind enough to let us sit in their driveway. :) We had a great time and were able to really celebrate this year, as opposed to last year when Kyle was still healing from his surgery. I really enjoy the 4th of July. When I was younger it meant getting together at Grandma and Grandpa Tayl
Read more