Turn Around

Remember the song, "Turn Around," by Harry Belefonte....?

Where are you going my little one, little one
Where are you going my baby my own
Turn around and you're two, turn around and you're four
Turn around and you're a young girl going out of the door


A sentimental tune from the 60s and 70s, but a tear jerk-er if your a parent.  Time goes too quickly, and I find myself wanting to hold them just a little tighter, a little longer.


September 25, we witnessed the marriage of our youngest daughter to Collin Klas.  We often say, "Autumn has Klas."  But, our favorite is, "They make beautiful music together,"  because they do!

Over the span of their courtship we enjoyed witnessing Autumn and Collin's relationship blossom.  One precious gift is when Autumn's desire to play the piano was reborn.  She had lost that desire after high school, but when Collin's love for music mixed with hers, they began to literally 'make music' together.  Autumn has since written a couple pieces of her own, which come from the depths of her soul.  The times when Collin would visit at our home, these two would sit at the piano and create!  They are a beautifully creative couple!

On the heels of this 'turning around' moment in our lives, we are celebrating 30 years of being parents today!  Our eldest daughters, Anna and Heather, are 30 years old.  (In the picture to the right, I'm just 25!) It doesn't seem possible, but there it is!  Our most vivid memories of that time in 1980 was the excitement of Mt. St. Helen's blowing her top.  I didn't know I was expecting twins at that time.  We were in the throes of making improvements on our first little house before we could move in.  Painting under the eaves, is Ron's memory, as ash fell around him. 

The girls were born premature on this day, by three weeks.  It was an exciting time nonetheless.  During the eight weeks prior to their birth, I was ordered to bed.  So, I tried to read up on twins.  My mom could only find a few chosen books from the library, "The Care and Feeding of Twins" was copyrighted in the 1950s!  I laughed as I read about the need to buy a washer and dryer for convenience, not to mention other out-dated recommendations.  Not much was available for parenting multiples!

But, despite the trials and errors over these last several years, our daughters have grown up despite us.  They lead lives honoring our Lord and those they come in contact through their work and relationships.  We are truly grateful as we reflect on our own humanness as parents!

So, as we move forward in this Summer season of our lives, I stand in awe of God's handiwork.  I am amazed at how God has preciously and patiently walked alongside us all.

Turn around and you're a young girl 
going out of the door