The Marietta Erdman's

When we moved to Georgia four years ago, we were blessed to live near little brother Steve and his family. This guy cracks me up! I met Steve in 1979. He was sitting in the back of a station wagon - you know, one of those seats that turns backwards so that you can see where you've been. I don't know exactly how old he was when I met him but he was way cool. I know he was in high school - Rich was 22 and Steve is 5 years younger - so he was around 16 or 17. ANYWAY, I should say he was suave and debonair but I will stick with "way cool." The first thing he ever said to me was, "I love southern girls..... they have such expressive eyes." Uh, hello, I was probably the only Southern girl he had ever met but his comment certainly left an impression. Like I said, he was way cool. So, I really have not spent much time with him in the 30 years I have been married to his brother, but the times we spend together are fun. The really funny thing is that he is the same age as his son is now when we first met!

I love to hear Steve talk about his family - not mushy gushy stuff - I like the challenging stuff. He has these really gorgeous kids that I thought walked on water until he starts telling his stories. He has a good outlook on stuff - he doesn't get really bent out of shape about anything and knows that "this too shall pass" with his young'uns and keeps it in perspective.

I love to hear Steve talk about his wife, Janet. She is a great match for him! She actually keeps him in perspective so that he can keep everything else in perspective.

This year begins his son's senior year - this is the year when all the parenting pays off. This is the year when the kid begins to really soar only this time with a little less parenting. While all of us know the time is coming, we all know that it IS time. Christian, you will be just fine. Janet, drink a lot of whatever it is you are drinking these days while you listen to a song that will wrench your heart out - you will thank me for this later - "Find Your Wings."

Find Your Wings by Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers
I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to knowYou're walking in the truth
And if I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories I pray that

God will fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

we love ya!