It's definitely fall in the Pacific Northwest.

The mornings are cooler and there is dew on the grass.

We've had a couple of drizzly days and the sunrise has moved over on the horizon.

My son returned to work to get his classroom ready which means I got to play with my grandchildren for two days.

I love it when that happens.

It gives me time to get to know who they are becoming.

Each of them with different strengths and personalities.

Each with gifts, already with some hurts, and also dreams.

One of them would eat, sleep, and drink baseball 24/7 if it was possible.

He would rather play baseball than anything else, but also loves dinosaurs, reading, and has a special relationship with his youngest sister.

He is probably the one who is the most cautious with his comments and voicing his concerns.

The middle child is very artistic, loves dancing and gymnastics. She can't move across the yard without a cartwheel or two, and will walk down a wall backwards with her hands. She also loves books and has a tender spot for her little sister.

The youngest begins full time school this year. 

She is very intelligent and has been learning ballet for the past couple of years.

She loves to be read to, and already recognizes some words and most numbers.

Her favorite thing to do is play with dolls.

She has a never ending imagination and carries on incredible conversations with her dolls.

She often prefers that someone play with her, which consists of instructing them what to do as she explains the situation and what is going to happen next.

I love them each for who they are, and can't wait to see who they become.

Yes, there were tears and corrections.

There was laughter and teasing, and rolling eyes.

That is family.

That tells me that they trust me to a certain extent to be who they are and express their feelings.

And that makes me feel so good.

It does wear me out when they are here.

I'm far more active physically.

I'm so thankful for my daughter who loves them and is able to keep them busy at times so I can make meals and take care of a little bit of business when they are here.

They are becoming very adept on the computer and love a zoo game she has for them.

I learn about myself when I interact with them.

I get to practice patience and become more open to exploring my own boundaries.

I have learned that their health and safety is my strongest boundary.

Isn't that what we all want for each other?

Don't we want all people to be healthy and safe?

Perhaps that is what this fight in society is all about right now.

There is fear and uncertainty.

We have all been raised differently.

Some people have been brought up in homes that fear and distrust authority.

That becomes part of their personality.

They will question and refute anything that comes from those who appear to have power over them.

Any time changes occur in the law or rules for society it causes fear.

When we choose fear, the blood supply to our brain is decreased.

Our bodies are programmed to prepare to run away or fight.

There is no time to think, we have to supply oxygen to our large muscles to survive.

And there is a lot of fighting going on.

The continued verbal debate and anger toward authority is not calming down.

Many have dug in their heals and are unable to process any logical information.

I'm not sure how to change that behavior.

It makes me sad.

I'm not angry at those who are unable to trust.

I am angry at those who have knowingly spread false information that is harming others.

I continue to post positive and hopeful information.

I will continue to support the medical community and promote the health and wellbeing of all people.

I pray that vaccinations will soon become approved for children.

I pray that everyone would take time to stop and breathe.

Allow their bodies to relax.

Try to read the factual information available from health professionals.

Let it sit in their brains while comfortable and quiet.

And perhaps allow themselves to put their trust in a higher power than those here on earth.

Perhaps then they can believe that by working together we can bring an end to fear, this virus, and anger.

I will continue to be true to me.

To be loving and caring for all people.

To trust in God, and those who are entrusted to lead this country and the institutions of science and health.

And I will continue to splash paint around in hope of bringing joy and light into the lives of others.

That is what I can do.

The rest I put in the hands of God.