writing – Karen G. Bruce

I’m in the process of filling out a memory and keepsake journal for my family. I’ve been working on it for a while because there are lots of questions and my hand gets tired. There was a particular question, What I miss most about being a child. I was stumped. I thought about the obvious answer like no responsibility, but really, did I miss being a child? And then I thought, would I go back and relive my childhood? There are definitely things I would do differently, if I could. But God gives us this one chance at life. That’s it. I’m 61 now. I’ve had a wonderful and rewarding life but face it, it’s on the downhill slide from here on out.

But If I could have a do-over knowing what I know now I hope that I would do better. I would be kinder and braver and make better choices. I would appreciate the time I spent with my family and friends more, especially the ones that have left this world. I would have tried harder, loved more. Yeah, right.

Does anyone actually live their life to the fullest or is that just something you say. It sounds good. In reality, I would probably make all of the same decisions (and mistakes) all over again. I’d steal those balloons again, just like I did when I was 5 years old and blame it on some kids who dared me to do it. I’d still lie and say I was sick with a belly ache or wrap a thermometer up in a heated pad so my temperature would be 180 degrees just so I wouldn’t have to go to school. I’d lie through my teeth because that’s what most kids do.

I could never be perfect. If I was, I certainly wouldn’t need Jesus. He would have come for all you other poor lost souls.

Now, this day, is the time to do better. I know Jesus now and have the Holy Spirit trying His best to get me through each day. I feel convicted, for example, when I stick out my tongue at someone or mock them. This may or may not be my husband, whom I love more than words can convey.

So, I would not go back. Absolutely not. I am who I am. I did what I did, and I know what I know. I am who I am today because of my mistakes, my triumphs, and because of all of the choices I made. I am at peace, but I will also always strive to be better, do better and love more.

I will be posting a short story in the near future. Click and subscribe to my page so you won’t miss it!

Writing my first novel. Haha!

My awkward self in the 4th grade.

I think this may be when I was beginning to have a little more confidence. I looked pretty sassy in that pose.

6th grade…riding my brother’s skateboard

How in the world did Suni and Butch last so long in space without pulling each other’s hair out? Suni’s hair was always floating around, just ready to be grabbed and yanked. You know it was! As a mother, I couldn’t help but be concerned about their well-being. Since I’ve become acquainted with old Mr. Arthur Itis, I’ve literally been worrying for months about how they would feel once gravity sets in. Can you just imagine? Their bodies will feel like they have tree trunks for legs. They’re not young. They will feel like I feel every morning I first put my feet on the ground, only one thousand times worse.

I have also worried about their water intake. We all know by now how important it is to stay hydrated. I don’t like to brag, but I’m incredibly lucky because we have fresh water from the spring to drink here at the farm. It’s amazing and I thank God for it. I turn my nose up at bottled water now. Who knows where it came from AND it’s been sitting in plastic! I googled what Suni and Butch had. Their water is recycled from their colleague’s sweat and exhaled breath! Did you just throw up a little in your mouth? Unknown water sources from plastic containers will be like heaven to them.

I would think food (and water) and family will be what they are looking forward to the most after being in space for 286 days. What are they dreaming of for their first meal? Is it something fresh and warm, not cold and prepackaged? Hot flavored coffees, and ice-cold drinks would definitely be on the list. I can tell you right now, my husband would be stopping at the drive-thru on the way home. I’d want a Heath Blizzard toot sweet! If it were me, I wouldn’t be able to stop hugging my family, and crying, because I’m a crier. You could bag my tears, recycle them and supply the next adventure for a whole year!

The next thing I’d do when I returned to good old Earth, if I were an astronaut, would be to color my roots. To each his own, but I wouldn’t like the entire world to see my roots showing. I have light brown hair but when my roots come in, they look like someone drew a black sharpie on my head next to my bottle blonde locks. Butch must have been cutting his hair in space. I googled that too. They have the tools they need and a vacuum for the hair that will be floating around. Did Suni help him? That seems a little personal and gross at the same time.

How in the world did they use the bathroom? I googled that and believe me, I’m not the only person that has googled these questions. Astronauts use a specially designed vacuum toilet with a suction system to manage bodily fluids, preventing waste from floating around. I’m telling you people; this is just too much! Can you imagine the smell?! If you broke wind, you couldn’t even blame it on the dog. They haven’t had a proper bath either. If it were me, I think I would have had to take a prompt dip in the ocean with those nosy nelly dolphins that came to greet them when they landed.

There are some cool things about being in space but knowing me, I would have tired of them after 10 minutes. I would have liked floating around like I was as light as a feather. I bet my saggy skin would lift oh so lightly, to turn the clock back at least five years. Mr. Google Pants said it’s sort of like being in water only you wouldn’t get the wrinkled skin.

I wonder if it’s a little bit spiritual out in space, looking at all the wonder of God’s creation and being a little closer to Jesus. Would it also be scary? Have they seen things that they don’t want to talk about? Come on Suni and Butch! Tell us the X-Files!

Now I know that Suni and Butch have to be sick to death of each other. Nobody could be together that much for that long and not feel like they want to strangle the other person to death, at least in their mind. If there was a murder in space, we would be able to watch it on every True Crime venue available. Talk about the ultimate “Snapped!” There would be all kinds of camera footage. Can you imagine Keith Morrison and his deep, poetic voice? “It was going to be a great adventure in space…or was it?” Fortunately, the only crime committed in space, thus far, is someone accessing a bank account without permission. Gasp!

Now that Suni and Butch are back home and recovering from their grand adventure, life will resume and then publishers will probably approach them, if they haven’t already. We’ll find out more about their epic expedition and they’ll save the ‘juicy’ details for their books. Of course, it may have been a bit boring so, in that case, they may have to make something up.