Kate Elim, Lake Anna Real Estate Specialist

At this time of year when we become so busy shopping for gifts for our children and others it is good to remember the gifts that really count.

There are so many things we can give our children even when we can provide barely provide material things.  What is important is to give these things; our love, our time, our understanding, our patience, structure, laughter, a sense of justice, compassion, our work ethic, a love of family, and the list goes on and on.

These are the gifts that last a lifetime for our children.  These are the gifts that create their memories.

Whether we have the money to provide extravagent gifts or nothing at all, it is more important that we provide the foundation for our children to grow into adults that take these gifts we have shared with them and share them with others.

This is how the world revolves and evolves.  It is why we continue to have hope because we know that another generation is imparting their mark on the world.  Let us do all that we can to make it a positive one.

For those of us that have grandchildren, the same holds true. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours.

P.S.  I cannot hope to understand the heartache a parent feels when they believe they will be letting their children down because they do not have money to provide gifts or even perphaps a Christmas tree.  All I can say to them is, as the children grow up and understand the hardships in this world they will love you all the more for loving them.

Kate Elim, Lake Anna, Virginia

The road trip has come and gone.

The departure date arrived so quickly that I never did write the post so now that we are back home I'll tell you how it went.

It is not often that a mom (or a dad) has an opportunity to spend a great deal of time one-on-one with one of their adult offspring.  That was something I was able to do beginning last Thursday.  My son and I set out for a road trip to Orlando where his daughter would be playing in a field hockey tournament.  Allegra flew down with the rest of her team, High Voltage from Fredericksburg, and we elected to drive. 

We arrived in Orlando on Thursday evening and were eager to watch Allegra's first game the next morning at 8:00. Record low temperatures and the accompanying frost delayed the games for an hour. Once started there were numerous games taking place every hour of the day until about 10 at night.

Saturday there were more games and finally Sunday our return trip to Virginia. Fortunately my son and his family live only about 45 minutes from me. The two of us had a very nice time as did Allegra and her team. High Voltage lost their first game and won the remaining three. The girls also managed to squeeze in plenty of time at Disney World.

My suggestion to any of you with grown children, if you ever have the chance to get away with one of your kids, take it.  These are gifts that are few and far between although Raga and I have had our share.  I've had the good fortune to make three one-way trips cross country with Raga and assorted other trips here and there.

The years go by so swiftly and especially those of our children with spouses and children, do not often find the time to spend with us alone.

Treasure it when it happens.

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, Virginia please contact Kathleen "Kate" Elim, REALTOR®. Kate lives at Lake Anna, knows Lake Anna, loves Lake Anna, and specializes in Lake Anna area real estate. Contact Kate at 540-226-1964 or lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web site http://lakeannacountry.com/. Copyright © 2008 By Kathleen "Kate" Elim, All Rights Reserved. *Active Rain has Gained...Amanda Harstime Joined*.