This Weekend in Review!

Occurrences in the past few weeks have led me to think about 3 important aspects in our lives – 1} We have a loving Heavenly Father who is always aware of us; 2} We appreciate the strength and cornerstone in our lives – our families; and 3} gratitude for the value of friendship.

This past weekend was particularly traumatic for a family member when her husband was thrown from his horse, and ended up being transported to the hospital for observation. Altho, it could have been much worse, he came thru with some bruises and a concussion; but having just gone thru a similar experience a year ago with her Father, needless to say the whole family of this brave cowpoke were beside themselves with fear and worry. Thank you God, for watching over him and protecting him from serious injury – and thank you for standing beside the family offering solace to them.

"The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond
our sight, but they are always looking down upon us."
-Jean Paul Richter


On Friday, Connor had his Kindgergarten graduation - they had a cute musical program, and then handed out their certificates. The parents and grandparents were then invited down to the kids classrooms to see their work and activities for the year with a cute video, which the teacher had a copy of for each child! Congratulations, Connor! You did such a great job with your speaking part and you are now a 1st grader.

“Your sons weren't made to like you. That's what grandchildren are for.”
-Jane Smiley



On Saturday, about a dozen of us gathered to honor a wonderful sister-in-law who celebrated a fairly monumental birthday on the 14th. I won’t say her age, but let me just tell you that she is an ageless beauty with that amazing Swedish bloodline that keeps them fair-haired, blue eyed and youthful, hopefully forever! We appreciate the example that she has been in our family. We love you, El.

“There's no vocabulary for love within a family - love that's lived in but not looked at; love within the light of which all else is seen; the love within which all other love finds speech. This love is silent."
-T S Eliot

FLOWERS FOR MY FRIEND!
A few weeks ago, I had a disturbing call from the daughter of a long-time friend to let me know that her Mom was in the hospital ICU. Struggling with health issues, I wondered what had been the cause of her hospital stay. On that day I re-learned something important about life: life is primarily about people -- not plans and schedules, not to-do lists and a million tasks left undone -- it's about people.

To love and to know that we are loved is the greatest happiness of existence. And happiness seems to be something that is in short supply for too many of us! My friend reminded me that it is never enough just to love; we must also express it. What good are our affectionate feelings toward others if we don't find ways to let them know?

George William Childs put it like this: "Do not keep the alabaster box of your love and friendship sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them and while their hearts can be thrilled and made happier. The kind things you mean to say when they are gone, say before they go."

All of us need words of encouragement. It leaves us with feeling a satisfying lump of warmth in our chest. Happiness ... may be just a phone call away.

When it hurts to look back and your scared to look ahead you can look beside you and your best friend will be there."