Good morning to all. Hope you are all well and good.
Today I just want to talk a moment about timing. As many here know, a day in time can make a huge difference in our lives - a moment can make a difference. We just don't think about it until it happens. So many of us have had loss that changed our lives and our futures, and it just took a moment.
Life is so unpredictable.
This weekend was another reminder around here. We had some very severe storms in the area again this past Sunday. I fared well, except for a lot of wind. Just south of me (just a matter of a few miles) tornadoes touched down again. There were several. They hit some new areas and some that were hit just a few months ago. I have family and friends who were in the immediate area, and luckily all were unscathed and only had minimal damage. In our area, thank goodness, there was no loss of life. There is so much devastation and many, many homes that are now uninhabitable - and it took just a moment in time!
These people lost their homes and much of their possessions. IN A MOMENT
It happens in so many places and by so many means. It truly is scary and hard to imagine.
This is tornado season in our area. We have tornado season like the south has hurricane season. I heard yesterday that in our state there has already been over 300 tornados this year alone!
Nature is just amazing!!!! As much as it provides - and it can take away much too.
In another incident this weekend, a lovely family was involved. I have a young family that lives directly across the street from me. They came to this country several years ago and have created a lovely life for themselves. They have remodeled and upgraded their home extensively. They have a very profitable business that they have created, and they live a really nice and comfortable life. They have 3 children, all under the age of 6/7. The youngest (maybe 4) is a boy and he is a daddies boy! He is with daddy all the time, he dresses like him and hangs out with the 'fellows' when they come by!
These kiddos are just the cutest. Everyone loves watching them play - they get along so well.
Mom and dad are such hard workers.
I noticed a lot of commotion over there Saturday and Sunday. There were even a couple officers there on Saturday late morning. I found out on Monday, that dad/husband was killed in a tragic vehicular accident late Friday night. My heart just breaks for this young family.
She has been surrounded with family the past couple days. So many people have been there - she had a tremendous amount of family come from Ohio. This morning is the first time in days, that no other vehicles are there.
If you are so inclined, please say a little prayer for this family. Momma and those babies are going to have a lot to bear now.
ONE MOMENT again changed an entire family's life. It probably changed things for their employees. It has changed the neighborhood.
A MOMENT can change things forever. I guess this is just to say - let the little crap go!!!!! I have to do this too (I am so guilty). It just isn't important. Being with family and friends and loving and caring for each other is WHAT is important. That moment can happen at any time.
Be kind. Be thoughtful. Love and care. Give a hug when you can. Say I love when you can.
TODAY is a gift.
Enjoy it and celebrate it.
Blessings to each of you and your families.
I am so sorry to hear about your neighbor. That is very sad and a reminder that we cannot prepare for everything. I saw video of some of the tornadoes that went through Indiana and it was scary. I moved from Hurricane country to tornado and I believe tornadoes are worst since you have very limited notice. Thank you for the lovely meme. It is something to always remember.
ReplyDeleteNo we cannot prepare for everything - no matter how we try.
DeleteThe footage is just awful to watch. Wind is so destructive - it is amazing.
Thank you for a powerful reminder of the fragility of life! May we all live each moment in the knowledge of how blessed we are. Praying for that sweet family. Lynn Ewing
ReplyDeleteLife is fragile - handle with prayer! Just an instant can change it all. Thank you!
DeleteWise words, indeed, Cheryl. You're so right. Thank you. How tragic for the young family and (yes) even the neighborhood. More so, of course, for his wife and children. They'll be in my prayers for sure.
ReplyDeleteThere's hurricane country, tornado country, earthquake country, fire country, but also freak events (much of Nebraska was underwater a few years ago due to winter thaw with extended rains). I've noticed when bad things happen, it alters both perspective and priorities.
With a holiday weekend fast approaching, I hope/pray everyone stays safe and healthy. May we all appreciate the GOOD things in our lives. --Elise
Thank you!
DeleteWeather of all sorts is just an incredible force in our lives. So much about nature is wonderful and beautiful and then there is the bad stuff.
Yes, it will be a very long weekend for many - I pray all stay safe.
Just a little something to (hopefully) bring a smile to your face... Poppy has figured out that if she gets a little momentum going, she can run and jump into my lap on the reclining loveseat. Her whole body wags when she makes it and she is just so excited and proud of herself! Moments like that are precious. I've discovered dogs smile. (((Hug)))
Delete--Elise
Elise how cute! Just like kids they figure out fun things to do and ways to make us smile. What a sweetheart!
DeleteElise, the visual image of Poppy's plump little puppy body wriggling and jumping into your lap brought a badly needed smile to my face. And my next mental image of a full-grown Poppy trying the same maneuver made me laugh out loud!
Delete--Frances
Frances, I read that to Hubs and we both laughed out loud! Thanks! --Elise
DeleteOh my gosh Cheryl, that poor, poor family. Breaks. My. Heart. That poor mommy and her little children...Oh God be with them. I will hold them in my heart and prayers today...And I know the Father is watching and there although we do not understand. When my stepdaddy died suddenly it was the worst day of my life, my little girls would tell others that their best friend died. My baby would run up to other silver haired men at the store and put her little arms around their legs thinking it was Al. It still brings tears to my eyes. My mom was left by herself and is still by herself and that brought another problem for us too...Very difficult and I remembered it donning on me that night that things would now be different. I think of Al often and miss him so, so, so much.
ReplyDeleteLove the meme Cheryl, so true.
Wow, have a decent kind of day, and praying that you will be directed by the Lord on how to comfort that precious family, they will know who cares for sure. ~Amelia
It is so heartbreaking. He waved as they left Friday evening - they went in 2 vehicles for some reason (God knows). Him smiling and waving - my last sight.
DeleteLittle ones losing a parent has got to be horrible. It was for me and I was an adult.
Life sure does deal us some hands - not all good - not all bad.
This afternoon we are going to celebrate another neighbors birthday. The older guy who is so important to this area as well.
Again, Cheryl, I'm so sorry. Amelia, my Pop died before I turned 40, and when he did, we were 1300 miles away. Not long after Hubs got a job nearer to my mom and we moved. Just 6 months before Pop died, I had my 1st lumpectomy (had DCIS). With all of it, I just wanted to be closer to my mom. The following year she remarried and began travelling. You just never know what the next curve ball will be. Praying life is peaceful for you today. --Elise
DeleteYes Cheryl, life can be crazy but we have the umbrella, thank God we have that Umbrella, the Lord.
DeleteI hope you have a sweet time at the party for that precious neighbor, I hope it brings some solace to your heart. I've been praying for the little family.
Elise, Oh my goodness. You have been through a lot too. I was 30 when Al died, I don't know how I did it, God helped me so much, we moved to the country and I had no friends there but God and I talked quite a bit and I called David Wilkerson's ministry and got his sister, Ruth, it was amazing how she told me to take those walks with the Lord as she did through tragedy, still think of her voice so much like her brother, the famous David Wilkerson.
DeleteYou really have had your hands full too, your pop Passing away and your mil having those horrible and scary health issues you described. Just so you will know I think of you when I eat my slice of goat cheese at lunchtime with my half of sandwich made with ezekial bread & mayo w/my tofurky lol...I think that Elise would smile because I'm getting part of my alotted sodium for lunch to round things out. : )
Have a great evening, you are a sweet gal. Thank you for prayers, I always appreciate prayers. I keep you in my prayers too Elise.
Oh, and Cheryl...Oh my goodness...That image of the two cars and the sweet man waving at you! Wow, that is sobering indeed. I do not say that lightly. God bless you Cheryl, praying for you too.
Delete:-) --Elise
DeleteI'm glad to hear that you and your family had no real damage from the tornadoes. It's been a bad year for natural disasters and we're only halfway through.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to the young family. What a tragic loss for them and for the community as well.
It seems nature has been angry this year!!! Yes mam, quite a year so far for natural (and other) disasters.
DeleteSuch a loss for them.
Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry for your neighbors. I pray the Momma will be able to continue with their business.
ReplyDeleteThe moment in time is ever present in my mind, always.
Love you, Laurie
Thanks. I hope she can too - I think she has some other family that has been involved too - so that will help. It is a pretty decent company - so I hope she can continue. Somehow, just seeing how they live, I have a feeling maybe he prepared for any loss with decent insurance. Maybe not - I am speculating. But he seemed to be a planner.
DeleteEvery day is precious.
Love you my friend.
Thank you Cheryl for the reminder to make the most of every day, every day.
ReplyDeleteI will certainly pray for your neighbour and her children, she will certainly need to be strong for them.
I am also praying for tomorrow’s predicted to rain to materialise as I need it badly.
Off topic, and I mention this because Elise asked a little while ago about keeping celery, has anyone made pesto with the leaves from celery? I had some in the weekend and it was delicious.
Louise.
Thank you, Louise. I haven't tried that, but will look into it. Hoping you get some rain! --Elise
DeleteI pray you get rain. Thank you - yes she will need to be very strong and will need a village.
DeleteInteresting - never thought of using the leaves for pesto. I just dry them and crush for flavoring.
Nothing like a strong tap on each shoulder to get your attention, huh? I've had a fair share of those myself. For me, it was an immediate attitude adjustment. I pity everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteFWIW, floods scare me more than anything. Water can be so destructive. Hurricanes and tornadoes? Scary scary. The ocean surge or overflowing waterway? Shoot me in the butt with a tranquilizer gun!
I didn't get to posting on Sunday. I was so tired that I sat here like a slug with no energy. I actually fell asleep reading all the posts. Pathetic.
We're getting a mild tstorm this morning and I'm so happy for the rain.
Big overcharge on my market receipt again. I got $12.53 back. And no crazy roach in my flour. Ick.
I wish you all a peaceful day.
Debby, I'm with you on floods, but think I fear fire even more than water. Glad you're getting rain, that you've had rest and that you were refunded for the overage. It's one of the reasons I prefer NOT to use self check; often I can correct it with the cashier before it's totaled. --Elise
DeleteYes, sometimes we get a tap on the shoulder or a punch between the shoulder blades to get our attention. I think it is saying "quit feeling sorry for yourself, put on the big girl panties and move on". We all need that now and then - just not at someone else's expense.
DeleteI think fire is my biggest fear. I have never lived where the overtake your house flooding can occur. Here - it would be fire and then wind.
So happy you are getting rain!!!!!!
Heck we all get that crazy tired and do nothing attitude now and then.
Have a great week.
Prayers being said for your neighbor family and for those who lost so much in the severe storms.
ReplyDeleteI am well aware of how life changes in a moment. Husband had another trip to the ER yesterday morning. He fell Sunday evening and hit the back of his head at the base of the skull on his nightstand. I checked him over as well as I could; he was lucid, eyes responding, appeared to be no harm done. Then Monday morning, suddenly his mouth and jaw went slack, and he couldn't speak intelligibly, like his tongue was too big and his mouth was all full of novacaine. Over his protests, I called an ambulance. By the time they got here (10 min.), the symptoms had pretty much resolved. With great persuasion (and no small amount of prayer), he was convinced to go to the ER to get checked out. Fortunately, a CT scan revealed no brain bleed, no skull or neck fracture. They wanted to admit him overnight for a MRI, but the dr. admitted to me that it would serve no real purpose, so we requested discharge. He is home, slept well last night, but is having a little more confusion than usual. We will see the PCP on Thursday. I cancelled the previously-scheduled dental appts. for this week and next. Our teeth can wait.
--Frances in the Trailer Park
Oh, Frances, I feel so bad you and your husband continue to struggle with his health issues. Glad he's (mostly) okay after his fall, but this all has to be so scary. Know that I'm thinking of you both and praying for you every day. Maybe that sounds sappy and/or trite, as I know we haven't met in person, but it's the truth nonetheless. Hubs and I are well aware life can spin on a dime at our ages. We *care* about what others are going through. Hang in there! --Elise
DeletePrayers for you and your husband.
DeleteDang it Frances. One thing then another. I am glad they found nothing, but it sounds like he may have a bit of a concussion. I know you will keep a close eye on him. Poor guy, he is going through a lot all of a sudden. You too! I make sure I say a special prayer for you both each day.
DeleteTake care - both of you.
Elise, it sound neither sappy or trite. Everyone's prayers are very much appreciated. The ladies at my mother's dining table at her assisted living residence are praying. Neighbors I'd never met before the stroke are praying. I've also come across a few stroke survivors in my neighborhood who have been very supportive with encouragement and advice. All of this is very precious to us. And although I do not often say in the comments that I am praying, I do pray for the Ladies of Cheryl's Blog every day.
Delete--Frances
Oh, Frances! Head injuries are so scary, especially in older people, of which I am now included. A conk in just the right place can cause a concussion. Keep a close eye on him, as I'm sure you are! My mom fell and hit her head on the nightstand, too. I kept checking on her all day. Drove her nuts lol. You probably already know this, but I've heard a lot of things lately on undiagnosed UTIs and the confusion they can cause. I had no idea they could wreak havoc in the brain!
DeleteTake care of both of you!
We got a lecture in the ER about how I should have brought him in right away since he is on blood thinners, but I don't think I could have convinced him to go. He does seem ok today. We see the PCP tomorrow.
Delete--Frances
Thanks for the reminder to treasure every moment and let go of the little things. I'm so guilty of majoring on the minors, so to speak. How sad for your neighbors to lose a husband/father at such a young age. I will be praying for them. Wanita
ReplyDelete"Majoring in the minors"... I like that, Wanita. So very, very easy to do. --Elise
DeleteWanita I agree. Love that saying - it sure is true. I catch myself all the time doing it. I can pick at the smallest thing - and for what? I look across the street and remember "that day/first days" here and how I felt. I didn't have kids. My heart just breaks for them.
DeleteHoping those babies can keep her up and going.
Praying for that young family. Many years ago my life likewise changed in an instant. My 25 y.o. husband died in an auto accident, leaving me with an infant and a toddler. Family, friends, church were wonderful, supportive, Life-giving. I married again and we celebrate 51 years together this year. Two observations: it is, IMO, often more difficult to WATCH someone go through a tragedy, then to go through it. The ones ‘left’ have SO MUCH to deal with (and, I think, God provides shock for protection and abundant grace!), that the process for a long time is ‘one foot in front of the other’ and ‘do the next thing’.
DeleteI will also add that the marriage I have now enjoyed has benefitted GREATLY from our knowing that life can change in a blink and always let the other know how much they are loved, appreciated and honored.
Thank you, Cheryl, for your sharing this prayer need, and for your tender heart! Conni
Oh Conni what a tragedy to have happen so early ones life - well, anytime is a bad time. No one knows from moment to moment what may happen. We should just all live our best lives and let those we love KNOW it! I do believe we all have regrets of some sort when we lose a spouse - could have, should have, would haves........that is normal. But if we love and just enjoy them - we can find some peace in the future.
DeleteThank you for sharing your story. Heartbreaking and happiness to follow.
That is so sad. I would bake a pan of brownies.
ReplyDeleteIt is terribly sad. I plan on doing something - not sure quite what yet.
DeleteSo very sorry to read about your neighbours. Things happen in the blink of an eye.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I just ache for those babies - all too little to know what forever means.
DeleteThanks
So sorry to hear about your neighbor. It sounds like the family has a good support system. That will be especially rough on the little ones.
ReplyDeleteThe south side of the city has been hit hard with bad storms. Although we could use some nice gentle rain.
Prayers for Frances's husband and Frances as she cares for him.
Thank you.
Delete--Frances
It is just all so sad. Quite the weekend. Yes, the southside has really had a rough start this year.
DeleteHave a good one.
Oh Cheryl, what a tragedy for your neighbours, poor Mom and children left without a husband and dad. Glad they have had family to support them. Praying for them.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I really don't think the kids know what is going on - they are acting so normal. But how does a little one understand forever? Adults have a hard time with that.
DeleteHave a good week.
Oh, my prayers are with that little family. You are right, just a moment can change everything. And my prayers are for those that have had their homes damaged by the tornado.
ReplyDelete