Some Thoughts for the Week

 Well, here we are - in September!!!!  We have now entered the 'ber' (brrr) months!!!!!  Cool weather will be here in no time.

This week has been full of heartfelt moments for me.  I lost my oldest sweet kitty.  I lost my former brother-in-law.  I went to a funeral - and as usually happens - had a family reunion of sorts.  I ventured further from home than I have in close to a decade. (no lie).

I never got too far away when Glen was here - as I needed to be close in case he needed help.  I never drove anywhere more than 20 minutes away for ages and ages.  I really thought I would get past that after his passing - well, it got worse.  I didn't drive to the funeral (still not that brave) - but my brother and SIL took me and this was 80 miles from home.  Major anxiety for me!!  Then part of the way driving south, there was tremendous road work and construction, and everything was soooooo different - oh my, was I anxious.  BUT I DID IT!  Big step for this girl!  

This probably sounds silly to most people - but we each have our loads to carry and this is mine.

We all have to start somewhere, and we all take baby steps - but eventually we move forward a little at a time.

I got to see nieces and nephews I only see about once a year - and some I haven't seen in years.  We talked, we laughed, we cried, we hugged, and we all made sure to tell each other how much we loved one another.  

My former brother-in-law had remarried and had another child.  I was amazed that when this sweet lady wrote his obituary, she listed my sister as preceding him in death.  My sister's kids were listed as children (not step).  She had picture boards all around the room that included pictures of 'her' husband and my sis at their wedding and pictures of all of us when we had been visiting.  I told her I was so very impressed by that action, and that it meant so much.  Her response - "You all were part of his life - why would I not?"  WOW.  I do not know that I could be that big of a person.  She has always embraced all of us, and been so kind and pleasant - we were always welcomed in her home.  She and I are friends on FB,

Quite the lady with a huge heart.

I was also pleased to find out that R just recently saved.  I know not everyone holds my beliefs and that is fine - but for me that was a tremendous worry taken carry of.  I now feel comfortable that he is with God.

It was wonderful seeing family and spending the day with my brother and SIL.  I got to go back into a part of the state I haven't seen in ages and so enjoyed seeing all the beauty.  Beautiful fields, farm houses, rolling hills, and open spaces.  AND QUIET!  Standing in the funeral home parking lot - was in the middle of this tiny town - and you heard nothing!  No sirens, no planes, no traffic, no loud music, etc.  What a difference from here.  I could get used to that peace.

It was nice to have a few moments to just listen to the quiet on a beautiful clear day.  We get so used to noise - that I think we sometimes forget how wonderful the quiet can be.  Bliss!

So, I guess my message here is - out of all bad things, something good will come.

I lost my precious kitty - but I have her in my heart and I know she chose me years ago.  I got to have many wonderful years with her.

I lost a family member and friend - but I got to bond with other family, I learned R is in God's hands now, I moved myself forward 'a little', and I got to enjoy some of God's beauty in the country again.

Yes - there was bad - and yes, there was good.

Life is a balance.

Here we are ready to embrace another new month.  I pray it is a good month for all.  I hope you all embrace each moment and make them wonderful.

Grab ahold of every hug, kiss, laugh, and good moment put in front of you - grab them and hold on.  Cherish them.  Remember them.  

Life can be hurtful - but it is still BEAUTIFUL!

Blessings my friends!