Beginnings… Endings… Life happenings in-between… Over the weekend I’ve rejoiced in a birth, been saddened by a death and commiserated with an empty nester. The circle of life continues…
Appropriately enough, it started with a new beginning. Friday evening I attended a Grandmother shower, where we celebrated the safe (and long hoped for) arrival of my dear friend’s first grandchild, a beautiful baby girl. Small gifts were given to prepare Grandma Sue Sue’s home for future visits; donations to various children’s charities were made in the baby’s honor, and plenty of hugs as well as a few tears were shared with our exuberant friend. I’ve never seen her eyes shine so brightly; she radiated happiness…
About mid-day on Saturday, we learned a good friend’s father had passed away, his family by his side. His dad had been sick for a number of years and lost his battle with cancer. When John spoke with him later that afternoon, he said he was doing okay. He was grateful they had the chance to say good-bye; he also said he reminded his daughters (and himself) that not everyone gets the opportunity to do so. Sometimes death arrives like an earthquake; it’s sudden, unexpected and catastrophic. You have no warning… Other times it’s like a hurricane, where you know it’s imminent but you have a chance to prepare. Regardless of how it happens, it’s hard, because no matter how much time you’re given, you always want more…
I finished out the day briefly chatting with our neighbor; he and I mutually apologized for neglecting our adjoining natural areas all year and vowed to catch up on the long overdue yard work soon. He explained that while he often thought about getting out there, he always decided he should spend every spare minute with his youngest son, who left for college last weekend. I assured him he made the right decision; after what happened to us, he knows it too. There are far more important things in life than keeping the fallen twigs picked up…
I know how fleeting the seasons in life truly are; even so, at times I still lose my way… It never hurts to be reminded: every moment is a gift, use it well…
Please join me on September 15th from 9-3 p.m. @ NW Cabarrus HS in Concord for State Farm’s ‘Celebrate My Drive’ event.
Wishing you many blessings, sunshine and hope…tg
Tammy will update her blog on Mondays and Thursdays
