When
I started back writing my blog after a long hiatus, I made the statement that at
times I would use my blog as a journal to record some moments of my life (well…I
said “something” like that). At any
rate, that’s what this post will be, so if you don’t want to read it, that’s
understandable…it’s also A-OK. I promise
not to get mad😊
My
life for the last two weeks has been filled with drama, upset, craziness,
death, medical situations…well, let’s just say LIFE HAS BEEN TOTALLY HECTIC! And I haven’t enjoyed it one
bit...well, maybe some parts of it.
My
niece (my younger sister’s only child) who is 24 had surgery for cancer twice
in one week…once to remove cancerous lymph nodes, the second to take care of a
complication. She also had cancer surgery
a year ago. My sister is divorced, so I’ve
tried to be a strong support system for her.
It’s hard to know the right words to say to give someone hope and
encouragement
with
something like this. (If you are a praying person, I'm sure my niece and sister would appreciate any prayers you might have time for. If you do not pray, good thoughts sent their way would be great.)
There
has also been some drama in a part of my family which I won’t discuss here, but
family drama is the worst kind! I am so
thankful for my little family here that is filled with love. Even though we might not always agree with
each other, we still love and respect each other. I am just trying to stay out of the drama
myself and praying for all concerned.
I
lost one of my cousins and attended her funeral. Her death was a blessing for her but so hard
on her 8 sisters and 1 brother.
I
have also been quite upset at the death of one of my very best friends. If you have never read any of my posts about THE VALLEY GIRLS, you need to read THIS POST.
The Valley Girls are/were a group of 9 of us who graduated from high
school together and have remained long-time friends. We take “girlfriend trips” each year. Sadly, we lost one of us this past week and
my heart is broken.
Valley Girl JOAN
Joan
was the LOUDEST & FIERCEST one of us 9.
Her laughter was contagious…and loud😊 Joanie had cancer
but we really thought she was beating it, then it took a turn for the worse and
just went like wild fire. I (along with 3
other VGs) was blessed to get to go see her a few days before she gained her
wings, although she was so sedated that she didn’t know we were there…but we
knew we were there.
We
celebrated her life yesterday, and what a celebration it was. She requested no one wear black, but bright
colors instead. Although Joan was a
spiritual person, she only wanted ROCK MUSIC, not sad funeral hymns. And her ashes were placed in a wooden wine
box! That’s our Joanie…very
unconventional. The Valley Girls are now
8, but we will always be 9 in spirit.
And although we will miss her on our future trips, we will feel her
presence no matter where we go. Rest in
peace, sweet Joanie, and dance away with your husband who was waiting for you.
I
have also been involved with:
*working
with our local high school to re-introduce ART into our schools
*training
for our high school’s Governance Team that I was asked to be a part of
*being
taxi cab service when my granddaughter needs it
*helping
teach Sunday School
*trying
to keep up with my exercise program
Not me...don't I wish!!!
*volunteering
at the Christian Kitchen
*going
to middle school football games to support my cheerleader granddaughter
Granddaughter top far right:)
And,
last but not least,
*trying
to keep up with “wifely” stuff to keep my sweet & understanding husband
happy.
Yes,
life has been quite hectic. But no
matter how busy or crazy or difficult life is, every day is still a
blessing.
Every day is a gift;
untie the ribbons.
