...and the greatest of all is Love

Gentle is her soul

Tender is her heart
The many years we've had will always be a part
Of what a life of love and strength
she has always shown to all
For herself, you would never know
what pain or worries she carries
But a smile for all and how are you
never, ever, varies.
If time could stop
If time could stop
for only just a while
the joy, the joy,
of her wonderful smile!
Selfish never has been a part
of what her life has known
Only wants the best for those
she call her own
Count you blessing everyone
if you have been a part,
of someone thats so special.
You will always have that,
always will.
Deep inside your heart.

Has anyone ever witnessed true courage? I have. It is both humbling and inspiring I have many role models in my life who have shown extreme courage. The first person whom I witnessed all my life was my Father. He truly had great faith and courage. I can still see his wonderful face. Encouraging, proud, pensive, always ready with a wink that says all will be well. Then there is my sister and brother in law, Art. They truly have come through many trials in their lifetime together of 50 years. Both have faced cancer. Art, who is truly remarkable, has dealt with back issues most of his life, heart surgery, heart attacks, cancer, septis, broken hip with complications. Although we say that we are not going to take care of him anymore, it is all is fun. We are family and we will always stick together. This past Christmas so many wonderful friends came forward to help while he was in the hospital, Charlene, George, Michelle, God Bless them. My brother and sister and Barb and Jerry managed to work out a system of making sure all was taken care of. Makes you realize how important family is. Art has been in extreme pain so many times, but on he goes, gardening, baking, sewing, working around the house. Keeping things as normal as possible. Found out this Christmas, that he truly is the head of this family, keeps us on our toes but still manages to make things bright, with his silly little jokes, his wonderful baking and just plain watching and loving his family. I admire him so much. I always have, since I have been 9 years old! My daughter Erin, she has so many disappointments and yet she still tries to keep going, even with that strong will. She is my little entrepreneur for more challenges, and taking the world by storm. She is a deep thinker like her Mom and tries to problem solve everything, but that takes courage too. My cousin Nancy and her family have faced more than anyone I have seen. And with such grace. Out of her family of four, three have been very ill, and last night her husband Paul died. Nancy still has to take care of her own health issue and Leslie who is handicapped but she will. Joni, her younger daughter is a inspiration in itself. Not only has she cared for An uncle and two grandparents, but she is facing a load many would not take. Caring for her young son, Leslie her mom. And keeping me straight. David and Tina, are wonderful examples of brother and sister in law. Courage is also growing up and taking charge. My son has done that. He is married in November to a wonderful girl, whom I love very much. I know he will be a good husband. He is so caring and protective. Growing up with just sister and I he has stepped up to the plate and I know my son is now a man. He will stand by his wife, sister and myself. My husband Jerry, who has been with me through all these years, By my side . Throughout my awful depressions, sickness of my family and never wavered. I only hope I can show as much courage as these people in my life with whatever comes my way. So many have stood by me in dark times but Jerry and my sister have gone way beyond in their faith in me. Jerry is a good man. A man who does not leave in time of trouble but keeps encouraging and being there. I am blessed

I get by with a little help from my friends.

Or, should I say a lot of help from my friends.
Today started a little hectic, I got up later than usual so I had to rush to my crossing guard post. Something I do not like to do. But.... It was cold and dreary. Got out of the car, grabbed my sign and waited for my little ones.. Then it started raining and snowing and drizzle. I was so cold! Not to much later my first young girl came up, and she had a smile from ear to ear. She has a new baby brother. She was dressed all in blue and she had blue beads in her hair. So excited, showed me a picture of the baby on her phone. Such happiness!! Then, today for some reason all my regulars came at once!! Got them across the street, looked back and say my two little guys running with a basketball. They are something else. So much life in them. I signaled to them to wait for me, and that little guy with the big dimples, curly hair, waited for me. Then they were safely crossed.
I then sensed how quiet it was. Started thinking, Me? Thinking? Those who know me know that is something I never stop.
I knew my cousin was at the Dr. getting her marker done, so I thought, Oh Lord please give her good news, hope, because her load is getting very heavy. But how well she does. My Nancy, always there with a laugh, a smile, encouragement for me my whole life. Then I heard a familiar sound. Cardinals. Now cardinals are what reminds me of my Mom. Always have. When she was here and more so after she died. So I looked for it. Not only did I see one, but two. Chirping away. Silly as it seems, I walked over and looked up and said, Oh, Mom you brought Aunt Jessie today. Are you two telling me that you are watching over us? Felt so good. I know some people do not believe in this, but it is true for me.
Life is giving this family alot of lemons right now, but all you can do is be there for each other and try your best.
I am so happy my son is getting married in November. Chrissy will finally be my daughter in law. And her mother is such a good friend to me. I am lucky.
Another thing, Jerry. He brings me tea at night when I am reading before I go to bed, he helps me with my back, he listens, he gets up in the morning with me, coffee is made, and hands me a cup to go, for on my way home. I am blessed.
I am struggling right now, with the health problems of my family, and something I cannot understand that is going on with a friend. But I have to believe God will handle this in his own way.
We have a strong family, my father was always strong and told you never to give up.(Could it be because he was born in England) So Dad, I am trying real hard. Miss you and Mom so much, So if cardinals give me comfort or hearing your voice in my ear helps then so be it.

I have many blessing, and everyone has their share of problems. But we sometimes must realize that our choices our not ours. It is hard. But with such a great family as mine and such wonderful friends, We all will get through.

What do you do at the end of the day,
when you're worried and your on your own,
You get by with a little help from your friends,
Your gonna try with a little help from your friends. Beatles

Up and Downs

This year started with a roar or shall I say ended and started with a roar.
Health issues in family, trying to still have Christmas, New Years, taking care of business. Whatever. I also found myself questioning and doubting some things. I read another blog by Laura
a girl I have known since she was a baby. She really got me to thinking.
I always worry. In fact, people who really know me, know this is an understatement. But I have found myself worrying about events in my life that do not deserve them.
I have decided to share goods and bad:
Art made it through a very bad time, and Jerry, myself and Barb managed to take care of Chloe for two weeks until Callie was off for the holiday.
My cousin and her family are having a very difficult time, but somehow we have our "fireside chats" and we are coping together. I will do anything I am able to, to help them, as I know she has been and still will be there for me. My nephew and niece lost their baby which was a very unhappy and sad time for all.
A friends daughter was told she has a horrible disease, I think of her all the time and pray for her, hoping time will bring better and swifter answers.
I have learned that all I can do is try to do my best for others, I like to think I have, but sometimes you find yourself wondering what you have done to offend someone. But I cannot fix everything I would like to. Still care so much but have to let it alone.
My son is engaged to a wonderful girl, Chrissy. November 2. So happy and excited.
We have wonderful extended families. Charlene, George, who also helped us through the holidays.
Her son is also getting married this year. And I love Michael as a son, and hope to enjoy times with his new wife. Am excited about making his grooms cake!!
My future new family members, Michelle, Jennifer, also were there this year and I am looking forward to many happy times with them.
My church friends, Joyce, Joyce, Katie, Dawn, Sue, Suzanne, Madelyn. They are all so good.

So although this year, as all years started have good times and bad times, there is always hope for the future.
I thank God he provides me with this insight and keeps all of us going.