A Time to Mourn

Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts posted after my last blog.

Of course we are sad at the loss of this loved one, but not so heartbroken as his wife and children.  Such a shock.  So unexpected.  We are trying to support them in every way possible knowing that only time will really heal.  My cousin is a strong woman and her adult children will be a wonderful support for her over the long haul.

That same night, Thursday, our Uncle passed away.  He was ninety and it was not unexpected but still it is painful when loved ones pass.  This Uncle was a very special gentleman, loved as the patriach on my mother's side of the family. I have written a little about him and his family in The Other Relies and the Boxing Day Bash and he is pictured here at our family reunion  (in 2009)  with my mother, now the only remaining member of their family.

To add to the sadness, my cousin who lost her husband, and her three brothers, lost their own father when they were small children.  She was four.  This uncle was a father figure to them, his brother's children.  It will be a draining week of funerals for us all but also a time to share precious memories and family legends will be born and retold.

The cycle of life, birth to death, is but a fleeting one.  It reminds me to redeem each day and use it profitably for the Lord, never knowing when our own time may come.  To love and teach my children and their children.  To search my heart and keep my eyes on the Lord and to use each day for his glory.

A Time to Laugh

Amidst all that has been happening, we enjoyed the much anticipated visit of our friends from the Gold Coast.  These are the good friends who left town about eighteen months ago.  Their boys and ours have kept up weekly phone contact, Facebook, emails and they have been fortunate enough to visit them on two occasions down there.
What a delight to see old friends reunited.  It has been fantastic for my boys!  We are all a little melancholy tonight on parting but a whole day swimming and sliding at the local water park has contributed to that!

Having these special friends around as well as the very active and entertaining youngsters of our household has been a balm to soothe our troubled thoughts.

Have a good week, one and all.