If it's not one thing, it's another.

Yesterday we went to a State Park about an hour away from us. Took the canoe, the fishing poles, some homemade macaroni salad and some hot dogs. And of course the family went along to boot, including Lilly (she slept like a baby last night and is still sleeping. It will take her days to get over the outing. Funny doggie.
So the kids - little and big - went canoeing and swimming and fishing and had a wonderful time. And grandma just sat and watched and smiled. And played referee with Veronica and Kasey sometimes. They really are cute together.

Got a little sunburn on my face but mostly freckles. :)

This will be a more difficult week than last because the kids are going home. We probably won't see them again until Christmastime - you know the drill if you are in a military family. Hope it doesn't rain today - want to play some more kickball with Kasey in the back yard.

There are other things on my heart this week besides Laurie, Stephen and Kasey returning home. Scott and Tina need to iron things out about a lot of issues - I've tried to stay happy and not let it affect my mood with having Kasey and his mommy and daddy here, but let's face it - I gave birth to two children and one of them is hurting right now. It's something our whole family is feeling. Stephen was the first person I told - we can talk about a lot of things and I am grateful to have that with a son in law. I didn't want the bad news to interfere with their stay, but didn't want to break it to Laurie over the phone. We give her too much bad news on the phone.

If it's not one thing, it's another.
Ron is grocery shopping - yet again. Funny. We were supposed to go to a theme park today but we are having thunderstorms so we are putting it off til tomorrow or Thursday. Yesterday was worth a thousand memories - we have more yet to make.

Thank you, Lord.

Blessings to you my friends.

Complete.

Woke up this morning to a wonderful thing - a full house. Kasey (oh, and his mommy and daddy) arrived this past weekend. We were so anxious for that day to get here...and then it seemed like forever before they got here. But they finally arrived and when we saw Laurie and Stephen, we saw Kasey as well - not being carried, but walking along with his little back pack on wheels. He knew us right away - big grin from ear to ear as soon as he saw Ron and I. And he knew us...oh I said that already didn't I? Well, it's just so great because it's been 6 months since we last saw him and that's a long time in the life of a two year old (almost forever for a grandma and grandpa).

So they are here - and this morning's menu is French Toast. Kasey is sleeping in a big boy's bed now so Laurie's bed is pushed up against the wall and has a quilt stuffed there just in case he moves around a lot. We don't want him to get caught between the bed and the wall. We also bought a bedrail for the other side of the bed so he won't fall out. There is a little potty seat in the bathroom (Sponge Bob Square Pants) (it's been awhile since we had one of those). I must say that Kasey is the perfect example of "snips and snails and puppy dog tails." He is inquisitive and happy and LOVES to play outside and swing on the swing in our back yard (high gamma).

Laurie and Stephen look great. I loved watching them in the back yard last night - with Kasey.

The glow is still there - Laurie just lights up when she is with Stephen. Good for a mom's eyes to see since we live so far apart.

So today is get out the wading pool day - whewwww, sure is hot here. Then we will go to the playground and do whatever else they want to do. Tomorrow Laurie and I will go shopping for food and party stuff for the luau party we are having in the back yard this weekend. It's been awhile since we've had a party - I'd say that it's just about time.

Ask me if I am happy....and thankful too. God has truly blessed us. And absence truly DOES make the heart grow fonder.

May God bless all of our troops - and those who love them.

It may be a few days before I get back here...but all of you soldier moms and grandmas understand.

Blessings my friends.

Sue

On Saturday afternoon, as I was sitting in the garage during the garage sale, I happened to glance at the bookshelves full of books Ron was trying to sell. He belongs to a military book club so there are always plenty of military books lying around. One of them - American Soldier, by General Tommy Franks, I had been meaning to read for about two years - just never got around to it. So, I picked it out of the many books and began reading. It's going to be a page turner.In the prologue, General Franks talks about the beginning of the Afghanistan war against the Taliban which began in October of 2001, and of course, the order he received to move into Iraq in March, 2003. After reading only two or three pages in this book, so many memories came flooding back. Where we’ve been. And where we are today.
My favorite subject in school was American History. Mr. McClure, my teacher, was an awesome guy. He was pretty young, but not a brand new teacher. During that year, I would learn that he was fair, dedicated, and was proud to be teaching the history of our nation. I think maybe that’s where I truly realized the goodness of living in America and stopped taking it for granted as young kids do. We had been through a lot for a young nation. And would go through much more as the years went on.
As the days of that American History class went on, the troops began to build in a country called South Vietnam. A young man in my class would die in battle just a few years later in Vietnam. And a young sailor, whose ship was hit off the coast of Vietnam, would someday be my husband - and would instill the pride he has for our country in our daughter Laurie, and she would become the first of two stars in the blue star banner hanging in my window. She would bring us to know what pride is all about - not just our pride in her and Stephen as their parents, but pride in all who serve. And thanks for those who serve beside them.
Fast forward to July 4th, 2007. Our nation has come through 9/11, and we still battle those who think terrorism is far better than freedom. But our young people - men and women alike - continue to fight for this nation born from 13 colonies and a group of men and women just as willing to stand up for Independence.
They are the ones - past and present - who we celebrate this day - and the ones we mourn for in their sacrifices made.
America, America, God shed His grace on thee.
God bless our troops.

Mugs anyone?

Well, I got home from my dr.'s appt. today and Ron and Veronica were happy to see me. Ron was especially happy to see me since he was plum tuckered out from playing with the toys Veronica had brought. Since he had been working in the garage all afternoon, pricing the garage sale stuff, he was in the garage sale mode...always thinking about getting rid of more stuff.

So he tells me that on the top shelf of the cupboard where I keep all my mugs, there are some "teapots and things" that I should look at as possible garage sale "stuff." So, after a 12 hour day, me and my tired knee (teehee - adds to the drama, doesn't it?) climbed the stool and checked out the cupboard. I was astonished!! The "stuff" he wanted me to part with are antiques that belonged to his mom, passed down from her mom. Three genuine pottery pitchers - two small, one larger - (it's my syrup pitcher) - and another hand painted porcelain pitcher. I think it was used for gravy because it has a porcelain cover to it as well. There were teapots that I got as wedding gifts which I do use occasionally, but usually I just plop a teabag in a mug if it's just me having a cup of tea (as I did a few minutes ago).

And I said "HUH? You want me to sell these in a garage sale??"

They will go to Laurie - in fact when they visit, she is going to see all the stuff we are bringing out on our next road trip. I have the Noritake china which Ron sent to his mom when he was in the Navy and stationed in Japan - service for 12 with all the serving dishes and a huge teapot as well. It's beautiful and Laurie is excited that I am giving it to her. I made her get permission from Stephen because they are not pack rats - but she doesn't have a set of china so I think this will be good. Needless to say, the "stuff" in the cupboard is still there.

Which brings me to the subject of this post. My mugs are getting out of control. The problem is, they all have a memory attached to them. There's the very delicate mug which is pink on the inside and white on the outside with pink rosebuds. This is the very first mug the kids got me when they were little and were able to finally pick out a Christmas present when Ron took them shopping. After the pink mug, they gave me the mug with the sleepy bear family on the outside - in various stages of waking up. Then there are all the mugs my friends have given me over the years...the mug which had a petunia planted in it and was given to me the first time I met my Military mom friend Chris. Chris lives right up the road from me - and we found each other one night in MMs chatroom...we tried not to give away too much about where we lived but one word led to another and she said..."Sue...are you that family on ____ Rd. that has the two star banner in the window?" And then she told me where she lives - we are a mile and a half away from each other. And so Chris gave me the mug with the flower in it because, as she put it, she always sees Ron puttering around in the garden when she goes by our house.

There is a story behind every mug in my cabinet. I have mugs that I use because one of the kids gave them to me and on a cold winter's night when Laurie feels especially far away and I want to feel closer to her I use one; and there's my mug from a dear friend in Arkansas. That's one of my favorite Saturday morning mugs. So many and yet, I remember each of them and when we got them. There is a mug with a boot on it - that's the one I gave to Ron for our anniversary one year when he was so gung ho about the German movie about a WW II submarine - Das Boot.

So what am I going to do when I have one small cupboard in an RV designated for mugs? Hmmm - certainly they are not candidates for the garage sale. See, there are some people who say - when they open a mug - "oh boy!" That's ok - the last thing some people need is another mug in their cupboard. But me? No, unfortunately I am one of those people who LOVES getting a new mug. This is not good (just ask Ron). SO, until I absolutely must make a decision, I will continue to groan every time I unload the mugs from the dishwasher because it always means that I will be playing a game of musical mugs in the cabinet. Trying to fit them all in - stacking them just so. (Secretly, I really don't mind - in fact I love hearing Ron doing the groaning when he unloads the dishwasher:). Can you identify with any of this at all?

Well, that's it for tonight. As I look at the tag on the teabag steeping in the mug Laurie bought for me at our neighbor's garage sale when she was 5, the memory of her proudly bringing it home to me warms my heart so much more than the warmth of the tea that is in it. She went over there with about 50 cents and came back with a mug and a bowl with a flower on it..and a couple little trinkets. With her unselfish little heart, she joyfully presented the mug and the bowl to me.

Man oh man - I am hopeless, aren't I?

God's blessings to you my friends and may God bless our troops.

Sue

Life's little disappointments.

It's been a busy week since I last posted. Tons of stuff going on at work, you know...programs that you count on to work at the busiest time of the year suddenly have glitches in them...things like that. The announcement was finally made today that the office manager job has been filled. Obviously, the title of this post tells the story - it wasn't me. I was very close to being what the civil service system calls "reachable" but could not be interviewed.

It's ok - the man who got the job will need all the support he can get. It's not an easy job.

So, as I sit here tonight, I realize that it really IS ok. I am a short timer - in less than two years I will be retired and each day I get more excited about that prospect. Not that I don't enjoy my job - I LOVE my job. But now that Ron and I are making our plans for after my retirement, I am thinking about it a lot. At work, I am thinking about how I can leave the job better than I found it. The programs I use each day will no doubt change - maybe even before I leave. And life's little disappointments can become opportunities to make things better. To give suggestions - not complain about what doesn't work, but help to fix it. Know what I mean? When I leave, I'd like to be remembered in a positive way - and I'd like to be missed not just for the job I did, but for who I was while I did it.

Laurie, Stephen and Kasey will be here in just a couple of weeks. We are getting the house all spruced up for their visit and we are planning special outings and special evenings here at home.It will be 2 weeks of bliss for us all - well, maybe not for Stephen since he has to spend 11 days with his in laws. We get along great, though, so I think it will all go well. We had planned on renting a house in the mountains upstate - but the financial end of it didn't quite work out - another disappointment but oh well.

Life isn't about winning the lottery or sleeping til noon; or dining out every night. It's not always a picture perfect house with a white picket fence.

Life is what it is, and there are plenty of blessings and opportunities to enjoy it's goodness. And most importantly to share that goodness. To pray for others, and let them know that you care.

The last few days have been devastating for our troops in the sand. Dear Lord, please guide our President and our military leaders to do the right thing. Many military families are receiving terrible news today.

As we think about all of that, may we be more inclined to realize just what is important in life.

Sue

Friends are the family we meet along the way.

In August of 2002, a great many military moms and dads descended on our area for the first anniversary party of our online support group. Some good friends - cyber friends of course - whom I had never met in person but had been chatting with for months came in from Illinois

for the celebration and they stayed here at the house. We had a great time - but I wasn't very savvy on trying to get us to the places we needed to go. There were detours - real and accidental. But we finally got to our anniversary party and had a wonderful time. At the restaurant, there was a display of patriotic arts and crafts which were for sale. Kimmy, a military mom from Illinois and one of the moms (Linda was the other) staying with me for the weekend and had been in the car as I pleasantly and very efficiently took the most aggravating detours. First I missed the exit from the airport because we were laughing and talking. I don't think they will ever let me forget that. After that it just went downhill and it culminated in getting lost on the way to Niagara Falls. One other lady who had come from Arizona was very unhappy with me. But getting back to the patriotic crafts, Kim bought a placque for me - with a pretty painting of a country scene...a quiet treelined road. And the placque said:

"Friends are the family we meet along the way." Kim added "even on the detours." It was precious - still is. I still think of you and Linda often.

What made me post about this tonight is that today I was cleaning off my kitchen desk - my "nook" as Ron calls it. It has two shelves above it where I put my treasured nick nacks...the little white lamb Laurie painted in Sunday School for me when she was four..it has a heart shaped piece of paper with some yarn strung through it and is around the lamb's neck. On the heart is written...."with love to my mommy from Jesus' little lamb." The heart shaped magnets the kids gave to me - you know - all those little things that need a special place. And on the top shelf, right next to the lamb, is my plaque from Kimmy.

Yes, friends ARE the family we meet along the way - oh my goodness what would I do without the friends God has blessed me with?

I want you to know that I treasure you all. Life does have many detours - but God always brings us back to where I should be. And all along the way...there you are, blessing my life.

I hope that when my kids are my age, they will have this blessing as well.

Thank you Lord.

God bless our troops and those who love them.

Just a PS to add - I remember also, meeting Cathy who showed us how to do the happy dance. I think she is the original happy dancer. Thanks, Cathy.

Fiddler's Green.

As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, my friend Wendy's son, Jay, lost his best friend and comrade in Iraq on Memorial Day. His nickname was Tuc - the first initial of his first, middle and last names. Wendy's son was the honor guard for this soldier for the long trip back from the sand - and to be at Tuc's family's side during the viewing and funeral service which was yesterday. Wendy drove to be there to help her son through this time and to honor this young soldier, husband, father, son, friend. There are 6 of us in a tightly knit group of military moms,
three now veteran's moms, the rest of us moms of soldiers still serving. And so Wendy traveled to not only be there for her son, and to pay her respects, but to be there for those of us who couldn't be there. Last night, Wendy wrote the five of us an email, letting us know how sad it was, and yet how proud she was to be there. She described - from beginning to end - the goodbye given to this young man. There is a poem titled Fiddler's Green - Calvary soldiers are required to learn it before they receive their spurs and their stetson. A soldier from Tuc and Jay's rear detachment began to recite it - but couldn't complete it because he was crying. Jay stood up and took the soldier's place - reciting the poem from memory. I am so proud of Jay - and I haven't even met him.
But I know and love his mom - and know that he grew up knowing who God is, to respect others, and eventually, to love and honor the brotherhood and sisterhood of the US military.
I know that most everyone reading this blog has a deep respect for the military - and how costly this war has been. But you see, it's not just about the war, or the political mess that it has created across our nation - indeed, the world.
It's about the people fighting it - the ones who have been there, and those who will yet be deployed. You have to know and love a soldier to truly understand the sacrifice they make. And to understand the fear in a loved one's heart even though you say you trust God.
For those who continue walking in the shoes which Tuc once walked in, we pray for you so much more often than you know. And we thank God for you.
Blessings.

Over tired?

This weekend has been extraordinarily busy. We celebrated Veronica's birthday today - she will be 3 on Monday. Scott and Tina, Luke and Veronica came over today as well as Tina's sister Denise. Chicken on the grill, hot dogs, homemade tuna macaroni salad, cheesy broccoli/rice casserole. We also had our Summerfest going on at church - and although I couldn't be there to help today, there were things I could do to contribute. Baked a couple of apple pies Friday night (and some apple strudel for Ron to keep peace in the house), and then on Saturday morning I went over to church to help peel and slice the 150 lbs. of potatoes for the german potato salad. Then of course there was all the running around for presents and decorations for our mini party today; and a trip to Home Depot to get rugs for Scott's old room - we're getting it ready for Laurie and Stephen. It's a nice shade of "toasted marshmallow" and I just need to finish up the decorating touches - curtains, put the quilt on the bed, finish getting the rest of Scott's old paraphenalia out of the closet. I took an extra day off this weekend so tomorrow I'll finish Laurie's room and start to get serious about preparations for our garage sale we are having in a couple of weeks.

Anyway, I was sitting here at my computer trying to stay awake until 9 o'clock, decided to do a couple of things online, and went to bed because I was exhausted.

Ever have one of those nights when you can barely keep your eyes open and then you go to bed only to find out that you can't sleep? You lie there in the dark, staring at the ceiling that is somewhere above you and then the "think machine" starts.

So here I am - back at the computer. Thanks to the half hour I spent trying to get to sleep, I now have a ton of things on my mind. Work, the kids, the war, all the things that need to be done around here, money - or the lack therof. You know the drill.

How could I have been so tired, and yet be so wide awake? Maybe if I could stop thinking about it, I could get to sleep.

Happy Birthday Veronica - three years old and such a big girl you are getting to be.

Three years ago at this time I was trying to sleep in a cold, air conditioned hospital room with Scott and Tina. Tina slept like a baby as she waited for her induced labor to kick in. Scott had his own worries on his mind - his wife and their baby girl waiting to be born. And me? We won't go there tonight - I have enough on my mind without thinking of what was on my mind in that hospital room three years ago. (everything went well in spite of my worry).

Guess I better just leave everything in God's hands tonight and try to get some sleep.

God bless our troops and those who love them.

Bear one another's burdens.

Words from God's Word in Galatians -

"bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the laws of Christ."

We used to have a caregiver's ministry at our church - we visited shutins, or prepared meals for families experiencing illness or loss. It was easy - back then, not a lot of women worked outside the home - or if they did, somehow their schedule always allowed peeling an extra potato or two and putting it in the pot...extending the potroast dinner for 3 to a potroast for 5 or 6. Chopping a little extra lettuce and adding another tomato and getting that spare bottle of salad dressing out of the pantry. Not a really hard thing to do at all - in fact, caring for others is one of the easiest things in the world to do. If they let you. Sometimes people (we) bottle everything up - let it stay inside instead of letting others see that they (we) are hurting or are needing help and encouragement.

What makes them (us) do that? Is it pride? Fear of "letting someone in?"

Sometimes the most difficult step we take in a crisis situation is asking someone for prayers or for help. But for those of us who have taken that step, the relief is immense because it means we are not standing by ourselves - there are others with us at the foot of the cross and God is hearing their prayers too. Sometimes the only thing we can do is pray...and wait for His answers. When my cousin Tina was ill, many of us flocked to an online care page set up by her family - for updates, encouraging news, and to be thankful for the prayers of others for this same wonderful lady we all loved. His answer for us was not the answer we prayed for - but it was one which brought Tina eternal peace and rest in Christ.

Encouragement and friendship - hope for the fellowship of believers.

Sometimes I don't know what to say to someone who is ill, or grieving, or lonely; worried or afraid, angry or upset. It sometimes feels so inadequate to say "I'll keep you in my prayers - as if my feeble prayers are going to change the situation. On the contrary, what will change things are not my prayers but His answers.

My heart prompts me more and more these days to pray for our military. Not just because of my own two dear soldiers - but, Dear God, for all of our armed forces. For their fears to be calmed so that their minds will be on the mission and not on the unknown waiting for them; so that their faith and courage would constantly be with them so that their resolve may be stronger than that of the enemy.

Dear Lord, help us to encourage one another in all circumstances - but also help us to be willing to share the burdens you've asked us to bear. It lets our faith be strengthened as we stand together at the foot of your cross.

On a clear day, you can see forever..

Ok, I am showing my age, but if any of you remember Robert Goulet, then you remember him singing that song. It's one of my all time favorites.

How I wish that I had more clear days - some days are a blur from start to finish. Up early, off to work, busy busy busy, then the commute home. Some days, Veronica and Luke come over while Tina works for a little while during the dinner hour; or other evenings a meeting at church will round out my day. Then it's bed time and I wonder where the time has gone and if the next day will bring the same busy-ness. Robert Goulet had a wonderful idea there when he belted out his song. The words were beautiful and the concept was great - but, standing on the stage, he could see a lot further than we can.

Recently, one of the soldiers I love - the son of one of my friends - lost his best friend and comrade in Iraq. Their unit only had about three months more on their deployment - they've been there nearly a year already. And so, they were beginning to look past the war and starting to see home, their families, safety. But that clear day they could almost see, ended tragically.

We don't know what God has in store for any of us. We begin each day thinking that it's another adventure - another time of living and learning and feeling blessed. But each day, I pray that instead of seeing the busy-ness and the routine, God will help me to see (clearly) the blessing in all that is going on around me. And that I will help others see it as well. The joy of waking up on a late spring morning and feeling the early morning sun on my face as I walk from my car to the office And thankfulness that He has healed my knee so quickly and completely that I can enjoy that walk-that having to walk a little bit is a blessing and not a burden. I also appreciate the busyness of a work day because that means He has provided me with a good paying job PLUS friends to spend my workday with. And always, to be able to come home to a husband whom I love more than he could possibly know - and that this love is mutual. My family and friends - seeing His love for me is at work constantly through them.

Clear days are a wonderful thing - but forever is a long time. I know that God has given me forever in His Son Jesus, but each single day is good enough to look forward to - because I know that His path for us is perfect. Not always smooth, but it's perfect.

What does God hold in store for me? For you? For those you love?

A simple abundance called life. I pray that this day holds many good things for you.

Blessings my friends,

Sue

Life is what it is.

I found out today that I might not have that chance at the promotion after all. In the Civil Service system, an employer has to work off of an eligibility list based on exam grades. Mine was good - but not quite high enough to make the first cut. So if someone in the pool of interviewees wants the job and is qualified, the new person is chosen from that group. I must admit that I was hoping I'd get the job - it would mean a sizeable pay raise but more importantly than that, my retirement income would be higher. It's ok though - I'm not giving up - just not going to get my hopes up. I have a wonderful job that pays very well - that won't change, nor will my love for my current job change diminish.

Someone said to me today, "life is what it is." Oh, how true.

I'd like to ask for your prayers for some people I love - a military mom, Wendy, and her son Jay. Jay's room mate, mission mate, and his best friend were killed on Monday in Iraq when a soldier was killed in action. This brave soldier leaves behind a young wife and two little children.

Dear God be with them and with the families of all who have lost their lives - it's been a terribly costly month over there.

In just a few weeks, Laurie, Stephen and our little Kasey will be here for a good visit. We are sooo looking forward to this-it's been nearly 6 months since we've seen them. I don't do well with long separations.

Tomorrow is another day - another chance to do things the way God would have me do.

With its ups, and downs; its blemishes, and its sweet goodness....life is what it is. Precious.

Be blessed my friends.

Letters from home.

This is going to be a long one.

Ok, today I decided it was a good day to tackle Laurie's room. It has two dressers in it - both filled with clothes she no longer wears and I have her blessing to either sell them in our garage sale next month, give them to the Good Will, or put them out at the curb. It's not an easy task when you're a mom walking down memory lane and trying to be objective. "NO, you CAN'T keep that Susan - it won't fit you, and it doesn't fit Laurie, and Veronica won't grow into it for 10 years at least." I said that over and over again today as I went through those dressers. Despite my emotions, I was able to sort the clothes into the three piles I had planned. Then I went through each pile again and finally decided I was done sorting. Not bad, I thought, except for the fact that I could remember Laurie wearing every single thing I had sorted. Then I got to the prom dresses in the closet...not a good thing. I had already used all the kleenex I'd brought upstairs with me - luckily there were some up there besides.

Then I got to her bookcase - this put me over the edge. As I looked at the little piles of pictures Laurie had taken over the years, I glanced at the pictures and then at the clothes all sorted on the bed. You guessed it - the prom dresses, the skirts, the ecru colored dress I bought her when she played first flute at the marching band concert at school - all of them in the pictures...all of them on the bed, now neatly folded and ready, hopefully, for someone else to wear.

And finally, there were the boxes and the duffel bag under her bed. Now, you must understand that everytime the kids visit and I am cleaning the rooms for them, these boxes and duffel bag come out from under the bed so I can dust. Then, because of course we are always too busy to think about it when the kids are here, they always are forgotten. So today was the day I had to look at the contents - garage sale, good will, or curb?

None of the above.

There, neatly stored, were the contents that I hadn't expected to see. Letters. Probably dozens and dozens of letters addressed to Laurie at various places and addressed to several different ranks - but all of them addressed to Laurie. PV2 Laurie at basic and AIT training, SPC Laurie at the post she spent three years at, and finally, SGT Laurie. She must have saved every letter we ever sent. I read some of them - and as I read them, I could actually remember writing them. There were the letters I wrote to her when she was in basic and AIT - when Ron's mom was living here and terminally ill with cancer. Those were often written after midnight when I finally was ready for bed and could sit and write a letter. Phone calls were scarce in basic - it kept us connected and I think it helped me miss her just a tiny bit less to know that she would be reading it in a couple of days. Laurie told me after her basic training that there was one time when she was feeling pretty worn out and afraid that she wasn't going to pass her final PT test. She said that she sat at her locker and read all of the cards and letters Ron and I had sent...and she said she knew that we were praying for her and she felt at peace.

I guess what I'm saying is that you never know when a letter from home - or a letter to from someone who cares about you - is going to really be important.

When I finish Laurie's room tomorrow night after I get home from work, I will dust under her bed again, and push those boxes and duffel bag back where I found them. If she kept them, then they will stay there for now. When we sell this house, she will have to make the decision. But for now, her letters from home are keepers.

That makes me smile.

God's blessings.

A weekend of remembrance.

A holiday weekend - for most of us, it will mean enjoying that extra cup of coffee at home in our pjs on Monday when we would normally be commuting. Or, being able to sleep just a little bit later than 5:30 am. If most of us are honest, we have been thinking about this long weekend all week long.

It's ok - we're supposed to think that way. Long weekends are meant to be enjoyed -right? And yet, we enjoy this extra day off not because WE have earned it, but rather others have earned it for us through their sacrifice.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer - the first picnic of the year, the first camping weekend, or putting the boat or canoe in the water for the first time...all of these things happen on Memorial Day weekend. I can remember our family picnics with my parents and sisters - we'd meet at a park with my grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins. Oh the potato salad and macaroni salad; the hot dogs and burgers...and the desserts....yum.

And it was a time for buying geraniums and visiting the cemetaries where my great grandparents and other loved ones were laid to rest.

The most memorable part of that visit was the drive past the Field of Honor, where row upon row of American flags waved proudly marking the final resting place of those who had served our country. When I was little, I knew that the flags commemorated the military - but it became more meaningful as I got older. I thought about who they might have been - were they sons or daughters; moms or dads; husbands and wives? Were they in your circle of friends? The boy or girl next door? They likely enjoyed a Memorial Day picnic with THEIR families, and perhaps saw flags waving row upon row - and were inspired to serve.

Whoever they were, I pray they know that the freedom they fought and died for is still alive. Throughout wars of the past...and the present, they have been asked to sacrifice a great deal - too often, ALL they had to give. And they will never be forgotten.

May God be ever near as we take this weekend to remember those who fell serving our nation. May we be forever grateful to them - and to those who serve today.

Conversation has changed....

Well, you know how gung ho we've been in the Western NY area about our Buffalo Sabres ~ it's all we talked about - around the water cooler, in the grocery store, anywhere we went. All you would see were Sabres flags flying from cars, magnets and posters all over the place. In any given crowd, at least one third of the people were wearing the Sabres blue and gold.
Today, the talk was still the Sabres...but it wasn't the anticipation of tonight's game. It was the disappointment about this past Saturday's game...and how we lost the series. The Ottawa Senators beat us in overtime and it's time for our Sabres to pick up the golf clubs instead of the hockey sticks. We were favored this year to win it all. It's ok - we'll get over it. We always do.
Four Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills..."wide right" was the closest we ever got to a win. Last year our Sabres got this far as well...and didn't win.
So, even though on Saturday we were all heart broken, by this morning most of us were already looking forward to next year. The team will be different - 6 guys on our team have contracts expiring...even our coach and the general manager have contracts expiring this year.
Sigh.
The one thing I always enjoyed in the morning was our talk radio station - the announcer always said it was the voice of Buffalo to our soldiers in Iraq who were following the Stanley Cup playoffs. And every morning a soldier in Iraq from the Buffalo area would say he or she was cheering on the Sabres. I'll miss that too.
A fellow at work brought in a football this morning - it was funny how he broke the ice. None of us had talked about Saturday's loss until he came in with the football. It was the laugh we needed to get us started. So now, I guess we'll have to start talking about the Buffalo Bills. Training camp starts in just about a month...and by the time football season is barely a month old, the hockey season (we call it the road to the cup) will begin again for us believers.
It was a great ride we had - but I'm staying on the bandwagon - 'cause you just never know.
Blessings,
Sue

Puppies!!

Awhile back, Kbug posted about her new puppies. I enjoyed the fact that her son asked her to take care of his puppy until he was able to take it home with him. Puppies are a wonderful thing. There is so much love wrapped up in those little bodies - and so much fun to look forward to. When we adopted Lilly last August, she was still a puppy who had traveled a long way in her short life. She'd had 9 puppies already, been in two different shelters and had given all that was in her to keep those puppies sustained. She had sacrificed nearly all of her own strength in giving it to her puppies. We have a wonderful veterinarian who has an excellent and loving staff (they all cried with us when we had to have Shelby put to sleep last May) and with patience and excellent care and some tlc on our part, Lilly pulled through. She is a loving and very wonderful doggie.

A few months ago, Scott and Tina adopted a terrier mix - adorable, but feisty. They named her Cupcake. Finally, she is calming down and seems to be getting along famously with their 3 cats. (shaking my head here at the thought of that :). But on Sunday, Tina told me that they had adopted another puppy - a long haired Dachschund mix. This will be Luke's puppy and he will take care of her. (that remains to be seen cause he is only 9, but his intentions are good). Her name is Muffin. So they have a Cupcake, a Muffin, and then the cats...Skittles, Rocky, and Starburst...all living under one roof. Just one big happy family...(oh my gosh). I can't wait to meet their newest addition - they just make my heart melt and all the thoughts of the work go right out the window. (But I sure am glad Lilly is trained).

At times we hear stories about US Military units in Iraq adopting homeless puppies or kittens...what a joy that must be for all of them - including the puppy. And nothing brings more joy to the heart of a nursing home patient than a soft, furry little puppy.

They sure do bring lots of love into so many lives. Yup...they are a good thing.

Blessings my friends.

And Monday through Friday went WHERE?

This week seems to have vanished int0 thin air. I remember vaguely thinking about posting something on Tuesday or Wednesday but I guess it's pretty obvious it went no further than that. I haven't visited anyone else's blogs (sorry) and it seems the only computer time I've logged is processing summer financial aid for our students. That's not good either...except for the students.
The week has been beautiful in terms of the weather here in WNY and as our students saw the end of classes for the 2006/07 academic year, we saw moms and dads parked two and three deep in front of the dorms as they moved Johnny or Susie out for another year. In late August, many of those same moms and dads will be there again, hauling everything back up to the dorm for the 07/08 year. It's quite amusing watching these students (and their parents). Students are still into the social scene with their friends - gathered on the sidewalk in groups of 2 or 3
(or 8 or 10) as the parents keep dragging the student's belongings to the car. As the parents ask questions of the student, some students just kind of act like it's an inconvenience to answer their mom's or dad's questions. Funny - some things never change.
As the students leave in various numbers during the last week of school, according to their exam schedule, our combined staff and student parking lots empty out as well. So on Thursday, feeling great about the weather, and feeling truly blessed about the healing process in my knee, I decided it was time to vacate the handicapped spot and start walking from the parking lot. Because I get to work by 7:30 each morning, I can usually find a spot in the nearest lot across the street from our buildings. It's not much of a distance at all, but has many spots of uneven cement (also known as Sue's enemy number 1 :). So, although I am not into power walking yet, it's a good feeling to be out of the handicapped spot and back into exercising a bit more. You'd have to "walk in the shoes" to understand what it means.
This weekend, we are getting our travel trailer ready to sell. Ron thinks we can get more by selling it to someone now than by trading it in when we buy our fifth wheeler when I retire. It's in great shape, is very clean, and since it's only 4 years old, we are hoping it will sell pretty quick. I'll miss the camping this summer - it's so nice just to get away from it all but practicality kind of rules right now.
One thing hasn't changed since I last posted. Our soldiers are still in harm's way and loved ones are still getting the most dreaded visits. It's hard for me to put into words how I feel about the war, but I know how I feel about our military - and about the anxiety we all feel as their parents. As more and more families are receiving that tragic news, I wonder what it must have been like in past wars...when loved ones didn't hear from their soldiers for months...sometimes years..at a time, and then received a telegram from the War Department. It must have been horrible for them. Today, though, we are at least blessed with the possibility of phone calls and emails from our kids over there...I don't know what we would have done when Laurie and Stephen were deployed had it not been for emails and phone calls. This Mother's Day weekend, I am praying so hard that all military moms can receive a phone call or email from their loved one serving. We feel so blessed to have our two soldiers stateside - and we know that it's not guaranteed that they won't be deployed again. But still, Ron and I are so thankful.

Someone just knocked on the front door...Ron went to the door and it was a little boy...his dad was in a white van out front. The little boy handed Ron his delivery and said "tell her Happy Mother's Day." It was a beautiful vase of fresh flowers from Stephen, Laurie and Kasey. The card said..."Happy Mother's Day, hope you have a great day...WE MISS YOU."
I am still bawling.

That truly does just about make the week for me - it will be complete tomorrow when Scott and Tina and Veronica and Luke come over for dinner and we call our soldiers so that everyone has the chance to chat.

May God bless all moms this weekend...and the children we love far more than they know. And who also love us more than we could ever know.

Life is a blessing.

A Tale of Two Cities,

WHOA...I've really been AWOL. I've been busy at work and at home and with lots of stuff for church. It was Laurie and Stephen's birthdays last week so needed to shop and get their packages out on time (and of course un-birthday presents for Kasey). They'll be here in only two months and already, I am getting the house ready - getting the heavy stuff done so that I won't have to blitz the house two days before they get here like I always do.

And of course, there has been playoff hockey. Hence my tale of two cities post title today.

Our Buffalo Sabres managed to get past the NY Islanders in the first round - it took only 5 games.

The second round was a little more difficult - it took one of those heart attack finishes on Friday night and then an excellent win today in NYC to beat the Rangers in 6 games. New York, New York and Buffalo...two cities, at different ends of Interstate 90 and with lots of differences. NYC is big and has many sides to it...and many claims to fame. The Empire State building, Statue of Liberty, Greenwich Village. Fifth Avenue, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And, God bless them, 9/11/2001.

Buffalo - hmmm, well we don't have all of that but we have our own claims to fame. Wide right; No goal; Niagara Falls (well, that's almost in Buffalo); America's Fair (largest county fair in the US); we have beautiful state parks practically in our backyard, and we are a great place on a great lake. We had an October storm that put the power out for days and weeks and yet as always - as we did after the Blizzard of 77 - we bounced back.

We're a little smaller market than a lot of NHL or NFL teams, we believe (and so do the SABRES and the BILLS) that we have the greatest fans in the world. We're a blue collar city, with a big dream...and we believe.

Yup, many differences; but many things unite us as well. First and foremost, 9/11. Not to mention the many many people who came through the lines at Ellis Island, many of whom would eventually find their way to Buffalo. Our cities both have rich, ethnic histories which helped shape what our cities have become.

A tale of two cities? I guess you could say that. But later this week, when our Conference final series with the Ottawa Senators begins, I have a feeling this other city I've been talking about will be routing for us.

I think it's a philosophy called: "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

We'll see.

God bless your week my friends (and if I may add: Good luck to the blue and gold!).

Sue

All because two people fell in love....

Today was the funeral for my cousin Tina. It was one of the most touching, hopeful, beautiful funerals I have ever attended. Because that is who Tina was. Hopeful. Faith filled. Beautiful.

The Baptist church was filled, so many came to say good bye. There aren't any words that can describe my feelings so I won't try. But I don't know what non believers do - where do they get their hope and strength? I cannot imagine not being able to look forward to the promise God gives to us all.

Our family is scattered now - we used to be quite close. But today offered one of those rare moments for the cousins to see one another - to catch up, remember, and be thankful that our family had been blessed by Tina. It's odd - I haven't seen some of my cousins in a long long time. Weddings and funerals - mostly funerals lately. It's nobody's fault really - but I am more guilty than not. Life got complicated by "stuff." I forget what that stuff was - just the stuff of life. But I am determined to keep the ties connected now. And I am thankful that I have another chance. We look at each other, and we see that as we have gotten older, we have come to resemble our moms or our dads more and more. Tina's dad and my mom were brother and sister. Uncle Dean - he was one of the most fun loving guys you could know. Mom and Uncle Dean were two of nine children my grandma and grandpa raised. You can only imagine the number of kids and the grandkids and great grandkids (great great grandkids too) produced from those 9 brothers and sisters.
All because two people fell in love and from those roots, God just kept us growing.

Thank you Lord for the blessings of today - and the hope we have for every tomorrow.

Out of the valley...

At 1 pm this afternoon, it pleased our Lord to take the hand of my sweet and gentle cousin Tina Marie and lead her out of the darkness of the valley, and into His marvelous light as He took her home to be with Him.
She is survived by her husband Jeff, three beautiful daughters - Katie (husband Chris), Becky and Jill; her mom, her three brothers and their families.
May God be with them and with all of us who loved her.
Thank you for your prayers these past several weeks.
Sue

Spring recess!

Finally, Western NY is experiencing SPRING! The sun is out, it's warm and beautiful, and the grass is losing it's winter dullness. I think what I love the most about the change of seasons is the difference in the scent of the fresh air with each transition. Spring smells so wonderful - the air is saying "everything is new." It's the season of promise and rebirth. I remember the first spring we lived in this house - Laurie was only a year old and after Scott left for school every morning, Laurie and I would do our morning routine of breakfast and getting dressed. And then, about 10 am, I would begin opening all the windows to let the spring air into the winter weary house. I'd pick Laurie up in my arms and take her to the front window in the living room and she and I would just drink in the morning air. So fresh, we would breathe it in and smile at each other. Laurie would laugh that beautiful little giggle of hers and it was a wonderful mom and baby moment. As the days grew warmer toward summer, we were doing that ritual earlier and earlier in the day. I'd put her highchair near the open kitchen window and she would eat her nummies with a soft breeze wafting it's way through the room.
For those of us who experience winter in all Mother Nature's glory - snow, ice, wind - you name it - Spring is a wonderful and welcome sight.
This past winter has been a little more unusual than most with my Christmastime stay in the hospital and then my knee injury and surgery. But God teaches us in all things. When I was home and listening to the weather outside the window, I was thankful for a warm home and for Ron sitting here beside me. It's been a time of prayer for my cousin Tina - of hope for her recovery, and thanks for the doctors and nurses and her family who care for her. She is still in critical condition but with each day that passes we look for the promise of new strength. She has been in the hospital for months now - how I pray that someday soon she will experience the scent of spring air.
All seasons have their beauty - and Spring is merely one of them. We learn lessons through them all.
And in ALL of these seasons - as each year passes into the next, there are brave, courageous and strong soldiers serving (meaning ALL members of the military). They work in the heat and the sand of the desert, in the cold of the Alaskan winters, in the seasons of life God plans for them. At all times, as we give thanks for the newness of spring, or the warmth and fun of summer, the crisp and colorful autumn and the cold and icy winters - may we drink in all of the blessings and pray that those who serve will be doubly blessed with the knowledge that God is with them.
God bless all those who serve and those of us who wait.

The mourning after.

The news of the shooting incident at Virginia Tech went through our office yesterday afternoon - when lunch hours were nearly over and we had begun settling in to our scheduled tasks that remained. I had to leave work early yesterday for physical therapy, but just before I left, one of our staff members said that 22 people had been killed at VT. I got in my car and turned on the radio news, and heard worse - that it was 32 people killed by a single man. As I rode the stationary bike at pt, I watched FOX news reporting on the tragedy and it began to sink in. How does a day turn that tragic - and how could anyone have enough anger living in him to do this to so many innocent people?
The mourning in my blog title is not misspelled for truly we are mourning. It's not simply the morning after, but a time of deep sorrow and a time for grieving.
On my way home last night, I listened to the callers who were on the talk radio show. All of their opinions, their thoughts about gun control, etcetera, etcetera. But in the end, the bottom line said one thing - 31 innocent students and teachers were gone and many others survived but will never be the same.
Today, may God be with their families. May He be with those injured - and their families as well. And for those who are mourning - which would be all of us - we may never understand, but we will always be comforted by the love God has for His children. Surely He must be grieving as well.
In memory of those who died at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007.

I think I'm using the wrong calendar!

Ok, the calendar I've been using for the last 14 days says APRIL 2007 but the weather forecast says January. We are under a winter storm warning as a storm system heads up the East coast. Rain, snow, wind, cold temps. Well, at least we had good weather for Christmas shopping in November and December. But seriously, all across the country, people are digging out from April storms and will continue to do so here in the East until at least Monday. I don't mind snow as long as my family is home safe and not out driving in it. I can actually enjoy a good storm if we're on the inside looking out. Cathy - I think you are in the path of the same storm as we are. Stay safe.

Today is date day - I love date day. It's been a long week - the knee has been quite painful because of my physical therapy - only four more weeks to go with that but I really am walking so much better. The cold, damp weather has been bothering it, too.

The news this week of the 3 month extensions for troops in the Middle East has hit close to home. One of my dearest friends got the news just a day or two ago that her son is included in that extension. She was looking forward to a July homecoming - it will not happen now until October. The time passes so quickly for most of us - but for those affected by deployments - the soldiers and those who wait for them - each moment of every day is long and difficult. I remember well. I only hope they all know that they are not spending those moments alone - that God is with them and many people are in prayer for them all. May He comfort their anxiety and keep them all in His care. There are no words to express how deeply we care.

It seems that God is walking my cousin Tina out of the valley. Her skin is healing and she is gradually being taken off the ventilator. She has had specialists from at least 3 or 4 hospitals working on her and they have been honest about each step of the way. Her daughters have been caring and loving and so helpful in her care each day at the hospital. God has blessed them with a tiny bit of improvement in their mom's condition each day. We are certain that God is working in all of this and are grateful for His tender mercies as the days go by. Thank you so much for your prayers.

Tomorrow I will begin teaching my Sunday School class again. I think I have my work cut out for me since I've learned from the substitutes that the class has not been picking up on what I've been teaching them. Sigh.

God bless your weekend and if you are in a place experiencing bad weather - be safe and stay warm and dry.

Blessings.

Sue

HE SHOOTS - HE SCORES!!!

Well friends, it's Stanley Cup playoff time. We here in the Western New York area - and across the country and in Canada - are getting ready for our Buffalo Sabres to get started. It's the second season now - the first season started in October and, 82 games later, it ended last night. The second season begins this week - The regular season slate is wiped clean and everybody has the same chance as the other 15 teams who are playing.
Now you may have heard (drum roll please) that the Sabres had the best record in the league when the season ended on Sunday night. Hard fought, the wins not always pretty - but they got the job done. And for this they won home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. If you've ever been at HSBC arena during a Sabres hockey game, you'd know that home ice for the Sabres is a sweet thing.
Anyway, I am excited - and anybody here in WNY who ISN'T excited - or at least a little bit happy - is a rare bird. Even Ron - NOT a sports fan ( I think he is a closet sports fan) - is looking forward to watching the games on TV.
So who is your favorite team? Cathy, I would bet the Penguins are at the top of your list. Cat - hmmm - the Hurricanes? Kbug - ummm, the Dallas Stars?
Whoever your favorite team may be, I think hockey is one of the most exciting sports there is. It 's a blue collar sport - the players are paid well, but somehow, they are "touchable." And things can change so quickly in a hockey game. Not to mention these guys do such awesome stuff while on ice skates. THAT to me is incredible. HA!! If Ron reads this he is going to laugh out loud at the thought of seeing the likes of me (or himself) on ice skates. Now that is funny.
So if it's your thing, enjoy the playoffs. Nothing is a given - the Sabres might have the President's cup, but they better have the stamina too. And the playbook better have room for lots of spontaneity. (I'm sure that I spelled that wrong). May the best team win...but I'll just end by saying GO SABRES!!

HE LIVES!!

Oh to have been in Mary Magdalene's sandals on that first Easter morning so long ago. The fear and sadness at seeing Jesus' tomb empty.
The joy at hearing Jesus' voice call her name ..."Mary!" And being chosen to be the messenger to the disciples..."I have seen the Lord."
Each Easter morning it's all new to me - the joy, the knowledge that Jesus died, was raised from the dead...and HE LIVES! And WE LIVE! Our Pastor indeed has the Holy Spirit living in him as he did such a wonderful job with the service. From the beginning to the benediction and closing hymn, the entire service reaching out and sending a message of faith and promise and proof that Jesus is alive.
And so on this Easter Sunday, I pray you will be blessed with the joy of the risen Savior. That you will know He died for you, and lives - that you will live as well.
God's promise fulfilled through His Son.
HE IS RISEN ~ HE IS RISEN INDEED.

The day in between.

Today is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It doesn't have the solemnity of Good Friday (although it should) and there is always so much to do to get ready for Easter. But I always think about the fact that Jesus, on the day after Good Friday, was still in a tomb on this day...waiting for the miracle of Resurrection. Lent isn't quite over until we open our eyes on Easter morning and realize HE IS RISEN. So, to me, the Saturday before Easter is still a day to be in thought about what Jesus did for the world, about what He did for me. (yet there is the knowledge of the rejoicing to come tomorrow).
My cousin Tina has been walking through the valley these last few days. But the doctors are cautiously optimistic. What was originally thought to be a grave problem with her lungs has turned out to be treatable and the Drs. are hopeful they can treat this successfully too. She is fighting with all of her might; heavily sedated, but still fighting.
Today - true to tradition, will be a busy one. I have a funeral to go to this morning, a wake to go to this afternoon and some shopping. We'll stop by the kids house to visit for a little bit and maybe I'll get to SEARS to get a new Easter suit - but since it's in the 20's and snowing, I think I can probably wear a winter suit and still be ok. I remember when the kids were little, Laurie would get a new outfit for Easter and it would never fail that Easter morning would be cold...but she would wear that cute little spring dress no matter what. I guess we are all that way; my mom used to buy my sisters and I matching coats for Easter and no matter how cold it was, we were in church on Easter morning with our new coats and new hats. Funny.
The knee is a lot better these days - it's easier to walk on it and the brace is a thing of the past. I still use my cane occasionally and stairs aren't easy yet - but my physical therapy is going well.
I'm hoping to be online tomorrow morning to wish you all a blessed Easter but if you aren't able to stop in, I wish you a joyous Easter and many blessings.
Yup - today is the day in between...almost time for rejoicing. May we all do so with all of our hearts.
Blessings.
Sue

Going Home.

This morning, as I got ready for church, I thought about the last time I was there. It had been such a busy morning - the choir sang that morning so I needed to be there early to rehearse; then after worship service there was a special meeting with Pastor before I went down to teach my class. After Sunday School was over, I was rushing because Ron and I were supposed to go to a wake for one of our friends after I got home from church. Until I fell - and all of the plans we had for that day, and for many days to come, were wiped out. Why hadn't I slowed down a bit?

So this morning, as I entered the church, I was a little bit cautious. Over the course of the past 5 weeks, I had received many cards and notes - and I knew that Pastor had been praying for me. But the one phone call I had expected to receive had not come and I was hurting a little - and confused.
As I greeted my Pastor this morning, I said "hi stranger!" And he turned and greeted me and gave me a hug. He has not been feeling well so both of us have been healing, but not in touch. I've missed him - we've been in ministry together for six years...before he was our Pastor, he came to our church during the summer of 2001 to fill in as worship leader when we were without a Pastor. We led the service together and became good friends. On the Sunday after 9/11 happened, he supported me as more than just a worship leader. He knew I had a daughter in the military and what that tragic day for our nation could mean for her...and for our family. When he became our Pastor 4 1/2 years ago, it was because we knew he could help heal our congregation from a great heartache. Our hearts had been broken by our full time Pastor and calling Garry back to be our worship leader was a step which was pre-ordained by God. Had he not come to our church, we would surely have been lost. Many, in fact, have found their way back to our church home because of his ministry and his enthusiasm.
It's been 5 weeks since Pastor and I have been in touch. The road back seemed so long during those weeks away. But this morning, I went home again...and it was like I've been there all along. His hug told me that. He is our Shepherd...but still my friend and my brother. God is good.
May He bless your week as He has already blessed mine.

Daddy, I missed you so much.

Happy weekend everyone. I can't believe this week went so fast - waaay too fast. But it's good to have a weekend in front of me.

First, I'd like to wish my good friend Erik best wishes. His blog - A Long Strange Trip took so many of us to the sands of Iraq, and then back to Minnesota as he finally came home to his beautiful family. He always spoke his mind, and we always knew that his words were honest. He's a great young man and I wish him and his family many blessings as he leaves his blog behind. Cathy (Call me Grandma) first "introduced" Erik to me through a link on her blog and I enjoyed meeting him and got to know his family a bit as well. You know what they say about friendships - God brings them into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. However God planned it, it has been a blessing to know Erik and his family.

There was a report on the local news tonight that was absolutely wonderful. A young man - who had just done a tour of duty with the Navy in Iraq - walked quietly into his young son's classroom.

He stood there and said "Hi buddy." The camera focused on the little boy's face as he teared up, ran to his daddy's arms and said, "Daddy, I missed you so much." I sat in front of the tv and cried my eyes out. Cried, and cried, and cried. Not for sadness, but just to see this little boy's joy, and the love he and his dad have for each other. Each day, this scene is repeated time after time...dear Lord may you continue to bring these men and women home safely to their families. The joy is beyond measure.

My cousin Tina is improving slightly - still in critical condition though and in need of many prayers.

The knee is a bit sore tonight - I've not been wearing a brace most of this week - dr. said I could start doing that, but I think I overdid it a bit. Tonight it's an early night for pjs, a movie, or the Sabres game on tv. It was a good week at work and now I am definitely looking forward to the weekend. Tomorrow Ron and I will do some shopping and Scott and Tina have invited us for dinner. I'm looking forward to it and to spending time with the kids and grandkids.

On Sunday morning, I'll be back in a pew for worship as I go to church for the first time since the accident. Sure has been strange not being there on Sunday mornings.

Praying for our troops and for our President. May God bless them and put His hedge of protection all around them and keep their hearts filled with courage for He does not give us a Spirit of fear.

Have a great weekend friends...

Blessings,

Sue

Walking in the shadow...

Today I am going to ask for your prayers for my cousin Tina. I've posted about her before...she recently underwent her second bone marrow transplant because the first one didn't take. She is a woman with a strong, wonderful, tender and faith filled heart who is fighting the hardest battle of her life right now. On paper, the results of the BMT looks good - her blood counts are going up and getting better each day. But she has developed a terrible complication of the transplant - it's a disease called Graft versus Host Disease - her body has broken out in a terrible rash which is a result of her body trying to fight the donor's bone marrow. There have been experts from two hospitals working on her and they all agree that if she develops an infection it could very well prove fatal.
At times like this, the words of my prayers feel so awkward and so inadequate.... and repetitive. I know that God's divine will is already in place - Lord please help me to trust in that will.
Where God allows us to go is sometimes very frightening - but I guess the heart of the matter is this: He IS with her in this journey, walking beside her. No, more likely, He is carrying her.
Dear God, if it is your will, lead her out of this valley, and into the green pastures.

First week nearly over...

Well, for this week, it's three days down, two to go. It sure has been a good one though, getting back to work and all. And while all the cards and baskets and notes made me feel missed while I was home, my friends and co-workers (one and the same) sure have made the return a great and welcoming experience. Monday I hardly got any work done as people stopped by my desk to ask how I am doing and to say welcome back. I was a little nervous about going back - kind of wondering how I would navigate with the brace and all. It's working out fine - and I am really getting around very well and everyone is so willing to help.
The kindness of others - a balm for healing if ever there was one.
It was a little bit sad kissing Ron goodbye on Monday morning when he left me at my desk. I had shown him around the office, introduced him to one of my co-workers, and then kissed him goodbye and told him to be careful driving home (those are usually his words to me when I leave for work in the morning, but with his driving me this week, the tables are turned). If I could spend each day with Ron it would be great, but our finances are not ready for me to retire yet, and I think God still has some things planned for me in my job yet, still...it would be kind of nice to have each day in front of us to spend together as we choose.
There are a lot of things to do this spring - at work, at church, at home. Plans to make for our trip with the kids and grand kids this summer, a prayer retreat at church in May, and the daily busy-ness at work. Everybody (especially my family) tells me that I need to slow down, and I want to. But this is always easier said than done and how does a person begin doing that?
So I guess it's time to start listening for that still small voice that God uses when He wants to get our attention. We have a tendency not to hear Him when we are rolling along our own merry little way. Hmmm.
Nope - can't retire yet. Not ready to do that anyway. But it's a nice thing to look forward to. Meanwhile, it sure is a nice feeling to be able to look forward to going to my job each day. Not everyone can say that.
Thank you, God.
May He bless you all as you look forward to the weekend.
God bless our troops and those who wait.
Sue

Luck of the Irish?

On this St. Patrick's Day, the time is winding down on my days spent at home - Monday morning I will be back at my desk at work, my leg propped up on a box. I have mastered using a cane instead of the walker, so that will make walking around a little bit easier and a lot less cumbersome. The past three weeks have passed quickly - though not without pain. I know that 6-12 months will pass before my knee is healed completely, but it's good to be well enough to return to work. There will be many tasks to greet me in my inbox but that's ok. I am fortunate to be returning so soon.

When I think of how painful this journey was when it began, I am so thankful for answered prayers for God's healing love. And for the care that Ron has given me. God sure has blessed me in that man.

I love you, honey.

So today and tomorrow, I will be doing a few simple chores around the house - dusting, picking up, getting rid of some of the clutter. Ron and I will make a pot of homemade sauce today and I will make a pan of lasagna too. It will help with dinner during the week next week. We are getting blasted with some more snow as the entire Eastern coast is experiencing a Noreaster. We always have snow on St. Patty's Day so this is just winter's last hurrah, right on schedule.

This morning's online news headlines ask: Did St. Patrick really drive snakes from Ireland?

Huh?

A long time ago, I was asked to do a short devotions for a gathering of our Ladies Guild at church. It was St. Patrick's Day so I decided to use that as the theme. Scott and Laurie were little then - but with both of them in tow, I went to the town library to get some information on St. Patrick (an experience if ever there was one as two year old Laurie kept finding books for me to read to her and Scott asking a million questions as he found dozens of dinosaur books-more up Ron's alley than mine).

St. Patrick is remembered best as bringing Christianity to Ireland by preaching the doctrine of the Trinity. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. That's what the Shamrock represents - the Triune God. Wearing a shamrock is not just an indicator of a day set aside in March to honor an Irish saint, but rather a sign of another heritage - Christianity. My mom was Irish - and proud of it. But more than Irish, she was Christian - dad was too. So today, when I put that Shamrock on, it's because I am grateful that I know how great it can be to be in an Irish family, but also the BLESSING it is to be a child of God.

Hope you have a great day wearin' the green.

Sue

Sixty Big Ones.

So this is what "beware the ides of March" means.
Today is my birthday and I am 60 years old. I'm not used to saying 60 yet. It's not a bad thing - really, I mean what is the alternative? Last night Laurie was telling me that her schedule is kind of hectic today and so she would call me this afternoon. I told her not to mess up her schedule and she said, "Mom! This is a big one - I'm not going to miss calling you."
Big as in old? Well, she did point out the benefit of the senior citizen part of the menu and we'd be able to save money for dinner now that both Ron and I are in our 60s. Smartie pants.
Seriously, God has blessed me. I have spent nearly 38 of these 60 years with Ron, have 2 wonderful birth children and their spouses - 4 children in all and we have 3 grandchildren (one more would round things out nicely, :). I have wonderful friends, a great job, am part of a great church family...
what more is there to life?
Well, my hope for the next however many years God gives me is to give back; to pass some of these blessings on to many others. I've always tried to practice "do unto others" but sometimes those best intentions get mixed up in a busy schedule and they remain intentions.
And I'd like to slow down. Just a little bit so that I can smell the roses a little longer and drink in the goodness God has bestowed on my life.
Oh and I would like to always be thankful~to always remember that without my faith and family and friends, these 60 years would be empty.
The truth of the matter is, each day for as far back as I can remember, my cup has been overflowing. Thank you, God.
Sue

My new laptop.

Well, I've been awake since 0430 this morning and after trying to go back to sleep but being unable to turn the brain off, I decided at 6 am that it was time to start the day. With Ron and Lilly still asleep, I didn't want to make a lot of noise - but I did manage to make the coffee. It's at times like this that I realize the challenges that come with having a broken knee cap. The coffee smells great - it was just a bit difficult getting it from the kitchen to the family room while still maneuvering my walker. But hey - when it comes to coffee, where there's a will, there's a way.
Being able to sit at the computer has been great, but I am not able to do so without putting my feet on a chair, and (because I am not double jointed or a circus performer) I have to put the keyboard on my lap to be able to type. I am also getting really good with using my left hand for the mouse so that I don't need to reach as far. To say I have a laptop is a far stretch of the imagination but it works. :)
This morning I wanted to ask y0u for some prayers for a group of soldiers who were killed in Iraq last week. They are buddies and comrades of a soldier who is the son of a dear friend of mine. So sad. I wish all of our troops could come home and yet, listening to some TV interviews of some Officers and enlisted men and women, THEY think their mission is valuable and important. You can hear their belief in doing whatever needs to be done. They know first hand the sacrifices, and also know where their duty lies...their honor as well. God bless them for their courage.
Well, guess it's time to start my day. Hmmm - what kind of challenge can I find today? Holding on to my trusty walker, you just never know where it's gonna take me. Maybe back to the coffee pot.
God bless your day and thanks for stopping in.
Sue