Memories and thoughts

I was going to write something today about the condition of my ankle as I am really seeing an improvement from last week. I even took a photo (Glenn said it looked like the Monty Python foot) and I was planning to post that. But then my ankle seemed like no big deal. Yes, it still hurts, is bruised, and I still have to wear my fun boot for another week; but none of that matters.
Today I just found out that one of my parents, (Herman and Cecelia's long time family friends) Margaret Ariens died this morning. When she and her siblings were younger my parents took them on all sorts of camping trips and adventures, this was when my mom and dad did not have kids, so the Ariens kids were their kids, until I came along. I grew up with them. And it is saddening to hear of Margaret's passing. She was well loved and cared so much for her family. Today I also got news from our minster that one of our board members is now going to be released from the hospital and will be getting setup for hospice care. I guess the cancer in his body is progressing. That was a real shock. Then one of the other board members mentioned how he just lost an niece (of 38 years) to a sudden death.

So it is in times like this that I get a little sad and just want to stop all that I am doing and hold on to and hug my children and husband so tightly and never let go. (And I did do this with all the kids tonight before I put them to bed.) I have to admit in my mind I would like to be immortal, as I always plan on doing so many things, I can't just get it all done in one trip. My human nature makes me feel scared when I hear of all this death and dying; what is going to happen next? Who will it be? Am I in line to die? YES, well of course I am we all are. (Living is dying silly.) The gift those who have died give to us is that they give us a chance to stop, look, and live in the moment and to feel so much gratitude for all that we have and are. I want to honor my friends and friends of friends who are gone...

Thank for who you are
because just being you has been a blessing in my life
and in the lives of all those who have known you.
We love you
and will remember you
we will go on living the best we can
in your honor.
Blessed be.

The Ariens family Frankie, Nick, Lia, Margaret & Hans.