So Happy to Find...

Quite often when I hear about our "famous friends" being published and writing articles in magazines, etc., I am not able to find the magazine. You should have heard me as I stood at the counter checking out at Joann's Fabrics when I spied apron*ology on the rack. I squealed...out loud. Oh my! Then I did the unthinkable as the clerk looked at me curiously. I said, in my proudest voice, "That's my friend's apron on the cover!" Dawn would be mortified. I am mortified...kinda. ;>

And oh what a delicious little break I had reading it in the sun-warmed car a few minutes later. I was waiting for John to come and join me for coffee at Tim Horton's. Anyway, he arrived much too early so now I must find more time to finish reading this gem. What a chore, right?

Thank you very much for your sweet comments about my loss. I haven't seen this precious lady for several years. The last time was outside the local grocery store when she shared with me some personal and meaningful things to me. I consoled her and she consoled me and we told each other that we understood and that it was okay and that it would be all right in heaven. (One of her daughters was my labor and delivery coach when my daughter was born so you can see how close our friendships once were.) She and her husband employed my father many years ago and were a tremendous help to my family at that time. Sadly, things changed and it was not her nor her family at fault. Well, enough said about that. The point is, I know where she is today. I know that her passing released her from many years of a debilitating disease and I know that her family is rejoicing to see her safely home — even her dear husband of nearly sixty years, though his heart is breaking. I am rejoicing, too, except for that part of me that wishes that somehow things could've been different.

This woman was such a saint of God...her son-in-law, himself a pastor, accused her of "terrarium" living. She always saw the best in every situation and in every person. I wish that I had a tenth of her optimism and positive outlook.

It is not unusual for me to have vivid dreams and I dreamed of her two nights ago. In my dream, she was walking along the path near her home. She was wearing shorts and a cotton shirt in true 1965 style. There was a bounce in her step and, though she did not turn to look at John and me, she lifted her left arm and waved. I said, "Oh, John! Look! She knows we're driving by." It's good to remember her that way with the years between all gone.

Guess this might be a good time to go read my magazine...