Stepping into the Gain
“For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21 It has been 14 years since my Jim stepped into the Gain. It has been only 5100+ days but it feels like an eternity. It is interesting that it is eternity for Jim! God placed eternity in each of our hearts…
The Last Goodbye
When Jim was on hospice several family and friends made their way to our home to spend a last time with him. The “blessing” of cancer (which is tough to call it that), or any lingering illness rather than something more immediate and sudden, is that there is a small window to put one’s affairs…
Thankful Lists – Nov. 1-8
Nov. 1 -RANDOM things I am thankful for: Snooze button – Moses’ family humor and punny wit – Walking barefoot in grass or beach sand = The funny little games I make up in my mind like Naturally missing every crack in the pavement or raindrop races on the windshield – Bomba Socks – Deodorant…
Gratitude List 2024
Every November I list things for which I am thankful. It is only 30 things and there are more that could be listed. It is not exhaustive, of course. A list of anything can never be fully quantified or complete. It is a practice that Jim and I started when we were first married. We…
Advances in Treatment
Not often, but once in awhile after seeing an ad on TV or hearing of another person with the dreaded disease, I wonder what would have happened if Jim had gotten GBM4 today versus 14 years ago. The majority of brain cancers are highly invasive and rarely spreads to other parts of the body beyond…
Generational Bias is not my Favorite
I can remember when I was new in ministry and I found myself in the margins because of my age and gender. I had so much to learn that I just accepted the poor behaviors of those in church who discounted my ideas and my insights because of my age. But that was then. perhaps…
These Days
Today I woke up on the verge of tears. I had a good night’s sleep and did not have any dreams, good or bad, that I can remember. Then it dawned on me (literally and figuratively) – it is the season when my sorrow began! It surprises me how the body and the subconscious know…
Imagining a Life
I love the Pixar movie Coco and the focus on remembering. Telling stories, sharing memories and passing on traditions is what creates the power of family. It connects us to each other and keeps the bond with those who have died alive. I recently heard a statistic that says we usually remember only and up…
There is a time for everything!
Today on my calendar is the birthday of my friend Lorraine who I have not seen in a “long” time. I imagine that if we got together, we would pick back up in the middle of a conversation like no time had passed and we would not stop talking until we fell asleep mid-sentence. I…
Sweet Home Alabama
Today I am in Alabama. The weather is lovely, but cooler than normal due to Hurricane Helene. My cousin Brian and I are turning 65 so we celebrated with pedicures and steak dinner. I wish everyone could see the Alabama I see. It is much nicer than the reputation Alabama carries. When I said I…