Aunt Patricia
We all have acquaintance with grief at some level. It is never over; it just continues to add layers to daily life. My Aunt Patricia made it safely home to heaven this week. While I will miss her all the rest of my life, I rejoice that she is whole again and in her forever…
My Friend Bill
What feels like a long time ago – and it was – we moved to Scottsdale and joined in ministry with a family of believers known as First Baptist Church of Scottsdale. We were privileged to know, befriend and love many new people, some for a season and others for a lifetime. Some we led…
The Empty Seat
Today I was startled by another person who has gone ahead to heaven; that is number 6 in as many days. Why does it feel like more people die at the holidays?! I know that it probably not true, but perhaps it just feels even more difficult because of the season. For many, me included,…
Fifteen yrs ago – the Last Time –
They say that a person is not really gone until no one remembers them any longer; when someone leaves earth some part of them remains and their memory is left behind for their loved ones to hold on to. (Think Pixar’s Coco). I have worked hard to remember Jim and keep his memory alive so…
Tribute to Tibby J Cornelius
“Always find a reason to laugh – Or not – just laugh.” – Tibby Cornelius I am grateful for the things that create joy and happiness, even on dark days. There is something life altering in a laugh, a smile or a kind recognition. They say that love is what makes the world go round…
My friend Everitt
A few days before I heard about Carmen’s passing, I heard from my dear Susan that her father, Everitt Shepherd, had gone home to be with Jesus. So many people I know are heading to the party that will never end. It makes me a little homesick for a place I have never been yet!…
My Friend Carmen
We landed in Chicago a few hours ago and when I turned on my phone I was greeted with the news that Carmen Elaine Trust went home to be with Jesus and Bob as she joined the great cloud of witnesses. I will miss the funeral as we are on the beginning of a family…
Linda Lee 4/2/25
On May 17th we gathered as a family to honor Linda so I amended what I already wrote for the time with our family. It is my job and my honor to offer us comfort, instill hope and remind us that God is still good. We gather and our hearts are broken wide open. I…
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…