I'm Glad You're In My Dash

(I don't know who wrote this, but it's appropriate. - sc) I'm Glad You're In My Dash I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone, From the beginning...to the end. He noted that first came her date of birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years. (1933 - 2009) For that dash represents all the time That she spent alive on earth... And now only those who loved her, Know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own; The cars...the house...the cash, What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard... Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left, That can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough To consider what's true and real, And always try to understand The way other people feel And be less quick to anger, And show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect, And more often wear a smile.. Remembering that this special dash Might only last a little while. So, when your eulogy's being read With your life's actions to rehash... Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent your dash? - - - - - - - - - - - - Laugh long, live long, Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery Today is a GIFT . . . That is why they call it the present.

My Mother is at Rest

I wanted to share a note on some happenings. The day she died, earlier in the day, I had a vision. I was sitting in a chair. An urn of her ashes was nearby. She appeared. Glowing in a summer dress from the 50's era. I was crying. Later that night, June 12th, Jerry called with the news. Between June 12th and July 16 (day of her burial), my mother spoke to me. She wanted me to be comforted, not sad; she was at peace. I was making the DVD and the music CD for her memorial services. Over my shoulder she was telling me the pictures she liked and didn't like. The music she approved of and didn't like. It was almost distracting hearing her voice. She told me of her disappointment in being cremated, but her joy of being buried with her mom and dad. Overall, she is pleased and liberated from her decaying mind. She tells me she heard the poems I read and how special they were to her. I cried, and cried. During her memorial service, there was a tremendous thunder/lightening storm. It shook the walls and ceiling of the chapel. There were about 20 people there. I spoke and Jerry spoke. During the whole time, the thunder rolled through the room. My mother was going to have the last word. (Hurray, Mom!) The graveside service given by the Reverand Miller from the Methodist Church was beautiful. He took what I wrote and added some passages from my mother's Bible. He truly made it extra special (considering he never met her). God Bless him for his special efforts. After most everyone had left the gravesite, I read a poem over her grave, Granny's Pride Flowers. I broke down. Originally, it was written for Mimi, but Mother, it is now your poem. I'm trying to pull together some of the pics and CDs for family. Gotta do the wedding pics for the Sultans too. At this point, I welcome the distractions of doing some of this busy work. My mother's voice is now silent. She now resides in my memories. Thank you, Mother -- for the good times and the bad. They made me the person I am today. You were a good mom and did the best you could. I love you! You are home with God and family.

Get 'er Done

I plod through things lately. Finished up my prayer shawl. It turned ok, but nothing pretty. I straightened up my yarn room. I'm trying to finish up one sock; just to start another. I made phone calls to Paducah to tie up loose ends regarding my mother's funeral plans. I'm exhausted, but can't sleep. I have a serious case of insomnia. I don't feel rested. Work is dragging me down too. I'm a little concerned about the finances. We weren't expecting to go to Kentucky at this time and it's draining us for about $1500. Rob will be doing the windows to the house when we get back. Although it will cut the heat into the house, it's expensive. On a good note: I had a pretty good 4th of July weekend.