stuck on you: unexpected turns

I'm on a Lionel Richie kick...random yes...

working on a blog but need to get to bed so its gotta wait until tomorrow...been an overwhelming week. traveling tomorrow.

A small act of kindness

A conversation with my brother on our drive home led to this thought and statement. In a day where technology abounds via Facebook, txt messages, Skype, web meetings, etc...

Never underestimate the power of physical presence and "being there."

It is something my parent's generation knows and understands well and I've seen practiced when they show up at someone's doorstep with a casserole or at the hospital just to say "we're thinking about you as you go thru this."

They don't send out txt messages, don't post a Facebook message: they go out of their way to "be there" simply to say we love and support you.

There's something powerful in that...

I'll fly away

This week...there are no words to do it justice but just to say it was filled with lots of emotions.

July 4th has always been one of those odd holidays in my family that we never fully celebrated as kids. Not because we're not patriotic or anything like that but because when my mom was 19, she lost her father in a tragic car accident that changed her family dynamic and would continue to change it even through last year.

I never knew him and only know the stories that my mother tells me and the tragic story of how his death forever affected my uncle. As an adult, we engage in 4th of July activities but it's not celebrated in the way that we celebrate Christmas or New Years...

We don't live in the past just that past events have shaped our celebrations into what they are today.

I spent most of the 4th trying to recover from recent travels. I've spent quite a bit of time with my sister and additional time preparing for some major changes in life. I'm not at liberty to go into any detail mostly because what is posted here is public. Just that the timing is right....

So as the afternoon wore on, I found out that one of my best friends - her father had passed away in the early morning hours with her mother at his side. instantly I thought of Fly from Jars of Clay.

I met my friend while we were in college and we formed a unique relationship initially based on accountability but grew into what I would consider true sisterhood. There are plenty of stories there....including crazy moments and tough conversations...but now she has a little one and family of her own. we don't see each other as often as we'd like but I think we both understand that that is where life has taken us.

Her life changed dramatically when her baby was born. I saw it happen with my sister when her boys were born. It's life's natural progression and I wouldn't begrudge any time she has away from her precious little one. Those are moments to be savored because they grow fast!

But even through life's changes - when we get together its like no time has passed. it's the beauty of those kinds of relationships that is sometimes rare...

So back to her father...it's odd and hard to imagine that he's gone because while I didn't see her parents regularly - they always welcomed me and made me feel at home no matter where I was or doing in life. They have that genuine love about them..and my fondest memories of her dad involve how he was always cracking jokes and trying to make everyone laugh. He was a bit mischievous that way and had a boisterous laugh. I cant remember a time where he wasn't smiling and in a genuinely good mood. I know my friend will miss him...it brings tears to my eyes to even have to fathom not having my own dad around: I cant imagine it nor do I want to.

His illness was unexpected and quick. It's a testament to our human frailty and how we are just one breath away from leaving this earth. I promise I'm not morbid but given my sister's situation it's something I've had to think about and deal with in recent months.It's painful and never easy and no matter the age - changes you.

My friend is strong and for the strength she's unable to provide God will give to her via her family, husband, friends, a quiet moment, the laugh of her baby girl..it will come in unexpected ways... Above all my prayer for her family is continued peace - that passes all understanding, comfort, love, and tranquility.

Saturday - we'll travel to pay our last respects and support her and her family as they say goodnight because as believers - we believe we'll see each other again.

Fly from Jars of Clay reminds me of my own sister and her situation with my bro-in-law...this example is what I see in her...where the strength comes from - it can only be God and I pray that if I ever was in either of their (my sister's or my friend's) shoes that I'd face life's situations with the grace and poise that they have.

It's an honor and privilege to walk beside them and I'll gladly do what I can to support them.

Seems a bit of a stretch to travel next weekend to the metroplex for a celebration for another BFF - a bridal shower...a joyous occasion! Emotional to say the least...but I'm reminded of

Ecclesiastes 3

There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,

And so for now - i'm taking it one day at a time....remembering to savor the moments and the relationships because life is but a vapor.

Fly - Jars of Clay
Be still
Let your hand melt into mine
The part of me
That breathes when you breathe
Is losing time
I can't find the words to say
I'll never say goodbye

[chorus]
And I'll fly with you
Through the night so you know
I'm not letting go
I'm not letting go
Tears like rain fill up the sky
Oh my love
I'm not letting go
I won't let you go

[verse]
I saw a host of silent angels
Waiting on their own
Knowing that all the promises
Of faith come alive 
When you see home
Hold still and let your
Hand melt into mine

[chorus]

[bridge]
Shed your heart and your breath
And your pain and fly
Now your alive

Now your alive
Now your alive
Now your alive

I won't let you go
I'm not letting go