Three generations...

It's been a sad week here in our quiet little corner of the world. While none of the recent losses have impacted me directly, I'm so sad to watch friends and neighbors cope with such losses.

One woman lived a full life, and judging from how great my pal Dodi turned out, I'd have to conclude Mrs. B. did an awesome job raising her family. And while her presence will be missed, I'm suspect that her family has many happy memories that will comfort them in the days to come.

The next woman has fought a hard battle against M.S. for many years. Severe pneumonia and a failing neurological system means that she too will pass away very soon. Her family has asked for God to release her from her suffering and their prayers are that she will be called home soon. She's the childhood friend of one my nearest, and dearest pals, Judy. My heart aches for Judy...to lose someone you've called friend for longer than anyone else you know just seems impossible to imagine.

The third loss is perhaps the hardest to imagine. A little baby girl never made it out into this world to feel the touch of her parents or hear the laughter of her siblings. She wasn't due to make her entrance into our world for another week or so. I can't imagine how a mother moves on...tending to the needs of her family while her heart is broken for the little baby she has lost.

My deepest sympathies go out to all these friends and neighbors who are suffering this week...
And for the rest of us, let us all reach out to one another...Take time to share a special memory with a parent while you still have that chance, call up your childhood pal and just ask how things are going, and love your children with all your might...for none of us know when these opportunities will no longer be possible....