Ribbet, I love you.

Hello, sweet Friends.  I am posting this "Catfish" drawing from long ago, in honor of a brave little kitty who beat the odds.  Her name is Ribbet.  She was born with a hollow chest and wasn't expected to make it.  Yet, that brave kitten grew and lived to have a litter of kittens...and she yet lives with Mumsie.

However, just recently she hasn't been well.  It was discovered she has cancer.  She does not have long.  When I saw her today--heaven was in her eyes.  I asked her to greet Crickette' and my Beloved  for me...and she looked at me with huge soulful eyes and said yes.  I saw it.  Her eyes were filled with love, as she voiced that tiny meow. 

Oh, friends...I shall miss this sweet brave kitty.

Here she is--she was a kitten then.  As silly as it sounds, please pray for this little one's peace and that she will not have pain as she is dying.

Thank you. Oh, thank you.

UPDATE:  Little Ribbet flew away to heaven Tuesday evening, March 29th.  My heart is so sad.

Him Who Loves Me -Paint Party Friday

As summer draws near, the aroma of roses and honeysuckle fill the still warm air.  Sunshine sparkles, as thin wisps of white curl across the blue sky.  

This is my first summer without my sweet husband.  I miss his blue eyes, the way they would glow with excitement as he related stories from his day.  I miss his wisdom, tenderness and kindness and the touch of his lips on mine.  

This week has been very hard.  The numbness which first shields the mind in times of emergency and extreme trauma, has worn away. Renewed grief, like an underground river, flows through each day.  I know this will pass--it is the work of grief to weep and struggle on through--to stay whole, it is something I must do. 

I am grateful that I am not alone when the tears come flooding into my eyes.  The Good Shepherd--Him Who loves me, is here.  He walks beside me, and holds me in His arms when I do not have strength to keep going.

How grateful I am for the Lord.  He is indeed well-acquainted with sorrow, but He is also the author of joy--He is the one who promised, "Joy comes in the morning..."  For now I am safe in the arms of Him Who loves me.

Happy Paint Party Friday, all you wonderful artists and beautiful people. May God bless you, dear ones, with His joy and peace.  Have a lovely weekend and thank you for dropping by.

Goodbye My Love -Paint Party Friday

Early Thursday morning, October 30th, I lost the love of my life.

I know lots of people are not comfortable with the loss of a loved one and the story of what happened.  However, my husband left in such a beautiful way, I wanted to share it with you.  If you are uncomfortable with reading this account--I truly, deeply understand.  ((HUGS))

That night I knew something was wrong, so unable to sleep, sat beside him, as he slept in his big chair downstairs.  Suddenly he grabbed the top part of his chest and said he was in awful pain.  A moment later, his eyes grew large, and he gasped as though he saw something indescribably wonderful.

I called 911, and I performed CPR until the ambulance came.  Our dear children were able to arrive before he left for the hospital, and we were together there when he flew away to heaven.

It didn't seem real that he was gone.  We were hugging and kissing him goodbye, telling him what a great job he did, what a wonderful father and husband he was, and how much we loved him--to be at peace and to not worry about us.

I didn't realize it, but in that emergency room, we were encircled round about by a crowd of nurses and doctors--those who had fought so hard to save him.  We sang his favorite songs and held him as long as we could.  The entire time we were there, those wonderful people surrounded us....their heads bowed, hands folded, many with tears running down their faces.  After a time, they trickled from the room--but stayed close by in the hallway.

As we were getting ready to leave, the head RN came in and said, "We see a lot of these, but it is rare to find a family with such love, who handled this moment with such great beauty, strength, and dignity."  Then he gave us his card and said, "If you need anything let us know."

I have been married to this wonderful man for 31 wonderful years.  Alan is the love of my life.  I miss him more than I can put into words.

I want to share something beautiful that happened to me early Saturday morning. As I lay trying to sleep, a small sweet breeze slid across my face...and then his dear lips pressed against mine.  My husband kissed me goodbye.

Alan was a servant of God and He loved people. He wanted everyone to know God loved them too, and so I am passing his message on to you dear ones--God loves you.  He longs to know you, God wants to share His son and the world He created for you--in a whole different way than you've ever known.  

My family and I would deeply appreciate your prayers.  May God bless you with joy--even in the midst of great sorrow.

Celebration of Life

When we heard of the accident, my husband and I began to pray.  This is the drawing which flowed from my breaking heart and out of my pencil.  Daniel's grandparents are our best friends--they, their children and grandchildren are an integral part of our own family.

Daniel's Celebration of Life yesterday afternoon was beautiful. Especially touching were the cub scouts who were an wonderful part of the service.  I loved when we all did the wave...the message to live life to the max was poignant and inspiring...  Because of this small boy's sacrifice, four people were given life.  This is a comfort to us all.

I sat next to a boy who was just about Daniel's age. There were so many folks attending, we were seated in the foyer area, where it was tough to see. After they asked us to stand, join hands and pray, this little fellow glanced up with a shy smile. I was holding Daniel's picture in my hands, and I noticed the boy's gaze, so I kept it where he could see it. When the service was done, I turned to him and asked if he was one of Daniel's buddies. He gave that smile again and said yes. I grinned and said, "I'm so happy to meet you." And we shook hands. I felt that tiny moment cheered his young heart a bit--and his Daddy sitting next to him. So many beautiful moments. 

Afterward, everyone gathered in the Gym at the Elementary School. A choir of children sang so beautifully. There was food and banana splits available. There were quilt squares and markers so everyone could make a personal note or picture on them. There were legos at every table, children and adults busy creating. Crayons and big pieces of paper were in the center of all the tables, balloons floating overhead.

There truly was a spirit of joy there.

Daniel's family has been our family for over 20 years.  Our hearts break for them...They are beautiful and wonderful down-home folks.  Our prayers and love are with them always.

Into Heaven's Sunrise

Ten days ago, Daddy left us at Sunset--here he is, joyfully stepping into heaven's sunrise.

This is the final effort of one of my first attempts to meld my own artwork into a real photograph.  The actual photo is very small.  I'm so grateful for this wonderful scanner.

May God be gracious to you 

And bless you 

And cause His face 

To shine upon you.

Welcome Home

Thursday I lost my breath and my heart started to beat so hard, I could not even stand to wash the dishes...my knees were weak and I was shaking.  So, I sat down and drew the artwork which is incorporated into this picture for Mom. As I was drawing my heart slowed, the shaking stopped and my breath returned.

This is is an old picture of Dad hiking along a trail.  He loved to hike and explore.  Mom says that's Mt. Jefferson in the distance.  I still have to figure out how to make the drawings more detailed in the photo. I'm also not sure I will be using the fiery sunset clouds from a photo I took in the back yard.  Nonetheless, I thought you would like to see my first attempt at melding art and photo.  It isn't very good yet--but it gives an idea of what I'd like to do.

Daddy is headed for heaven any time now.  He will be soon clasped in the gentle arms of the Great Shepherd Who loves him.

 Thank you for your warm thoughts and continued prayers.

UPDATE:  Daddy left for heaven at 5:45 p.m. today.  He is out of pain and I know he is in a much better place.  We will miss him SO much.  Ah, our hearts are breaking.

Dear Beloved Daddy

Two days ago, Daddy had a major stroke.  Sissy and I held him as Mom called 911.  He is in the hospital now.  Though his mind seems sharp, he can't speak.  He can nod yes, or no.  He can't move his right arm.  He isn't able to swallow and has refused a feeding tube.

I believe heaven is very close right now.  Please pray Dad will feel God's presence there with him and sense God's tender mighty arms wrapped around him, so he won't be afraid--and especially that he will not suffer. 

Ah, our hearts are breaking.

Sissy Clytie said it best,  "So many people from around the world are directing their thoughts and prayers toward Dad and Mom; and our entire family. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you."