Glimpses

This has been a roller coaster week for me.  It began with a wonderful three days in Birmingham, visiting Shelley, Lexi and Ben.  I was able to work outside cleaning their decks in preparation for a new coat of stain, but much more importantly, I was able to spend time with my two girls.  They are a blessing to be around.  Lexi is growing and becoming quite the little person now, at age 14 months.  Shelley is, like her mother was, an excellent Mom.  They are just a pleasure to watch.

On Tuesday, I thanked Shelley for giving me the first day since Bonnie's funeral that the dark edges had not crept in on me.  It was a time when I was able to live a 'normal' day....a day that we all tend to take for granted...a day when things are going well for us.  We let them pass without acknowledging that they are not 'normal' at all, but rather abnormal for many.  I know I let many of those days go by over the years without giving true thanks for them.  No longer. 

I encourage each of you to give thanks at the end of those 'normal' days.  They are quite special, after all.

Upon returning to this peaceful and beautiful spot on the shores of Pickwick lake, the dark edges started to creep back in.  This time of healing is not a straight line at all.  I've written before of one step forward and two steps back, of not being able to breathe.  The comparison of Monday with Wednesday and Thursday was one of those times of stepping back.

On Thursday, Hobo took me fishing.  It was wonderful to be out on the water with my dog.  He loves to ride in the bass boat with his big Beagle ears flapping in the wind...until they flap too hard and he hides under the dash.  These are times that, under normal circumstances, are favorites for me.  Yesterday however I just couldn't get the loss of my dear Bonnie off my mind. 

I've been reading the old testament this winter.  I just completed Proverbs this week.  As I finished the book, you know the chapter that hit me?  Sure you do.  Go to it and you will understand.  Proverbs 31:10-31...It begins "A wife of noble character, who can find?"  I was blessed to have done so.  It concludes with  "Give her the reward she has earned"....  I believe she is now receiving that reward....in Heaven, for all eternity, receiving all the promises given to the faithful.

I witnessed another wife of noble character this week....my daughter Shelley.  Ben is a very fortunate man.  He found a wife of noble character too....a wife trained by a mother of noble character.  To see Shelley at work with Lexi gave me a glimpse into my past....watching Bonnie at work with Shelley.