Remembrance - Day 9 of 40

Today I shall be remembering Moma's daddy, a man with a true gift for music that I wish 

I had known better. I do so find Joy in singing, as did Moma, so it warms my heart 

knowing that he had a part in that Gift passed down thru her. 

.   .   .   .   .

I've long wished that I remembered this very dear woman's name. I didn't get her often 

during the 3 long, lonely months spent in the hospital here, 3 weeks after Tadd and I 

married, and just 8 short months after we'd moved to a whole new-to-me land, far away 

from all my family and friends.

But the days when I did? 

Her kind presence *deeply* soothed my weary and broken spirit. Unlike the usual tech 

who roughly bustled about in a very business-as-usual fashion (it must be quite the 

uncomfortably vulnerable task to be asked to wash patients' bodies day in and day out), 

this precious, elderly angel patiently hummed hymns as she gently bathed my body. I 

didn't realize it until just now... unlike most of the doctors who came into my room 

every day (it was a teaching hospital and I was a very rare case so there were a lot!), it 

felt like she had all of the time in the world for me with not a drop of desire to be 

anywhere else but there with me. I simply can't put into words what a true gift that was 

during one of the most excruciating and lonely times in my life.

See there? Remembering her tender loving care this morning still brings tears filled 

with profound gratitude.

There's not a doubt in my mind that she was "God with Skin" for me during that 

agonizing time, a softly sweet spirit sent to help shore up the bereft child inside my 

heart who felt so very lost, broken and alone.

Ah, yes. 

Grace indeed. 💙

(Smiling softly as I chose my mug 

before I drew this morning's names)

.   .   .   .   .

Adding a postscript... I'm only sharing all of my photos and stories here on my blog.  

My main concern is it would feel like too much pressure plus I don't want to lose my 

focus by getting too caught up in the "performance" of my intentional remembrance 

pilgrimage, if that makes sense.

Still, she adds with a soft smile, some stories feel like they are meant to be named and 

honored in a special way. Like this one. 

And I'm so glad I did!  The comments I received helped to deepen my gratitude for this

very kind woman and our time together so long ago.  One friend reminded me that she 

would have wanted to help ease my spirit and it was a blessing to her to try to do just 

that by softly humming while gently washing.  

Another friend's comment reminded me that Touch is one of my love languages and

what better way to love on a water baby than warm soapy water and hymns?   

True balm for the Body, Soul, Heart, and Spirit.

Blessed be.

.          *          .

November Remembrance - Day 1 of 40

Gina Pender was a very devout soul

and friend of our family. 

She strongly believed in and 

talked often about the importance of prayer 

- hers, mine and others.

There was never any doubt in my mind

that she was constantly praying for me. 

She was my encourager to continue praying 

even while I was struggling with bone cancer

and grieving the end of my parents' marriage.

A true light of Hope at a time 

when things were really, *really* dark.

She also made it possible for me to have

some of the actual holy water from the 

Our Lady of Lourdes shrine in France.

(I later passed the remaining water

to my younger cousin, 

who eventually died from cancer.)

Cathy Smith is a dear friend and sister

who I have laughed with, cried with,

and shared hearts with for 

more than 12 years.

Both of these precious women have 

been vessels to and for me...

in different capacities.

The first, passed beyond the veil, 

a vessel of prayer.

The second, still gratefully here, 

a vessel of empathy.

Both cherished vessels of love.

Blessed be.

.          *          .

Time for Refreshment

Feeling nauseated since yesterday morning, I went to see my doctor this afternoon. After 

the blood work (and letting the unanticipated tears fall that were rising), I was in the 

bathroom washing my hands having just collected a urine sample. 

Both the soft spraying sound and the way the water flowed gently over my hands was an 

unexpected moment of refreshment.

Being the last appointment of the day, I knew folks were waiting on me so I almost didn't 

notice. When I did notice, I almost didn't allow myself to take a moment to stop and let 

the water soothe me and my weary spirit.

Almost. 

In a moment of Grace, I reminded myself that it would only take a minute or two.... it 

really was ok to take time to tend to myself... and I stopped and let the water caress my 

hands.

Turns out, it was one of those things that 

this water baby didn't even know she needed....

... until the invitation to quench my parched soul 

presented itself.

Blessed be. 

💦

.          *            .

April Love 2017 :: Day 26 - Water

When dining out, my beverage of choice is almost always water. 

 What a pleasure to pair it this evening 

with a patio meal shared on a peaceful evening. 

#aprillove2017

.          *           .

Savoring January Day 2 :: [Visual] List

Preparing for a soothing soak

#SavouringJanuary2017 

.           *             .

Monday Moments

Sunrise Sentries

Drip Sandcastle Lessons

(Just like Grandma used to make)

Big Boys' Rest Time

Lifeguards

The pool was steps away from the back door

and was heated.  It was sooooo nice!

Matching Cuties

(Waiting to be seated for supper at Hickory Tavern)

My sister-in-law took this one of 

her sweet kiddos and me.  

I was so touched by her caption:

"I'm not sure if there is a more adored aunt in all the land. 💜"

And I do *so* love our little ones.

.             *             .

Sunday in Paradise

The view from the common living area.

(This house was gorgeous!)

Lap full o' Love

(When only Daddy will do 😉)

Seeking words. 

(It melted my heart so that my sweet girlie

wanted to sit by me each time we had dinner out)

Supper Sidekicks 

Oh, and see her mac and cheese from Poseidon?

She didn't care for it

but boy-oh-boy we adults did.

(Scarfed it right down, too!)

One cutie down for the count.

(Her mama requested this photo as this little one

is very much her Daddy's girl).

.                *                 .

Breathe September :: Drink

Being out of milk this morning it was ice water in my happy Elmo cup. Both the refreshing 

liquid and offer of a big bear hug quenched my thirst on this warm, late Summer's day.

#breatheseptember2016

.             *              .

August Break :: Beneath my feet

My feet (and me!) happily anticipating a leisurely soak 

in a warm, Sunday morning bath.  

It's the first in a long while 

... way too long for this water baby. 

🛀🏻

#augustbreak2016

.             *             .