Family ... memories & time VS stuff

Shelly, Marilyn & Lou 11/05/06

I made a quick trip to Canada to visit with my Mom and Dad. I was shocked to see how they have aged in the past 16 months. My Dad is seriously ill and Mom is taking care of him at home with the help of palliative care nurses and the support of my sisters. It is definitely a challenging time. Dad said 'this job of dying is the hardest thing I've ever done'. He worked hard his whole life and I observe that life is never easy for anyone. I'm so happy that I was given the opportunity to go up for a visit. (Thanks Sherry & Kevin and Mom, etc...)


It's interesting how life and illness bring us to a humble state - it's in God's hands. Our perspective changes from all the 'stuff' of our lives that we spend all our time acquiring, paying for, taking care of, and fussing about. And the stuff is empty and has no value when we pass from this earth. The things that really matter - time with each other & memories built together -suddenly are the most valuable of our life's experience even though they have taken a back seat our whole life to the 'stuff'. It made me so sad knowing that stuff is robbing me of the most valuable treasures of life. I haven't spent very much time with my parents and siblings since December 2001 when we moved to the USA and I'm sad that I will never get that time back. It's made me examine my life and I hope I can make some changes and adjust my time and relationships with others to reflect the value they are to me.


Last Sunday it snowed and I was so excited to see snow. I love snow and I have missed it a great deal. (I haven't missed the cold that goes with it). It was so wonderful to see family, nieces and nephews and their children. I enjoyed the time together with Mike and Amelia Quinton and their adorable kids and beautiful baby Addi. It was so nice to hold a baby. I LOVE babies. I also enjoyed spending time with Emily Jessop's little boy, Eathan'. He is so sweet. It's hard work taking care of little ones who need so much care - but I think it is the most valuable investment one can make. I'm so grateful for the years I was able to be a stay-at-home Mom. Those are years of great JOY.


I enjoyed seeing Kerry Allred and visiting with Becky Rompain.

Kerry Allred & Shelly 11/04/06