2010 ~ A Year To Be Thankful For

God didn't promise days without pain, 

Laughter without sorrow, 

Nor sun without rain.

But He did promise strength for the day, 

Comfort for the tears and light for the way.

I am thankful for my father allowing me the privilege of living with and taking care of him for the final year of his life. 

I am thankful for my wonderful husband who understood, supported, and stood beside me.

I am thankful for my son, daughter-in-law, and daughter for always making me smile.

I am thankful for my grandson, who gives hugs and kisses ~ even if he refuses to say Grandma!

I am thankful for my sisters and brothers; for the laughter, the tears, the phone calls, the hugs and the smiles that helped through out the year.

I am thankful for my "Coffee Buddy", for always willing to get together on a moments notice; for always being there.

I am thankful for my friend who offered me a job; even when I couldn't commit to a regular schedule.

I am thankful for nurses and doctors who became friends along the way.

Most of all I am thankful for God giving me:

Strength for the pain, 

Laughter with the sorrow,

Comfort with the tears,

and Light at the end of the day!

I have had a very blessed year and am thankful for everyone who shared it with me. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for all of you.

I LOVE YOU ALL!

May 2011 bring you peace for your soul and love for your heart.

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.

                                                         - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Another chapter in life has ended and it's time to turn the page ... 

I Love You Daddy

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see; 

If the sun should rise and find your eyes filled with tears for me.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,

 And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, 

That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand, 

And said my place was ready, in heaven far above, 

And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. 

I thought of all the yesterdays, the Good ones and the bad, 

I thought of all the times we shared, and all the good times we had 

When I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.

 When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne, 

He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you." 

Today for life on earth is past, but Here it starts anew. 

I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,

 and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past. 

But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true.

 Though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn't do.

 But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free. 

So won't you take my hand and share my life with me? 

I have a room that is ready for you to call your own.

 Family members and friends are just waiting to say "Welcome home". 

So when tomorrow starts without me, 

don't think we're far apart,

 for every time you think of me, 

I'm right here, in your heart.

                                                                    Author: Rev. Russ Chamberlain

________________________________________________________________________

October 2, 1928 - November 2, 2010

...What mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That he spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved him,
Know what that little line is worth.

Never forget the DASH.

Our photos are a path from the past that lead us 
to the present and the future.