Sisters

I grew up not having a sister. I always thought I would like a sister. Someone who would be my friend, who I could share secrets and dreams with. She would always be there to listen and we would always lift each other up when one of us was down.

I wasn't blessed with a biological sister, but God has blessed me with some great sisters by marriage who I have grown to love. They are always there for me, they always have a listening ear, and try to lift me up when I need that extra encouragement.
On Jerry's and my anniversary date, they journeyed with me as I took a stroll back into the past to our favorite place, Indian Hill, in Newburgh, Indiana.

Jennifer and Janine

 

Pfafflin Lake in Newburgh, Indiana  where we spent the summers 
swimming when we were kids.

Our Last Dance

Today, June 9th,  would have been our 46th Wedding Anniversary. Also it's the 2nd anniversary of when we found out Jerry had acute leukemia.

I'm so thankful for our 45th anniversary that we were able to celebrate together. I remember it as if it were yesterday. In our hearts we knew that it would be the last anniversary that we would celebrate together here on earth. Each day Jerry had been growing a little bit weaker. 

We had planned on just a quite evening and I was going to go pick us up something for our dinner that night.

Around 3:00 in the afternoon, Jerry said, "Go get ready. We are going to go celebrate."

He had been resting all day trying to get up enough strength for us to go out to eat.  I drove us to Outback and I managed to help him into the restaurant.  We sat across from each other, with tears rolling down our faces. Our minds were full of thoughts of all the years we had spent together and what a fulfilling life God had given us together. All of our adventures, and ups and downs, raising four boys, getting to welcome grand children into our lives, all the friends we had made. God had blessed us so much through those 45 years.

When we returned home, I knew he was so tired. He sat and rested a little bit.

 We had a tradition and every year on our anniversary, in the privacy of our home, we would always dance a slow dance together. He said, "I think I owe you a dance." We held each other and danced our last dance that night to the song, "I Love You For Sentimental Reasons." 

June 9, 2012

 

It was a great day. 

I'm so thankful for all the blessings that God has given me and for all the wonderful family I have.

Graduation Days

I was so happy to get to attend my granddaughter's fourth grade graduation and my grandson's high school graduation. 

Graduations are always memorable events. They mark a beginning of a new adventure in our lives. My grand daughter, Emma, will be in middle school next year. My grandson, Greg, will be starting college in the fall.

Emma Rice

Greg Rice

With each ending there is always a new beginning.

Isn't is wonderful that God knows what our future holds and He is there walking beside us.

I always have liked the song "I Know Who Holds Tomorrow." 

 And I don't worry about the future,

 'Cause I know what Jesus said.
And today I'm gonna walk right beside Him,
 'Cause He's the one who knows what is ahead.
There are things about tomorrow,
 That I don't seem to understand. 

But I know who holds tomorrow,
 And I know who holds my hand.

        -Written by Ira P. Stanphill.