Over It

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I can’t be that unique. With the flora that has fed and shaded us dying, I noticed emotions are also more heightened than usual. I wonder if that’s because the reminders of death are everywhere. Maybe it’s not just me. As life slows a bit everything seems to have more meaning.

We’ve passed Halloween. The Day of the Dead (Dia de Los Muertos) will be behind us soon. Perhaps that has me thinking more than usual about loved ones that have passed on.

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Like it or not, loss is a huge part of life. I think the worst kind of loss is when humans fail to get over hurts and insults and neglect love.

With the year-end holidays in particular we like to gather with family and friends. My offspring and siblings learned early on to get over the bad stuff and appreciate our time together. Today we are geographically distant so keeping in touch requires extra effort, but I’m glad to say that with few exceptions we manage.

I imagine that’s part of why I can’t forget those who have gone on lately. I tried, but haven’t escaped the longing to see them, to be with them again. I’m just not ready to die to make that happen. Still, I miss very many loved ones.

So, today especially I thank God for my siblings, my offspring and my good friends. Though miles separate us, our mutual losses, one of our most prevalent common bonds also hold us together.

My prayers today are that we always remember that those we hold dear could be gone in a heartbeat. And that’s why I can be extra annoying with extra phone calls, texts and emails – now, before we are all caught up in the busy-ness of the holidays.

If some old issue continues to trip you up, I can’t encourage you enough to kick it out of the way and move on toward peace.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17, 18 (NIV)

 

*Image courtesy James Gussy, 2018 Chicago, IL

**Image courtesy pixabay

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In the Wind

I’m not gonna lie, I’ve enjoyed having a like-minded friend on the property these past few seasons. I especially enjoyed our good-natured teasing back and forth. I’d ridicule her for wearing pink kitchen gloves under her garden gloves. She’d mock the way I bent in half over the garden rows instead of stooping.

Sad that my friend wasn’t there, as I gathered the last of the tomatoes I reasoned, “There must be something more important going on.”

But I’d been at it all morning. I’m not only very ready to be done with this years’ garden, but with the wind whistling past my ears I hear strange things. When I look around there’s nothing there.

Disappointed the sunflowers didn’t produce any seeds, I left the last row to have been planted last spring, the wildflowers, for mother nature to enjoy as they dry up. We both love them so I can’t bear to pull them up.

Finally done filling my bucket, I pushed the business end of the water hose back under the fence, gathered my tools and gloves, lifted the bucket and headed toward the house for the last time until spring.

Why couldn’t she and her pink gloves be here to finish the job?

I thought I heard someone again. I’m sure it’s the wind carrying sounds from the neighboring homes through the trees that are rapidly losing their leaves. I shrugged it off again and closed the gate without turning back. Certain nothing would come up from the rows till spring, I assumed it’s just my heart missing my friend and walked on.

Whatever it is, it will keep till spring.

 

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me [Jesus].” John 14:1 (NLT)

Dear Readers, this is as horrific as I get. ❤ Roo

Spoiler Alert: Headless

I’m not talking about horror or any kind of intellect here. I’m talking about loving life at home. And suppertime.

Happy Halloween y’all.

 

“Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Psalm 37:3,4 (NLT)