Kelly's 22nd birthday

Our daughter Kelly is going to turn twenty-two this week. I was in Las Vegas last year for her 21st birthday and this year Larry and I will both be with her.

She’s grown up but she will always be my baby.

22 reasons why I love you:

You are a gift from God
I love you just because you are you
You are not just my daughter you are my friend
I love you even though you said your grandmother is your best friend
Your beauty is not just skin deep
You are kind to others
You love your family
You take care of your friends
You are funny
You are honest
I love your laugh
I love you when you sing
I love you when you dance

You are stronger than you think
You are smart
You are not afraid of a challenge
You love to cook like your grandmother
You stand up for what you believe in
You love me even when I’m not being a good mom
I love that you like to watch chick flicks with me
I love you for giving me a hug in the grocery store and not caring that your friends might see you
I love your smile and your love of life

Jim's new puppy

Lean On Me

Dorothea Christine Breshears June 30, 1924 - March 6, 2007

Lean on Me. Those words seem so simple and easy. Who do you lean on when everyone around you is also hurting? My uncle Jack passed away six months ago. My dad his brother died a month ago and now my aunt Dot passed away this morning from heart failure.

My cousins have lost both their parents in six months. I can’t even imagine their pain. I worry about my mother being the eldest member of both sides of the family. My mom has a sister Elma and sister-in-law Juanita but both have Alzheimer’s so my mom has no one else from her generation to lean on.

I haven’t even begun to heal from the loss of my dad. I feel broken and when people say “God doesn’t give you any more than you can handle,” I hope this is it, no more, I’m done, I can’t take another problem or hurt.

Our church has a once a month refuge service on Wednesday night. It is an evening to worship, rejoice, reflect, and take communion. So tonight I will lay it all before God in his house and take comfort again within his embrace.

I know my tears like the rain will still fall tomorrow, and gray skies like my soul will not fade quickly but hope like spring blossoms will fill my heart with memories.


Lean On Me – Bill Withers

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain

We all have sorrow

But if we are wise

We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long

'Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride

If I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill those of your needs

That you don't let show

Lean on me, when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long

'Til I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear

That you can't carry

I'm right up the road

I'll share your load

If you just call me

So just call on me brother, when you need a hand

We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'd understand

We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me when you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on

For it won't be long

Till I'm gonna need

Somebody to lean on

Lean on me...