November is the month that allows me to take a deep breath. It's the quiet before the storm of December and all it's hustle and bustle. It's the month of menu planning and preparing wonderful foods to share with family and friends. It's counting blessings and being thankful for all we've been given. It's preparing for visits and get togethers and sometimes travel. But it still seems a month of peace. Fall is my favorite time of year. We've had such a mixture of happy times and sad this fall. Saying good-bye to my Sister-in-law Bonnie in September and hello to a new nephew by marriage in October. But sadness has struck again as my Sister-in-law Deidra lost her son Blaine to leukemia last night. He and his family live in Atlanta and we will not be attending that funeral, but my thoughts and prayers are with her and my Brother Greg. Blaine was 42yrs. old, he has young children and this will be a very difficult holiday season for all. So as this month begins, take time to hug family, forgive others, do a service for someone, count your blessings, be grateful in every aspect of your life because we never can be sure how long that life will be. I am often amazed that God is there to comfort me when needed and blesses me when I don't feel I deserve it. I'm grateful for a month that has a day set aside for reminding me to be Thankful. So take a deep breath, enjoy the peace that is November.
7 comments:
I felt so bad when you received that message today! I couldn't even say much because I was doing a case but thought of all your family has been through lately. Sometimes your family reminds me of the Kennedys because they are a funloving rambunctious bunch that loves life, yet has dealt with so much heartache. They are a wonderful example to the rest of the world of how to go through adversity with dignity and strength and even humor because they had family for support. You, dear friend, are the epitomy of that!!
Your serene picture is beautiful and I hope the rest of November is good to you. You certainly are one to "count your blessings", and I know that your family is that. Sympathies to you, Greg's family and the rest of the Arends! {{hugs}} D
I'm very sorry for your loss. I hope the family will do okay when such disappointment in not having dad for the holidays. I know you know the plan of salvation and know that you are a strength to those around you. As I'm counting my blessings this month, I am definately counting know you better as one of them. Thanks for all your wisdom and hard work! I appreciate you.
Love,
Stacy
I too, feel the peace of fall. Sorry to hear of the troubled times your family is going through. i know your faith is strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So sorry to hear this news and will be praying for you and the entire family.
I agree that November is a peaceful time, and I hope that you will be able to feel every bit of that this year. I've always thought it would be hard to lose a loved one so close to the holidays (and it is), but Christ's birth becomes even more meaningful when we are reminded of what His life and atonement mean for all of us.
Of course, that doesn't take away the grieving, does it? I will be thinking of you all in the days and weeks ahead.
Oh, YaYa, I'm so sorry. Seems like some folks just have more to deal with than they should. This was a lovely post and you are an inspiration to us all with your faith and beautiful thoughts. I have lost a child myself and it's the most difficult thing anyone could ever experience, I do believe. I pray your sister-in-law and this young man's family will be comforted by God's grace.
Hi Kathy, what a inspirational blog, I am so sorry about your loss, and will again put my "adopted" family on the prayer chain, it is always a difficult time to lose a loved one.
Oh honey I am so terribly sorry for the loss you and your family are going through again.
My prayers for your sister-in-law and brother. The loss of a child is just so sad.
I wish I knew what to say that would make you feel better. Our sweet friend Donna has said it so well for all of us
Love ya
Maggie
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