Coughing Can Be a Blessing

I am awake in the middle of the night. My cold is mostly cough. My throat gets a major tickle for no reason and wakes me up. So I decided to fix a cup of tea which usually calms my throat, I like it hot. And I am enjoying the encouragements of other blogs. Need some rest but I love the quietness of being alone and no noise, no conversation. It is my favorite past time.

Memorial Day Song Dedicated to our Fallen Soldiers

A friend sang this in church today in memory of our fallen soldiers. I believe it is called "If You're Reading This" by Tim McGraw. And also let us remember those who are fighting for our country. They deserve our respect and need our prayers. Please pray for the grandson of one of the ladies at the church. He has been called back for his 4th time of duty, twice to Iraq and this is is his 2nd to Afghanistan. I believe he is a platoon commander and feels like the young men (many times 18 yr old boys) are his own. He has a wife and children.


If you’re reading this
My momma is sitting there
Looks like I only got a one way ticket over here
I sure wish I could give you one more kiss
War was just a game we played when we were kids
Well I’m laying down my gun
I’m hanging up my boots
I’m up here with God
And we’re both watching over you

So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed that it would go.
If you’re reading this I’m already home.

If you’re reading this
Half way around the world
I won’t be there to see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
Stand up for the innocent and the weak
I’m laying down my gun
Hanging up my boots
Tell dad I don’t regret that i followed in his shoes

So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my momma always prayed that it would go
If you’re reading this, I’m already home

If you’re reading this, there is going to come a day
You move on and find someone else and that’s okay
Just remember this
I’m in a better place
Soldiers live in peace and angels sing amazing grace

So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my momma always prayed that it would go
If you’re reading this
If you’re reading this
I’m already home

I take for granted what they face everyday. Dear God please give them strength, grace and protection and be with their families, supply their needs. Amen.

The Days After

I am really thankful for how God blessed us during the time of the funeral of Mom. The time he allowed us to spend at her bedside with my brothers and sisters and aunt and uncle were a blessed time of sharing and memories. Also the sharing with mom, encouraging and singing to her. Julie took pictures of hand holding with Mom for each of us and displayed them along with many items Mom had made. Michael, Clay and Julie, and Lori put pictures that me and my siblings had chosen of Mom with different people and made a video backed by music that my deceased sister had sung with a friend many years ago. My sister, Jana, had the idea to create an afghan with all of us making stitches in it while sitting with Mom. Sisters Jana and Sandy, and Julie did the majority of it, purple and lavendar of course and finished it 2 days before she died. It was used as a wrap for Mom. Several of the grandchildren sang as a group at the funeral. We all wore lavendar, including my brothers. Lori and Julie finished the service with "Fly to Jesus". The funeral directors were super, allowing us to help fold the bedding around Mom and gently lay her to rest. They also did a super job of elegantly displaying pictures and items Mom had made over the years. Thanks for your prayers and please continue. Several of us had a rough day today.

Saturday, May 2, 10:00 am

Mom breathed her last breath on Saturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. surrounded by her family. I have much to share but it will be at a later date when I am not so pressed with preparations. Please remember my family in prayer.