New Beginnings … Again

Three years . . . three deaths. Marriage. Dad. Mom. Each have left significant marks on my life and all in all I’m richer for having known these.

These lives have helped shape my character, my will, my beliefs. Have taught me to love, forgive, to stand firm and understand the value and meaning of principles.

Now, as I move to the future, I have a rich legacy of memories, lessons and understandings to draw from and use as I begin anew.

The Value of a Life …

During the past two weeks the value of a life has been demonstrated many times over. Value measured not in Net Worth or things acquired but in lives enriched and bettered.

As the memories are shared and the moments of life recounted a common thread has emerged. A thread as fine as spun gold. A thread that brought joy, peace, encouragement and life to those it touched.

It’s easy to measure someones life by the size of their bank account, the car they drive or who they hang out with. It’s easy to look at the public records and see the recorded accomplishments but none of these tell the true story of the persons life. I’ve learned and relearned that instead of things the real value of a life is the way it lights the lifes of those it touches. The way others hearts are enriched and in the end, has the thread of that life brought light and life to those it touched or something else.

That the value of a life is best measured in the lifes of others.

Of Ceremonies and Goodbyes

Family and friends have drawn together and are going through there private preparations for the day. The morning is cool with promises of sunshine and the house, for the moment, is quiet. In a few hours everyone will gather at the church for her memory.

Her life, as did the life of the one she so loved, has shown that honor is a gift we give our selves by what we have given to others. Today, as friends and family gather, we’ll lift up her memory one to another and return to her this honor she’s bestowed on others.