Speed zone.
  That is what I feel like I have been in over the last 6 months, actually the better part of this year.
   There has been so much that has happened in my life and in the lives around me that there is not space to write and share all the events, my feelings in response, and the lessons God has shown me through it all.
  Suffice it to say, there are many lessons still in progress, as the events have been life changing, not only for myself but also for many of my friends and family members.
 

 S
ome would say it was an SOS spring and summer; spring of sorrow and summer of sadness.
  For me it has been a ‘season’ with moments of extreme sorrow and pain both physically and emotionally.
  The test has been to see if my life and response to the circumstances would allow me to continue to sing, with a sincere heart, “Every blessing you pour out I’ll give back to you.”
   This spring and summer, I have had to literally, give back to God several blessings He gave me in family members and friends; not the least of which was Lucky, my best friend and companion over the past 12 years. 
              
                                                    

 
'
Lucky' -
June 2006               
These events have made me even more grateful for the friends God has put in my life.
  On more than one occasion, they helped me to turn my thoughts to the peace and comfort of Jesus and to embrace the fact, that with Jesus as our Savior, death is not just a time of mourning, but also a time of celebration.
   The first such occasion, was in March with the passing of my dear great Aunt.
  The second was in May when a very close friend, Chuck, from my Church back in Ohio, passed very unexpectedly.
  Both my Aunt and Chuck left great legacies of love, kindness and compassion.
  I am thankful for the friends and family members that shared with me the circumstances and events surrounding their passing and the celebration memorial services held in their honor.
  Their communications helped me to embrace the reality and seek God’s comfort as I closed those chapters in my life from a distance.
  A third occasion was in September.
  Embraced by the love of Jesus and a few very close friends with hearts like mine for Lucky, I was able to say goodbye and let him go into the arms of our heavenly father.
  Although it was the most difficult thing I have ever had to go through, it was the right thing to do.
  I know Lucky is no longer suffering but he too is with Jesus.
  I will be forever grateful and will always cherish the memories of the times I spent with my Aunt, Chuck and Lucky. Truly, for those who believe, death can be a wonderful time of celebration.
  Although our hearts may break and our sadness seems overwhelming, joy does come in the morning for those that have faith and believe.