Most people have a favorite thing. My favorite thing? Without a doubt, people, other than God of course. God has created each person so magnificently. The diversity of people is not, as some might think, a bad thing. How each person’s personality is wisely crafted by their Creator. It is an awesome thing! We were designed to need, encourage and be a part of the bigger picture. Sadly, so often, we think the world revolves around just us and our little world.

I believe that is why it is such a joy to me when I stumble across a friend,(as I did this week) an old coworker, a relative, a stranger on the street. Each of so much more value than could ever be imagined or any material thing this life has to offer.

Being that I truly love people, when one of those dear to me leaves this world…it is so hard for me. As it is for most, I think.

I remember when my Dad passed, the first of many that are close to my heart. I remember thinking, “How can life just go on like nothing happened?” This would not be the last time that I felt this way.

For some reason, once I know someone’s birthday/anniversary, when it comes to that day. Those people pop into my head and I spend a little time reminiscing, regardless if that person remains on this earth or not. I feel this is a gift from the Holy Spirit. There are things in my house that were gifts or pictures or maybe a book that was given to me that when I look at those things, they also cause me to reflect on the person who gave it to me. God has blessed me with so many wonderful people in my life.

This past week, Leonard’s two siblings that no longer live on this earth had birthdays. His sister, Phyllis. I admired her. She was crafty, witty, fun. She was such a natural with everything. I remember how excited she was to find a dress she liked for Brian and Jinn’s wedding. What a special memory. One time, she helped Brian make some brownies and he got the recipe from her. The recipe name? “Aunt Phyllis’ Best Brownies”. She loved both my kids, Brian and Tina and loved them so naturally.

Leonard’s brother, Dale’s birthday was the day after Phyllis’. My heart went out to Dale because he seemed to never fit in. Yet, to me, he was always kind and respectful. When Leonard’s Mom passed away, he gave me her Bible and said that he thought their Mom would want me to have it and he knew that I would use it. In the front it was handwritten that it was a gift to their Mom from Phyllis and Gordon. I asked Phyllis, if she would like to keep it and she told me she wanted me to have it.

During the summer, after Thursday morning Bible study, one of my other sister-in-laws, Louise, likes to go on local adventures with friends. She graciously always includes me. 🙂

This week, we are going to go on a picnic and an art walk. In honor of Phyllis, Dale and their Mom (even though her birthday is in May), I am bringing “Aunt Phyllis’ Best Brownies” to honor my sister-in-law, whom I can still hear her laugh. I am also bringing Leonard’s Mom’s Bible to Bible Study to honor Dale for his sentiment to me, knowing that their Mom’s Bible would be special to me.

I read Ecclesiastes this week. It’s kind of a sobering book because Solomon says that everything is meaningless. I heard that the context is better explained “everything is fleeting”. This is true. Good times are fleeting, bad times are fleeting. Life goes so quickly, so unexpectedly. A lot of times, not as we wish.

May we always be grateful for those we love, those we have loved, those we don’t even know, for we all need each other. If you know me, I will always remember you.