Monday, October 5, 2009

Lessons Learned ... Sunrise - Sunset

I celebrated my birthday last week as well as grieved the loss of a dear aunt. This post seems appropriate for both events.

I've learned that, no matter what happens,
how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life.."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.
You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you
But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others,
your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

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This is in memory of my Aunt Juanita, who passed away peacefully on September 17. 2009. This is the same aunt that we had visited only a month earlier in the beautiful northwest. She had turned 94 years old the month before her death. She had been married for 68 years when the love of her life died in 2006. During our visit we went up to the cemetery where my father and step-mother are buried. My uncle's grave is beside that of my folks. Aunt Juanita had inscribed on her husband's headstone "I will love you until death ... and then forever." I watched as my frail, but determined aunt reached over and patted that headstone with a serene smile on her face. This was on the 13th of August. The photo below was taken 10 days before she died. Her smile was radiant, her attitude was positive, her faith limitless, her love for family boundless ... we are blessed to have had her in our lives. I have no doubt that she is walking hand in hand with her dear Bill and we have a special guardian angel watching over us.
I WILL LOVE YOU UNTIL DEATH ... AND THEN FOREVER.

5 comments:

Jan said...

Thank you, Sandy - it is just perfect!!

Bz said...

The things I've heard whereas one can learn about someone is how they handle 3 things;
*tangled Christmas lights
*driving in traffic and
*how they treat wait-staff.
I think 'a rainy day' is probably a good litmus test too.

Fruitcake Sandy said...

Yup ... have to agree but add to the mix 'a three year old ACTIVE little girl!' .. right, uh???

I happen to be enjoying this 'rainy morning' sooooo much!

Robynn's Ravings said...

I would handle a rainy day perfectly....because I love them. The rest? Utter failure I have no doubt.

What a darling woman your aunt was and you're right: that's a RADIANT smile! Bet she's so thrilled to be reunited with the love of her life. What a beautiful tribute, Sandy. You always inspire!

Tatersmama said...

Aw Hun.. what a beautiful tribute! And what a wonderful, radiant smile on your Aunt Juanita's face!

Those are indeed, words to live by!