FOR TODAY ~ Monday, August 25, 2008 . . . the last Monday of August, 2008!
Outside my Window... you know it is getting closer to Fall as the day is darker longer in the morning and there is more of a briskness in the air.
I am thinking... that this is going to be an exhausting week . . . physically, emotionally . . . read more down below . . .
I am thankful for... my husband. He is kind and generous. He works hard and listens so well. This week will be hard for him too.
From the kitchen...fresh vegetables from the garden makes the things from the kitchen delicious . . . tomato, peppers and zuchini tossed together with some parmesan cheese and italian seasoning, baked for 20 minutes . . . even the kids will eat it.
I am creating... I didn't get the third thing done that I wanted to for the Ravelympics. I did get the bowl and bag done but am really having problems getting pictures pulled from my computer to my blog and flickr.
I am going... relax tonight to prepare for the week
I am wearing... the usual, white t-shirt, black slacks, red jacket, red and blue necklace, red earrings.
I am reading... Plains Crazy . . . thanks Jane!!!
I am hoping... to do better with my diet this week . . . I only went down .2 this past week.
I am hearing... people arriving in the department.
Around the house... I cleaned off my desk this week, reformated the computer (it didn't help with the picture issue BUT everything does process quicker)
One of my favorite things... sitting out by the pool and relaxing.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... and this is where it gets exhausting . . .
One of Dave's childhood friends is Bill. Dave has known Bill since he was 13 and Bill was 10. Dave, Bill and Ed (Bill's younger brother) were the 3 Muskateers, getting in trouble together, playing ball, volleyball, bowling, etc. We danced at each other's weddings, held Bill while he mourned the death of his first marriage and celebrated when he found the love of his life.
About six years ago, Bill brought some new friends to our home for our annual Labor Day picnic. Since we have an inground pool, Dave's steadfast rule is that if a kid wants to go into the deep-end, they have to pass his swimming test - swimming across the pool and back. Bill's new neighbor's daughter wanted to go in the deep-end but couldn't pass the test. She pouted and complained and her parents told her that she could go in the deep-end. Dave told her that she had to stay in the shallow end or get out of the pool. Anyway, Bill was embarrassed and has not been back to our house since then. We have seen him at his brother's and at his parent's home. Dave and Ed said that this is how Bill is. We always sent he and his wife invitations and Christmas cards. They never came or responded.
Bill died on Friday. His funeral is Wednesday. He was 53. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I wish that we had tried harder.
I have often wondered how long and how hard you should try to seek forgiveness, even when you know that you were not the one who did anything wrong. The answer is forever. I know that we can be comforted in the fact that we kept trying and kept including Bill and his family in our lives and plans. But too often, I miss opportunities to do so with others, especially with my family.
Luke 6:37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
I know that we tried . . . and yet, it still hurts . . .
2 comments:
Oh I am so sorry for your loss with the passing of Bill. You did all that you could, you never gave up.
And even though Bill never acknowledged it he knew.
Hmm I commented on this post this morning but it's not here now. You think I can recall exactly what I said? NO
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Bill. I am sure he knew and appreciated the friendship you continued to offer. Even if his pride kept him from telling you.
{{{hugs}}}
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