And the World Goes 'Round...

March 23, 2011: One thing about life...it never stays the same. In the past 24 hours, I've had news of life and death, both hard and exciting, sad and eventful. My sweet uncle gently passed away last night after years of illness. We are sad for us, joyful for him. He has gone home, where he longed to be. We laugh, remembering his great life - and we cry, remembering his great suffering. Now, life for his family involves waiting and planning and decisions, not easily made when you're grieving. I also heard today of the heart-breaking death of a 16-week fetus who was part of a dream and a hope and a longing unrealized. I mourn with family and friends and know just an inkling of how that loss feels. On the other hand, I received news from my beautiful daughter that she is days...maybe even hours...away from bringing new life into this world. Together, we shared our excitement, our anxiety, our prayers for his safe arrival and her safe delivery. I try to be brave and strong for her, but I am not brave and strong right now. I am weak and easily blown over like a feather. I will hitch up my boots, though, and plead for more blessings. For my Chels, for my precious new grandson, for all our wonderful wounded family, for myself. I ask God to take away my worry. I ask Him to calm the storms. I ask Him to pave the way and make the arrangements. I ask Him to hold us all in His arms and lead us, guide us, walk beside us. Because it's not just about me today...it's about Raymond and Marilyn and Amy and Chelsea and a baby straight from heaven. As it should be. Family. The most important word ever formed, the most important unit ever created - and always at the helm, Our Father and Our Beloved Elder Brother.