all that i am

it's been too long
there's been so much
where to start
what to say


most importantly...
the far aways are all together finally again!

then...as always on this day for the last 23 years...
this child gets older

...."and I'm getting older too"
but it's worth it...
having luscious-left over chocolaty birthday cake to ENJOY!

then there's the newest addition to the family...
the new son in law
...he is a wonderful brave capable cook!
he made the Sunday morning breakfast....
no easy task to fill in this household!!?!?

when meals like these regularly cover our table
thanks to my wonderful hubby



I've missed this time
this process
this blogging
it's been so long
I feel like I could just stay...stopped...
no more words...
no more pictures...

although it has actually been the photo stuff that's been keeping me away

I've been involved in a project for a dear friend

who helped me with this

and
I've had two photo shoots!?!







but if I stopped I'd miss capturing this little life

...and...I'd miss making a little difference
in other lives
I began ministry again
after what seems a very long respite...

I had forgotten what a blessing it is

to take someones's hands and eyes into mine
to ask a simple question
and share a short response
and to receive an answer
with the wisdom of a life lived long
in return

words I'd heard before, read before
but when whispered from behind old eyes
they resound  in my soul like a prophecy

87 years old
mother of five boys two girls
a magnificent elegant old home
just steps down the street

a life of living
reduced to one small warm room
but
she is in her home....
as I am in mine

and there was another life...
of 77 years
lived big
so big
that to accommodate the number of people paying respect
the funeral wasn't able to be held in a church
it filled an event center
US senators, presidents of Universities, CEO's...

but still the same shiny casket  that you see at every funeral
the same prayers of repose
chanted and sung

and then the recessional
a blatant contrast
to the pomp and circumstance
and fan fare of the day...
"Simple Gifts"

'tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be fair

'tis a gift to wake and breathe the morning air

and each day we walk on the path that we choose

'tis a gift we pray we never shall lose