Celebrations of Life

Hidy do, Folks (Hidy do is the old fashioned southern greeting that is translated from How do you do?)

I want to talk a little bit today about celebrations of life. Aren't they wonderful occasions? Today we celebrated the 90th birthday of our friend, Marian, who is Judy's mama. They are both great friends of ours along with Judy's husband, Gene. We met at the church fellowship hall today which had been set up with food (lots of really good food) that had been prepared by Marian's family.

The celebration was well attended and I believe at least 50 people, maybe more, came and helped in the celebration. People came in from Canada, near where Marian and her husband once lived with their four children in Wisconsin, and a daughter came in from Chicago.

There was a camaraderie that is often seen where people get together and talk over old times, and laugh and eat. Many of the people who came are members of our church who have come to know Marian since she and her husband moved here about 6 or 7 years ago. Marian's husband died about 3 years ago, so she is a widow who lives alone but is never left alone because people just naturally gravitate toward her. Marian is a very outgoing, busy person, who never lets things get her down, even when they are going badly.

A little less than a year ago, Judy and her family had a birthday celebration for Gene's mother, who was 90 at the time. It too, was a lovely celebration, and people came from some distance to help her celebrate her life. Unfortunately, not very many days after the get together for Lois, she had a major stroke and after several hours, she passed away. She was a gentle little lady who had lived a full life and was ready to go. She had great faith, and I am happy to say that Marian does as well.

Nothing is more fun than getting together with folks that you know and love and have much in common with. I hope that you have had a lovely day today with someone you care for. It won't be long till time to go out and watch our hummingbirds. May you have a good night's rest.

God bless you. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for the day. More stuff tomorrow of some kind.