We’re smack in the middle of summer but I will pause and count my blessings this season. Our arid Arizona days have turned into monsoon rains and we are refreshed. Triple digits are put on hold for a while and cooler desert mornings allow me longer hours of yard work, especially after the messy, wild storms. We’ve always grown hollyhocks, but for some reason, they went dormant the last two years. I remember Tom on his sickbed reminding me to water the seeds he planted near the fence and, like a crazy lady, I watered what seemed like empty dirt all last year. Was he confused, maybe? Come spring I saw the fluffy, green leaves sprout all along the fence line. I got excited when the different colored flowers opened. You never know what you're going to get! As I watered, I thought of the Scripture verse about “calling forth that which is not as though it was.” Hmm, I should apply that one to several areas of my life! I spent last week with family in Tucson.
A gal at church asked me how I feel about Memorial Day coming up earmarking the first year of my husband’s death. “Oh, I don’t know how I’ll feel,” I responded. Grief is funny that way. It’s hard to predict with its pattern of strong days vs. fragile days, but I felt touched by her concern. In fact, my take-a-way of this past year, when I think about it, is feeling deeply loved. Family and friends have been so encouraging. The kids and I continue to carry on their father’s passionate legacy of love of God, country and family. Our flag waves tall in our front yard with colorful flowers planted beneath it just as he designed. He feels near. Happy Memorial Day, dear ones, and stay safe this weekend. May we always remember those who gave their lives for our freedom in this great country.