January 27, 2007

Today was a busy day! This morning we went to a memorial service for Rob's mom's cousin, Judith Coulter. She was diagnosed with cancer and died within 3 weeks. She was 69. I didn't know her well, but we had laughed together on several occasions, especially when Rob's Grandma Bert and Grandpa Harry were alive. She seemed young and vibrant and alive when I last saw her about 6 months ago. She lived with and cared for Rob's great Aunt Hester (Jean) who reminds us a great deal of Grandma Bert. Bert's other sister, Gin, just turned 90 and seems to be doing really well. Her husband Gerald must be close to the same age and they still live together and take care of themselves for the most part. Rob spent quite a bit of time talking with Gin and Jean. He's always had a soft spot for them because he was so close to Grandma Bert. He spent a lot of time with them as a child and has some really good memories. He had tears in his eyes when we left.

The service was really hopeful and more of a celebration of life than a time of mourning. Judy lived well and cared deeply for other people. Turning 40 has really caused me to recognize that each day is a gift and I'm trying to sort out what is important and what isn't . . . what needs my attention for eternal results and what can wait. It's hard. I think Judy figured out what was important and lived that way. It makes me wonder if I'll ever figure it out. I love the words to the Chris Rice song,

LIFE MEANS SO MUCH

Every day is a journal page
Every man holds a quill and ink
And there's plenty of room for writing in
All we do is believe and think
So will you compose a curse
Or will today bring the blessing
Fill the page with rhyming verse
Or some random sketching
Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
That somehow our souls forgot
Life means so muchLife means so much
Life means so much
Every day is a bank account
And time is our currency
So nobody's rich, nobody's poor
We get 24 hours each
So how are you gonna spend
Will you invest, or squander
Try to get ahead
Or help someone who's under
Has anybody ever lived who knew the value of a life
And don't you think giving is all
What proves the worth of yours and mine
Teach us to count the days
Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways
That somehow our souls forgot

Life means so much
Every day is a gift you've been given
Make the most of the time every minute you're living











Rob and Grandma Bert probably taken around 1996?







This evening we celebrated Rob's birthday with his family. We had dinner, opened presents, ate cake, and played Apples to Apples. It was a nice way to wrap up the day.




















These two look like they could be dangerous. . .






Gloria January 27, 2007


















Zach January 27, 2007