35 and 1 day

Well Folks,
Yesterday was the Most Important Day of the Year, and I had the best time of the year for sure! I turned 35. Yep. No longer in my early 30s. Mid-30s full on! Ugh. BUT can I just tell you how much fun I had and what a good day it was? I slept in late (no different than any Saturday!) and then had breakfast at the House. A family in the community volunteers once a month to make breakfast for the House, and it happened to be yesterday. YUM! Then I cleaned my apt and waited for Lea Ann to arrive. She got here around 3 and we hit the mall then met 8 friends for dinner, and then wandered down the street to Foothills and watched basketball. GREAT TIME!!! I'm simple. Give me great friends and a good ballgame and I'm happy.
So here we go. I'm 35 and feel the need to set some big goal for the year. Feels like it should be 35 somethings (good deeds for others, pounds lost, etc) to go with the Big 35. Thoughts? Ideas? Let's hear them!
J

Hard Week!

Well, this isn't at all funny as my last post promised, but I feel compelled to share the last week's events. A very incredible family I know lost their 18 year old to a very valiantly fought battle with cancer. It breaks my heart for this Mom and Dad, but 3 weeks ago, when they were told there was nothing else to be done, they chose to honor her and take her home for her last few weeks. First of all, that in itself is amazing to me. They were so brave to choose to take her home. Last Weds, she was for the most part, in a coma, and didn't respond to anything all day. Her pastor told her he had to leave to go to church around 5:30 pm, and she said "Stay a few more minutes." He made arrangements at church and stayed bedside with her and her parents.

Around 10 pm, she spoke again and said "I see Him." Then she said something about seeing a lot of water and there were angels everywhere. Her mom said "Jennifer, are you ready to go to the angels?" and her wonderful father leaned in and said "Jennifer, we will be ok. Just run to Jesus." and within a few minutes, she smiled and took her last breath.

This all has made me think about things in a new light. As a 'progressive country', we push these feelings to the side, and all too often, die in the midst of machines beeping and medical teams. (MDs who may happen upon this, don't take it wrong!) I just think we refuse to see death as a natural part of life and we try to 'sanitize it' for lack of a better word. But this family had the perfect, intimate passing, as hard is it was/is/is going to be.

So in her death as in her life, she teaches me/us grace, mercy and faithfulness in life and death.

Hello?

Wow folks- sorry it's been so long. All is well. Nothing new to report. No good stories. Just happy that April is doing so well. I re-read her blog tonight and I'm still in awe. God is good.

I played volleyball tonight. I was the only female on the court.....but the guys couldn't return my serve!!! HA!! Take that, dudes!

Ok, I digress.........I'll try to think of something funny to write about soon. Hope you are each well and I'd love to hear from you.

Jeanie