David

I have been so busy the past month or so with work.  I am trying not to complain since I am paid on commissions.  It is good to be selling!  But I simply cannot let the month of May get away from me without writing about my brother, Dave.

Dave had a birthday this month so he is now officially 3 years older than me (at least until my birthday in November).  David was undeniably Mom's favorite child.  Dave could do anything and get away with it.  "That's just Dave", Mom would say.  Whenever things went awry it seemed that Dave was in the middle of it.  It is rather ironic that he became a successful insurance salesman.  He certainly had plenty of experience dealing with the claims side of insurance as a young driver! 

For all the trouble David undoubtedly caused you could never stay mad at him.  His smile and twinkling eyes made it seem not so bad after all.  Yes, I am referring to the brother who would hold me down with his knees on my arms, rolling a big wad of spit around in his mouth above my head.  After tormenting me for a bit he would finally let it loose with a big splat on my face.

David is all grown up now and I am sure he has not dropped a wad of spit on anyone in years.  As a matter of fact, I am sure you would be hard pressed to find many people who do not love him dearly.  He is a most generous soul!  He has bailed me out of many tight spots over the years and even took me on vacation with him when I could not afford to go.


Life with Dave as a brother has been an exciting ride.  He loves to have fun and there is never a dull moment with him around!  He loves a challenge and does not hesitate to jump into new ventures.  I am so blessed to have him as a brother. 


When Mom and Dad were killed, it fell on David to call everyone and tell them the shocking news.  Since he was the only one who lived close by, he has been the go to guy for the police and newscasters.  He was the executor of Mom and Dad's estate which he handled wonderfully.  I will never be able to repay him for all he has done for our family.


Thank you, Dave, for being you!


Proverbs 11:24-25 (The Message)


The world of the generous gets larger and larger;
   the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
   those who help others are helped.

Krista

Last weekend was a tough one for me.  This Mother's Day was harder on me than last year.  I think I was still in shock last year.  Last Saturday, my daughter's dear friend got married.  I am so happy for her but it reminded me of my marriage and the death of my husband 6 years ago.  I wore our wedding rings on a necklace to the wedding as a way to honor him.  Sadness and happiness all mixed together.  It was a very emotional weekend for me.

But a very bright spot was the graduation of my niece, Krista Willingham.  She is now Dr. Krista Willingham!  My only regret was that since my kids and grandkids were home and we had the wedding here, I could not make it to the graduation in Kirksville.

Krista has worked hard to get to this point in her life.  She is extremely well organized and disciplined - not to mention intelligent!  Residency was no cake walk but she made it through all the tough times and sleepless nights.  Mom and Dad were so proud of her!  I am sorry that Krista did not have her Granny and Granddad there to cheer for her as she walked across the stage but I know they were with her in spirit.

Krista, I am so proud to call you my niece!  You have worked so long and hard to complete your goal and you did it with flying colors!  Not only did you complete a difficult and arduous task,  you did it without comprising your morals.  You have remained true to the Lord.  You have kept your faith as your focal point.  You have been a beautiful example of God's love!  I love you!

Hebrews 12: 1-3 The Message

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!