Goodbye to a Dear Friend

Yesterday was a rough day. My dad called me yesterday while I was at work letting me know that a family friend of ours passed away. Sandra Parker was my first grade teacher as well as my other two sisters' first grade teacher. I wish that you all could have met this woman. Have you ever met someone and upon the first couple minutes of meeting that person, know that he/she was special? Yes, that's exactly how it was with Mrs. Parker. I don't think I've ever met a woman with such a big heart for children as well as people in general. She was a first grade teacher at Protsman Elementary School in Dyer for, I believe, over 30 years.

For years, my sisters and I went to help Mrs. Parker get her classroom ready for the fall. She was always a source of support and encouragement. I last talked with her about 3 weeks ago and made plans to meet up with her. Now, there is no doubt in my mind that she is in heaven with our Lord. She loved Him with all her heart, and I praise God for that! While she will be very missed, I am comforted by knowing she is in a better place.

As many of you know, I work as the Social Services Ministry Director at a Salvation Army in Joliet, IL. I have a passionate for meeting the clients' needs and for helping those as best I can who walk through my door. Food pantry days are always crazy, but there are a few clients who make it all worth it. Today, I was able to do a little bit of just talking with the clients, and as I was walking around, I saw a group of little kids hanging out by one of the bushes. I went over to say hi, and I noticed that they were all taking leaves that had fallen off of the bushes and putting them back on the tree. They would take a leaf and poke the leaf through the branch so that it would stay on. I asked them what they were doing, and one little boy profoundly said "The leaves are sad on the ground. They fell and can't get back up. We're putting them back where they belong." I think that's pretty awesome, don't you?

In the Beginning

So, because of the insane amount of thoughts in my head from day to day, I've decided to start a blog. It will be good to clear my head, and this is a great way for friends/family to keep up with my life. Here we go!

First thing: There is a homeless guy named Jessie who lives under the stairs outside of my house. The first time that I noticed he was there, he scared the crap out of me just because I was not expecting someone to be there. Jessie is a nice guy and we do not mind him living there, but I feel like I should do something more than give him some food and a blanket. I'm not really sure what, but I'm praying about it. Honestly, Jessie is a constant reminder of how God has blessed me way beyond my deserving. The picture below is my house!


Second thing: I love receiving letters from people. I have saved almost every letter/note/card that I have ever received. I love re-reading them since they are all so encouraging. I even have some of my favorites hanging up into my office, and I'd like to share my favorite with you. It's from my friend Mike, and he gave it to me our senior year of high school. The card is titled "You'd Be My Friend No Matter What," and the cover looks like a comic strip with two dogs. They go back and forth and one of the dogs says something like "I have gas" and the other dog says "That's okay." It continues on with the one dog giving all of these excuses of why the other shouldn't be his friend but the other dog never abandons his dog friend. Then on the inside it says "So I guess you're stuck with me. Get used to it." I love this card and will keep it forever.

Third, and final thing for now: I love Rosie Thomas. Whenever I am stressed, I will pop in her CD, and feel a little better. There has been one song that is been stuck in my head for a few days now. I'll share the lyrics with you:

"Oh, tie me to the end of a kite
So I can go on, I can go on with my life
Every marigold I pass below will be my guiding light
I just want to go away from here

Oh, tie me to the end of a kite
So I can go on, I can go on with my life
Every time the wind blows stronger,
I will feel my spirit rise
I just want to go away from here

Oh, tie me up tightly by your side
So I may go with you where ever you reside
And anytime the road looks dimmer
I will be your guiding light
I just want to go away with you
I just want to go away with you"

Until Next time....