TEN THINGS TUESDAY!!!

It's that time of the week again! The time where I give thanks for the blessings in my life. If you'd like to join in on all the joys of "Ten Things Tuesday," please click on the cloud picture above. It will take you to the right spot!! This week, I am thankful for LIFE!!!!! With the passing of a dear friend, on July 4th, and her Memorial Celebration on July 12th, it just makes me thankful for being alive!!!

This week, I am thankful for:

1. The wonderful Memorial Celebration of Myra's life. Her services were private, as she wanted to have her ashes scattered on her Mother's grave, up in New England. Her roommates held a beautiful bonfire memorial celebration, at their house. Myra loved bonfires and we shared stories of our sweet friend. There were no doubts that she was with us, as we celebrated her life!


2. Myra Alexandra May! She came into my sister's life many years ago and they shared a very special bond! Therefore, I had the wonderful opportunity to call her my friend. When she was diagnosed with cancer and given a pretty grim prognosis, she continued to live her life -- to the fullest!!! She enjoyed each day and has made me more aware of just how short and precious life is! Because of my sweet friend, I now wake up each day, with a new-found appreciation for life. I have vowed to ALWAYS have GREAT days ~~ don't sweat the small stuff!! Thank you, sweet friend! I will never forget you! Here's a picture of Myra and my sister, Kelli!


3. For the health of my entire family! Thank you, Lord, for blessing them all with good health! And, by my entire family, I mean, JUST THAT -- Rob and I, our children, my parents, Rob's parents, my brother and sister, their children, Rob's sister and her family!! The list could go on and on, we are all blessed with good health!

4. For another day that I am alive and am able to enjoy all the things that God created! Thank you!

5. For the smiles on my children's faces, each and every morning, when they wake up! I actually NEVER get tired of looking at them and all of their expressions! Thank you, Lord, for that blessing!

6. For my marriage and the happiness that it brings! Thank you, Lord, for bringing Rob into my life so many years ago ~~ almost 12-years of marriage, to be exact!

7. For friends -- near and far -- they are always there no matter what!

8. For a promise of eternal life in heaven. We will see you again, Myra, and all of our loved one's who have gone before us!

9. For the ability to love and be loved!! The human spirit is an amazing thing!

10. For life!!!!! I know that I mentioned this already, but am just so thankful that all of my loved ones are still with me today. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Myra's Memorial Celebration!

Tonight (Saturday, July 12, 2008), was Myra's Memorial Celebration! Scott and I rode together and met Kelli there. She went really early to help them get ready. Her roommates, Michelle and Stephanie, had the memorial at their house. It was really nice meeting everyone, who loved and cared for Myra. We had a bonfire and toasted our sweet friend! Another friend, Heather, made a beautiful photo DVD, with music that brought tears to my eyes! It was so special that she shared these DVDs with everyone. She worked so hard on this wonderful tribute to Myra and I am so thankful to have been given a copy. Rest in Peace, Myra, you are finally home! I will never forget you!

I tell you what, I have really been thinking about how SHORT, life really is, lately. In the blink of an eye, it could all be over. I think this is such a great reminder that NONE of us, are promised tomorrow. We need to live our lives, each day, as if they are our last. Make sure that you hug your children. Make sure that you kiss your spouse good-bye, as they head out the door, to go to work. Make sure that you live your day, with kindness and love ~~ have fun and enjoy family time together. I know that looking back, over Myra's life, one of the things I admired most about her is the fact that she LIVED!!! She lived her life to the fullest. She didn't sweat the small stuff. I really, really, really, admire her for how well she handled all the obstacles that were set before her. What a fine example of how to live your life. I think from this day on out -- I will always have "GREAT" days! I will choose to make sure that each new day, that the Lord gives me, will not be wasted!!!

Rest In Peace, Myra!

For those of you who do not know, one of my sister's best friends, Myra, passed away this afternoon. After a brave battle, against a rare form of cancer, her earthly body could no longer fight. She is in Heaven right now and I'm sure her dear Mother was at the pearly gates, to welcome her baby girl home!! Beautiful Myra is free from pain, and cancer-free! Fly with the angels, sweet friend, you have earned your wings!!! May you rest in peace, for all of eternity.

Myra was only 34-years YOUNG!!! Far too young to have her life cut short, by this horrendous disease. She handled her illness with grace and dignity. She lived her life to the fullest and continued to LIVE, even after her grave prognosis. I loved that about her and she was truly an inspiration to me. She lived her life, the way she wanted. I will miss her tremendously.

I ask that you all, please, keep my sister and all of Myra's family and friends, in your thoughts and prayers.

Rest in peace, Alexandra (we often times called each other by our middle names)! I will miss you!!