Connections

Have you ever played a game called "Connect 4"?

I have not.

That is because I have absolutely no coordination when it comes to games that require the use of arms and legs. I do, however, really like the word "connections."  And I play the New York Times Game, Connections every day.

I really like it when people, places, or things "connect".

This print is hanging in my living room.

It came to me via the Silent Auction at the annual Mandarin Museum & Historical Society Fundraiser.

And it will be a constant reminder of the way our lives connect, even though many years have passed.

In 1986, my eldest child, Becca, started high school.  She had always been a good student, especially in math.  Her Algebra II teacher was Jane Cooksey.  She was a wonderful encouragement to Becca and I think remains one of Becca's favorites, and perhaps one of the reasons she went on to become a teacher.

I met Jane and her husband, Bryan, when I began attending the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour.  They became very dear to me.

When I met Joe Walsh, I learned that his mother, Mary, had encouraged Jane Cooksey to teach full-time when her children were in school at St. Joseph's, where Mrs. Walsh was the principal.  That's the same Jane Cooksey who taught Becca Algebra.

By now, John Cooksey and his wife, Leyda, are friends.  At the fundraiser, I learned that this print had hung in his parents' dining room and he had donated it for the Silent Auction.

And so it is.

But there's more.

It is a C. Ford Riley print.  I knew Ford's dad, Clayton, when he frequently visited the Here's Life Jacksonville office while I worked there as a secretary from 1982 to 1987.

This past Saturday, I attended a writer's workshop.  I was curious about other writers who might be there.  I was delighted to be with a 1960s Englewood teacher, a friend from Youth For Christ, and another who was a member of Seekers, the ministry for single adults I appreciated in the late 80s and early 90s.

I also met the daughter of Jody Brandenberg, who was instrumental in making Hardage-Giddens the funeral home it is today.  I still hope to work for Hardage before my employment days are over.

This concept illustrates that almost everyone we meet will likely have a connection to someone we know (or have known), and sometimes we will meet someone who can help us in the future.  It pays to mind our p's and q's.  

Hum - maybe we could help someone like that as well.

   May you have enough sunshine in your life,  to help you appreciate the shadows

Daddy's Shepherd

16 years!

It was 16 years ago today that we stood by daddy's bedside -- knowing he would soon take his last breath. 

After battling Myelodysplastic Syndrome for seven years, he had chosen to no longer receive the blood of a donor.  He had told my son, Tray, that he had been hearing about Heaven his whole life and was anxious to see it for himself.  

He also wanted to see his Shepherd.

And so it was that we were now awaiting that - 

Father John Palarine had prayed and thanked the Lord for the life daddy had lived and the loving care he had given our mother and us - and our children and theirs.

And then Rev. Kevin Pound prayed- His words reflected daddy's favorite portion of Scripture, and he personalized them, saying that he knew the Lord is Earl's Shepherd, that Earl knew he lacked nothing, that there was a place for Earl at the table - and that Earl was on the way to live in the house of the Lord forever.

I had often read about people dying.  Our family had stood around the bedside when daddy's brother, Ted, died in 1985.  I had not been sure about how I would take it when it was my daddy.  In fact, I had told him I didn't want to be there.  I was sure I would not know what to do.  Fortunately, the wonderful Hospice staff had helped me prepare, and although I was heartbroken, I was ready.

I don't think I've ever really gotten over daddy's passing, or mother's, for that matter.  I know that to be true because I talk about both of them ALL THE TIME.  I'm sure those I  spend time with wonder if I will ever not have a story about Earl the Pearl or Iva Lou.

However, I do believe in Heaven, and I know that both of my parents are there, along with the Shepherd.

A few weeks ago, after almost 24 years of knowing that cancer was a part of his body, my dear friend, Ron Allen, took his last breath.  A short time later, Ron's wife, Bonnie, who has been my close friend since childhood, brought me this photo.  Ron loved going into the homes of shut-ins to play and sing.  The date on the photo is August 22, 2009. It's a little hard to see, but on the table by daddy is a shepherd.

I used that photo in a Facebook post when I was remembering Ron's life.  And, as it sometimes happens with a computer, the image occasionally appears on my homescreen.  It makes me smile.  

Because I know that daddy - and mother - and so many of my loved ones who have now gone to Heaven - are there with their Shepherd.

             May you have enough sunshine in your life,  to help you appreciate the shadows

Note: The Huffingham family appreciates those who are blood donors.  Once, daddy saw a note on a car in the church parking lot that indicated a blood donor owned that vehicle.  He waited to see the person so that he could personally thank her, and she became a friend.  I'm sorry, I don't know the person's name, so I can't express our thanks. If you are a blood donor, please know othat you are appreciated.