Circle of Life

The past 7 days brought a lot of travel and an equal amount of introspection for me.  My grandmother, Hazel, lives several states away and we planned to visit her all summer.  Several factors threatened to alter out trip but I was determined to go.  My girls are so blessed to have a living great-grandmother and it is my role, as their mother and her granddaughter, to encourage that sweet bond between them in spite of the distance.  So, I traveled 5 hours to Atlanta to pick up my mother; then we traveled 8 hours the next day to see my Mammaw.  

We spent 2 days visiting with her- talking about old times, how our relatives were doing, the girls and how big they are getting, and the adjustment to her new home at a retirement community and whether they make a good carrot and raisin salad or not ;) For nearly 90 years, Hazel Fairchild has loved, nurtured and mothered 3 generations of children and she is a blessing to countless people who call her "Mama, Mammaw or Miss Fairchild".  What a joy to see my girls climb up into her lap, "hug her neck" and then ask her to wheel them (and their stuffed animals) around in her walker.  Time passes so quickly and I didn't want this sweet opportunity pass by while I could still have it.  What a treasure.

Then my husband and I traveled another direction to the funeral of his 53 year-old stepmother, Christine.  She fought so bravely against breast cancer for the last 6 years but it was God's time to call her home.  The memorial service was touching and many tender words were spoken about her bright spirit.  As I stood by her grave and pondered the fragile nature of life, I thanked God for all the wonderful people he has placed in my life.  I have loved all the seasons of my life and none of them would have been as rich without my precious parents, siblings, husband, children and friends to share them with.  Times like this remind us of God' providence for our lives- only he knows the number of days we have left.  Use them wisely, seek the Lord with all your soul and strength and above all, love the ones your with.  I'll see you at my Father's house someday, Christine.  You are probably busy decorating it already.  In loving memory- Julie