It seems to be a day of memories and dwellling on the past. Because that could be a dangerous place to be, I've tried to keep it all positive. As my mind was wandering throughout past history, I am reminded of a poem that is etched on the headstone at my daughter Kelly's gravesite. It took me a long time to read it without becoming very sad. But, as I read it now, I am reminded of several people whom I have lost throughout my life. So, here it is, and for me, it is in memory of Kelly, George, and my beloved Jim.

All Is Well

Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name; speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone; wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was; let it be spoken without effect without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.

A day in history noting what is hard, what is necessary, what is right

Everyday, somewhere in our world, history is made. But today, it is not quite the same. The history made in our country today will go down in the annals of history books as a first.

President Obama signed sweeping health care reform legislation into law today, hailing the moment as the latest example of America facing up to major challenges for the benefit of all its people. The bill constitutes the biggest expansion of federal health care guarantees in more than four decades, and its enactment was a giant victory after a brutal legislative battle dating back a year and a half.

"It's been easy at times to doubt our ability to do such a big thing, such a complicated thing, to wonder if there are limits to what we as a people can still achieve," Obama said. "We are not a nation that scales back its aspirations," he continued. "We are not a nation that falls prey to doubt or mistrust. We don't fall prey to fear." Rather, "we are a nation that does what is hard, what is necessary, what is right," Obama said. In the end, he said, the bill delivered the "core principle that everybody should have some basic security when it comes to their health care."

It's all about accountability. Accountability for the rights of the people. Accountability for the insurance companies who portend excellent coverage, yet it is not evident in their actions. Accountability for the field of medicine to perform their very best with skills and knowledge. And, accountability for each and every American to responsibly attend to their own personal health care, whether it be preventive or reactive.

So, congratulations to US for taking this monumentous step into the future. We know this isn't the end or a perfect law, but we the people have the opportunity now to mold it, mend it, and mind it for decades or more to come.

* * * * * * * * *

Spring?

I have a bad cold. Is it spring 'fever'? Is it the 'welcome to allergy' season? Whatever...I'm miserable. And, so are Bethany and Lilly. Which means it must be a cold, since we seem to be passing it around. Other than feeling lousy, another downfall is succombing to 'ordering in' food. Haven't been grocery shopping, so even if I wanted to cook, there's not much to make. So, spring is just around the weekend corner. Sunday. Maybe our colds will be gone by then!

Since I seemed to feel the need to write something today, and it all appears to be complaining, I'll leave with birthday wishes to Jessica, Jan and Scott. I'm sure they have more spring in their step then I do.

It's Been a Little over One Month Since Jim Has Been Gone...

You know, people say that when a loved one passes away it takes some time to accept the fact that they are gone. Well, I'm finally starting to feel that. Even though the first month has gone rather quickly, I feel like February 7th was just yesterday. I'm not sleeping very good, my diet is unusual, I keep having these flashbacks, and have been feeling guilty.

Guilt is an awful thing. Mine was created way back in my childhood. I think it came from my mother's generation and the old Victorian age. Intellectually, I understand the feelings and try my best to replace them with something constructive and positive. Emotionally, I fight the replacement efforts.

I do have some sleeping pills to help me go to sleep, but don't really want to take them. I take enough medicine now, that I would rather try to get real tired in the day so I will automatically go to sleep at a reasonable hour. When I don't sleep, it can be as early as 5 am before I can relax and sleep.

Our diet is not regulated well. Now that spring break for the girls is over, I will try to have balanced meals and good snacks in the house. Teenagers eat EVERYTHING in sight. So, they might as well have only good stuff to eat.

Lilly spent her spring break with a friend who had moved during the school year. She was in Murray, KY for over a week. Such a good time was had that she insists we move there...NOW. Well, needless to say, that is not a decision taken lightly. Right now, I'm going to let it lay there and see how long the desire lasts. We've already talked ad nauseum about the pros and cons.

Bethany has been in and out of the house all week. With so many friends and a boyfriend, she is running a lot. We're still working on the texting rather than calling about when and where she changes her schedule. I hate texting! I guess I have too much to say to try 'type' it all in one message.

Tis all for today. Oh yes, I've been very grateful for the recent communications I've had with an old friend from high school. He recently lost his wife, and we've shared coping skills.

Until next time...

Our hearts have broken...

My dearest Jim passed away on February 7, 2010. He had pneumonia with the underlying COPD issues that contributed to his illness. As you noted  in my last post, he also had lost considerable weight. His body had just been used all up. May he be at peace with the Lord forever more. He is missed, and we are slowly working toward moving ahead. Bethany and Lilly keep all of us in the here and now.

Happy 67th Birthday today Jim!