I just found out that I lost a dear auntie . She was my moms sister and the last survivor of a family of 8 girls and two boys. 

She had a heart of gold and was a very fun personality. I stayed at her house a lot when I was a child and my mom and her were close and looked a lot alike.

 It’s a rather strange feeling the last of this era but I’ll have the memories and I smile at them. Her name was Corrine and always went by the nickname Corky. It seemed to fit her outspoken and fun loving personality. When I’d see her she would say with a twinkle in her eye, “ I’m your favorite auntie right?” I had many aunties but of course say yes and I’d tell her , “I’m your favorite niece right?” 

The last time I saw her was this summer in Michigan. She was in a nursing home because of a stroke but she seemed to be doing fairly well. She always made me feel loved.

       

Other than the sad news the day was nice with sunshine and we went to Kentucky to visit our daughter and our grandson. It was pretty by the river. 

  

There’s even some signs of Spring! Soon starts a fresh new season

Winter Treasures

 Winter isn’t my favorite time of the year but it’s certainly part of life in the Midwest. I saw some robins in the snow last week they gave me hope that Spring is around the corner. I have a bird feeder out back by my patio doors and some of the birds are quite beautiful!

  I was in a slump last Monday. I guess winter was getting to me. I love getting outside but it seems so cold. Also I don’t feel like I’ve completely recovered from the treatments and surgeries of last year. I know I have to be patient but I don’t always have the energy I used to have. Part of it is not being so young anymore too but I know God gives us treasures every season of our life. 

  I was listening to a song by Bill and Gloria Gaither and it spoke of living in the moment. It’s easy to sometimes miss the past or focus on the vacation or something we look forward to in the future but God has given us this moment to live in and to make sweet memories. This is the moment to trust God with the future and follow where he leads us. 

  I gave my testimony at church a few weeks ago about what God brought me through and how He strengthened me I’m much healthier now but much of the healing was spiritual and knowing that He loves me just the way I am and will perfect that which concerns me. I don’t know why the bad things happen but I know He can bring good out of difficult situations and we can grow stronger and more appreciative of life’s simple blessings.

  A few days ago it was bright and sunny but it was cold. I was missing getting out and had this crazy idea to have a picnic! My husband and I packed some sandwiches and drove to Patoka Lake to eat. We had to eat in the van but we had the best view of the deep blue water. It felt good to get out of the house. I’m trying!

  I hope in the future and even now that I can do something to help people who have cancer. I know what I went through and how much people blessed me through it all. There are volunteers at the cancer center. Some give out warm blankets and snacks and share a smile and kind words. Some are chaplains who pray with me. I think there’s something all of us can do. 

Be blessed and be a blessing!