heartache

We had a rough weekend. There's really no other way to say it. Watching some dear friends go through tragedy and loss as the result of a terrible car accident. No one's fault, just a fluke at the end of an amazing day. And then feeling helpless, our hearts breaking for our friends. And yet... and yet... witnessing a miracle as a sweet, special girl visiting from all the way across the pond, who should not have survived that accident... did. And as seriously injured as she is... continues to improve. Someone is watching over these good people. Someone is sending their blessings of comfort and peace. Our love and prayers are constantly with you, our dear friends - you know who you are  ❤  

I know when you see this posted here, you may think it strange after what I have just explained. But I received this from my friend Wendy over the weekend and it was the first thing that made me smile and warmed my heart. It's silly and funny, yes, but most of all it's heartwarming and sweet. And besides, the orangutan reminds me of Davy :)   

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

I've been thinking

My apologies for going so many days without a blog post. I've had a gazillion things in my mind I'd love to post on, but probably like many of you, I am absolutely heartbroken over the recent tragedy in Haiti. As I've watched the drama, and trauma, unfold... to see an entire city so collapsed, and such an astounding loss of life... it has been sick-to-my-stomach staggering, to say the least. And to see it all from my warm house, with food to eat and an endless supply of water, and my loved ones around me with healthy bodies and smiling faces... I don't know the words to use. I feel helpless of course. I can make my small donations, I can pray for them day and night... but of course my heart still aches to see them suffer. So to post a recipe or craft or show how my dala horse is coming along... I don't know, those things have seemed almost meaningless recently, and I guess I had a little thinking to do to work everything out in my heart. 

I am so touched of course by those amazing individuals and organizations who rushed to Haiti immediately to help. I mean, right in the trenches, thinking nothing of themselves but to give aid. What would our world do without those people? I know there have already been many stories of rescues, and miracles, and there will be many more. I do take comfort in that. And it does remind me how fragile life is, how *precious* my family is, how life can be there one minute and can be gone the next. Not to be morbid - no, I believe we are supposed to enjoy life also, not just endure it, or fear it. But remember to hold what we have dear. And to always be grateful for it. And try to enjoy every moment. Laugh, laugh, laugh. And love all we can. The love that we've given, the love we've received... those are really the only things we will take with us when our time has come.

One thing that has lifted my spirits a bit has been to participate in the Hope for Haiti Flickr Pool on Flickr. I was invited by a fellow photographer Lydia, who started it, because like me, she felt helpless to do anything and wanted a way to express her love and hope for the people of Haiti. I thought it was such a loving gesture. So check it out and join if you would like to - it has been really lovely watching it grow day by day, and seeing all the heartfelt sentiments expressed in photographs. If you're interested, click -----------> HERE.

Thanks for listening to me babble :) Please leave some comments - they warm my heart more than you know :)       

sadness

I would be remiss if I did not post the sadness in my heart today, over the loss of my cousin Rick, the gentle giant of the Campbell family. He passed away early Sunday morning after fighting a sudden combination of critical health conditions that his body could no longer battle... leaving his family shocked and heartbroken. He is pictured here with his beautiful wife Becky, and their 6th grandbaby Kaitlin. My heart is aching for Becky, all their children, and their grandchildren. I feel an awful sadness for my aunt and uncle, who are absolutely devastated. I feel sorrow for my cousins - which includes my precious Shell - who just lost their oldest brother.

Rick, you will always be in our hearts ❤

I don't know why these things happen when they do. I do know that we will have the answers someday. It seems to take a lot of faith - and a lot of heartache - in the meantime. I pray with all my heart, that the Campbell family will be comforted at this time of loss and sorrow.