May Day

Years ago, I was not one to think much about May Day: the crowning of the Queen of the May, its Maypole dancing, or the May Day call of distress. However, that changed in 2003 when I received a true May Day call from Cari. Her brother, David, died May 1, 2003.

This year, as I was preparing, mentally, for this day, I was looking through photo albums trying to find pictures of Cari, David, and me from when we were younger. You see, I've known Cari since we were 4 years old and along with gaining a childhood best friend, I gained an older-brother-type relationship with David as well. I have vivid memories of sitting around their dinner table alone with their parents because they couldn't stop bickering at the table and got sent to their rooms. I remember asking David questions about how boys think. I remember late night bike rides with both of them. I remember how smart David was in Math. I remember, well, a lot.

Since we're packing up our life to move, I was only able to find one picture of David and it happens to be the one in my David's baby book. My David was born when Cari was living in Colorado, but Cari's mom and brother couldn't wait to meet baby David. It is one of my sweetest memories of David Stone... he couldn't take his eyes off my baby.

I have definitely grieved in my life. Watching my good friend grieve is heart wrenching. Walking alongside her has made me stronger and, hopefully, a better friend. I love her and I loved her brother.

I think that I'm especially moved on this May Day in 2010 because of the fact that it marks 3 months until we leave for Argentina. I wish I could talk to David about it. He loved our world and I know he would love what we are doing and would have made plans to visit. I miss him.

Sunday Church

Yesterday at church during the "meet and greet" (insert eye-roll), I introduced myself to the elderly lady directly behind me. After telling her my name, she asked me if she could give me a comb.

"Why?" I asked.

To which she responded, "To comb your little doggy."

TO COMB MY LITTLE DOGGY?!?

Unaware of my current state of speechlessness, my very good friend chose that moment to walk across the sanctuary to greet me in a much more appropriate way (ie, "Hi! I saw your beautiful, curly hair from across the room and couldn't wait to say hello!")

While Cari was helping to coax me out of my state of shock, the elderly woman was continuing the monologue with my husband, informing him of the comb, the little doggy, and my obvious need.

There were many inappropriate responses that were running through my head during my pastor's sermon on "See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else." (1 Thes. 5:15)

I will not write any of my responses here, but I will say that I continued to poof out my hair throughout the service.

Grrr....

Gratitude

Here are a few reasons I'm feeling grateful today:

• David is done with his California Mission report and project. He made it with Legos and wrote a 22 page report and is presenting an oral report this afternoon. I didn't do much except help him type, but I am very glad to be done with his, um, dedication to this project.



• I have a wonderful mom who is always looking out for me.


• My mother-in-law is incredible and is getting married to an amazing man in June. Frank taught me how to make crepes (we're having them for dinner tonight) and makes the best margaritas I've ever drank (I dream about them). I'm feeling particularly thankful for both of them today.


• We received a huge check in the mail for our work in Argentina.


• Strawberries are back in season.


• I crossed off 8 things off my list this morning.


• We had the money (after scrimping and saving) to pay our stupid tax bill. Actually, this is a huge provision from the Lord. I keep very good track of our finances and I wasn't sure how we were going to pay it, but it worked out.


• I have a great friend named Roxanne.


• A 24 year old woman told me I have gotten "even hotter" since having kids. I'm laughing as I write it, but it sure made my day!

I hope you're feeling thankful today too.