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Thank you Judy for the devotional today. It looks like I am first to post here today. It a good feeling to be nice to people even when they are not so nice to you. Turn the other Cheek when they are critical of something you have said or done. Let God deal with them.

I am making French Bread in my machine to have with Eggplant Parmigiana for supper, it sure smells good. Keith and I took the dogs for a walk, a little while ago and he should have put his jacket on, he only had on a sweatshirt. We cut the walk short because he was cold.

I keep telling my kids "It never hurts to be kind".

Heavy schedule tomorrow.  So I am off to bed.

Cloudy and "cool" today.  The rain we were supposed to get this afternoon has been pushed back to tonight and the amount has apparently also been reduced.  Since I need to do some driving over the mountain to see about a washing machine, I'm glad at least I won't have to contend with rain.  Thank you Lord, for looking out for my comfort as well as my safety.

Hi everyone.  Not much to write about this morning.  I will be doing just the normal Monday activities.  It is the day for the housekeepers to be here but doubt that the yard folks will be as they will come only once a month during the 3 winter months.  Just back from walking about 13 rounds at the gym.

Good devotional thought for the week Judy.  Thanks.  The idea of smiling at people really does work.  I try to smile at the people I meet whether we speak or not and most often my smile is returned with a smile.  I very often will speak a word or two and again this is often returned with a word or two.  I am only responsible for what I do and not what is returned.

Marilyn, would love to have a slice of your French bread.  That is my very favorite as like the crust.  However, you can eat my portion of the eggplant parmigiana. 

Jeanne, glad you were able to get a good nights sleep but still catch your program yesterday.  Hopefully your trip over the mountain will be most successful and not having to deal with wet roads is a big plus.   

 A good friend shared this with me this morning and I want to share it with you.  I believe it is worth the read:


Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.'

Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.'

Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest Tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.'

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, 'and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy Because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.

The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.

Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His Ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

I haven't counted yet but I am thinking we are going to have lots of items to donate to a Women's shelter in Noblesville from Crochet Angels.  I have a huge bag in the trunk of my car full!  And another lady brought another big bag of items to church yesterday!  And some haven't given me their items.  The deadline is this Sunday. 

I plan to have a table set up with all the items displayed so the church will see how busy our hands have been for others.  I hope to count them then and take pictures!

Church was great yesterday.  We didn't have our Sunday School lessons in time to prepare for the lesson at home but we did it at Sunday School.  Then three of us ladies went to Anderson for Art's Pizza.  I had pizza for dinner also!  Mmmmm!

I have some gifts to wrap for my Sunday School class.  We collected $700 to give to a needy family or several families in our area.  The school principal provided a bunch of wants, sizes, etc.  One lady...bless her heart...went shopping last Monday and Tuesday.  It was 50% off plus she had a coupon of 20% off.  She estimates that she got $1700 for $700!!!  Now the principal wants each item wrapped with the provided Christmas tree card on the outside showing what is in the package.  There were 48 gifts purchased!

Today is a gloomy, dreary day.  So it will be a great day to wrap gifts! 

And I need to go to the Dollar General before I go to the Church Council meeting this evening.  I am out of bread.  No bread machine at my house!  Kitty said I could borrow hers to try but she can't find the instructions or directions or recipes.  That wouldn't do me any good!

  Good day to all.   I am so glad that I am reading the posts as what they say about each one are so good.  The seniors way of Jesus Loves Me is so good and then the story about the tees that is so real and would be a wonderful story for children to here.  Thank you for them.

Judy B: Thanks for the devotional and that makes you also think about the times that we may not have been kind to some people

Larry: I wish that I could do 13 rounds on the track but my silly old back seems to hurt to soon when I try. but keep it up.

This weekend we had a live nativity scene at our church with live animals and it went very well we had app. 160 cars come through when they enter the driveway they get a C.D. and play it at the first scene then a chime comes on and that means that they move to the next scene so it went well and last night was the only night that it rained but we kept going praise the Lord for all who came through and we pray that all those who went through saw the true meaning about Christmas. There were a lot of children in the cars and many people that did not attend church . Praise the Lord for this op pertunity.

Janet: Good to see you got home safely but what a long trip catch up on your sleep.

Well must go for now.  Have a wonderful week and may the Lord bless each one of you on C.P. 

My grand daughter in South Carolina called me the other day and she is 3 months pregnant, but thinks she will probably have another miscarriage. She is a heroin addict and has Hepatitis C so it would probably be better if she  did miscarry. Please pray that Kim will make the right decision and get herself into rehab and get the treatments she needs. She is 26 years old and has already had numerous miscarriages.

Marilyn:  What a shock to be told the situation of your granddaughter.  May she have peace and comfort from all these prayers.

Janet:  That is a long trip and then for you to board a smaller plane & also drive home...... whew!  You are home safely - hooray!  Excuses and more excuses from the workers.  Take care now. 

I have spent all morning on relearning to make quilt labels on the computer.  Don shoveled the sidewalk because we had less than 2 in. of snow and it is bitter cold - I think a high of 11*F. today.  Yesterday, two friends and I drove to a birthday party for a fellow quilter & designer (she is 80 now).  When we got there, a group of even older and wiser women were following the Broncos football game & they didn't want it shut down.  Broncos won with a field goal at last minute & you would have loved seeing the ladies shouting and cheering hooray.  The last five games have been won at the very end and it is just wonderful to have some great and good news after all the horrible news out there. 

This is as cold as Minnesota used to be right now. 

Have you heard the news that a study says women who have had 4 children have fewer heart attacks?  I hope so - the children gave me a few heart attacks when they were growing up   

I agree with that last post1! My 4 children also gave me a full share of stresses. Now I'm praying for my 2 granddaughters and for my tiny little great grandsons.

May our Lord bless each of you real good!!

Ruth Ann Bice

May I cry on your collective shoulders for a few minutes?  Thanks (And you may feel free to skip this if you want!)  Today was one of those really rough ones!  I don't even know how she knew I was home, but Debra (my boss at the care home) called last night and asked me to work today.  I woke up at 3:30 and never got back to sleep; was at work at 6:00, everything went so well during breakfast.  One dear lady I have become so fond of was in a great mood, was so pleased that I made pancakes just for her, chatted and visited........then, at lunch, when I took the salad bar around, she wanted some little cheese cubes and some diced beets.  Almost immediately, she called out something and I turned and her eyes were just terrified!  I thought she was having a seizure, the nurses and CNAs surrounded her, about six of them, and the other RNs came running; the ambulance was called, but Myrtle was dead before they could get her back to her room.  And I was told she choked to death on what I gave her.  I was really upset, to say the least!

I managed to finish serving lunch, clean up, find Beth's good blouses that had been taken to the laundry but she wanted me to wash them, read Beth a story, and I came home.  I went to bed and slept a little, so tired and troubled in spirit.  Later, Debra called to tell me they had a meeting of the nursing staff and her, and that Myrtle did NOT choke; she stroked.  At least now I know it wasn't because of something I did.  What a day.  I was afraid Debra was going to ask me to work again, and I did not want to!  It was so hard to keep from crying in front of the residents.

But, even on the worst day ever at work, there came some good news!  They have ordered Beth a new wheelchair which is being built and modified especially for her needs.  It is very expensive, so they are going to rent it.  I told them I don't care if it's rented or purchased, as long as she has it to use!  That will make her life so much better, and make it easier on all of us who care for her, including them.  So I am thanking God about that!

I'm sorry this post is a downer, that's just the way my day went.  I think it will be another early night for Janet!  And maybe I can get back on track tomorrow---so much to do!

I will be back, and in a much more positive frame of mind, I promise.

   Janet:  I have been at a few nursing homes as i did work at two and thank goodness that did not happen. I can just think how hard that was for you and how you felt but  praise the Lord that they told you that she had a stroke but it is so sad when she was so glad to see you first thing in the day.

We have had a very gloomy day here and it has rained all day long but we are glad it is not snow.  Well not much more to say Noreen and I did not go out today at all I have been trying to finish the Christmas cards.  God bless.  Gordon and Noreen.

{{{{{{HUGS JANET}}}}}}

Hi everyone.  I think it is going to be a dreary day here in Georgia with some showers predicted but still being above 65 before the day is over. My main activity this morning is to take my car in for an estimate of the damage from the little wreck last week.  The insurance company called me yesterday afternoon and was able to schedule the estimate and also schedule a rental car for me should one be needed.  I then have a meeting this morning to attend and should have the rest of the day free.

Etta Sue, it sounds like you have created a very productive knitting group.  I am sure the items will be well-used and appreciated.  The lady who got all of those gifts for others certainly must be a good shopper.  I bet you could find bread recipes for the bread machine on line.

Gord, some days I can walk as I did yesterday and the next day will bring on the angina in 4 or 5 rounds and have to stop.  However, it is important to keep trying. 

Marilyn, I do hope your granddaughter decides to seek help for herself as only she can make that decision.  Is she doing anything to treat the Hep C? 

Carol, winter has really hit your area.  Pat makes quilt labels on her machine and think she has to relearn the process each time she does it.  Believe me you don't have to have four children to bring on a lot of stress.  We have found that two can do the job very well. 

Janet, so sorry to hear of Myrtle's passing but is obviously was her time if she had a stroke that caused her death.  Sorry that you had to go through that period of stress thinking it was the cheese when it wasn't that at all.  Remember that "no" is a complete sentence and take care of yourself when asked to come to work and you don't feel like it. Good to read about the new wheelchair for Beth. 

Janet, what a day of emotional ups and downs you had.  Joy, fear, guilt, relief and gratitude.  I hope you can get some rest now.  It will surely take more than a couple of days to recover from your wonderful trip.

{{{{{{HUGGS JANET}}}}}}

Larry thank you for that story.  Needed to read that today.

MArilyn thank you for your devotion to this site.

Yestewrday was a really busy day for John and I .  A lot of answers were given putting us all at ease.  Something I haven't mentioned here, Kassie is pregnant with a little girl.  She is 17. We have seen the ultrasound.  The boyfriend is going into the military and it looks like he may be gone when the baby is born.  His parents want nothing to do with Kassie or the pregnancy.

Marilyn I have learned through the years that when the parents make a mistake, it is not the baby that is the mistake.  You have learned that as well I know.  I am praying for your grand daughter that she sees the error of her ways, gets into rehab, and delivers a healthy baby.  I will be praying for that baby, and your grand daughter.
So many derams are dashed when these kids let their morals down and make this mistake.  Kassie will be keeping the baby, and I have seen so much anger from her.  Anger that she didn't follow what she knew was right, anger that her future is gone, anget at the BF and anger at his parents.  This is all "stuff" that she will need to deal with as time goes by, as will others.  As far as the future goes I can see her determination pushing her through to follow the education route to provide the best for her child.

I guess you all know now why I have been so silent lately.

Have a good day folks.

 

Gord ~ I love those live Nativity scenes.  The idea of a CD would be great.  Sounds wonderful.

Marilyn ~ I can't imagine what your are going through with your granddaughter.  I can't imagine why anyone does that to their bodies let alone getting pregnant with a heroin addiction and Hepatitis.  Just proof that addictions take over all reasoning.

Carol ~ When friends talk about sports it seems they are speaking a foreign language.  I don't follow sports at all.  When my husband was alive, he watched every program that had an umpire, referee, score keeper, timer or judge.  I vowed when I had control of the remote, I wouldn't do that.  So far, I don't.  After 20 years, I don't think I have missed out too much!

Ruth Ann ~ I praise you for raising 4 children all alone!  And it sounds like you raised them to be upstanding citizens! 

Janet ~ I was thinking about what I was going to post to you and then read Jeanne's post.  I ditto what she said.  What emotions you had in a few minutes.  But your main emotion now should be joy.  Joy for making her last meal special...pancakes!  And as Larry says, 'No!' is a complete sentence.

Larry ~ Hope your car's ouchy doesn't cause you much inconvenience.  I am sure there will be some but hopefully not at your expense. 

JudyB ~ So sad to read about Kassie.  This too shall pass.  Her life isn't ruined.  This is a hiccup in her life journey.  She didn't make a mistake.  She made a wrong choice.  If the father and his parents are making this choice now, then they would be wrong for Kassie's baby in the future.  I know the financial burden will be high but the stress level should be less without them in the picture.  Right now, she needs your love as well as the baby needs all your love. 

Today I plan to take Ivalou to the pool.  First I am going to the hospital to meet the woman volunteer for the Chemo Wraps.  She has a bag of yarn for my group to use! 

It is 31 degrees but no rain right now.  It is windy and coming from the northeast...that's a sign of bad weather coming our way!  And the weather guessers say we are in for cold, snowy weather.

Thanks so much for the hugs and the words of wisdom.  I am feeling much better today after a good night's sleep.  I saw my chiropractor this morning, so my ouchies should go away soon.   am really excited about Beth getting the special wheelchair made just for her needs.  God is good!

Judy, I am so sorry that Kassie is walking a road she didn't need to walk, if she had chosen to honor God and not give in to hormones.  But the baby is still a gift from God, and God doesn't make mistakes.  Hugs to all of you, this will prove to be a blessing in the long run.

Marilyn, so sorry your granddaughter has made wrong choices and is suffering the consequences.  I  will be praying for both of these girls and also for the innocent lives they are presently carrying.  Really tough on those who love them.

I must get back on track today and start thinking about Christmas!  I haven't done one thing yet toward preparing for Christmas!

We are going to the Senior Center for lunch, will be good to see all our friends there again.

See you later!   

Hi, friends, I'm back from a looooooong HARD weekend, and am absolutely exhausted. I'll talk more tomorrow - just know I've read and understand each post - the goods and the difficults. Our Lord knows, and He will be with us through thick and thin, praise His name.

Ruth Ann

Just letting you know I'm praying for each of you, especially as I get to know you better through reading these messages. It's good to know that God cares ... When we are dealing with heartache in our families, and stress from car accidents and other things (I can't imagine what it felt like for you,Janet) ... It's so good to know that we are not facing these things alone. This has been my comfort when going through trials. He's there for us and has promised never to leave us or forsake us.

Judy Thank you for the compliment. It is  so sad when I think of Kim and the life she has chosen. I  just pray that she will get into rehab but it is a choice that  only she can make. She said to me that no one wants to help her, but she has to help herself. I didn't get a chance to tell her all the things I wanted to say even though we had talked for quite a long time. I listened to her cry and tell me that no one wanted to help her. I don't know if the baby would be born with Hep C as well. I was there in delivery when she was born and I had her for the first 3 weeks of her life because her mother just left her and her sister with me and disappeared for three weeks. I will pray for Kassie's situation and I know you will pray for Kim and the baby.

Larry I don't know that there is much treatment for Hep C, once a person has it is lasts the rest of their life. I will have to do some research on that.

I thank you all for your prayers for Kim and the baby.

There is little they can do for Hep C, as I understand it.  My nephew died from it about a year ago.  He contracted it from blood transfusions following a horrible motorcycle accident.  I hope they do have better treatment for it now.

I took Beth's winter shirts to her today, went through her closet and drawers and brought home the short-sleeved shirts.  Sure isn't room there for all of them!  She was talking to John, so I read them both a story, they both enjoy that.

It was 3 degrees here this morning, with a pretty strong wind.  BRRRRR!!

I worked on my Christmas letter today, so at least maybe I will get a few cards mailed out.

Welcome, Betty.  So nice to have you with us!

I, too, have been scarce around here for many reasons.  I have been dealing with many and various family situations.  It seems this is the name of the game. Judy, I know of your situation ... some of the same has been in my family.  Shattered dreams, unfulfilled expectations .... kids just don't understand the consequences of their decisions ... or impulses without conscious decisions ... All we can do is leave them with the all knowing understanding of our Father ... He will bring all things to a good conclusion as we trust Him.   

I am hoping that my daughter, Dot, in Spokane will be able to accompany me to California in the next week or so.  Her daughters, and three grandkids, are in Lancaster .... We would stop in Sacramento and visit with Joy and Bryan.  Then Bryan will be going along to Lancaster to be with Candice and Becky and their kids for Christmas.  Dot has not seen Becky in five years, since she left home with her father, and now she has a baby girl that we all want to become acquainted with.... Of course, Dot is hoping to get a job this next week too .... while we want her to get a job, we also want her to be with her daughters and grandkids for Christmas.   God knows how it will work out for the best and we await His best judgement. 

I am thinking that I will be going to California with or without Dot ... I can make it to Sacramento and pick up Bryan and he will be able to help with the driving to and from Lancaster.   I'll be out of here sometime after the 14th (I have a doctor's appointment then so can't go anywhere before that.)

Pearl Harbor Day - the flags will be flown at half staff in remembrance. 

I was just thinking that this is a wonderful place to come and ease your concerns.  My hugs and prayers for all of your happenings in life right now. 

I have been awake since 3 AM and now baking a cranberry/apple oatmeal not too sweet dessert for Bible Study potluck.  Two neighbors are not going as they will be sitting with a friend at a downtown hospital for the husband's thyroid growth surgery.  Don will have to drive me this morning just to be on the safe side because of being groggy.  Yesterday, the garage door would only open two inches because of the freezing so I will have to even check that out first. 

Janet: You were meant to be there to give that poor lady a final sweet taste and meant to greet her that going away morning.  There was a reason..... but that doesn't mean YOU have to say yes because others drop their obligations.  Am so glad that Beth now has the chair she needs.  Hugs & please write about your trip after you rest a while. 

I stopped at the hospital yesterday to meet Jerri but she was so tired after her speaking at a meeting, she went home to rest.  Jerri is 51 and found out about 3 months ago that she has breast cancer and is taking chemo now.  But I got a huge bag of yarn to make Chemo Wraps.  The One Pound skeins!  That will make lots and lots of Chemo Wraps!

Then Ivalou and I went to the pool.  It could tell it had been 10 days since I had been in the pool and it had been longer for Ivalou. 

After leaving the pool, we were both hungry!  I know.  That is a surprise!  So we stopped at the Mexican restaurant near the hospital.  I do believe I like the food there better than any other Mexican restaurant around! 

Then home.  I am crocheting a baby afghan.  I measured it at 37".  Then I checked to see if all the chains were the same.  No.  I had a 6 chain instead of a 12 chain way back.  So I pulled it all out to the mistake.  Now it is 28".  Almost like starting over.  But I will get it done.  I just like for it to be right! 

Today is my Medicare Wellness Exam...paid for by Medicare.  There was a 7 point questionnaire I had to fill out...all but when my last colonoscopy, bone density, etc. was.  Not sure what all is involved but I will see. 

This evening is Crochet Angels.  It will be our last meeting this year.  I asked that all projects be brought to me by Sunday so I can take them to Third Phase, the women abuse center, in Noblesville, one day next week. 

Prayers, concerns and praises have been spoken to God by me this morning!

Thanks, Carol.  I will talk more about the trip, and maybe even recruit some help with the photos so I can show you all at least a glimpse of it.  Please don't take any chances, stay home if you're too groggy, as your well being is more important than any meeting!

I am busy today with stuff.  Cleaning, laundry, nail appt's for both Darrel and me this morning (toenails) and now I have some chicken nuggets in the oven for lunch with the Red Hats ladies soon.

I am making a list of places that might host book signings for me when the book comes out--they are saying not more than six weeks from now.  The waiting is getting harder all the time!

Etta Sue, just what is a Chemo Wrap?  I'm picturing a head covering, is that right?  So nice of you gals to make those and the other things as well.

Well, our Lord granted quite a long sleep & rest period for me last night/this morning.

With a dear friend slowly sinking toward death and his grieving family at his side, I've been trying to support them, as the daughter is my very best friend, and their family has taken me in as a family member.

Also, another big work session at my apartment, so I was out of my apartment from 8 a.m. till midnight Monday.

And, as things are likely to pile up on us, I had agreed to play piano for our devotions meeting yesterday morning, then, 3 hours later to play piano nonstop for an hour (all Christmas music) during the complex's Christmas party.

By the end of all that, I was almost beyond exhaustion. Thankfully, the strength seems to be returning bit by bit today.

My friend is being transferred to a hospice facility at this moment. His family still needs our prayer.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

I am late getting here today as have had a very full day today.  As soon as I got home from coffee we went to Bible study.  Then the group went across the street to the donut place for coffee.  We had to leave there a little early as I had a dental appointment at noon.  I was called back but had to wait until about 1 pm before the dentist could get to me as they had a couple of morning emergency cases to deal with.  It didn't take long to fill the tooth and then Pat and I decided to try out the new Olive Garden that had opened last weekend only to find it was only open in the evenings at this time.  So we went to Steak and Shake for a quick lunch and then a final stop at the Kaiser Pharmacy to pick up medicine.  This evening I have my last Wednesday evening choir practice.  I was able to squeeze in a little nap after we got home.

It has turned windy and much cooler here after a rainy night and rain off and on today. 

Judy, how can grandparents abandon a grandchild regardless of the circumstances.  Does Canada require fathers to pay child support.  I agree that the baby has nothing to do with the mistake that so many young people make.  A life is always precious. Kassie is fortunate to have you and John to be there for her. 

Etta Sue, I think one reason I like sports is that it is something that is happening and not staged.  It allows us to focus on something other than the problems that many of us carry around with us.  To top it all off it is just fun to watch and appreciate the talent that is evident in the athlete.  I did take my car for the estimate yesterday and it will cost less than $500 unless more damage is found when the bumper is removed to be repainted. As soon as I get the check for the repair I will schedule it and get a rental car for a couple of days until the car is ready.

Janet, glad to see you had a good night's sleep and are feeling better.

Betty, glad you stopped by and posted as it is always nice to read something new friends have written.

Marilyn,  I took a year of interferon shots and that brought my count down to almost undetectable.  I just learned from my cardiologist that you never totally get rid of Hep C and he has suggested I follow up with my gastro doctor to see if some of my symptoms could be the Hep C starting up again.  However, will not worry about that until such time as I might know for certain as think after all these years it probably has not restarted.

Janet, I got mine via the blood transfusion I had in 1987 when I had my first heart surgery.  It was before the Red Cross was checking or it as it hadn't been identified as such prior to that time. 

Jane, it sounds like you have a very busy month planned but will be nice for you to be with members of your family. 

Carol, hope you were able to get your car out of the garage.

Ruth Ann, for a few years when I volunteered to play the piano and sing with the participates out the respite center at our church I would play for maybe thirty minutes and also played Christmas music before the annual Christmas party.  However, don't think I could have done it for an hour and even the half hour became too long.  I can certainly understand your being exhausted.

Our Son in Law Heather's husband is a taxi driver.  He is going through some rough times right now and I know he would appreciate prayer. 

Gord sent me this a bit ago, and asked me to post it here on CP.  Jon has a soft heart.   Heather told me that one night he had a drunk man in his cab and he started talking to him.  He was a Korean vet and he told Jon of his time in Korea.  The alcohol couldn't drown out the pictures that ran around in his head.  He drove this man home helped him to the door, the vet gave him his house key and Jon walked him into the house helped him lay down on the couch and covered him with a blanket.  No charge.

This is an old story, not specifically true, but at least true with in that household.  As the Christmas season is upon us, let's continue to be kind to those who come across our path.  My nephew who is nearing 50 had a young lady (20 something) smile at him.  It made his day. 

Here is the story.

The Cab Ride

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. after waiting a few minutes
I walked to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned
on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had
lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware..

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice.. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and
would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'.

We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life..

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY  WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL