Day of Thanksgiving- Day 3- Relationships

Today, I'm thankful for relationships.

One of the pillars of our church died this week- a man who was very involved in many good things. He had been faithful to his wife and was known to many of the church children as "the man with candy in his pockets." Here's a brief clip from his obituary:

He was a member of Denver United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the United Methodist Men and a former Sunday School teacher. He was a member of the Denver Masonic Lodge #757 A.F. & A.M., the Oasis Shriners in Charlotte, Oasis Ragtop Unit, member and past president of the Lake Norman Shrine Club, member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court 109, where he served as Director. He was chairman of the Oasis NFL Alumni Golf Tournament and member of the Verdict Ridge Golf & Country Club. He was a member of the Board of Surrender House in Lincolnton, Salvation ARC Board, sponsor in AA, and mentor at Rock Springs Elementary School and North Middle School.

There were over 700 people at his funeral. He was all about building relationships.

A friend of mine drove nearly 4 hours (one way) today to meet her husband off of a plane. That isn't too extraordinary in itself, but he has spent the past year in Afghanistan as a Chief Petty Officer in the National Guard. I have her daughter overnight tonight as they have a small "honeymoon" on the way home. The kids don't know- and will be surprised tomorrow at school that their father is home two weeks earlier than planned.

I met my best friend and some other girls for lunch today. Their lighthearted banter makes me realize how grateful I am for good friends to just be silly with. Some of the topics may have been more serious but when shared with friends, become lighter.

And I am so grateful for my friends here. I would love to solve your problems- take away your pain, get you better jobs, heal your relationships, but hopefully just by being here some of your burdens are a little lighter. Kat, I feel like we've been more than just friends for forever- I have you to thank for bringing me over here from 360; Susan (Abby) I really wish you lived closer. Just the day we got to spend together tells me that we'd be great friends to hang out with. Dai and Kumar- I wish I had endless money and could jet off to the other side of the world. I'd love to meet you and see those pretty mountains! China isn't too far away, so I'd trek on up and meet Susan (Libby) too, my sister in Christ. Kippy, I'd jet off to the other side of the country and hang out with you and Jeremy, roll in the floor with the dogs, and eat some wonderful food. I'd spend a day with Jimmie, walking in the mall and listening to sage advice and knowledge. Sue, next time I head to the Creeper trail I'm going to make time to come on up and at least have a cup of tea. Maybe Eby could join us! And there are so many others, I'd never have the time or the money to meet in person but because of this wonderful place, I get to be a part of your life- all for free! Thank you for sharing yourselves with me!

And lastly, I'm thankful for my family relationships. I have a fabulous mom. (Not many people can say that- I know, I hear you!) I have a great daughter. I have two stepsons on the verge of manhood (they're 20 and 21- and hopefully one day can afford to NOT live with me! But I still love them!) My brother is so supportive and ready to help with things at any time, and I have enjoyed getting closer to my niece as she spends the night with me about once a week or so.

I could lament my divorce, or the lack of a "significant other" in my life, but I won't because my life is so filled with joy, the joy of my relationship with Christ and with the many people I named above. I love you all!