Rapid Pace.....

The last two weeks have been busy and eventful.  On June 5th my husband and I went to Bend, Oregon to the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch for a similar ministries conference.   Three days in the unusual Bend heat was taxing but we learned a lot and met a lot of really nice people.  Not to mention that we got to stay with our son Tanner and Michelle.  They are always so fun to hang out with. 

We had to jet back home a little early because hubby had to go to work on Saturday.  After a few days of being home, we hopped a plane to Orange County to take in my nephew's graduation festivities.  We all decided that we would go the weekend before and go to the Baccalaureate and my sister had the party on Saturday evening so we could all go.  There were 13 people in my sister's house for a couple nights.  It was fun and I'm sure her house will never be the same.

Going home we rode with my baby sister (did I say baby?....ha ha sorry Von), her three boys and my oldest sister.  We headed home on Sunday morning.  12 1/2 hours later we arrived close to our destination but still 1 1/2 hours short of Lavonne's. 

Why am I telling you all of this?  I was just wondering that myself.  So, let me see if I can write what I am thinking.

This morning I called Lavonne on my way to work as I oft times do.  She asked me how I was doing.  My reply kind of stunned me.  I said "I am lonely".  Lonely, lonely for that morning grumble from my youngest son because I got him up too early.  Lonely to feel his arm slung around my shoulder in a careless, simple way.  Lonely for that summer time feel when the schedule changes and life becomes more relaxed.  Just lonely for my boy.

Being with family is such a strong reminder that he is no longer with us.  This lonely feeling doesn't come too often and when it does I can be rest assured that Jesus will take that feeling and replace it with his grace and mercy and the wonderful people he has put in my life.