First things first

Well, this is my first post...a confusing one. On one hand, I am incredibly happy to be alive, healthy, in love and loved. I am happy and excited about getting married in 23 days; however, a sadness that few understand creeps over my shoulders. My soon-to-be Mother-in-law passed away on Sunday, December 3. She had been battling cancer and had returned from M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas cancer-free. This was one of her biggest accomplishments, other than having her three amazing, intelligent, well-rounded, loving, caring, Christian sons; marrying an equally great Christian man; living her life for her Lord, her children, and her grandchildren; and learning to make English fun and appealing to those with little or no desire to learn anything. She came back with hair and eyelashes (which she was most proud of). Although she is not here in a physical form, I know she is here.

Today, I had to run errands for Paul (David's father) and a few for me. As I returned back to our home in Rockmart, I saw the sun set behind a mountain of living trees and homes filled with love and laughter. The sky at any position had a hint of purple to it. The white was tinted purple, the red was tinted purple, and the other magnificent colors the Lord decorates the sky with was tinted purple (This is a mutual favorite color for Rae and me...One of the many, many, many things we had in common! :) ). I felt a calming as if Rae and God were telling me that she was perfectly fine, in no pain, and was watching over me. I felt confidence to be able to care for, love and protect the two men she cherished most in the world: David (her baby boy) and Paul (her husband and soul mate). She left them behind under my care until they reach Heaven to be with her. I wondered (as soon as this whole situation arose) how I could manage to work, go to school, and care for these men. How could I do it? I felt today that Rae was telling me that she left them with me and only me because she trusted me and knew I could do it. I can do anything with the help and instruction of the Lord. I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me. If he leads you to it, he will pull you through it!!!!

AMEN!

I love the color purple. .... Thank you, Lord, for the color purple!