That's What Friends Are For!

My dear friend, Peggy Whitson, is here from Illinois for a visit. Having her here is such a blessing. I wonder if there's anything as uplifting as friends who have known you for a long, long time. In Peggy's case, the poor woman has had to put up with me since the late seventies. Yes, THAT long.

The woman's a saint.

Few people know me as well as Peggy. And few people can make me laugh as hard or as long as she. And few people can speak truth to my heart and spirit like she does. All of which just makes me cherish her more.

Interesting thing is, we're quite different when it comes to our personalities. But God has used that to help us teach and refine each other. I get her to giggle like a little kid; she stirs me to integrity and transparency.   I'm the Golden Retriever to her Terrier. And I love that. And I love how God also breathed similarities into us. Some of those similarities might seem...bad. We both deal with asthma and fibromyalgia. We both struggle with memory issues. We both are fighting diabetes. But here's what's so cool about it: because we truly understand these things from the inside out, we are able to encourage one another. And laugh. Oh! How we laugh. Like the time we went hiking here in Oregon, up a trail that was decidedly more difficult than two asthmatics should have hiked, and we had to stop every few minutes to wheeze and suck on our inhalers. Not so much because the hike was hard, though it certainly was. But because we were laughing so hard. We joked that we'd probably pass out, or even expire right then and there on the path. But we'd go out knowing we'd TRIED, and we'd be smiling.

Peggy and I share something else: She is a writer, too. Not just a writer, but a really good writer. She sees life in ways that make me stop and think, and she's so honest in what she writes. I love reading her work. Which is why I'm so tickled that, just today, she started a blog, Life in the Fog. I'm delighted to tell you about and, in this small way, share one of God's greatest gifts in my life--the inimitable Peggy--with you. So go visit her blog, and if you like it, go back. And hey, tell her I sent ya.

She needs to know how much she owes me.

Speaking of Parents...

81 years ago today Frederick Olan Sapp, Jr. made his entrance into this world...

...and boy! Is the world richer for it.

I freely admit it: I'm biased. But that doesn't change the fact that he's the best dad ever. His devotion to our family has always been his first priority.

I got my sense of humor from Dad...

...and my love of God, family...

...church, and music...

nature and animals.

Dad taught me the value of work and play,

and to savor friendships...

...shared laughter...

...and food!

Together, Dad and Mom taught me that marriage

is about respect and kindness, service and surrender.

That marriages last when built on a solid foundation of faith in God...

...and that love means not only saying you're sorry,

but being willing to be the first to say it.

So here's to Dad, to 81 years of life well lived, love well loved, and lessons well learned. Here's to a man of God and faith, who has enriched all who know him.

Happy birthday, Dad.

I love you.

Karen

A Shining Example

If you haven't done so already, watch this amazing video of a soldier being greeted by his dog when he returns home from Afghanistan. And take a lesson on exuberance, love, and gratitude.

Watch now.

Peace, all.

Karen

The Gold Standard of Mothers

Seven years.

2555 Days.

61,320 hours.

That's how long it's been since I heard her voice. Felt the soft touch of her hand. Felt her laughter lift my spirit. Let my head rest against her shoulder.

Seven years since my mom, Paula Ann Sapp, left us for eternity.

I can't believe it's been that long. It seems like yesterday...it seems like forever. The good news is that I can talk about her now--most of the time--without breaking down. In fact, as often as not I end up laughing because the thoughts and memories of her are steeped in joy and love. The bad news? The void deep inside that mawed into existence the day she left us is still there. Will be until I see her again in eternity.

I think about Mom a lot, but most especially this time of year, as Mother's Day approaches. Part of me doesn't like that day anymore. All the flowers and cards and even the sermon at church just amplify the fact that Mom's not here. But at the same time, Mother's Day reminds me how blessed I was to have the mother I did. She was the Gold Standard of Mothers. Here's why:

• She loved without reserve. I saw it every day in her eyes, felt it in her touch, heard it in her voice and words.

• She believed in my brothers and me. Big time.
• She knew the value of laughter, and let it become the music that rang freely in our home.

• She liked us, and loved spending time with us. Picnics, playing games at home, trips...it didn't matter what we did. It was a joy just to be together.
  

• She always knew the right thing to say--and when not to say anything at all.

She nurtured us and our passions with love and tender humor.

• She directed us to God. Unfailingly. Her rock-solid faith in God was evident in the way she lived.
• She loved Dad. I mean...LOVED him. Admired and respected him. Found no other's company more delightful or desired.

• She taught us how to celebrate both the big and little in life. And that the little celebrations are often most important.
  

People have told me I have Mom's hands or her smile. I love that. And I pray I exhibit her spirit and heart as well. I want to be a reflection of this woman who was such a beautiful reflection of God.

So as Mother's Day approaches, be mindful of all your mom has done for you. Good, bad, or indifferent, our mothers are a part of the fabric of who we are. If yours is still living, cherish her. Let her know you love and appreciate her. Ask her to tell you stories about her childhood, about her growing up. And capture those stories, her voice, her laughter, on video. Take the opportunity to hug her or hold her hand. Because the day will come when you can no longer do that, and--and trust me on this--you'll miss it. Like you never knew you could miss something.

If, like me, your mom has entered eternity, know I'm thinking of you. And I'm praying for you. That God will fill your heart and mind with wonderful memories, with the sweet sound of your mom's voice, with the music of her laughter, the warmth of her hug. And celebrate with me that one day...one glorious day!...we'll see them again. These women who birthed and cared for us, who nurtured and encouraged us, who blessed our lives in countless ways. We'll see them again.

And oh! What a joyful reunion that will be!

Karen