No More Rain, But Lots of Sunshine...

I was compelled to write a post to say how much I appreciate the emails I have received today. I know the blog from yesterday was a tough one and strong. I felt it had to be done. "My blog" is my diary of sorts. It is my place to write, as it says on the header...about a lot of things...generally whatever I want to talk about. So, obviously, what I wanted to talk about was how mean spirited people can affect our lives. It's hurts. It truly does...we have all experienced "hurt feelings" of varying degrees. I had just reached my limits with making nice, I supposed. I am a nice person. I am easy going and not a lot ruffles me, so I do appreciate the kind and heartfelt emails that have come in to me all day. You have each given me a source of comfort, love and appreciation.
Wayne and I have no regrets whatsoever with regard to the help we have given Frieda. We have dropped everything on a dime to go to her whenever it has been requested by the family. For whatever reason, Frieda has elected to respond to us and we are so very, very honored by that.
I do know this. I WISH Frieda and I had gotten that book written we had planned. I WISH we had just gone and done the things we "planned on doing." I WISH we had taken off on all the sojourns that we elaborated on in depth and laid out right here on my porch. But, we didn't. We thought we had all the time in the world...and we didn't.
That is the hardest part of all of this.
Please know as readers, there are folks that read here who know Frieda and I don't know you. She has pointed out folks, told me names in conversations, etc. and luckily
I have come to know you now, as a result of my blog. I am thankful for that. I know Frieda would be as pleased as punch.
Just know she loves you all. Frieda LOVES her friends. I can attest to that.
I was thinking tonight about time. I guess we all need to understand that nothing is promised. The last 'normal' conversation I had with Frieda was ended with her saying "I'll call you back in 5"...as she was going into the Town and Country "to get nabs." I had to laugh because Renee told me later that she had a basket full! HA! Isn't that typical? Nabs? Right. Anyway...there was no call back to me in 5 minutes. Life took a totally different turn.
It has twisted and turned through out this process of Frieda's strokes. I've rolled with all the punches and kept Frieda's health and Frieda's progress in the forefront of it all.
I thank each and every one of you for going with me in my heart on each and every trip, during each and every movement and each and every word of encouragement.
I know in my heart and I want each of you to know in yours that Frieda would be so humbled, so touched and so very appreciative. She wanted to do everything for herself, as we all know, but I know that she would be stunned at the outpouring of love, prayer and genuine friendship that has stuck with her since July 27, 2007.
I know Wayne and I have been amazed and you all have been so empowering.
Just know I'm a tough ol' gal. I can hang with the best of 'em and when things get difficult, I'll deal with the difficulty and then get right back on track with what I know to be "right."
We love your emails around here! We truly do. Wayne and I thank you for sharing with us what YOU have learned from our experiences. That's how life ought to be...we should be learning from each other, helping each other and reaching out. There's too much selfishness and society has become such a "what about me" society. That's no good for anyone.
We didn't get anymore rain today, as I had hoped. But, I did go spend a bunch of time getting lots of love from my donkeys and goats, doggies and kitties. What great pals!
An acquaintance that emailed me earlier wished me "sunshine"...isn't that wonderful? That's how she signs her emails. So, I'll borrow that sentiment from her and (even though we need rain SO badly!) I wish you all "SUNSHINE," peace, happiness and most of all love. I wish each of you love.
Thanks for stopping by.
-Annie
PS: And if you have one true friend, hold on to him or her with all your might. Don't hold back on the things that you want to do, plans you want to make or things you want to say.
In the Buddhist traditions, everything is "impermanent." I have a friend in Brunswick county who is an elderly Buddhist monk. His name is Phra Kru Buddamonpricha. With the help of many people, he has built a beautiful monastery and peaceful wat (place of worship). We used to have long conversations regarding Christianity and Buddhism. We loved each others differences, respected one another's opinions and most of all...we loved each other as human beings and our differences never made one ounce of difference. God is happy with that. I just know it.

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