Amazing Grace

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Each year, this trip to the desert seems to bring a little something new to the table of life. This year has been no different. In the few weeks we have been here, we have said goodbye, from afar, to way too many. Sweet Bea Schmidt, perhaps the most gentle and kindest woman I have EVER known, joined her husband in heaven. I lost a high school classmate, one dear friend lost her Dad, and another lost her mother. Craig lost a long time family friend, and a sweet friend from the RV Park lost his Dad. It is hard to be so far away. The ability to comfort is lost, as is the chance to seek comfort. We sent cards, but missed memorial services.

I strongly believe the things we need most in life are given to us. It is something we have to be watchful for and open to receiving. If you close your mind to the possibility that you, alone, must forge your own path, you will miss these subtle messages. But even for the most resistant, life has a select way of speaking to your heart.

Because it was Tuesday, and we often lack for “entertaining” things to do, Dad and I went to the Tuesday Night Talent Show. (TNT) The barbershop quartet (plus a few) sang, a man played a classical piece on the piano, (from memory, as Dad quickly pointed out to me) and several people sang. This group included a man who sang “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’,” which happens to have been my Mothers favorite song. He invited the audience to join in on the chorus. I could hear my Mom’s voice as she used to sing along with her music box that played this song. Comforting thoughts of a long ago time.

The sweet friend who lost his father also happens to be one half of the musical couple we met last year that play guitars and sing. Actually, not just sing. They make music that would soothe the soul of an angel. The wife, minus her husband, was the last act of the first half of the Tuesday Night Talent Show. And sing she did. Amazing Grace. Her beautiful voice, the heartfelt rendition, and her amazing stage presence riveted the audience. As I listened, captivated by this singing of an angel, I hoped the peace that fell over me would also envelop her husband, to whom the words and message seemed so appropriate.

My friends and most especially to my dear children, for whom this blog is written, know that I am thinking of you. I wish you peace in your heart and joy in your soul. Miss you more than words can speak. I can’t wait to see you again.

Cactus flowers. They are just beginning to burst into bloom.