April 10

"Alvin, how are you?"
This may surprise you, but I am doing well.  I am "Into the Blue".  And this does not mean that did not love Judy.  We had a great 34 plus years of marriage and our girls tell me they want to pattern their marriage after ours.  What an honor!  Judy's death is a victory march that will continue on.  That spunky little lady's life has influenced many lives and is continuing to influence lives not the least of which is Haley and Mary's life.  I was talking to an old friend today who was mentioning how the girls have grown in grace and fortitude.  Many of you have read the words that Mary reposted on Facebook yesterday, the anniversary of Judy's first operation in 2009.  Her wisdom is evident in the things she has written. Italics are mine.

5 years ago today, we began a long, long, life lesson. We were taught lessons we weren't prepared for, and lessons we didn't want to learn, and lessons we needed to learn. As a pay-it-forward from those who have supported and become/been a part of my family, I want to share some of those lessons:
1. shit happens. really. Or poop, if you find the Shit word is offensive or Shiza if you are German.
2. shit happens for a reason.
3. people come into our lives for a reason. sometimes it takes time to figure out what that reason is. sometimes we've known all along what that reason is.
4. there are good people all around us.
5. never underestimate the amount of strength one can muster up.
6. it's ok to be angry.
7. showing weakness can be a sign of strength
8. there is always something to be thankful for.
9. you can never say "i love you" too often.
10. things will happen that we don't understand, but that's ok.

Today marked the first day of what we will hope to establish as a tradition with my girls and their husbands.  We plan to meet every Sunday at noon for lunch to stay connected.  Too often, we let time slip by without meeting for meaningful and some not so meaningful conversation.  No one is going to give us time so we are taking time to meet weekly as we are able.  I am so glad that we enjoy one another's company and have fun together.  I am blessed.

Tomorrow marks the first day of back to work for me after a four month hiatus.  I begin the spring round of bus meetings.  Who else has a job where you are paid to drive around the countryside delivering donuts to bus drivers and making people happy?

After some bus meetings, there may even be an opportunity for me to teach students to play the mighty ukulele and have a sing song or two.  

I am looking forward to my future.  Praise God!