Death ... Life

When someone I know dies ... it always makes me think about life, theirs, of course ... what kind of impression did that person make on me, on others? What was special about them? How did they interact with others? What will I remember most?

I've known Dennis Wendling for a little over 18 years ... and he died suddenly Thursday night at only 68 years old, leaving behind a family who adored him and many people who called him friend. What I know is this: he is the Dad of my husband's ex-wife. He was a positive role model in my husband's life, and I loved him for that. I don't think I ever told him so. He made me feel like a part of the family when Mike and I started our relationship and through the years of our marriage. He and Gloria came to our wedding ... Gloria even designed my bouquet and did the flowers for our wedding ... I'm not sure she knows how much that meant to me either; they took Kristian sometimes when they picked up Megan and Zach when they were all so little in those early years. I don't know if I ever thanked either of them for showing her that love. I love that Dennis dressed up as Santa Claus every year and touched the hearts of young and old with his naturally white beard, twinkling eyes and bright smile. I love that he and Gloria did that together, she is a beautiful Mrs. Claus.

I don't remember if I ever thanked him or Gloria for taking Zach to Disney so many years ago ... and for making sure Zach called me to let me know that they were all OK, even with the hurricane/storms. And that they asked me to call Melanie and let her know. They believed in me as a parent! That meant the world to me!

Today, as I think about how wonderful our children are, how strong Melanie and Ron's marriage seems to be, how strong mine and Mike's marriage is, I know that much of that is because of the example Dennis and Gloria have set. I asked Mike last night one of the things he'll remember most about Dennis, and his response was "That he always made sure his family was taken care of, no matter what life's circumstances brought their way." That is how Mike is today ... he loves us, his family, unconditionally and I can always count on him no matter what life brings our way.

Don't wait to share how positive an impact someone has had on your life. If you love someone ... take time today to let them know ... before it's too late!

Dennis, I know God is enjoying your company today! You are missed already, and you are loved!

Wishing you roses and rainbows!
Lisa

Today is the day ...

to take hold of my own attitude and make sure it is properly adjusted!!

Have a fantastic day!
Lisa

Visit from Megan ...

YAY!! Megan got to come home and visit all of us! Hadn't seen her since her graduation in May! She looks wonderful ... has been eating healthy and working out and it shows! I am so proud of her. She has inspired me! I didn't get to do a lot of visiting with her, as I had to be at work.

I did get to talk with her some on Tuesday when she came over because I was home sick ... food poisoning we think. GRRR!!! At least it gave me an opportunity to see her and catch up a bit. Sure miss having her and Brian around here ... I know that Mike, Kristian and Zach miss her terribly, too ... perhaps one of these days they'll be able to move closer to home. Even Champaign-Urbana would be awesome ... but we want what's best for them ... so where ever God plants them is OK with us.

Wishing you roses and rainbows!
Lisa

Storms ...

I'm a big baby in them ... scare me to death ... but it seems to have passed now!
Have a happy day!
Lisa

Vacation Bible School ...

Wildwood Forest ... Vacation Bible School ... preparations are well underway!

We had drama rehearsal last night, which was so much fun ... the kids are gonna love this year's characters!!

Then we had our VBS staff meeting ... it is gonna be another fantastic week with awesome volunteers ... Aug. 3 - 7 at Chatham Presbyterian Church, Chatham, Ill. Dinner is at 5 p.m., Program 6 p.m. to 8:30!! The Wildwood Forest will be a sanctuary of faith, hope and love, fellowship and fun!!

If you are in the area, have kids who would enjoy singing, crafting, enjoying snacks, playing games and all while learning about God/Jesus ... bring them!!

Adventure calls!! WOOHOO!!!
Lisa

How time flies ...

I am always amazed at the pace with which life happens ... sometimes I can't believe the day has passed. What is more frustrating is knowing the day has passed with a list of to-do's yet to be done! There are so many things I want to do, but can't get the "have-to-do's" on the list done, which could give me the freedom I need to move forward.

Anyone else experience this craziness? Have any good ways to combat the issue? One of the things I know I must do is SIMPLIFY! I have too many calendars ... ICal on my laptop, Google calendar for our work group (so we know where everyone is as needed), and I am old school ... I still like my Franklin Covey planner ... the one with paper that I can actually write on ... silly, perhaps, but it might be my favorite! Although I do like the pop-ups on my ICal reminding me of appointments, etc.

Let me know if you have any grand ideas on how to simplify and get everything prioritized and done!!

Have a fabulous day!
Lisa

Best laid plans ...

I just looked at my last entry ... I have not followed through on each of the tasks that I outlined, though I have done better with some! I'll review them again tonight, and put a plan together that will help me get organized enough to accomplish the tasks!
Have a productive day!
Lisa