19 January 2011

Sitting in the international departure terminal at San Francisco International waiting for the United counter people to show up. Long flight back 12-1/2 hours in the air from here to Beijing.
It's been a short difficult time. Arrived late Saturday night. Went to church in Antioch with Dan and his family for both services on Sunday. I spent time with the Mauldins in the afternoon. A very enjoyable day.
Monday was odd. Tim wasn't well enough to accompany me to the Neptune Society to arrange for Mom's cremation. He and Mom's sister and her family didn't come to the memorial service. Tim wasn't well and it appears Aunt Carolyn's family went out and released a couple of white balloons in Mom's memory.
It was a very small, 40 minute service. Bro Gurnett did the eulogy and I spoke. I saw people I really loved and missed. The church and Bro Gurnett were very kind and gracious.
I spent yesterday with Danielle and the kids. It was a good time and I enjoyed myself. I was much more relaxed having completed everything I needed to.
Dan and I talked about the changes in our family. Craig back east, Dan and Uncle Jeff and Uncle Tim in California, me in China, Candi's dad in Oregon. The others haven't had a role in our lives in ages. Dan was remembering when Candi, Dad and Mom, and Joy were alive and things were so different. Now, there is this sense of being all alone. I think Craig felt it when I talked to him yesterday. It is one of the life experiences we learn to deal with as we grow older.
But I also have this peace that fills my heart. So many decisions of others I cannot change or control. Some are heartbreaking, some frustrating ... none worth getting angry about.
I am proud of my sons, all 6 of them. I love them with all my heart. Their wives and children provide a base for a strong Christian family that lifts my heart.
Marilyn is the joy of my life. She is strong, capable, loving and a marvelous mother and grandmother.
It is a fact that there are really different stages in our lives. Sometimes it is difficult to adjust. But He is faithful. Your outlook on life, your relationship with God, and a desire to maintain a clear conscience with God and man make it doable.
I'm soon to be 61. It ain't no big deal. Life is sweet now, even when considering the heartbreaks and tears we shed.
Later y'all!