Today, I am thankful for...

...so much. At the same time, I am so sad. I got a call early this morning that a very good friend of mine went to sleep last night like any other night, but she did not wake up this morning. I was (and still think I am) in shock. It is late night now and I have been crying off and on all day. I did not know what in the world I could be thankful for after receiving this news.
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. "~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

When I started this challenge at the 1st of the month, I knew it would not be easy. Things are kind of tough all around for a lot of people. The last thing I expected was to get news of a friend passing away. She was not a lot older than me. She seemed to be healthy and without complaint. Her family has already been through so much. She had a son that was hit by a car and killed over 10 years ago. She kept going. She and her husband had some hard times and were separated. She kept going. During this time, less than a year ago - he passed away. She kept going. She was always the one that was there for everyone else. Such an encouragement to others. A hard worker. Served in her church. Taught at the school. Volunteered countless hours everywhere. I named my second daughter after her daughter who was a student of mine. I just can't wrap my head around it. I had to stop and just pray. I had to "gather" myself and realize that there are just some things in this world that we will never understand. I truly believe that God has a reason and timing for all things. I have to trust Him.


This is what faith is all about. Faith is believing in something you can not see.


So today, I am thankful. Thankful to have known and been influenced by such an amazing woman. She was an incredible mother and teacher. She was such a motivator! I am thankful for my family and the way they gathered around and wanted to comfort me.


I am thankful for my friend Michelle that came over today and just sat and talked with me. She let me cry, we laughed and we were just together.


I am thankful that I knew you, Sally Ramirez, and I will never, ever forget you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Sally and her only grandchild taken just this summer.