Grape Pony & Sunshine

When you stand before God, what might be your greatest regret? Mine? Not saying "I love you".  Who have you not said "I love you" to? Brad Wilcox once said, "In an increasingly polarized world, what will bridge the gulf that divides us? How can such a "small and simple thing" as care for others transform us into better people than we have been?"  Can I entertain grace for those around me? It just might be possible that saying the words, "I love you" will bridge a gap that is growing into a deeper and deeper chasm. The words "I love you" can change small corners of the world which, in turn, expand to the whole world. I love Mother Teresa's "Anyway" poem. It was found inscribed on the wall of her home in Calcutta.  People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;  Forgive them anyway.  If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;  Be kind anyway.  If you are successful, you will ...

He's gone.  He has been gone for 76 days and 22 hours.  I know because I stood at the foot of his old iron four poster bed and watched him take his last breath. I had stood at his head earlier, bent down, kissed his forehead, and whispered to him to apologize for being so awful.  I drove like a bat-outa-hell to get there. And I arrived in time to hold his hand.  This man is missed more than I ever imagined. He was the first man I ever loved. He was the first man I didn't love. He taught me respect, and I showed him disrespect. He taught me to work and to play. He taught me to ride horses, to flank calves, to vaccinate cattle, to bottle feed sweet baby calves and baby goats, and to love life.  The first time I watched a calf being pulled, it was by his side. Then we strapped that beautiful baby on the saddle horn and took it back to the house. Just me, Dad, and Tommy Cook.  I wish he was here.  I know that he is teaching and working harder than he ever ...