AVIS

mom with Christy

Milestones in life so often become mundane and easily forgotten until the one has passed and those milestones are constant reminders they are gone. Tonight I chose to remember this milestone for mom. Today is her 76th birthday. If she were still here I would have sent a card, made a call and felt good about myself. But when I think back I don't feel good. I feel regretful. She was my mom and it is hard to face how little I acknowledge her significance in my life. Our relationship was no where perfect, but in the latter years I began to realize she loved me and now she is gone and I can no longer express my words to her I have learned just how much my mom really loved me. Thank you mom.
All this was said to help you take stock of your relationships and grab with all your might, because they are only here a fleeting moment in time. Make memories to carry you through those days when all is done.

GOODBYE

APRIL 2012 - Avis Marie Lassiter Leavitt You have left our everyday life, but I have no doubt I will see you again someday. I know your body and spirit were tired. I selfishly want you here, but realize you are so happy now and I will be happy for you. We have things to do for you here and I promise I will honor every one of your request to the best of my abilities. Know that you are loved and missed.

THOUGHTS

Three years have passed, yet it is still so fresh in my mind. Why do we waste the time not letting those who we care so much about know they are important to us.

Richard was out of our lives for many years. Once reunited we didn't have enough time. Thinking back I keep wondering why I wasted so many precious moments. I have a picture of him in those last months before he passed and I often look at it and wish I had taken more care with my time with him. I miss him every day, some more than others.

Join me Tuesday November 1st with a quite moment for who he was and the knowledge some day we will be reunited once again. I love you little brother.

REUNION

I am blessed with a strong family. My dad is one of 11 children. And every year at this time those siblings come together at our family reunion. Today they will be enjoying each other and some of the best southern cooking ever. I am not able to go, but have such sweet memories of past years.

This year is different now that 3 of the siblings have passed on. Aunt Loneta (lower left) who left us just a few months ago and uncle James (his son Troy standing in 3rd from the left) & uncle Glen (his son Mason standing in 4th from the left) passed some years ago, but are always remembered at the reunion.

Time is short and I do not want to regret not knowing those who are part of who I am. We may only be able to reach out through some form of social media, but it allows us to stay connected even though there are many miles between us. I am thankful for my family and I hope I never forget to let them know how much it means to be part of them and I love them always.

HAPPY REUNION

SISTERS

...why is it one's hope is so wrapped in what may never come? Sisters or brothers those we want to relate to often are unresponsive or we miss our window of opportunity. My Lord shows an AGAPE love and I hunger for the same.

Family who should be one's center is many times off kilter. I have been blessed with three sisters, yet the world has temporarily claimed a victory in those relationships. Some day sooner than most believe He will return and I will find solace in siblings gone before me. I am thankful the Lord sustains us through the world's battles and our victory will be won by Him who is greater than the one of this world.

Each should seek those relationships while the seeking is acceptable. Do not waste the moments laid before you yet they might disappear. Thank you because He does not.

PERCEPTION

Many years ago I learned perception is often more powerful than reality. It is so often determined by one's personal values. Facts often become distorted or mangled to a point even the most uninvolved person is perceived evil. No matter what is done the perception remains the same and the soul is left adrift.

What is left is a broken spirit waiting for those to show the way. Problem is too often no one cares and they just walk away. One can only reach out to HIM who loves unconditional and knows truth about all things. Real peace and joy is His to give and ours to receive. Open your heart and let it fill the hole that the loved created.

PAIN

...it can take so many forms. Emotionally we can carry around those hidden scars. Mentally many times wait to be felt years later. Physically evidence is often very visible, yet in all the many forms pain can exist we will never know the true pain.

A time past one man took the ultimate pain of my sins to the very end that end was death on the cross. Tomorrow I celebrate Easter. I celebrate it with much relief I have the freedom to worship my living Lord. Join me in praising Him for the gift of eternal life.

I invite you to partake of this same gift. It is completely free. All that must be done is to accept it. Easter could be your new birthday.