This past week, I had the honor to participate in the celebration of life of my great Aunt who passed away just shy of 93 years old. Through her life, there was never a day that the people around her did not know of her love for them. She was caring, giving, loving. A model for us all. One of 11 children, she lived a life bonded to her sisters and brothers like I have never heard of. Growing up, we always talked about the "sisters" or the "aunts" as they worked away preparing feasts for the family get togethers, or Sunday meals, or wedding meals. Such fond memories.
Yesterday I learned that the wife of one her brothers, passed away. Another "Great Aunt" has gone to her maker. There are two left of that generation. They knew, and lived a life showing, that their family and animals entrusted to them, were the most important. The sisters fostered many children outside of their own family, and dedicated so much of their time helping each other, others in the church community, or serving the church in many ways. I am blessed to have had such influence in my life.
Yesterday, I learned also of the death of a very dear friend of over 3 decades. A nicer person I have never known. Once a marine, always a marine and Frank would always sign off his emails with "Semper Fi" Always faithful. He was that and much more. A dear dear freind who is now gone from this life, and beginning his eternal life.
Yesterday also marked the beginning of a new friendship for me with an "old" friend. Samule was rescued from slaughter just like Jeremiah and I have been fostering him for some 6 weeks, paying for Vet, Dentist, Farrier and food suppliments, new blankets, halter and such. My thoughts were that if I could foster him for a bit, taking care of the other items, perhaps he would be more adoptable for someone else. I kept saying I wasn't ready for a new Mule, that we hadn't bonded, that he wasn't tall enough, or was too old, or, or or ........ Over the last 6 weeks, we have in fact bonded to the point that he follows me where ever I go and when I stop, he stops, looking in the direction I am looking as if to say "I don't see what is so interesting, but if your doing it, its good enough for me". He accepted me in all my imperfect ways, much as a dog does to their owners. He offered his friendship and companionship freely and directly to me. Though he is 17-18 years old, he opened himself up, despite his abuse and being sent to slaughter, to another human, to me. I could not walk away from him and yesterday I took him home where he is doing so very well. He never had dental treatment and I called in the best equine dentist in our area who restored his smile and ability to chew. His picture is below.
I travel on Saturday to Ethiopia, to serve a people I do not know by name, except as children of God. The people of this country, the second poorest in the world, give so much in return when I am there that it is almost overwhelming. They would give all they have of their meager belongings to you without thought or concern for themselves. They are a humble people, generous, kind, loving, accepting. They are proud too and their hard work in the fields or road projects show in the aged skin and in their eyes. They share their homes, their food, their heart with complete strangers who walk into their world without any understanding of how they can possibly survive the conditions they are grateful for. So much for me to learn and to take in. I look forward to this trip and to the new friends I will develop while I am in their country.
I will miss the friends that I have come to know here on this forum. Countless chuckles and laughs have we shared. Prayers over lost ones and sickness, and jobs, and health have been issued and granted. We cry and laugh, and swell with pride of heros far away. We teach and learn and tell a few stories along the way. We are a band of virtual brothers (and sisters). I will miss you and just wanted to let you know that I do not take you for granted in the least bit.
Blessings
