A day to reflect.

Today was a day of reflection. My dear Aunt Francis was laid to rest beside her husband at their family plot. It poured rain off and on all morning and the air was damp. As I watched her family gather at the grave-site memories of my mother's death came rushing back. These two ladies were so close; more like friends than sisters. I know if they had not been related they still would have found each other sometime, somewhere in life. They were each other's 'rock' many times throughout life; the ups and the downs. They shared good times around the table, a tea-cup in hand, laughter filling the room. How I wish I could hear just one more of their stories of 'the good 'ol days'. I truly believe they are now together again; reunited. I can see them embracing and hear the excitement in their voices. So much to catch up on. :)

                               The Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair,hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
and Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

My Aunt Francis saw the statue of St. Francis early in the spring that I had placed at the old pump when we first moved to the property.

It pleased her, and from what her daughter tells me, she later enjoyed the photos of the flowers and the bird feeders that surrounded him as the summer progressed.
The statue has always meant a lot to me, a gift from my children, and now it has even more meaning as I recall in my mind this lovely, caring woman, who sat at the bench with me under the old maple tree, held my hand and said "I am so happy you are here now. Your grandmother and your mother are smiling down on you as you make this place your home."
And now I will feel one more smile from above, a comforting hand on my shoulder, as I putter around this much-loved piece of land. Thank you, Auntie Francis.

We love you and may you Rest in Peace.

hugs, Deb