{thoughts} Don't Cry For Me...

 

What right have I, to so much joy? To have been so blessed? And if tomorrow, there is no more,

Don't Cry For Me...

• I've been saved through God's grace.
• I've experienced a miracle. 
• I've been hugged by people that love me.
• I've grown up among the branches of Letha.
• I've read hundreds of great books.
• I've spent hours in the ocean.
• I've loved the heck out of some campers in the middle of Alaska.
• I've burned bridges, only to mend fences.
• I've had my grandmother as a pen pal for years. 
• I've seen pure joy in the eyes of children at a Florida Rescue Mission.
• I've been to Otego. 
• I've always known the security of "family".
• I've fallen in love with life at the Wild Mushroom. 
• I've taken comfort in a life verse. (Isaiah 41:10)
• I've lived in a land of magic - Ireland.
• I've kissed the Blarney stone.
• I've been to a concert that changed my outlook.
• I've seen the world with my sister. And cried over sad endings and new beginnings.
• I've spent hours sharing tales with my best friends in a tent in the Scottish countryside.
• I've been kicked off an Isle.
• I've mourned deeply, but loved even deeper.
• I've felt comfortable in my skin at the Lazy Dog. 
• I've fallen in love with a painting, then became friends with the artist.
• I've played gin rummy on planes, trains, and bus stop benches.
• I've listened to my grandfather belt out the lyrics to his favorite song.
• I've lived in land of knowledge - Oxford, England.
• I've taken a "cab ride" with French boys that looked out for me in a time of vulnerability.
• I've listened to the Magdalen College Madrigals & drank champagne on an Oxford "May Day"
• I've discussed all things C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien with my dad at the Eagle and Child.
• I've played an epic game of golf. 
• I've been humbled by the tenacity (and length) of my grandmother's prayers and prayer lists.
• I've made a "home" in seven different apartments/houses, and three different countries.
• I've experienced the blue grotto.
• I've failed.  I've succeeded. I've tried again.
• I've sat by a fire, on a hill top with new friends from Basque. 
• I've taken things for granted. I've cherished moments.
• I've shared meals with strangers turned friends.
• I've traveled and laughed with my mother. 
• I've battled with Jesus, only to once again realize His perfection and endless love for me.
• I've seen strength through the eyes of pain.
• I've hosted dinner parties that filled my heart with love.
• I've been called "God Mother". 
• I've felt the presence of Jesus in Bethlehem.
• I've cried at the Mount of Olives.
• I've found laughter in the most absurd places.
• I've carried on the best of traditions - with a corn maze race and birthday golf.
• I've laughed so hard with my brother, I couldn't breathe.
• I've written beautiful phrases that I'm proud of. 
• I've known times of want and times of flush. And been happy in each.
• I've stared at the sunset from the deck of a cruise ship.
• I've spent summer days tubing on a river with those I love most.
• I've been called "Best Friend" "Sister" "Daughter" "Granddaughter"
• I've had people selflessly sacrifice for me.
• I've had a friend text me in my time of need.
• I've fallen in and out of love.
• I've lived through anxiety. 
• I've lived three, amazing decades.
• I've danced around the living room with Ike.
• I've stood high above the world at the feet of the Redeemer.
• I've lazed a day away in a colorful hammock.
• I've felt protected and cared for in times of sickness.
• I've understood the amazing-ness of a pets adoration. 
• I've gone home.