Words to live by

“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” 

~ Mother Teresa

Challenging times

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” 

~ Maya Angelou

Searching for direction

Tonight I am feeling a little lost and confused about which direction to go, which path to take.  The answer is unclear.  I will close my eyes and say a prayer.....and starting tomorrow I will put one foot in front of the other and follow wherever the path may lead.

“You never know what's around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you've climbed a mountain.” 

~ Tom Hiddleston

Upward

“I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.”

~ Charlotte Brontë

Connected

I think it's worth remembering....and therefore bears repeating from time to time....that we are all connected.  There isn't much that we do in our lives that doesn't affect somebody in some way....maybe for the better....but not always.  Every word, every action has a reaction of some kind.  Therefore....we need to try to take the high road whenever possible.  We need to live our lives in a thoughtful and purposeful way...and with respect for those who inhabit the planet with us.  We aren't always going to agree with everyone, or get along with everyone.  There are going to be some tough situations that test our character and resolve....but we must try to reach out our hand to grab hold of our neighbor's.....even when it seems the most impossible task.  It is in lifting them up that we keep our balance and our face toward the sun.  We must strive to maintain a forgiving and open heart.  Sometimes we will stumble. But we need to remember.... that even though we don't like to admit it....we can not live this life alone, in solitary....and even if we could.... life wouldn't be worth living.

“The important element is the way in which all things are connected. Every thought and action sends shivers of energy into the world around us, which affects all creation. Perceiving the world as a web of connectedness helps us to overcome the feelings of separation that hold us back and cloud our vision. This connection with all life increases our sense of responsability for every move, every attitude, allowing us to see clearly that each soul does indeed make a difference to the whole.” 

~ Emma Restall Orr

Back at school

It has been a long day, but she's back in Oswego ready to start a new semester.  Neither of us were ready for her to go.  But I am so proud of her and all she has accomplished.  The next 45 days will fly by and she will be home again!!  Until then....all of us here will be missing her and anxiously await her return.

“...it’s not just the person who fills a house, it’s their I’ll be back later!s, their toothbrushes and unused hats and coats, their belongingnesses.” 

~ David Mitchell

Home

Alyssa goes back to college tomorrow.  I know she is already missing home...even before she leaves.....but home will always be here....and in fact, is always right in her heart, no matter how far her travels may take her.

"Perhaps love is like a resting place, A shelter from the storm, It exists to give you comfort, It is there to keep you warm, And in those times of trouble, When you are most alone, The memory of love will bring you home."

~ John Denver