Saturday, July 26, 2008

Three in one



OK, So maybe it's not Friday but here are some flashbacks and a few thoughts that turned out to be less random than I thought. July 25th marks a year since our wonderful dog Thunder passed away. I know many of you may not be dog people but he was part of the family. I brought him home as a stray in Oklahoma when he was five months old. A neighbor had seen him tossed out of a van in our neighborhood and was going to take him to the pound. It was a great blessing for all involved - truly a tender mercy. I miss running with him. What a patient and kind dog - and very protective of our family - and of Lucy, the puppy in the picture. We miss you Thunder... and Lucy too.

Another flashback...

When we lived in Tucson I was driving with the kids one day and the sun came through the clouds just like in this picture. Robbie, who was probably 4, looked up and asked, "Mom, is Jesus coming today?" I could only smile and respond, "Not today but one of these days it will be the day."





Today was another awesome bike race. It was the state road race in Coalville. You will have to go to Christian's photo blog to see the pictures. It was a hot day and a long hilly race with a large field. Good racers were dropping off the back cramping and just not able to keep up. Mark rode his heart out and got third - we are so proud! When we got home I got an email that Randy Pausch passed away. Maybe because he is a professor near to Mark's age it really hit me how blessed we are to have been at a bike race today instead of planning a funeral. How blessed my children and granddaughter have been to have a wonderful father so involved in their lives. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends. I guess it was his day to meet Jesus. A day that will come for all of us at some point. The big question is the one Randy often asked - how will we live today?

3 comments:

Christie said...

Karen...this post made my feelings rise into my throat...you know that feeling? I too feel so lucky to have so much good health in our family (in spite of Franlin's bad knees) and the contrast with Randy grabs me heart (I bought his book recently, but haven't read it yet). I'm definitely a hiker, not a biker....you just can't stop and rest any time you want on a bike...especially going uphill. Someday I'd like to do a 'ladies' trip to hike in Switzerland. I'll sign you up!

Jenn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Karen said...

I'll start saving my money now for the ladies trip... I just keep reading and rereading about your trip. I want to see the full length version when it comes out!