today, tomorrow, and always.

Today is hot, which is very unusual for Kentucky in March. I think we're heading towards 85 degrees before the afternoon is out. Our winter, which is normally snowy and cold, was mild to say the least. And it looks as though old man winter (who must have been very bored this year) has packed his few belongings and moved on!

But, it's been a tough fall/winter, so Spring is a VERY welcome development. My family has experienced much loss over the past 5 months, and I think everyone needs a few rays of sunshine.

My cousin Alyssa passed away in a tragic car accident on October 28th. She had just turned 17.

(wasn't she beautiful!!)

In December my cousin Justin, father of 2 adorable little boys, also passed.

(Justin and his dad, Frankie)

And then on February 17th, my grandmother Barbara Lou Kelty, joined my grandfather in heaven.

(her smile was contagious!)

I try on a daily basis to celebrate and fondly remember the lives of those my family has lost. Most days I am NOT successful at this. Everything feels too fresh, and sometimes it is as though they are not really gone. Whenever I go home to visit mom and dad, I keep expecting to see Grandma sitting on the couch, pockets stuffed with Kleenex, wrapped up in her favorite robe, yelling at my mom that it is TOO cold in the house! But, she's not there...

I could go and on, dissecting my grief, lingering on sad emotions that like to sneak up and ruin my day. So, I will stop and be thankful that through all the tears and loss, my faith has NOT wavered.

Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s

John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

We love you Alyssa, Justin, and Barbara Lou... Today, Tomorrow, and Always! (my grandmother ended every card and letter she gave me with this sentiment)