What I learned from Ginna ..

A week has passed and I am just now getting around to writing about Ginna's funeral. I have to say I was very pleased. Her daughter, Megan put everything together. She did a wonderful job. So many people came. I counted 108 signatures in the visitation book. Then, so many showed up at the cemetary in 102 degree heat. Thank you to everyone! Ginna would have been very happy with the send off she recieved.

I heard one of mother's cousin's tell Aunt Sarah that they had meet there (there being Cade Cemetary) too many times. I got what she meant. She was sad that so many of our family have died. The fact that she had seen so many buried meant she would soon be in the cemetary too. She was mourning the lose of her life just as much as she was mourning the loss of Ginna's.

That comment, coupled with Ginna's death has made me go very deep. So please bear with me on this post. When someone you care about dies you try to find meaning in their passing. I think I have done that with Ginna. I am not here to beatify her, but I have learned some things about life through her death. I want to share those with you now

1. LIVE!!!! - We are all put here for a very short time and death is inevitable. Since we are all headed for a hole in the ground anyway, we might as well LIVE while we are here!!!! I had to give an intro of myself in grad school today. He asked us to tell the most exciting thing that had ever happened to us. I could not think of one thing; I thought of MANY!!! Why, because I have LIVED!!! I have publicly stuck my finger in a sheep's rectum and I lived to laugh about it! I kept getting married until I got it right. I feel like I have lived and I am happy.

2. WWDD or WWGD - Ginna is not solely responsible for this lesson, but it fits. Do what makes you happy. Do not live just to please someone else. That is what Ginna did (and what Uncle David still does, WWDD). I recently read an article that basically said most people do not really live until their parents die. How sad is that! I do not want that to happen to any of you. Sally and I are nosey and bossy and way too far into your business. Ya'll need to feel free to tell us "I love you but ya'll need to butt out! " Honestly! LIVE YOUR OWN LIFE!!! I promise, Sally and I will love you and be there for you no matter what you do.

3. LOVE - Ginna never found her true love and she never found acceptance. That to me is the true tragedy of Ginna's life. Find someone and something to love. I know this is not easy and it may take several tries, but do not give up! God made us to be with other people. Find someone and love them and let them love you back. I had a wonderful life before I met Sally, but it has been so much better since we came together. Also, find SOMETHING to love. Be passionate! I do not care what it is. Find something that makes you feel fulfilled and pursue it with gusto!

Along these lines, don't forget to tell people you love them. I love all of you so much! I am proud of each and everyone of you! Here is a quick note to each of you to tell you how I feel right now:

Sally, you are truly the peas to my carrots! To quote Tom Cruise, "You complete me!" I never knew love until I knew you. Thank you for chosing to love me each and everyday.

Katie, you have grown into such a loving and caring young woman. There is nothing more noble than giving aid to those that are less fortunate. I am proud of you for going back to school. I know it is hard but it will be worth it.

Chris, you are so passionate and so driven and I truly admire you. You are so kind and giving. You also understand that you have to do things your own way. Go forth and make things happen!

Jessie, you have recently shown me that beneath that mild demeanor is a tiger! I am so proud of the woman you are becoming! Keep growing and live YOUR life YOUR WAY! BE NOT AFARID!!!

Heather, You are like me in so many ways. You are doing things the way I wished I had when I was your age. I admire your intellect and your drive and the way you lead your life. Keep making good choices and you are bound to succeed!

Whitney, you have my soul. You are kind and loving and creative and I am so proud of all of the beautiful things you create. Do not let me get in your way. Continue to grow and travel your own path. I am proud of you and I want you to bloom.