Well Done – Deitrick Haddon – Dedicated To All Whom Have Transitioned

Rest In Peace, Ms. Leaks!

Ms. Leaks & the family celebrating her 88th birthday!

On Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at the age of 88, Mrs. Phebbie L. Leaks entered into eternal rest. Mrs. Leaks peacefully passed away at the Palmetto Baptist Hospital in Columbia with many of her family members at her bedside. Her husband, the late Roger Leaks Sr., preceded her in death on Feb. 18, 1974.  Our prayers are with the family.

I failed to mention, with all due respect and sincere apologies, that this is Lady Z's, our guest writer, mother.  You got a great example to live by, my sister, she taught all of you well.

See You Later!

See You Later!

 

I know, I said that love is temporary,

You knew what I meant.

You understood, because you

Were heaven sent.

 

Well, heaven called you back home.

To me, it was much too soon.

I miss you, sweet pea. You knew

Me better than anyone.

I miss the noise,

the clatter in the kitchen.

I missed the chance for

The words I should have mentioned.

 

I thought I would have the time.

I didn’t think that it would be too late.

We take so much for granted

But God had already set the date.

Our bed is cold.

I sleep on your side every now and then.

The bedroom is still the same,

I couldn’t bear to make a change.

 

I miss your laughter,

I miss your smile.

I miss your anger,

I miss your smell.

 

The baby still doesn’t know

That you’re gone.

Little Kenzie still calls your name

Even though we visit your grave as much as we can.

 

I miss your voice,

I miss your touch.

I miss your love.

I miss you, honey.

 

I’ll see you later, my dearest.

I hope it’s in the same place.

I long for that day

To see you face-to-face.

“A Part of Things”

E. S. Litman



Happy Mother's Day!

I don't know who wrote this but it's on time! There are so many mothers who are angels and willing to sacrifice all for their children. I know that we were lucky, too! Enjoy your day, ladies!

A Newborn's Conversation With God

A baby asked God,

'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow,

but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?'

God said,

'Your angel will be waiting for you

and will take care of you.'

The child further inquired,

'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything

but sing and smile to be happy.'

God said,

'Your angel will sing for you

and will also smile for you.

And you will feel your angel's love

and be very happy.'

Again the child asked,

'And how am I going to be able to understand

when people talk to me if I don't know the language?'

God said,

'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet

words you will ever hear,

and with much patience and care,

your angel will teach you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to You?'

God said,

'Your angel will place your hands together

and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?'

God said,

'Your angel will defend you

even if it means risking its life.'

'But I will always be sad

because I will not see you anymore.'

God said,

'Your angel will always talk to you about Me

and will teach you the way to come back to Me,

even though I will always be next to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven,

but voices from Earth could be heard

and the child hurriedly asked,

God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'

God said,

'You will simply call her,

'Mom.'

Rest in Peace, Ms. Frances Gaylord!

One day and a half before Mother’s Day, my co-worker’s mother-in-law was buried.  Ms. Francis was 72 years old.  Her suffering in this world is now over.  She has found peace.  For the rest of that family’s life, Mother’s Day will always have a different meaning.  In fact, all holidays that the family has shared with each other will be different.  It is the same for me with Easter, Mother’s Day for me will never be the same.  My prayers are with the family.  Yes, dying is easy, it’s the leaving part that’s hard to cope with.  We all will leave someone behind, but we pray that we will see our love ones again in the new life.

Deal With It! But, Don’t Give Up!

As children, many of us experience the first fall from our bicycles while learning to ride. In these moments, parental encouragement plays a crucial role; they advise us to get up, dust ourselves off, and try again. Although we may have scrapes and bruises, we often find the motivation to persevere, knowing we have their support. Inherently filled with challenges, life presents obstacles as we grow older, especially without parental guidance. Therefore, it becomes essential to manage our challenges independently.

Resilience is key; the most important lesson is to avoid giving up or giving in, even when it may feel tempting. It's common to have moments of self-pity, which can be a natural part of coping with difficult situations. Understanding that everyone faces their struggles can offer some comfort. We can control certain aspects of our lives while surrendering the rest to a higher power or belief system.

Appreciating the small things in life—often referred to as blessings—can also help shift our perspective. While not everyone may have luxury cars or extravagant homes, cultivating gratitude for what we do have can foster a more positive outlook. It's essential to recognize that we often lack insight into the personal challenges others face. Others' external appearances do not always reflect their internal realities.

Moreover, self-judgment can hinder our growth, as we frequently criticize ourselves and others. Dissatisfaction with our looks, behavior, or living situation can overshadow the significance of simply being alive, which is a blessing. Change is possible and begins with our mindset.

The first step is to recognize our desire for change, followed by considering what sacrifices we may need to make. The journey of self-improvement often starts from within, requiring deep introspection and acceptance of our true selves. 

Understanding that we may not be as inflated in our self-perceptions as we think can ground us. Even during setbacks, blessings can be found. Seeking wisdom and understanding through reflection or prayer is beneficial as we navigate life's complexities.

Obama Got Osama!

Obama announcing that Osama was killed May 1, 2011

Obama announcing that Osama was killed  May 1, 2011

The area of a compound where it is believed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden lived seen in Abbottabad, Pakistan on Monday, May 2, 2011.