Broken Brave New World: 2014

Had she lived, Maggie would have celebrated her 60th birthday today. She'd have liked it because it's sunny and mild.....if cold. She'd have taken great pleasure and delight in the many calls from the kids, the grandkids, nephews and nieces, aunts and uncles but most of all, mom & Frank, Tara and Colleen, all wishing her a happy birthday. Life is funny, isn't it ? Just when you think you've got it figured out, it throws you a fast ball......and you strike out.

On one of her many admissions to the hospital, one of her Respiratory Therapists overheard me fondly refer to her as *Honey Lamb*. Well, shame on me! From then on many of the staff would poke their heads into her room and if I were there, they'd teasingly greet her & me with...." Hi, Lamby!! " Even close to crossing that swelling tide, life has it's moments. Yes, it does.

Happy Birthday, "Lamby!" RIP

A bit late getting around to wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. May it be a year of unspeakable happiness and joy.

If you aren't in love, I hope love finds you. If you are holding on to hatred, I hope you put it aside.

If your health is failing and your time is getting short, I hope you listen to that still, small voice of God.

The year just past, I lost many dear friends, some closer than others. They have all taken their places in the hereafter and, I'd love to think, in the arms of Jesus. Some were celebrities, many were not. All were loved and will be missed.

The year just passed saw the marriage of my and Nonnie's oldest daughter, Sia, to a wonderful, God-fearing young man, Ivan Bey of Chicago. Their wedding was splendid and was in Bedford, NH, at the Bedford Village Inn. Rachel, the two boys and I spent the weekend in Nashua, NH and had a great time. The weather could not have been better.

Said farewell to Carl Humiston, a friend, neighbor and board-member with me at Milan Community United Methodist Church, Milan, NH. Quiet and soft-spoken, Carl possessed a dry wit and unfailing humor. He knew his time was at hand but he didn't want folks fussing over him in his final hours. His obit requested that in lieu of flowers. donations be made in his memory to the church and/or the Milan Public Library. I gave fifty bucks to each in his memory and only regret I couldn't have given much more. In life, every once in a while, a fellow like Carl Humiston comes along. Rest In Peace.