Personal Journey Entry # 20

Ok, so maybe just one more, but only because it is such a good topic to write about. We gathered about 25 of our Pond friends on Saturday to celebrate life, love, faith, and food. I appreciate celebrating life when still alive. We love to surround ourselves with our friends and family, which is why we have a home in the Highlands. Four generations were present, from Clayton, who turned 88 years young on Sunday, to little Annie, who is only 5 months old. Age is just a number in this group, as everyone mingles and chats as one. My upcoming surgery was just an excuse to get everyone together, but because of my surgery, the afternoon and evening became very moving and emotional.

The food was plenty, the wine was flowing, and yes, the Bourbon was chilling nicely on the rocks, but the fact we were all together was more important. We have been told that we brought this group together when we moved into our pond cabin. If that is so, then it was God’s hand that brought us to them because this group has meant the world to Shay and me.

The talk was easy, and there were many questions about my procedure and recovery. The offers of help were everywhere, but the prayers from these folks have been all we needed. Their support is beyond words.

After a few hours, a group of the ladies went to the top of the stairs and proceeded to sing “How Great Thou Art.” They must have sensed that the wooden cathedral ceilings would be the right acoustics, and they were spot on. The small group sounded like a massive choir, and their voices set the tone for the close of the day. As everyone was stirring and about to say goodbye, Diane, the sweetest woman you could ever meet, stood opposite me at the table and sang a prayer to and for me. My eyes are misting as I type, just as when Diane sang. It was another magical and emotional moment for which this group is known. Shay and I are the luckiest two on earth to have these incredible people, no, they are angels in our lives.

It is because of these angels that I continue to be fearless about the surgery. I am realistic and know what can go wrong, but they have convinced me to give myself to the Lord, and he will keep watch over me.

Thanks for stopping by. We will talk next from the ICU. God Bless, Ray