In Our Hearts To Stay

This is probably the most personal thing I have ever blogged. It feels right, so I am just going to go with it. I just eulogized my brother in law. And while I could go into the range of emotions I felt prior to standing up to address a foreign congregation, I would rather shift my focus... to him.

Rannie was one of my favorite people on the entire island of Jamaica. I knew him to be a very kind hearted gentle person. He was great uncle to my children. His soul was just very attractive and welcoming. Over the past 13 years I was always happy to see him come, and sad to see him go. But the thing that always stood out to me was that he was imperfect.

 I heard stories of various mistakes that he had made in the past. Most of them were pretty typical nothing horrendous. They were just the types of things that happen that you are judged for, and people never forget. To me Rannie typified a very important life lesson. You can struggle with issues, make snafus, and still be a wonderful person. It reinforced the fact that you must rise above other people's opinions of you. Regardless of our struggles and blunders, we all can bring a positive impact to others around us, if we choose to. Thank you "Bredda Rannie" and Rest In Peace...

brb

Sun glasses...check
Camera...check
Itenerary...check
Tickets...at the check in counter

I'm leeeeavin' on a jet plane :) I hope to clear my mind, and then have an opportunity to look at life from a fresh perspective. Hopefully, I will have something to share when I get back. *blows kiss* TTFN- Ta Ta For Now! Xox.

Rays From Heaven....Shine...On...Me

Salutations for a Soldier's Sacrifice

I would rather look a brave soldier in the face and thank him for his service, than watch a processional drive by and thank him after the fact.

A childhood friend of mine is transferring army bases this summer. She is spending the summer at "home" before she, and 4 children trek to the other side of the country to settle. Her husband is currently on active duty status in Afghanistan. I'm not sure how much longer he will be there before he gets to join his family on a more permanent basis.

I have numerous family members who have served in the military. I was never fortunate enough to have any of them fly into town for R&R. I wish I would put into words the atmosphere while we were waiting. The level of anticipation was thick. It was like Christmas Eve on crack!

True enough, I am turning into nothing less than a sap as I age. But to witness airport terminal personelle shaking a soldiers hand as he approached the waiting area. To see every fiber of his children and relatives wound tight ready to unleash their affection on him. And to see the relief on his wife's face to know he was back safely and in good health.

He sent her a text message to say that the plane landed

I can describe these events to you. But I am unable to effectively articulate how it FELT to be in the midst of it. This is why my camera is a treasured asset to me. Politics aside, you can agree or disagree with America's statuses on wars in various regions. That's a different topic for a different day. I honor and pray for all of the men and women who sacrifice so much to do what so few of us want or are willing to do. God bless and keep them.

Final lap

My attempt at finishing strong recorded. Now my left foot hurts. I think I performed a bit for potential listeners ha ha ha! I hope it's feeling better in time for tomorrow's butt crack of dawn workout.

Final lap

Me and My Shadow

I took my phone with me on my morning workout. I usually have so many thoughts coursing through my head. I wanted to voice record random thoughts as they came to mind and use them to audio blog, or help me write a poem. I became much more intrigued with my workout partner this morning. She was pretty good company ;)

Star Crossed Lovers Brainstorm

This audio clip is self explainatory. Perhaps I will be writing more about it in the future. 

P.S. I hate my voice -_- 

 Brainstorming my thoughts on star-crossed love