Did I Make An Impact?

What will I leave behind? Will people remember me? Did I make an impact? These questions have really been on my mind a lot lately.

When my Daddy passed away unexpectedly I was impressed and blessed by the outpouring of people that came to his funeral and the cards of condolence's. One in particular stands out to me. My Mama received a letter from a gentleman who had made acquaintances with my Daddy in a phone store. The letter told us of this meeting and how my Daddy took the time to visit with him about various things. After reading about my Daddy's untimely death this man felt he should write to us and let us know that my Daddy had touched his life.

This past September after losing my Mama unexpectedly I received a phone call from a cousin that I hadn't seen or heard from in a long time. Her father had disowned us after my daddy died so I never expected to hear from any of them again. My cousins message simply said that she had been going through some things recently and my Mama had reached out to her. She felt blessed to have that time and godly advice from my Mama and I was blessed to know this.

Both of my parents funerals were standing room only.

Packed from wall to wall. There were many that were there just to support the family but most were there because my parents had made a difference.

We all have a desire to be loved and to know we are loved. It is sad that most people never know while they are alive how many lives they have touched even in passing. I guess I will know the answers to my questions when I get to Heaven.

Post It Note Tuesday ~ Life of a Teacher

2011, May It Be Better Than The Last

As the old year closes and the new one begins so many memories flood my brain. So I thought a a short recap was in order.

I started this year the same way I started last year. The only difference is that I was with my Mama and PaPa C last year. As last year approached its final hours, my Hunny Bunny and I had dinner out and then went to my Mama's to play Hand and Foot. Teaching my near deaf stepdad how to play was hilarious and somehow, by the grace of God, he and I beat the socks off my Mama and husband.

Last night I was playing the same game but with different players, my mother-in-law, niece, and brother-in-law. This time I lost. It made me miss Mama even more.

2011 holds many changes from last year. 2010 was the last year my Mama would ever bake me a birthday cake, play with her grandchildren, send me a mother's day card (it was also the first year), or spend any type of holiday with us. The year started out with promises of many moments of family fun and ended with me losing my Mama. But I know that life goes on and loved ones are missed.

When looking to the year ahead, my brother's facebook email to me sums up all I am feeling today: "Love you all. Happy New Year! May it be better than the last."