We love you

Your post reminded me of all the hope and healing the VT community needs today as they gather for their first day of classes. May we remember to offer prayers for all of them throughout this day and onward.

We lived in Japan for 3 years–while I was growing up–and the women always carried parasols when they were in the sun. Look how beautiful their skin is!

Thanks so much for your thoughts this morning–timely and important–now that the sun is finally make its debut!

Hugs!

I remember a question someone once asked me at the end of a long hot summer…. “Why are you so white?”
My response… (with a smile of course while trying to bit my tongue from being rude) “I was pretty much born this way”
…. and if I’m not white, I’m red from a burn… I’d rather be “ghost like” than suffering, thank you very much….

A beautiful brown tan looks so healthy… but it’s so not if it comes from too much time in the sun. I figure I’ll still look young when my friends have that “leather look” from years of tanning. And hopefully my diligence will keep my skin, cancer free.

Thanks so much for sharing about skin cancer which is so prevalent. I had a basal cell on my leg taken off and it was in a place not exposed to sun (so when I go outside it’s hilarious–I’m always dressed for winter!). But I was a California girl, slathered on that baby oil, and baked in the sun. In college we used to have contests: who could get the darkest tan (who knew?). Now as a “boomer,” I’m paying the price. I’m so thankful you caught yours early (and shame on that doctor for saying the “C” word in front of your son–that’s devastating to a child!). I give a course to resident doctors on “What to Say and How to help when Someone is Diagnosed with Cancer” (hopefully the next generation of physicians will be more “caring” with their words!).

Yes, the “Weekend of Hope” is the highlight of the year for me (there’s even an Amtrak train (Train of Hope), that leaves from Washington, DC for those who can’t afford the trip to Stowe or just want to have more fun (I hear you don’t get much sleep on the train!).

Thanks, Lisa, for stopping by. God bless you!

Hugs!

That’s interesting about daffodils (the stand alone flower!). I’ll have to remember that; I guess they truly love their freedom!

I’ve never been a “sun worshipper”, I’m very “white” year round, but it’s expecteded that the damage was done in my teenage years. I am very careful when outside in the sunshine, and even though I may be pale, I’ll at least look younger longer right?

All that’s left from that time in my life is a scar. It has faded somewhat, and I don’t notice it most of the time… but it is a good reminder to take care of myself.

Daffodils are such a happy flower, mine are coming up in my garden, I always look forward to their arrival.

Did you know unless you use a special bulb cut flower food you cannot mix daffodils with other flowers? Even then, the daffodils have to stand alone for at least 12 hours before you mix them in a vase.
It’s best not to mix them, they release a latex from their stems that will kill other flowers.

Which reminds me I need to get out and clean my garden today… it’s susposed to be really warm and outside is the only place to be!

As a photographer and a writer I can’t separate them–they blend together–because they were part of my journey of healing.

When I see the photos on the VA Tech website (one especially grips me). It’s of two cadets–huband and wife–standing tall in uniform with her hand placed carefully on his back.

Yes, you’re right, Jeanne. God is our rock and the enduring fragrance of Christ is what we are to be to those who are hurting: sorrow to daffodils, ashes to roses…only God, our “Rock,” can produce such beauty.

Jeanne, you are such an insightful writer…where’s that book you’re writing?!?!?!?

Thank you for writing so eloquently as you just did about the power of writing to heal. I, too, watched in wonder as the students came with flowers, candles, and messages of “hope and healing.” My oldest son is a teacher in a huge high school and Jon is away at college, and both called to see how I was doing! Isn’t that ironic? They know I “worry,” but I keep their baby dedication pictures on my desk just to remind me that my “babies” aren’t mine–they are His! It’s a daily process of surrendering them back to the “One” who calms all our fears.

Thanks, AJ, for stopping by to share your thoughts!