Aunt Nelda

We all have regrets in our lives.  Times where we say that we wished we had done things differently or that we had just done something.  I have many of those regrets. 

In 2016 I am working to focus on the things that I am happy I did or that I made happen.

Because there are those things too.

I became mindful of the focus when Hubby talked to me about some things that he was so happy for me that I had done with my Dad. Some times when we lose someone we love we tend to have regrets.  I am thankful for my husband's immediate thoughts of the good things that happened towards the end of my Dad's life.  Hubby said to me the night my Dad died that he was so happy and thankful for three things I did with my Dad.  First, I asked my Dad if he would like to have the Lord's Supper with his family, he did want to and I called Pastor Steve, who graciously came to my folk's place and made that happen for us.  Secondly, Hubby told me he was so grateful for the Thanksgiving dinner at our place and that I had fussed to make it special. And thirdly, that I had prayed aloud with Dad on his last afternoon with us.  Good stuff for sure.

This week we have my Aunt Nelda's funeral service, she was a dear aunt and friend for me.

I have some times with my dear Aunt Nelda that I know she treasured and I am so thankful for them.

I was her first niece and she spoiled me, took me to basket ball games in a navy wool pleated skirt and top that matched her pep club outfit. I was her flower girl. She had me overnight before she had boys of her own and made it so fun for me.

I have three specific times that I am so thankful I had with my Aunt Nelda.  I'm not focusing on regrets but rather the good things I did for and with her.  The links are highlighted.

One September my family was going to Silver Lake.  On the Sunday before I asked my folks, if we may want to invite all of the Vander Haaks for an extended family reunion.  It was last minute, I mailed out info, I called everyone and it happened. Cabins and RVs, good visits, good food, games, crafts, and it came together really quickly.  Aunt Nelda had grand kids with her and we had a lot of fun with them.

Several years later Hubby and I had my Dad's siblings and spouses over for dinner to celebrate Dad's birthday.  My Aunt Nelda had just been diagnosed with ALS.  We didn't have dinner with them, Hubby and I served them instead.  I asked my sister that is a Snapsister to photograph part of the evening.  It was an evening to remember and I'll treasure it forever.

Lastly, I am thankful to have done the ALS Walk with my dear, brave auntie. She fought that horrible disease with dignity and grace.  I was so blessed by her gracious spirit.

Today, I want to encourage you to focus on the hope and the good, because there really is a lot of good and we have the hope of salvation.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all

joy and peace in believing,

that you may abound in hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13