September Angels - I believe!

It's the anniversary of my sister, Wendy's death today.  And Friday marks the first anniversary of my dad's death.  September is a bad month in this way.  My grandpa also died September 30.

I had an amazing experience today.  I had an appointment with my physical therapist so I left work, took I-15 heading south to the 4th south exit.  I was in the right lane anticipating the upcoming exit and just as I reached the junction of I-80 (westbound toward the airport which comes right before my exit) there suddenly appeared in my lane right in front of me, a very large, black steel object - no idea what it was.  I had to swerve because it was so big, but when I did I ended up on the I-80 exit instead of going to my (next) exit.  The car was all over the place out of control - it was crazy because I was probably going 80 MPH when this happened.  The maneuvers I made, averting what could have been a very serious accident (big retaining wall right there and split freeway!) were not anything I knew how to do but I regained control and just proceeded west to Redwood where I was able to turn around and go east again as planned.

After this I felt amazingly calm, not even with that adrenaline rush that usually accompanies close calls - even minor ones - and this was a biggie!  Then I realized it was my dad who was driving.  I believe in angels and some of them are those who have died before us and who have an interest in our lives.  I believe God often uses them as our guardian angels.  In this case I needed an expert driver - who better than my record-holding and very skilled race car driver dad?  I knew he wouldn't be sitting around on a cloud:)

I was reminded of Carrie Underwood's song, Jesus Take the Wheel and Alabama's, Angels Among Us.  I'm glad to know it wasn't my time to go and I believe my dad as well as my Heavenly Father wants me to have a chance to be happy in this next chapter of my life.  Thanks to God and "Wild Bill!"

Remembering Wendy on her birthday

Wendy, Colleen, and Cindy
Thanks to Carolyn for sharing the B&W photo. I have never had this one and it's beautiful!

Bittersweet Day

At this time of year I can't help but reflect on my sister, Wendy, who died 29 years ago (yesterday - I was thinking it was the 21st today when I posted this morning) at the tender age of 21. Today is a rainy day here so it adds to the melancholy we feel. Faith allows us to know that she is in a good place but we forever miss her presence with us here. One day when I get my photos scanned I will be able to add a picture of this forever young, beautiful sister who left us way too soon and left a hole that can never completely be filled.

September 21

This is a solemn day because on this day in 1979 my sister, Wendy died at the tender age of 21. It was a beautiful fall equinox much like today, but it will never feel the same to any of us again. While we know she is in a good place and that she will always be beautiful, never aging, graying or sagging, we miss her terribly.

I would love to get a digital copy of a photo to post here. I will add it if I am able.

Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart,
Searching my soul.

Where, when my aching grows,
Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only one.

He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant He is and kind,
Love without end.

-Hymns # 129
Emma Lou Thayne