Some Blessings in the Midst

If you look under the debris, and you ask God to show you the sun, you can always find blessings in the midst of chaos or crisis. I firmly believe that and it's not Pollyanna talking. It is something I have experienced in every stage of my life. And it continues . . .

Since we have found ourselves in Central Florida, we knew there were a couple of visits we could make. Our good friends, Ray & Judy, who we met during our first full-timing winter in Florida, are still in Palmetto which is just a couple of hours south of Camp Monaco. Sara's grandparents, Bob & Sue Smith, live in Valrico, just a little more than an hour south of us. So, we made plans to visit both while waiting on our rig to be serviced. These visits are two wonderful blessings in the midst.

We had dinner Wednesday evening with Bob & Sue. Now, Randy & I figured we'd go down for dinner, stay a little while and head for home. Boy, were we in for a surprise. We arrived around 5:30 and four hours later, we were still having a wonderful time! Bob & Sue are two of the most loving, generous, caring people I've ever met. We were welcomed into their home (and family) with open arms and hugs. From the time we stepped through their door, we were comfortable and at home. And what a home they have! Bob collects deer figures, every kind imaginable, and Snow White and Seven Dwarfs figurines and dolls. Yes, Bob collects them. He has a fantastic collection of all things Snow White. I loved it!! These pictures represent just a small portion of the collection. Sue collects dolls and miniature tea sets and dishes. Amazing. They are such vibrant people and I feel so blessed that they are now family. They already love Kevin and haven't even met him. But, Sara loves him and that's pretty much makes him okay with them. We had a lovely evening and can't wait to spend more time with them at some future time.

Thursday was spent with Ray & Judy at their campground in Palmetto. We had not seen them in a year and a half and were quite excited about getting together. As it happens with good friends, it was if only a couple of days had passed instead of 18 months. We just started talking and laughing and didn't stop until we left that evening. We sat outside at their campsite and visited with whoever walked by and also got to see some of the folks we knew from our time there. We finished our day with a great dinner at a Mexican restaurant Ray & Judy really like. It was hard to say good-bye, but we are hoping to see them this summer at the wedding. If not then, we'll see them this fall when we go through Kentucky.

So, instead of ranting and raving about the injustices of poor customer service, I am reveling in the joy of new family and old friends. The sun is shining and I have a roof over my head and a man who loves me more than I probably deserve. I'm gonna concentrate on my blessings in the midst. I hope you can, too.

Until the next time . . .