Five in 2005~part 2

Dear friends, as you read through this list, please know that this is not an inclusive list. Many of you will not see your names here; but this does not mean that you have not touched my life in positive and life affirming ways.

Debb, Mendi, Bev, I think especially of you as I write this!

You are all loved and valued; and if I have not said this to you often enough, or perhaps not at all, then may 2006 be a time when each of us is affirmed in our belovedness.

Five people who have influenced my spiritual life in 2005:

1) My husband, a man who truly does model the love of Christ for me and for the rest of our family.

2) Patti, the most compassionate soul I've yet to meet, who is teaching me what it means to hold hands with the creator of our universe!

3) Carol, a theologian of sharp intellect and even sharper wit; a woman who challenges my gray matter to fire in new and unexpected ways!

4) The Neighborhood Lighthouse Group: a small group of Christian men and women who meet monthly to encourage one another as we live out the love of Christ in our daily lives within our neighborhoods.

5) Michele, because you are so nonjudgemental and loving, you have taught me more about the true spirit of reconciliation than you will ever know.

Five memorable events from 2005

1) The Tsunami

2) Hurricane Katrina

3) Kashmir Quake

4) The color purple on the index fingers of Iraqi citizens voting for the first time in 50 years...achieved through the (continuing) blood red loss of life and limb.

5) My own spiritual awakening.

Five friends from 2005

1) Michele~a friend who inspires me to be better than I ever dreamed possible.

2) Annie~a friend who loves me through my times of darkness.

3) Laura~a good friend, perhaps my only friend, who really, truly understands what it means when I say things like, "I don't know my own ass from a hot rock!"

4) Judy~a friend of great wisdom and gentleness.

5) Patti~a friend and spiritual mentor, who is helping me find my way as I hold God's hand through our eternal journey.

Five losses from 2005

1) Miki, a friend gone from this world, and the world is lesser for her absence.

2) Two family pets, Cocoa and Strawberry....two of the sweetest rats this side of domestication!

3) 20 pounds of blubber, gone!

4) Computer, computer software, car, digital camera, sewing scissors, fine silver beads (my own design), finished beadwork (again, my own design), portable air compressor, tool box (including my beloved drill), and some measure of my own peace of mind....all stolen in the great home robbery from Spring, 2005.

5) Hope...at times in 2005 I have felt as if all hope were lost to me. Utterly, completely and tragically lost.