Falling In Pieces

The following blog posts will come in pieces. There is simply no way for me to write it all at this juncture. I am feeling inspired moment by moment here in Austin, Minnesota. Surrounded by family and my family's history... I am simply overwhelmed.

This is a picture of my Grandma Lois' last house. I remember visiting her here when I was very young. Mom brought all of us kids to visit a long, long time ago. We drove past the house today. It looks a little different these days. The windows out front used to be a screened in porch. I remember when we stayed there so long ago. My sister and I shared the upstairs bedroom at the back of the house. The roofline made for fun angles on the interior. Our bed was insanely comfortable. The sheets were crisp and white. The thunder and lightening as it passed through the night matched the thrill of fresh made cinnamon rolls and donuts in the early morning hours. 

Grandma raised a bunch of children... 3 of which she married into... 7 more she had with my Grandpa, Frank. My mom, Eileen Judith was second to last... but in my book... remains second to none.

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We visited the cemetery where Grandma and Grandpa were laid to rest.  I never met Grandpa Frank but I have heard some pretty great stories of the tall, strong Irishman. I had the pleasure of loving and knowing Grandma Lois well. She was born in 1898, 100 percent French. She saw our country through war, depression, space travel and the invention of so many wonderful things. She loved to travel. Maybe that's where I get it. I sure do wish she could be at the concert I'm giving here in Austin on Monday night... though she'd probably rather be at home watching jeopardy and playing a few good hands of rummy. I have seen Grandma Lois in my dreams. I've had visions of her as I wake. She is our matriarch, our mother, our great cheerleader in heaven. I just know she's there praying for us and guiding us all in.

I'm here in Austin, MN to visit family. I'm also here to do what I do. I'm giving a concert and visiting classrooms at Pacelli High School with the message God has given me to share. 

Yesterday's Austin Daily Herald had an article about me and the fact that I'm here to do what I do. As it just so happens... the featured scripture reference on the front page of the very same paper is my mom's favorite. So... for those who have gone before us and for the rest of us as we live out our days...  no matter how short or long...

2 Timothy 4:7
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

THAT is Scripturally Speaking. 

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