Filler... The wonderful stuff of everyday life...

Well Folks...

Those of you who stop by here regularly know that it has been an excruciating week.

Those of you who don't .. May not know it, but for the most part this blog is almost always pretty light hearted and silly.

More often then not...I poke fun at those I love.. and even more so at myself.

I have not been able to do that in light of the gut wrenching events that took place this past week..

First news of the tragic death of a dear young man who chose to Serve and Protect.

Officer James Bonneau... Who in my heart remains the sweet boy who lived next door Jimmy.

The other Erin a wonderful Wife Mother Sister Aunt Niece Cousin and Mentor.. who at the all too young age of 48 lost her arduous battle with cancer.. and what a battle it was.

Never have I heard of someone who so desperately wanted to live and see what life had in store for her.. and her family.

These are not pretty things one wants to deal with..

Yet all of us at one time have been or will be touched by such tragedy.

Ultimately the question is not

Why do we die?.. or

Why do some die too young?

The real question is

What do we do with the time we have here on this planet?

How do we learn.?

How do we Help?

How do we love?

I used to think that great moments in life consisted of great big important things...

Life altering events that change our lives like

Births

Graduations

Job Promotions

Marriages

Deaths

and of course this IS the stuff of change and growth...

but the older I get..

I realize that it is the "Filler" that is even more important.

Not the monumental and obvious milestones along the way of life....but the unexceptional unremarkable things that happen in day to day life.

The good morning or goodnight

The kiss hello or goodbye

The daily food prepared

The phone call expected or not

The kind word or deed

The shoulder to cry on

The smile

The everyday minutia that takes place all over the world..

The" Filler"

It's not all good or all bad.. it is simply the symphony of our lives the gentle ebb and flow that is our life.

We don't think about the "Filler" too often .. mainly because it just is.

It is only when that good morning or good night is not heard.

The kiss hello or goodbye is not felt.

No food found on the table or no one there to prepare it for you.

When the phone does not ring or emptiness at the end of the phone line.

No shoulder to cry on or Smile to light up the day.

Unfortunately it is then that we understand that the filler was the best part.

It was the small things the actually meant the most.

So in spite of it being one of the most difficult times I have had in a while.

It was also filled with some very good things.

I was reminded that there are still good things going on that I can take part in... Like time with family and friends

We received some free tickets to see the Detroit Pistons play.. and though I didn't really feel like going after everything... I did end up going...and did have a really good time.

Than plans that had been in place quite a while ago needed to be fulfilled..

Celebrating my sister in law Nancy's birthday(Something that really is to be celebrated)

The traditional lunch after church.... Then cake and ice cream after.

There is something about gathering with friends and family that warms you.. Makes you happy and safe.

These are the people that draw you out.. make you smileand teach you that it's all about the everyday silly things.

Enjoy your loved ones...
I found out that in the midst of pain and grief.. There is happiness.. there is hope... there is the

craziness of everyday things that.... You wouldn't trade for anything.

Remember.....

EVERY single moment we have with each other is precious