The Dedication ...

                "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."  Colossians 3:23

..... was so very nice.  I'd love to say it was "great" or "awesome", because it kind of was, but those words don't seem appropriate for the occasion, I guess.

But the kids and I were happy with the love that was shown for Jim.  

There was a lot of love in that building.  I felt it, the kids felt it and I'd like to think that Jim felt it.  And I know that the love there was a reflection of the love he felt for us and for the children of our community.

     My "Circle" was there.  You ladies mean more to me than words can express.  I think you know that because we all feel the same way about each other.  Thank you so much for being there. For supporting and loving me and each other.  We are indeed a life line for one another.

     Most of the people in that building yesterday are my "family".  They love me, they love my children and they have been, are, and will be .... here for us.

     All 6 kids are home.  Son #2 made it in time for the ceremony.  And let me tell you, time stopped for a moment when he walked in wearing his "blues".  Tears were shed at the sight of him.  And I think Jim was shedding tears at the sight of him, too.  I know, with every fiber of my being, how proud he is of Son #2 and the pride with which he wears that uniform.  

     And how hugely proud he is of all of his children.  They have been awesome this year and they love me so very much.  They are my reason for being here.  I am so thankful that God saw the "Big Picture" and knew that my plan of "one or two kids" would have totally stunk for me!  

Each one of my children are the personification of God's love for me .... and for Jim.

     So, thank you to everyone who was there.  Thank you to everyone who wanted to be there but couldn't, because I know your heart was with us, as were your prayers.

     Thank you to the school board for remembering him.  I cannot hear enough how often people think of Jim.  It never huts me, it never makes me sad ..... it makes me, and the kids, so very happy to know we're not the only ones.

     Thank you for recognizing him, his dedication, his leadership, his faithfulness, his service and his humor.

     And speaking of his humor ..... a question was asked by our wonderful Pastor, who did a great job of speaking yesterday ....... "Did Jim ever utter the words, "I love going to school board meetings"?

     Ummmmm, I think it's safe for me to say ...... I don't recall those exact words ever coming out of his mouth.  

But here's what he would say, or rather, text (since I never got to attend a meeting!), me about the meetings.

When it was an exceptionally long or contentious meeting and I knew he was going to be there a while, I'd text him in the middle of it, just to make him smile.

And quite a few of them went like this:

   

Me:  So ..... having fun yet?

Jim:  Well, I only have one question.

Me:  Yes?

Jim:  Do we have any Scotch at home?

     

So, in a way, since he loved Scotch .... and he seemed to need it after several school board meetings, he must have loved those meetings!