"Flowers" - What a difference a few days make

"Winter will surely give way to the warmth and hope of a new spring...we must remain steadfast in hope, work with all our strength, and trust in God."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

photo from passionfruitforgoddesses.files.wordpress.com

On this cold morning, the world outside is covered in snow. What am I to expect? It's still January. My first peak of coming Spring will happen sometime in February when the budding heads of the crocuses in my front yard will fight their way through the crusty snow. These seemingly frail flowers amaze me.

After the "cold chill" of last week's events, I've had an early taste of Spring:

Randy photographed a sweet friend's wedding a few months ago. Her mother realized it might take them a little while to "pay the bill" and asked that we keep the images of that day until they were able to pay in full. Her good husband worked overtime during the holidays. She heard the "bad news" and raced over with $500 of his newly acquired, hard-earned money. I know this was not an easy thing for them to do. Thank you, Laura!

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There was a knock on the door. I answered. It was Richard, a man Randy had helped numerous times while serving as bishop who had since moved out of the ward. I mentioned that Randy was still away on a business trip, but that he would be home in a day. Richard handed me an envelope and asked if I would please see that Randy receive it. I was worried that it might be important, so I opened it:

It was a card.... and $200.

To thank you

for the kindness

that you took the time to show,

And to tell you

that it meant much more

than you will ever know.

Your friend,

Richard

With tears of gratitude, I called Randy to share. Randy immediately called Richard to thank him and to let him know that we could NOT accept it. Richard replied, "I need you to..." and explained that he had experienced a break-through with an insurance settlement. He was determined to do something nice for someone else. He heard "the story" on the news and knew just what he needed to do.

Help sometimes comes in ways you'd least expect. Thank you, Richard!

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Susan expressed her concern and dismay at the bankruptcy news last Sunday at church. I assured her we would be okay. She replied, "Good, 'cause I only have $4 in my pocket!" Later that afternoon, Randy answered the door, then walked into the kitchen with $4 in his hand. "What's this for?" he asked. I knew... and smiled. Thanks, Susan! You warm my heart.

To all of you who have expressed your concern, and love, and prayers.... I love and appreciate you! You have helped more than you will ever know.