Thursday, December 11, 2008

Two Little "A ha" Moments

One...

Last night we had our annual Christmas Breakfast Bunko gathering and it was the first time that Freddie (the mother of our dear teen friend, Raymond, who passed away two weeks ago) wasn't there to play with us.

We were reminiscing about how Freddie reacted the first time she came to our Christmas game. You have to come dressed in pajamas, and she wore her clothes over her pajamas. She said her husband asked her, "Where are you going dressed like that?" and it was something out of character for her. But she came, and laughed about it, and had a great time, and quickly came to love our Bunko group because it was a chance for her to get out of the house and have some "me" time. We laughed about that last night, got a little teary-eyed, and remembered Freddie in our own way.

We were missing one player last night, so we always have a "stand in" sheet that just goes along with us from table to table. Last night, we put the name "Freddie" on top of the sheet and she was with us all night long.

On the first roll of the night, Chris rolled "Bunko" (all number one dices, on roll number one)--which like never happens. She just laughed and looked skyward and yelled, "Thanks Freddie!"

Two...

I started my newest book yesterday for the 12 Books of Christmas Challenge I'm doing. It's called Return to Wonder and is just great so far. After I read around twenty pages, I looked for a bookmark to put in my place. I noticed a gap further on in the book and found a sheet of paper stuck there. When I took it from its place to use as my bookmark, I read it.

It proclaimed: "The act of giving is more important than the merit of the receiver." In this season of giving--when it's really more important what our own attitude is--I thought it was an appropriate message.

Don't you love it when you're left little messages in unexpected places?

11 comments:

Monogram Queen said...

Rest in Peace dear Freddie....

I love the unexpected! It's so.... unexpected! *giggle*

Gretchen said...

Blessings to you and your Bunco group. May God's love be shown especially brightly in Freddie's family right now.

Lurrve the unexpected. Like how, you know...suddenly after blogging I have some amazing friends. :)

Lynilu said...

I'll bet Freddie loved Chris' shout out. :')

Yes, I love little surprises. I believe there is a reason for those "out of place" little blessings to come our way. Savor it. :)

Cheryl Wray said...

Queen--Tee hee! You're right!

Gretchen--I know! Isn't that the coolest "unexpected" thing!

Lynilu--I bet she did too! :-) As I get older, I notice these little blessings more than I ever did!

Adrienne said...

I love unexpected surprises!!!!

Greta Adams said...

unexpected is the best and it sounds like Freddie was with ya'll

Unknown said...

Hi Cheryl - I am sorry for your loss and pleased to see you and your friends are in a place where you can celebrate the memory of Freddie ~ what a special legacy! There are always so many treats to indulge in here that every visit present and unexpected surprise. Blessings to you and yours. xox

Dawn Bibbs said...

Awww, what a sweet memorie of your Bunco friend. And I love the quote you found. Isn't amazing how you find certains and the timing is perfect? LOVE IT!!!

I've missed you! Hope you and the family are doing well.

Merry Christmas!

Rose-Anne said...

Thank you for the lovely comment you left on my blog. It is also nice to see another Christian scrapbooker around.When I get some time I will add you to my links if that is OK.

Anonymous said...

Great stories, Cheryl. Yes, its extremely cool when these things happen.

Loreluca said...

oh, my friend! What a terrible time to lose a loved one! But what a nice way to honor and remember him, too.
I love when those kinds of thisngs hapen. I just take it as God himself sending a message