She left a loving legacy...

My mother-in-law, Alice K. Meyer Crook passed away this past Dec. 31, 2008. She was 94 with no severe medical conditions at all. She had developed pneumonia in the last 3 weeks and while we were on vacation we received word that she wasn't doing so well. She has a history of rallying and that's what she did -for one day. By the Monday after Christmas, her situation became critical and we were told to prepare ourselves. How do you prepare yourself for the passing of someone who has been a presence in your life for a long time? Eventhough Alice was ready to go to Jesus, as she would say, it still tugs at the heart. What is her legacy? Aside from her 11 children, 39 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren, she is remembered for her humor-with that many children to raise on a farm one definitely needs humor, her delight in children, her ability to see into the depths and magnificence of a child and give them a second chance, her ability to be "tickled" about a situation, her work ethic, her chocolate chip cookies( my big weakness), her inquisitiveness and her devotion to spirit.
At her funeral, there was alot of laughter, love and celebration for a life long and well lived.

Alice didn't know her life purpose but I do know that she embraced being a mother and loved well. As the Beatles sang-"Love is all there is."

Much Joy,
Colleen

Little Dude(ette)- Where Are You?

A couple of weeks ago I shared that we had a gambels's quail nest under an old grounded porch swing that had about 8 eggs in it. Last Sunday morning, I noticed some egg shells scattered near the swing. Very carefully, I lifted the swing and saw that 5 of the eggs had hatched and there were 3 unbroken eggs remaining. No quail parents to be seen or little baby quail scurrying around. Just before 9a.m., I saw a tiny tiny gray brown ball of fluff hobbling around the pedestal of our fountain. Sure enough it was a baby quail. I put out some water on an upside down top of a butter container since it was so hot and my husband and I were leaving for the morning. Later that evening. I noticed this little quail running around the bottom of the pedestal. Each day s(he) would run around the pedestal in the morning and then later in the cool of the evening. For the next week our phone conversations contained tidbits on the progress and activities of our little friend and we were entranced in the evening as we watched our little dude(tte) scurry around the yard exploring further and further from the fountain pedestal. Mid week we checked on the other eggs and they were all hatched. We hadn't noticed any more little dudes or dudettes. Friday morning, I found little dude lying very still by the fountain pedestal. My heart paused until I saw his rhythmic breathing. A little later, I noticed that he had moved a bit further from the pedestal and was still sleeping.About an our later, I went to check up on him(her) and s(he) was gone. I anxiously waited for evening to come to see if little dude would venture out from somewhere. No little dude. It's Saturday and still no little dude. My husband and I are having somewhat of an empty nest experience. Little dude(tte)- I hope that you are okay and hooked up with some other quails. We miss you!

Love & Joy.

Colleen

Colleen Crook is a Life & Leaderhip Coach who partners with forward thinking individuals who are creative and spirit-minded and want to make a difference. Grab your copy of the complimentary 5 day e-course on consciously creating dynamite interactions at www.consciouslivingconnection.com