Sunny Days, Happy Memories

The flowers are blooming, the air is warm, and everything seems just a little brighter since the arrival of Spring last week. As I look out the window, I am overwhelmed with thoughts of Johnia today. I am thinking about how much she enjoyed this time of year: tank tops, flip flops, and riding around with the top down, her pony tail swinging in the breeze. In the picture above, she is accompanied by her niece (my oldest daughter), Camryn. Their faces are cast in shadow, but they are waving and you can see their smiles. On this particular day, they were both just happy to be together and to be alive.

I wanted to post a brief note and picture today, because Johnia is so strongly in my heart and on my mind. When I feel the warm sun on my face it takes my back to other sunny days and happy memories. One of the best times was a family beach trip the summer of 2002. Johnia and I spent a lot of time sharing a raft on the waves that week. We talked, laughed, and baked in the sun. We simply had a good time. I can see her smile. I hear her laugh. I can hear her call my name. I am thankful for my memories.

Johnia lived each and every day to the fullest. She appreciated everything in life: her family, her friends, the warmth of the sun, the gift of life. She made the most of each day and was thankful for it. It is because of Johnia that I appreciate the sunshine, the flowers in bloom, the warm air, and all the beauty that is just outside my window today. It is because of Johnia that I have learned to appreciate life.

Johnia was full of life and love and reminded us all each day of her love for us. When I read 1Corinthians 13: 4-8, 13, I think of Johnia:


Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.


With love, Kristie