December 11, Family

Word of the day: Family, those who are related!

On this day, we lit a candle for our deceased grand nephew, Artemis, who died at the age of 2 due to complications from appendicitis and an overdose of Tylenol while hospitalized.  So sad!  His father, Carson asked us to join.  “This Sunday, Dec 11th, The Compassionate Friends/USA will be conducting a worldwide candle lighting for all children who have been lost too soon.”  So, we lit candles for Artemis his family, and all children who died too soon! 

A Sunday relaxing with family: Susan, dad, me, and Charlie! Sundays were always so special growing up.  Our only “day of semi-rest”; as cows had to be milked every day; twice a day!

My cousin Chris with my dad and his new blanket 

           We helped unpack the bar room at my brother              Perry’s and wife Connie’s new digs! Nice cozy home!

         Dad got a turn with the Christmas hat!
  Pilgrims walked from Logrono to Alfaro, which way?

   Ah, yes!  Put one foot in front of the other, and walk

They passed the famous bull, but there are many.  Eileen and I passed this bull on our return to Barcelona 

History, according to Wikipedia:

The Osborne Group [es], renowned purveyor of wines, spirits and various other food products, is the second oldest company in Spain and one of the oldest companies in the world. It was founded in 1772 by Thomas Osborne Mann, an English shopkeeper from Exeter who moved to Cádiz to trade in wines. Now over 250 years later, the company enjoys longevity and international fame and recognition.  In 1956, Osborne wanted an ad campaign to promote its Brandy de Jerez. Designer Manuel Prieto [es] came up with a simple but effective design: a silhouetted black bull with the words "Veterano Osborne" stenciled on it.

Originally built out of wood and four meters (13 ft) high and erected near major roads throughout Spain, by 1961 these "bullboards" were being built up to seven meters (23 ft) high and out of wood, steel and sheet metal to better withstand the elements.”

But, the grit of the hike resulted in tired feet

Unlike the manicured toes of my sisters and me following our pedicures for sisters’ day out!

The meditation for this day, while continuing to contemplate sin and shame; did also reflect upon God’s mercy.  A reminder that God’s love is freely given and we are “forgiven our trespasses”.  I preferred the above reflection in my Challenge meditation.  As in this reflection, I grew up with a loving God, and Jesus and Mary were always present.  And how did I know?  Because I too, had a patient mother who possessed a profound faith.  

One thing that remains new to me, is talking to Jesus as a friend.  I always used Mary as my intermediary.  So this has been a new experience for me.

 

  Family means relationships, whether through genetics or just LOVE ❤️ Andrea lent her car to Eileen so she could rescue me when I became sick!  Andrea, Lola, & Eileen!

            FAMILY..  All of us!    Jees Louise!