..or more on my heart. Today as I drove to church, I noticed a young couple walking along Blanding Blvd. where there were no sidewalks. That stretch makes me nervous as a driver since folks could easily step off the grass or side of the road and into traffic which is swiftly moving. The man was carrying, almost juggling, an infant wearing what appeared to be a sleeper, besides having bags in his hands. The woman was a few steps behind them, carrying stuff in her arms as well.
By the time I took this in, I was already going around the corner onto Argyle Forest. I am now wishing I'd gone around and come back, to see where they were going and if they needed some help. It's not as easy as it sounds, going around and coming back again, and I fear they may have disappeared into the woods along there before I got back again. It just bothers me, though, since they had a baby with them. It's one thing if it is adults living like this and quite another if there is a baby involved. I am comforted that it was warm out and not fear them freezing to death or anything like that.
This past week I've had to say good-bye to some people, including my friend, Amber. After multiple set-backs in her life, including health problems and having nowhere to live, she has decided to move back to NJ where many of her family members live. I am thankful she let me know before she left but am disappointed I didn't get to physically hug her. Had to settle for a virtual hug good-bye over the Internet. She asked me to let Judy C. know and tell Pastor as well. I guess I can put away the Bible history book and workbook she and I used when we studied together. I hope and pray she has her Bible history book with her but am suspecting she basically left with what's on her back. I have heard from her since and she did arrive in NJ after a long car drive with her brother and his four kids! Not too much room, I'm sure, for books and such things.
Besides Amber, I have to sort of say good-bye to some other friends from church who will be dividing their living time between here and their home in the mountains. Unfortunately, where they stay in NC, there is no church in our affiliation so they have to change to another Lutheran denomination. This only makes sense to us Lutherans and I am terribly sad to not worship with them any longer. This couple is very dear to me and when they are gone for months at time, I will miss them terribly!!
Today at the Voter's meeting, which I missed due to choir rehearsal, this couple was granted a membership release. My friends who were in the meeting said they were emotional listening to it being voted on. This couple will be greatly missed (did I say that already?). They will be leaving for the mountains immediately after Christmas so she and I are planning to have a get-together before they leave. Hopefully we can do it!
