Yes, it is a special day

(Mom’s email, posted with her permission.  She also gave me the go ahead to post an earlier email, which will follow.)

Dear children,

I see the date on the laptop and say, "Yes, it is a special day anyway." For I had convinced Dick yesterday that Valentine's Day was a much more important day than my birthday, because V-day is a day of love (and I wanted to take my beloved out to dinner). What a con-man, (girl), right? But we did have a nice dinner at the Thai restaurant that you also became acquainted with this week, Pete.

Anyway, on this day of love, I give thanks TO and FOR each one of you my children. How blest I feel with
you six and your accouturements! I do pray for each one of you daily by name, so with Jeanne and Laura and all the grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, and Gesa and Parul, plus Peter Haakenson and those for whom I am godother - that becomes a long prayer! And a precious one - each day praying for a different Biblical virtue for you.

During this good week with Peter here, we touched on the religions of the world and their similar aims. Then it hit me anew today. Read the Jesus story again. And again. There is nothing, no one, like him. Get reacquainted through one of his gospels or all. No other prophet, no other "god" in all history can touch that life. Why us? Well, I just read today about him not wanting any of the sheep he has created to be lost. Still many unanswered questions, but when isn't there?

So - to end this good week, we go to Tucson for the weekend with Pelzers. Lunch this noon, a hoedown tonight, and some kind of exploring tomorrow. We got back on our bikes yesterday and pedalled to Red Mountain, which is considerably farther north than it looks from our place! And hills, leading to the Salt River. We're glad to have it a little warmer again - wasn't fair that Pete came in cold and rain! That's not the Mesa we know!

So thank you - bless you - might this day for you be full and touched with etermity! Love, Mom