Kip’s Comments - June 24, 2023

A Pause for Thoughts

This afternoon I met with a friend of mine, his father-in-law, and many other friends gathered to remember and say farewell after my friend’s wife died too young and unexpectedly.

Denise was a friendly lady - in fact I never saw her without a smile on her face. Sadly, cancer took her much too soon. Yet another good person lost to that nasty disease.

I have often said if there is anything good about a funeral or Celebration of Life, it is that those that gather reconnect. There is a party of sorts, minus one person. There is sadness, yet there are smiles and even laughter. Still, there is a sense of loss that for me causes me to reflect on my own mortality. I silently think about where I am in life, where I want to be, what do I need to do to get my list checked off? Am I happy with my status or is change needed?

As I drove back from the remembrance I paused for a few minutes along the river. I needed quiet, I needed nature, and I needed to gather my thoughts so I was ready to join the activities of the day. As I walked the shoreline of the Cedar River a few wildflowers in bloom caught my attention. I photographed some blossoms, paused to reflect, and then continued on my way.

Purple Prairie Clover - Image 827000

Black-eyed Susan - Image 826945

Common Mullein - Image 826949