Footprints

As I view our tangled mess of trees that survived recent brutal storms of wind and ice, I spot a squirrel scamper up a hickory tree. No doubt, he's hoping to find a hickory nut to enjoy or bury in his secret stash.

Self-preservation...Survival.

In addition to our survival instincts, I believe we all possess a deep-rooted desire to be remembered long after we're gone. We all want to leave a legacy--something or someone that kindly reminds others that we did exist on this earth.

Then my heart and mind wander...

Observing that spunky squirrel reminds me of my sister, Rhonda. My brother-in-law gave her the nickname of 'Squirrel' after watching squirrels on campus became one their favorite pastimes at Ball State. I never did understand his endearment, but Rhonda did and didn't seem to mind it!

She began to collect squirrels...stuffed animal squirrels, ceramic squirrels, salt and pepper shaker squirrels, wooden squirrels, Squirrel artwork and needlepoint, squirrel Christmas ornaments and she even loved taking pictures of squirrels. To my knowledge, Rhonda's squirrel collectibles remain safe, though they are no longer on display.

Once evoking pride and joyful conversation, those squirrels are now a bittersweet reminder of our great loss...

When my sister died, other legacies were left behind that cannot be contained in a curio cabinet. A person of quiet strength, she lived the truest example of FAITH and HOPE. Small in stature but tall in battle, she was COURAGEOUS in her fight against her enemy called Cancer. Though she had no children of her own, she was a LOVING daughter, sister, wife, aunt and friend.

In her last months, she and Mark traveled to Hawaii where they spent almost two weeks together enjoying their dream vacation, their paradise on earth...For her 49th birthday a few weeks prior to their departure, I gave her a toe ring and ankle bracelet to wear while walking along the beach. Never wearing much jewelry, Rhonda loved the idea and promised to take a photo of her 'fancy feet' in the sand...

That photo--what a precious reminder of life! What a precious reminder of Rhonda!

Rhonda's 'footprints' are ever present, though she no longer walks along the sand.