Celebration of Life

Day 54 - 55° - Sunny, Beautiful, Spring Meadows Park
Day 53 - 52° - Sunny, Spring Meadows Park
Day 52 - 44° - Sunny, Nashua NH
Day 51 - 42° - Cloudy, Nashua NH
Day 50 - 48° - Sunny - Spring Meadows Park

This week, I traveled with a friend of mine to Nashua, NH. We were attending a memorial service for Jenny’s, son-in-law. During the past few days I had the time to reflect on this trip and many tangential thoughts popped into my head.

First, I had a wonderful trip with Jenny. It was time to be with a friend and enjoy each other’s company. The conversation during the 8 hour trip went on at length, and we talked a lot about Michael, her son-in-law. This 3 day trip made me realize the importance of friends and the need, especially in difficult times, of companionship.

Second, there was Michael, Jenny’s son-in-law. Michael was 54 and died of Lou Gehrig’s disease. I didn’t know Michael, but I learned about him during the “Celebration of Life” service that was held at his church. Michael was a man of honor, integrity and a Christian. The church was filled with people from all walks of life who were touched by this one person.

I thought about the wonderful guests whom we have had at the Red Cardinal B&B. I wondered how these doctors, professors, authors, missionaries, architects might have touched the people in their lives.

Third, I thought about our accommodations. We booked a hotel room in Nashua. It was a ‘typical” room - clean and comfortable with a non-descript view from the window. The amenities were minimal and no complimentary breakfast was included. I thought about this lodging in contrast to a stay at the Red Cardinal B&B. When our guests arrive, they are warmly greeted by Billy and me, and offered a beverage and/or a homemade treat. The setting is more like home as the rooms are individually decorated and the views from the windows are more scenic. In the morning a hot cup of coffee is waiting and a hearty breakfast.

It was a whirlwind trip. I am glad that I went to support Jenny, but I happy to be home at the Red Cardinal B&B. Now it is time to get ready for guests who will arrive tomorrow.