short life in a small world

There was a fatal accident in the Inland Empire last week along the side of the freeway creating severe traffic back up, as traffic one way was at a full stop and the opposite moving slowly. As I understand it, hours earlier, two were in the act of refueling a car when a semi truck veered into them, subsequently setting everything into flames and jack-knifing. The guy fell down to the lower street afire and the girl burned to death by the car.

It was amazing to hear such graphic details at 5:30 in the morning as our vanpool decided its route to work; other stations weren't quite so thorough.It left me pondering life ephemeral and praying for their loved ones. They were young, and shortly before life lay open before them. Now they are gone.

Life is not only tenuous; once again I see it is a small world. I had wondered, familiar with the vicinity of this accident, whether I might know them or someone they knew. Such coincidences often occur in the fabric of existence. On the weekend I discovered that one of the deceased was a client of the barber who does the youngest's hair.

Don't take life for granted - this moment is the only one you're promised; the next holds no guarantees.

a rose for working dedicated moms

I wasn't given this rose because I am a working mom. My colleague's roses were in bloom and she shared them. It wasn't because she's a working mom; her children are now grown as are nearly all of mine. But I share this rose in tribute to the dedicated mothers who face the challenges out there in the marketplace, wherever it may be. Too easily their dedication can be slammed by those who haven't walked in their shoes, just as easily as some sneer at the dedication of some moms to the challenges of staying-at-home. In all, cheer their undaunted creativity and drive to complete their families the way that fits best for them and in their given circumstances.

"She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.
...Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Bless you.