Dear Reader:

Haven’t we all experienced watching the “afterglow” of a sun setting? The sun has disappeared below our visual horizon but a strip (of the most beautiful colors) remains behind bearing a   message from God. There is nothing in life that really ends… darkness is temporary and light always returns.

Scientifically the term “afterglow” is defined as a strip of rose-colored light, sometimes seen in the sky after the sun sets, caused by dust particles caught up in the natural color spectrum of nature.

All I know is that it is beautiful and never ceases to delight and amaze me with its beauty. I’ve always had the feeling, the impression, that the sun has turned around one last time to wave good-bye… before disappearing over the rim of our restricted human visibility… leaving us in darkness.

Of course if we could somehow ride on top of the sun and follow it throughout a 24 hour period…we would know that the sun never experiences darkness…it has simply moved on to light another place in our world. The sun doesn’t see darkness…only we inhabitants of earth do.

There is, however, more than one way, to experience the “afterglows” of life…than, simply, watching a sun set.  Haven’t we ever found ourselves caught up in an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance so stimulating that the “after glow”  stays with us long after it is over?

Every time I do storytelling, a presentation, or workshop I leave on a natural “high” from doing something I love. I usually leave consumed with a floating feeling of accomplishment.  I am, figuratively, basking in the “afterglow” of being able to use my God-given talents to make people laugh or cry or simply feel a part of the human experience. (Our basic need to reconnect to other humans through stories.)

*(One of the greatest moments in life is the “basking in the afterglow” of giving birth. After all the waiting for Mollie…I predict (this blog is written on Sunday, March 15) that the “afterglow” of accomplishment she feels following this baby’s delivery will remain memorable for the rest of her life.)

Like the metaphor of the sun turning around to smile and wave good-bye one last time before sinking below the horizon…I think all of us can do the same thing for the loved ones we leave behind…when it is our turn to sink behind the light of life on earth… in exchange for a new land of light…to see the sun rise on the other side of the horizon in a new frontier called “Glory.”

We can leave beautiful “afterglows” of memories… in the form of smiles, laughter, love, and friendship. We all have the potential each day to add a little more color to our “afterglow” through acts of kindness and generosity… given freely to our fellowman.

I am starting with Eva Cate and working down the grandchildren chronologically…to learn this special little verse (between us) as an “afterglow”….

Loved you yesterday, Love you still

Always have, Always will!

So until tomorrow…may we strive to bring more color into this world so the “afterglows” of our existence demonstrate our contributions to the light in the world during our stay here…for the “Light of the World.”

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

* We are all connected…all living things….as I chose this vase of flowers as my “afterglow” in the first photo….like the bright red in the sky’s afterglow.

* Now you knew I wouldn’t leave today without wishing you the ‘Top of the Mornin’  and wondering if our baby has decided to join in the Irish celebration today. HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

I am trying to keep two days ahead of blogs in case I get the “call.” So this blog was written on Sunday …even though it is now Tuesday.

I feel like I am playing some warped time-capsule game….so who knows…maybe Baby Dingle has decided to make his/her appearance by now….or maybe not? Life is a mystery! And we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Yes?  No?

***** Update: Little Dingle has decided to join in the celebration on St. Patrick’s day! We should have known….a Dingle never misses a good party. Mollie is being admitted at 1:30 this afternoon. The ultrasound done earlier today confirms a big baby….now we just have to wait and see if Rutledge has a “Big” little brother or “Big” little sister. 

…is coming. Say some prayers for the good health of mother and child….here we go! I’m leaving for the hospital! Stay tuned! I am all “aglow!” 

* The glow and (after glow of beautiful English gardens)….you will love this tour! Thanks Joan for sharing!

 https://www.youtube.com/embed/9H9IojB9iYY

These three bunnies are excitedly awaiting the newest little bunny to come join them in time for Easter baskets this year. * They won’t have to wait much longer!

 Mike, Honey, and I went on our annual “pilgrimage” to the St. Andrews Parish tea room…delicious and back in time for all the baby excitement! It was so fun to have the Burrells involved in the impending anticipation!