Dear Reader:

On my way to Daniel Island to see Ben yesterday … I had a rare opportunity to snap a quick photo from the car window… as I circled the first round-about and no other cars were on it! Nothing short of a miracle-usually it is bumper to bumper traffic.

Scenes like these flowers accompany every street, sidewalk, and full circle round-abouts… all over the island-a garden of Eden in every direction.

I tried calling Ben to let him know I was coming but his phone wasn’t working… so I dragged his Pepsi’s and snacks to his room on the second floor at the end of the hall!

Only to discover he wasn’t there… I was still writing a note when he came in…and we started talking. Our conversations vary from light and airy to deep conversations of our past.

Many times I leave feeling bonded through a shared story from our past-only to have that moment disappear when Ben calls later and remembers me coming …but nothing about what we talked about.

WordPress let me know this week that I had posted over 4000 blogs since Chapel of Hope started in 2010! There would be a celebration at 5000!

From that number I have written many posts on the importance of living in the present –in the moment. Only now I understand that my ” sound advice” only works if memory is attached to those moments.

I will remember our talks but I want Ben to have this gift too-so at night if he feels lonely, he can remember family while growing up and how much he was and is still loved.

I love this verse from one of my favorite country songs-Precious Memories!

Precious memories, how they linger-How they ever flood my soul-In the stillness, of the midnight-Precious sacred scenes unfold.

So until tomorrow – that stanza is my prayer… that God shares memories with Ben that I can’t help him retain but God can.

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

A shout-out to Lee-my talented nephew-loved the article in the Charleston City Paper! Great interview-your deepest feelings emerged!

” The Many Deprivations of Guitarist Lee Barbour”