Fathers day, life and death and in between!

I cant help but to think of my three cousins as we approach fathers day in a few days. A few short days ago, I gave the eulogy for my uncle at his funeral service. This was our first unexpected death in our family. Typically death in our family has resulted out of an illness. I asked myself which one is easier,  and I have come to the conclusion that neither is. 


This past week we have spent numerous hours at my moms, sitting with my grandma and having deep conversations about life, family and the good ol days. We saw family that we hadn't seen in years and caught up on the important stuff.. Conversations lasted long, hugs were tighter and no one looked at their watch worried about being somewhere. 

In this day and age of social media we have managed to stay connected through facebook statuses and twitter tweets. We have managed to be disconnected with personal visits, phone conversations and dinner dates. We harbour hurt, anger, bitterness and pride for silly situations and have no regard for the fragility of life. We know that only God knows the hour and day that we will be going home, yet we live our lives like we will live forever. 

It has been 10 years since my dad passed away, some days it feels like forever ago and then there are days that it feels like just yesterday. I am still blessed that my kids still have two healthy grandpas and know that there are many that never knew theirs. Fathers day, a day we honor the men that have made our families stronger. Men who have sacrificially given themselves for the better of their family. I know that we moms get alot of credit, but I know that I could never be my husband!  

A man who bears the financial weight on his shoulders, a man who needs to be the strong super hero even when he is tired.  A man who will miss out on the firsts, because he has to go to work. First steps, first word or first turd in the toilet ( yup Internet, this is something to celebrate to). A man who fights against the temptation of the world and what it has to "offer" because he honors his wife. A man who is strong yet gentle, a man who is humble and meek, not weak and a man who loves God above everything else. 

This fathers day, I give thanks to the men in my life. I remember the ones that are no longer, and I appreciate the family and friends I still have. I closed my uncles service with exhorting my family to make time for those still living. To let grudges go, to mend relationships and let by gones be by gones. The last time I seen my uncle was a few weeks ago, and I had no idea it would be the last. Had I known it was going to be the last time, my conversation wouldn't have been superficial, and I would have had a more meaningful one. 

When is the last time you had a meaningful conversation with someone you loved. When is the last time you dropped in on a friend you haven't seen in awhile. When was the last time you actually followed through on the " hey lets connect or get together soon" comment on a facebook status. When is the last time you had a BBQ with family just because and it wasn't a holiday. When is the last time you called someone instead of shooting over a text because it was faster. When was the last time you said "I love you" to someone that should here it more often?

May we live a life of loving each other, making time for each other with Gods grace! I will end the post with a picture of my family from my brothers wedding few weeks ago!

Love you! 

Moni

100 Miles, 25 Smiles!

Because my plate isn't full enough, I decided to take on a challenge. Those who know me well, will tell you that I will not turn down a challenge or a dare. Although I haven't done anything daring in a while, I am always up for a good challenge.

So I saw a challenge for 100 miles in June. It peaked my interest and I clicked over to see what it was all about. This group of people were challenging themselves to get 100 miles of either, biking, running, walking, hiking, swimming etc. in for the month of June. Ok seems easy right? Then I worked out the average and looked at our calender and thought ummmm yea, not so much.

But I threw it out there and a few of my homies decided they wanted to take the challenge! And so there you have it. BUT because I cannot leave it at that, I want to throw a challenge to you.. And because you are probably asking what is 25 smiles? Well I am glad you asked.. I am praying that 25 people, would consider sponsoring me. If ( praying with fingers crossed) I complete the full 100 miles for June, I am hoping I could get at least ( if more.. bomb.com) 25 people to donate a 25.00 gift card. Now that would be cool to keep the card and go shopping, but I am hoping that you know me well enough to know they are not for me.

These cards will be donated to cancer patients, going through their treatments. These cards could be gas, market, restaurant etc. When talking to someone today who is very familiar with cancer, they expressed how a gas card would be so helpful. Going to appointments, treatments etc. can hit the pocket book with gas especially now with how expensive it is.

So I ask that you would prayerfully consider donating.. There are some people who also have agreed to come along side and take the 100 mile challenge.. I ask that you would keep us in prayer..I  will be tracking my progress on my FB page under Faith, Food and Fitness. I also ask that those who are interested in doing the 100 mile challenge to track their progress there, and also join me in asking friends and family to sponsor them! That is totally up to you.. But I am excited and ready to hit the bike and pavement.. I ask you to wish me luck, but I don't believe in luck...

Hit me up if you have any questions or would like to sponsor or do the challenge!!!!

Moni!!!!