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Paula's avatar

Breathe deep and sit quietly. What a lovely visit and beautiful family. I can imagine how quite it seems. I too find myself thing about how my parents would love this or that. My mom passed away in 1998 and my dad passed away in 2013.

I am so blessed that you shared this touching and beautiful reflection here with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I am sitting quietly this afternoon, grateful for your visit, Paula.

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Marilyn M's avatar

Seasons of life that we pass through - each one special, bittersweet too, in their own way. Thank you for sharing the source of all contentment amid life's ever present changes - Jesus! Blessings to you dear friend!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh yes, He is our peace.

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Cheryl's avatar

Oh, Linda! I cried as I listened to you reading this! It really touched my heart. I'm so glad you started reading it aloud. It is so pleasant to hear your voice as you read along. I am sitting beside my dear, sweet husband enjoying a Sunday rest, and he listened along with me. What a blessing you are to both of us! As we listened, I reminded him that you are the one I spoke with on the phone that time. You were such a blessing and joy to speak with. I pray God blesses you as you miss your sweet mom and also the family members who have returned home.🙏❤😊

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Aw Cheryl That means so much that you'd invite your husband to listen in with you here. Thank you for sharing your Sunday afternoon with me. Someday, we'll all be sharing our mornings, afternoons, and evenings gathered around the throne, praising God. He is so very worthy to be praised.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

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Cheryl's avatar

Amen, dear friend! As the old song says, won't it be wonderful there? Yes! Please come quickly, Lord Jesus.

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Margie's avatar

I don't have kids, but have 2 godkids and I will strive to be their eager listeners, lovers of souls, earnest prayer warriors, and cheerleaders.

Thanks for the visits!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh how very blessed those kids are to have you in their corner, Margie. This is such meaningful work.

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Donna Bucher's avatar

Such beautiful thoughts, Linda, I can tell you were every moment present with your grandchildren. My little ones are still young, the two I am "allowed to see" are only 5 years and 3 months old! But before I know it the years will fly by; may I cherish the time however short I have now!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Donna, it hurts my heart that there are grandchildren you aren't allowed to see. May God break through into this broken relationship and give you peace and grace in the process.

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Donna Bucher's avatar

Thank you, Linda, it is a very hard situation not many people understand.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Praying right now that God will bring people into your life who will give you the kind, loving support you need. Please know that you are not alone.

ox

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Lynn J Simpson's avatar

This is lovely, LInda! My eldest granddaughter will be able to get her drivers license soon! I miss our days shopping for American Doll accessories, and "life is different" with her, but I am grateful to still witness her growing-up into adulthood. And I am inspired by your words about your late mother: "She wouldn’t cast judgement or wring her hands at the sometimes scary speed bumps that have emerged unbidden."

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Oh the driver's license! Life takes on a whole new meaning! Talk about praying without ceasing. I bet you're the best grandma ever.

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Jane Babich's avatar

Amen🙏🩷

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Jane Babich's avatar

Linda, Thank you, thank you.💜 I needed this soothing account of seasons changing (mine is too) laced with joy, deep a gratitude, and the fullness of “here and now.”

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Jane, here and now is a very good thing, isn't it?! Too much looking back at the past or endlessly mulling over what the future might look like steals the satisfaction and gratitude of what's happening right under our noses.

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Nancy Agneberg's avatar

You write so beautifully about the evolving relationship with your grands. How fortunate they are to have you.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I feel the same way about them. I can't begin to tell you how they've transformed my life and deepened my definition of what true love looks like.

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Trudy's avatar

I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time with your family, Linda. I identify with you in being in that "praying-without-ceasing role." Praying to our Almighty God whose power and grace and love knows no bounds! We have 15 grandchildren with 7 more married in, and we're expecting our 11th great-grandchild! The beautiful legacy your mom left you in simply trusting in God's plan and purpose for each of your lives brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing that. Love and blessings of hope and peace in your heart!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Wow, Trudy. Your cup runneth over! Thanks for giving us a peek into your family life. Trusting God with you for each precious soul.

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June Caedmon's avatar

So blessed!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

God is kind.

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Jeanie Croope's avatar

It sounds like a grand time, Linda. And yes, your mum would be ever so pleased to see the later generations so enjoying life and family. It's wonderful. Now, take that break because I suspect you worked (and played) very hard!

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Jeanie, hi! It's interesting to me that writing about this family experience and then chatting with friends like you has turned out to be the icing on the cake. How cool is it that we are able to do both.

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Andrew Budek-Schmeisser's avatar

I've got easy solution

to every humans tale,

and as my contribution,

I offer them for sale

only on my website

(don't bother with the store),

and if you find that money's tight,

please know that the more

solutions that you choose to buy,

the less you pay for each;

volume's how I get to lie

upon a tropic beach

underneath a smiling sun

and have another sip of rum.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Keep smiling, pal. I hope this has been a good weekend for you guys.

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Debby Hudson's avatar

A most beautiful gift - family time. ♡

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Linda Stoll's avatar

I couldn't agree more, Debby.

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Jean Wise's avatar

beautiful tribute to the generations wtihin a family. love the comment about stunned by the silence after they left. I can relate and it is almost a shell shock when all the excitement is over and done isn't it but such a rockin' blessing too.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Shell shock is the perfect definition. 24 hours later I'm still feeling a bit wobbly!

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Cindy's Book Corner's avatar

Sounds like the calm after the storm, LOL! Seriously, it sounds wonderful! I am glad you had the time with your family, it truly is precious.

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Linda Stoll's avatar

Perfectly said, Cindy. You've got it!

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