My neighbor was getting in his car this morning and I asked, "Hey John, how is your wife doing?"  She had slipped on the last two steps of her stairs the day after Thanksgiving and hit her head slightly.  No big deal, but she developed a headache.  They decided to go to emergency where they put her in a coma or something for five days.  So, this morning I asked about her progress.  He quietly walked over and said she had passed away yesterday.  What???  I was stunned.  I raced down across my snow covered yard in my house slippers and gave him a good long hug.  He was pretty broken up and said he would miss his wife.

I am still in shock.  How fragile life is.  Any one person, any one of us, can pass one in a moment.   Today I am so sad for my neighbor.   I see him busy with something through his windows.  Is he searching out a dress or pictures or????   I am reminded of my own fragility.  I am reminded of how blessed my family has been so far and that any time that can change. 

I am also reminded of children who are, right now preparing to hunker down in the sewers for the winter.   How many will freeze to death this winter?  How many will suffer from AIDS or other diseases?   How many will just disappear with no one to miss them...other than the Father.  He cares.  I care.  That is our only hope. 

It is only three weeks before Christmas.  Our Christmas in Kherson did not materialize this  year.   I am sad about that.  Not enough volunteers or commitment.   I am still checking airfares...still debating...someone needs to remember those who are forgotten.