Within about 20 minutes I learned that a dear friend Marian Wahl passed away, a light fixture fell 2 stories and shattered next to where I was standing, and we learned that the contract for our home came through.  Needless to say I felt emotionally exhausted in a short amount of time. 

Marian is a lovely woman who taught me much about loving others, caring for those in need and how to be a friend.  She loved flowers and had quite a green thumb.  She was an avid reader and taught English to high school students.  She loved languages and spoke several herself.  She taught me some of the joy of learning.  I was saddened to hear of her passing because we will not be blessed by her presence for a time.  I find great hope and comfort in knowing that death is not the end.  We live that we might die and we die that we might live. I am grateful to know that God has a plan, it is a plan of happiness, a plan of hope, a plan of salvation.  I know that through Him and his atonement, I will see my dear friend and other loved ones again.

Light fixture fell from the top of the staircase onto the landing seen in the middle of the staircase.

The story behind the light fixture falling:  Yesterday I went outside bare foot to get some dirt for the seeds I am starting for our garden when we move.  While on the stair the glass light fixture at the top of the staircase for our column fell shattering near where I was standing.  Glass flew everywhere, landing on all three levels of the staircase.  Standing in shock, not yet able to move, I saw in my minds eye myself standing there covered in blood, cut for the shattered glass and was just waiting for the pain to set in.  I feel so blessed and thankful to God that I when I was finally able to look at myself, I was standing surrounded with glass with only a small, small cut on the foot.

Shortly after the glass experience, we received a phone call from our Realtor saying HUD sent the signed contract for the home we are trying to buy.  Now the clock begins ticking.  We must close on the house within 45 days of yesterday.  We had hoped be able to close and move by the end of the month so we do not have to pay for another month of rent. It now looks like that might still be a possibility.   Our prayers have been answered.  I am grateful for the Lord's help in having that come through. 

Now we work to get the power turned on for a home inspection on Friday and pray that all will come back okay with that and pray that the loan process will go quickly and correctly.

I feel so blessed, protected and thankful for the tender mercy and knowledge of his plan.  The eternal perspective and knowledge makes barring the trials and challenges of life so much easier.