It is what we are called to do at moments like this

What started out as being just a few school friends I miss

to come over this afternoon has turned into a group of

people who will gather at my home this afternoon

for friendship, to celebrate the wonderful life

of our dear friend, Gina B.

It is what she would want, she would want us to

all comfort each other, hang out and remember

all the funny things that have happened to us

with her over the last years.

So this afternoon a group of us are going to

gather for coffee, soft drinks and snacks that I am going

to bake because we need this.

It is the beginning of a new lease on my life that

I have been planning. Even before Gina B.

left to call Heaven home, I had decided that a new

calling I have is to be responsible to spend more

time with the ones I love even if it means

that I cook and have them to my house.

We, in the busy, busy world have lost the talent

of just slowing down to spend time with people.

I remember as a little girl that on any given day

after school my home had visitors.

My dad always had a pot of coffee ready and started supper

at about 3:00pm so if you were still there when

supper was cooked you ate supper too.

Our home didn't need an invitation to visit,

everyone knew you could come anytime and people came.

There was no reason not to, homework was simple enough

that kids could do it on their own and it wasn't so much that

it took hours to do. There was no Biddy or soccer practice

to drive your children to and if there was something after

school that your children had to attend, it was safe to leave

them there alone until it was time to pick them up.

The world has changed but I am about to change another

part. I want my home filled with people and family that I love.

If I am not able to return to work after all of this is said and done,

My home will have an open door policy as my family home did.

No call needed, I am going to have some type of flag system going.

If you ride by and the flag is out, you can stop,

If the flag is not out, not a good day to visit.

I have a new mission, a new calling and it is a selfish one.

I need people, always have.

So today we gather to celebrate the wonderful life of our Gina B.

If you are reading this and thinking,

"Well I wasn't invited" you are now.

Come by even if just for a minute because today, all are invited.

An open door today. Some days I may have more intimate

gatherings but today, our dear Gina B. would want us to gather

and laugh and that is what I am planning.

See you guys this afternoon and don't say no,

life is way, way too short!!!!!