Regarding the news of SANDRA PATTERSON WINEBERG'S death,
JIMMY COWLISHAW sent the following:
"I recall SANDRA, but time makes me forget some of the pleasant memories of early school days.
Now, the good stuff....my lead bull keeps producing calves. I think that over the 13 years that I have had him, he has produced some 43 calves. (Not to say that the heifers haven't had much to do about it.) Jobs continue to come in. I suppose that I will continue to work, as my health remains good. I tell the folks that ask when am I going to quit, that Betty won't let me. She gets twice the husband at half the pay, and if my banker finds me not working, he might call my notes."
What I would like to know, Jim, is - are you still playing cowboy with the cattle, or do you have ranch hands to help you with them? Either way, working at all the things you do is keeping you young! And also keeping your sense of humor.
ROSALYN URBANTKE HOELSCHER sent the following:
"I am so sorry to hear about SANDRA's passing. She was one of my special friends in school, in fact, I was in her wedding (the one she got a divorce from immediately). She had wonderful parents.
I was 'very sick' in May and June. My heart was the problem. I was in the hospital for 25 days, rehabilitation for 8 days, and then home health came for 5 weeks, 3 times a week. I had three nurses, so it was like open house around here. But God decided I was needed here for some reason, and I am doing just great now."
After receiving this email from ROSALYN, I called her today so we could chat. She is amazing. Her stint in the hospital was full of dramatic turns, and she even had to be "brought back" four different times. After all she went through, she now is making plans to go to the Renaissance Festival in Conroe with her family, and she was actually cleaning out a closet when I called her! She is an inspiration.
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It is somewhat dismaying when we hear of people our age leaving this world. But rather than be depressed or fearful upon hearing news of these happenings, we can always feel blessed that we are still around, and know that there truly is a reason for our still being here. Two of my favorite quotes are from a little book called "Illusions" by Richard Bach:
"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the Master calls a butterfly."
And then, when asking "how will I know when my mission on earth is complete?" The answer is "If you are alive, it isn't."
Love, peace, and good health to you all,
Marilyn
