The Nothing Blog

My heart has been reminded that today, July 5, is the day my mother went to be with Jesus in heaven. She died in 2007 and I still miss her and I still thank the Lord for blessing me as her daughter. The following is a page from my journal written May 27, 2007. I have published this before but I think it's part of the healing/grieving process and I want to honor the memory of my mother, Mary Elizabeth Gillette Brown. Here it is: Mom May 27, 2007 Journal Notes By Polly Balint “Mom” When I was playing golf today with three friends, I started thinking about Mom and how she has given me such a wonderful legacy of loving life… and even in playing golf. While I was on the course, I started to remember what she was like on my last trip to Coral Gables…she had to be bathed and dressed. Couldn’t go to the bathroom by herself…couldn’t walk alone and barely can speak. She would shuffle to walk but it took two people to help her. BUT, she was still so pleasant and cordial and gracious and ...

 Historically, during the weeks and months leading up to July 4th , citizens of the United States of America joyfully and enthusiastically plan all kind of festivities to celebrate INDEPENDENCE DAY! Yes, it was July 4, 1776, when the signing and proclamation of the Declaration of Independence meant freedom for the new colonists in America! Freedom! Yes! God-honoring freedom! So for generations  it has been our US custom for families and friends gather to celebrate each year with parades, cookouts, picnics, road races, pool parties  -- and end the day with spectacular fireworks.  The freedoms of religion, right to bear arms, freedom of speech etc., were also God-given as the initial freedom for the colonists to break away from the tyranny of Great Britain.       And so here we are, and July 4, 2013, is two days away.  Picnics, pool parties, parades, road races, BBQ gatherings and marketplace festivals are...