Once there was a family who needed help. Child Protective Services had taken custody of their son and the parents asked the court if my family could take him in. We did. He was my nephew. I treated him like my own son. It was a very difficult situation that got worse and required a lot from me. I did my best. God helped me, but I wish I could have done more. Then CPS gave him back to his family. Today is his birthday and I haven’t heard from him or them in a few years. It makes me sad. I pray for him. I hope he’s okay.
My cousin’s ex-wife died in a foggy car crash last week. She was around 50 years old and left 4 kids and 3 grandkids that she was very close to. I remember her as a young mother with a newborn. I went to take her baby gifts. She’s gone now. So unexpected and so hard on those she left behind.
I dreamed about my dad last night. In the dream I knew he shouldn’t be there because he died in 2002. He was acting strangely. I asked him, “What? Do you have cancer again?” “Yes!”, he said in a wretched tone. I’ve thought of him several times this week. I miss him.
I had a close friend that I used to run and go to the gym with. She had a Xanax addiction. After several years, I just couldn’t deal with her lies and I had to distance myself. It was hard on both of us. Today I ran by her house. I miss those days of laughing and chatting and running.
People come and go. Be nice to them and love them while you can.
Blue Skies and Green Pastures 
My prayers are with your family. I look forward to the day when the Lord will wipe every tear from our eyes. God bless you.
Thank you, Ryan.
Excellent post. I couldn’t agree with you more – People do come and go. It’s unfortunate that we sometimes grow attachments that won’t last. I do hope your nephew is alright. Any way to look him up on Social Media?
Your post emphasizes how short life is and how important it is to live in the now and celebrate ourselves. Don’t you have a birthday coming up? I hope you have something special planned. 🙂
Unfortunately I’ve lost touch with him ,even on social media. I hear news once in a while. Just praying for him to make it through the growing up years. Being a Libra, I feel even that much closer to him. Maybe that’s silly. Yes, my birthday is Monday and I’m happy to say that I have plans for a great weekend! Hiking, my new favorite thing. Similar to trail running, but even slower, haha! Hope you have a good weekend.
Great! I’ll expect to hear all about it in a follow up birthday post. 🙂
So true. It’s a gift to give, loving. And people on the receiving end are so unpredictable. It’s all so messy. That’s life. Happy birthday!
Thank you !
Great thoughts
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one 12 year old girls CPS tragedy