Brown Sweater

I usually am never cold. Takes alot for me to need a jacket or long pants. Guess it's because of this extra heater I am carrying around my mid-section these days.

So, for me to be chilly is kind of a big deal. For the past week or so, I have actually been getting cold at work. I normally run my little fan all day, but haven't had to turn it on lately. And it's so strange because it's been so hot outside. Property management must be cranking the a/c lower to compensate for the Arizona-like heat wave we have been having.

I don't really have any sweaters or wraps of my own because I normally don't get cold. Thankfully, Mom gave me one of my uncle's mainstays from his warddrobe after he passed. It was his lovingly-worn, brown sweater. He had a grey one that was exactly the same as the brown sweater. Mom knew from the beginning that I wanted one, so the brown sweater was one of the first things Mom gathered from Uncle Mel's house.

After Mom gave me the sweater, I hung it in my closet. It has been hidden away since January 2008, peaking out every so often to send loving memories to me once in a while. But, I have never worn it. Until today.

I brought the sweater with me to work today to use when I got cold. Shortly after lunch, I decided to put it on. As soon as I lifted it from my chair I spotted a short, white hair near the collar. Tears formed instantly. I could see him wearing the brown sweater as he hugged me and handed me an envelope with a $5 bill. I remembered feeling like I had received the biggest gift in that envelope because I knew he didn't have much money. And I remembered feeling that my grandfather was still wrapping me up in his big arms when Uncle Mel was around. Uncle Mel will always be the sweetest, most generous, most humble man I will ever know. If you ever wanted to know what lovingkindness was, all you had to do was spend an moment with him. He loved God, he loved his family, he loved his friends and he loved his neighbor. I miss him dearly.

I am still amazed that this sweater is overwhelming me today. But, I am thankful that it is.
I hope it helps me remember to cherish every second of the day I am blessed with. And treat everyone I meet with tenderness and kindness and love. Just like Uncle Mel did.

I love you, sweet Uncle Mel.
Thank you for your sweater.

Getting ready for my new laptop

So, I am getting a new laptop in a few days. I am so excited. I thought I would do something nice for myself and get a shiny new gadget! And in thinking of all the cool things I can do with my new toy, I figured I would start a new blog and try to make it last longer than two weeks this time.

The laptop will hopefully be here by tomorrow. In the meantime, I will be thinking about what my first topic will be. My goal for blogging is to get back into writing and to make me feel like my purchase of the laptop has purpose and meaning. Heehee.

I will be back as soon as my laptop arrives.
Until I return, keep learning.