An Abandoned Home~Forgotten Memories by Tammy Ransdell

This is from my friend Tammy. It touched my heart so deeply. She said I could share it, so here it is.

An Abandoned Home~Forgotten Memories

There is something so sad about an abandoned house -

you can not help but think of the waste, or of the happy

times once spent there. Urban or rural places abound in

these forgotten homes, places where children grew up

and played; places where people were born and died.

Places that people once made pretty.

This particular abandoned home no longer stands.

It was torn down yesterday, April 18, 2011. There

are many of us who are very sad to see it go, to

know that its no longer there to look at as we drive

by during our busy days to and fro. It was always a

house that caught my eye. In the Spring there was a

huge bush (as you can see in the photo below) full

of beautiful Lilac blooms. *Sigh* This old home

will be sorely missed.

Lilacs Still Bloom

~By Tammy Ransdell

empty houses gone to seed

empty kitchens; no one to feed

where once was laughter, and some tears

now spiders spin webs and no one cares

forgotten dreams ... an off key song

no cat in the window... everyone's gone

where sheets once danced in the wind on a line

the tire swing replaced now by ivy vine

the sweet smell of fresh baked pies

greetings at the front door with hugs and hi's

where sunlight painted a bright design

floors once swept now warped with time

through open windows sounds were heard

a barking dog, the sweet song of the bird

a doorbell or the ring of the phone

laughter and music...now no one's home

abandoned houses, forgotten lives

the house sits empty...the walls cry

no lights shine bright in any room

but outside, by the porch...Lilacs still bloom

I know just how she feels, it's just so sad.

Old forgotten homes ...some people drive right on past

without a 2nd thought. Some people see and wonder, or

think enough words to fill a book ...or write a poem!

Abandoned homes always stir something within me.

Certainly a subject I will have to touch on one day.

Thank you again, Tammy.

Time as a Healer

First, before I begin, I have changed my blog's name from, "My Life - My Adventure - I am Never Alone" to, "My Life - My Adventure - I am Ever Thankful". Seemed to fit better. I am in fact "never alone" because I know that the Lord is ever with me. That fact was, at the time I began this blog just over a year ago, my main thought. But I have been thinking more about thankfulness for a long time now. And while I am thankful that I am never alone, I am ever so thankful and many, many other things that the Lord has also provided in my life. I am feeling like I have a fresh start in many ways this Spring, 2011. It seemed to be a perfect time for the change in name.

Another Quick note. My daughter Beth Bowman took my new profile picture of me with my two cats, Buttercup & Wesley. Thanks, Beth!

"Time heals all wounds"

Well, I don't know if time heals ALL wounds. But for me I have certainly seen times helps some heal, and helps take the sting out of others. Last I wrote was at the end of Summer after death had robbed me of some treasures in my life. Following that time, there were others. Time has gone along and the seasons have changed ...twice. Besides Summer 2010 finishing, Fall 2010 and Winter 2010-2011 have now ended. The leaves have changed into brilliance, then crumpled and fallen to the ground. The snow covered the dead leaves and made all things white and clean. The snow melted and exposed brown, dead, earth. Then through the cold dirt sprang life. Crocus, daffodil, and tulips came up, came out. Their bright and cheerful colors reached up to the Springtime blue skies and sunshine and bloomed. We got some more snow, but they took it in stride and were not, over all, phased by Winter's rude and interfering unscheduled visits. The green grass has come up, bud have started to burst forth, and other flowers have come out and smiled. Despite Winter's chilly backward whispers, Spring has come with a fresh start and winning ways. I may not feel completely healed in all ways from last years pain. But healing has, like Spring, has unequivocally begun. Time is in the process of healing wounds. God's glory, grace, and love have been a never ending presence in my life and heart. And I am thankful, ever so thankful! Good bye Winter's snow. Hello Springtime. Thank you Lord. I have taken my breath, I have gotten my fresh start, and I am ready for the new changes that will, and in fact have already begun.