Thankful Thursday

What moved me this week?

I hope you all have a neighbor (or two or three) that you can count on -- someone who will be there when you are in need (or not). We have several, but the two we feel closest to live across the street from us. A couple of years back Trace Adkins recorded the song, "Find Out Who Your Friends Are." The song chronicles the type of friend we would all like to have (or be). F&J are not your run of the mill neighbors. If we were in need at 2am I wouldn't hesitate to call them, and I know they would be at my door 30 seconds later. It's wonderful to have that kind of friend in a pinch or in an emergency. What's even better is to have that kind of neighbor in your every-day life. Last week my husband and I went out of town. We've done that a lot this year. In fact it seems as if we are habitually going out of town. F&J keep an eye on our house, and, more importantly, watch our cat, Freckles, when we are traveling. I'm so grateful that they make sure Freckles has enough to eat and drink, but being the animal lovers that they are they do more than that. They spend quality time with her while we're gone, giving her attention and love. I'm fairly certain that Freckles looks forward to our departure, just so she can get some tender loving care from our good neighbors. F&J do all this without thought of compensation and with a slight shrug of the shoulder when I thank them. They are such good people. I am moved by my neighbor's good works and their willingness to serve others so cheerfully.

What surprised me this week?

Yesterday I placed an order via email for the invitations for my daughter's wedding. When the printing consultant called me back to review the order, she gave me the cost of the order. To my surprise it was almost two hundred dollars less than I had expected. Oh, how I love surprises!

What inspired me this week?

I've mentioned several times lately that we are in the process of planning our daughter's wedding. While in Idaho this last week I came across another couple, B&J, who is planning a wedding reception for their son. The newlyweds were married several months back at a beautiful wedding in Kentucky. The festivities were held at an exclusive country club next to a beautiful golf course. Apparently, it was an extravagant affair with many luxurious perks. To give you a sampling of the event, as the bride and groom got ready to leave the reception a helicopter swooped down to transport them on the first leg of their honeymoon. Apparently, it was a dazzling wedding and a reception long to be remembered.

B&J don't have the resources or the inclination to host such an ostentatious affair. They live in the country outside a small farming community in northern Idaho. Although they live a modest life, the scenery surrounding their home is anything but plain. Their home is situated on the banks of a huge lake that is surrounded by lush vegetation and pine forests. Against the sky, surrounding the lake is a timbered mountain range comprised of back-country wilderness that stretches to the Canadian border. It is an idyllic setting. B&J have decided, with their son and daughter-in-law's enthusiastic approval, to have the wedding reception in the hay field bordering the lake next to their home. They will set up a beautiful tent, in case of inclement weather, and have several boats parked at the lake for guests to enjoy. They plan on roasting a pig, bales of hay will serve as benches, and wildflowers in mason jars will adorn the tables. Instead of a helicopter as transportation, the bride and groom will arrive in a tractor. I'm certain the newlyweds will have another memorable day.

I love the fact that these two events are so very different, but equally charming. The bride's parents, no doubt, wanted to honor their daughter and future son-in-law with an extravagant flourish that reflected their lifestyle. The groom's family will host an informal, relaxed affair that mirrors their circumstances. Both are wonderful! I am inspired by people's creativity and individuality!