Lagrimas (tears)

I know that you may think that my life is all vacations, sweet grandkids and gardens, but that's only a miniscule portion of what makes up my day. (and I know it's the same for everyone else too!)

Sometimes there's heartache and pain that I really don't want to share on the world-wide-web.

But today, maybe I'll open up a piece of my heart. For those of you who may be new, I'm the Relief Society president of a Spanish-speaking branch. (I speak enough Spanish to get by!)  For those who are not LDS, that means I'm the leader of the women's organization in our little church unit. I get to have the privilege of serving them for awhile. I love them, I call them, I laugh with them and I cry with them.

There's lots of media stuff raging about these days, especially as it relates to people who live in Arizona. I'm not getting into that.

But these are my brothers and sisters.

I love them.

Where else can I go to be greeted with a warm hug and a kiss?

I love their faith through incredible trials, their happiness with simple things and their complete joy and devotion to their families.

My counselor, Blanca, is leaving today.

(she's on the left)

I cry every time I think about it.

She is a wonderful example of faith and devotion.

She is ALWAYS available to serve at a moment's notice.

She has undergone some incredible trials.

And she has been blessed immeasurably.

But she's afraid.

And she's leaving.

And I can't stand it.