I can't figure out who to light the candle for...

[Molden]

I learned today that my former brother-in-law passed away last night from cancer. It had been discovered when they went in for his triple-by-pass last year. 42 years old. Kinda young for all that. We weren't close, I haven't seen him in forever. Yet, his passing affects me. Or maybe the effect of it. I dunno...

I'll light 2 candles:

1 for my Niece who is 19, pregnant, her Grandfather passed away last month, and now her father...

and 1 for the man who ate himself up from the inside out with his anger, insecurity, and self loathing... may fewer follow his example.

[anne of oaktower]

Wow.  Kinda makes you step back and think for a minute....   

These days, at 42 many folks are just starting to really live life - for the fortunate ones, the kids are grown, the house is paid off (or close to it), and it's time to do all the things that got put off for so many years.  Too bad he doesn't get a second chance to do it right.  I hope your niece will be able to recover from the loss.

Pirate ye may be, but ye have a kind heart Molden.

[Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia]

A kind heart he has indeed A/O. 

I figured something was up, I am so sorry Dear. 

[daylight]

 You said you didn`t know who to light a candle for. Well light one for them for sure for they truly need our prayers , but light one for yourself, for God has blessed you and you are still here so that is reason to give thanks. So light a candle for thanks as well. You seem like one who cares and people who care sometimes are hard to find, You might just be the one to help those who are left behind What a blessing you might be to them. So thank you for caring.

[Welsh Wench]

A kiss and a hug for Molden who makes our Ren-world brighter just by being who he is....

[Element of Air]

I am sorry to hear that this has happened. I know that we live close and are planning some time to spend together. We shall keep them in our thoughts and I shall be here for when you want to get away.

[Molden]

Thank you one and all for your very sweet comments.

Truly, I think this one shook me because I was well along the path toward becoming that man, of surely one of his kin, some several years ago. Seeing this, it's almost as if Scrooge got an instant replay from his visit with the spirit of Christmas yet to come... Only to do with one's view of themselves and ability to freely be that. To have love and confidence in one's heart in place of self-doubt and loathing. To learn from life's lessons and do so with a loving heart.

I've said it before, and you'll hear it as long as I breathe - Ya'll are the Sweetest Folks I've ever met - an' I Love You, one and all.

[RenRobin]

You, your niece and family are in my prayers.

[Ottheinrich]

I've said it before, and you'll hear it as long as I breathe - Ya'll are the Sweetest Folks I've ever met - an' I Love You, one and all.

We love you too, Molden

[Lady Ann of Draycott]

Sending prayers, positive energies, good thoughts and healing vibes to you and your family Molden, I'm glad you chose a different path!

[RedHatQueen]

Sending prayers up...there is a lovely place to light virtual candles online.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/enter.cfm?l=eng
I go there almost daily.

Blessings.

[Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia]

Lady M lights a candle for the little spirit born today...

[Count Adolfo]

Molden, that was very profoundly said.
You and your family are in my prayers, my friend.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

Molden, your family and you are in Steve and my prayers. 

[Molden]

An update - and acknowledgement to Lady Mikayla's post...

At about 3:00 am on Monday morning my niece delivered her daughter Preslye. She was 3 lbs. 11 oz., premature (she was due in late July) and in critical condition.

I wish this was a happy situation. Sadly, it gets worse. My fears were confirmed when my niece was tested...and came back positive for drug use. They're checking Preslye. Child Protective Services is involved. No good.

I ask this, and this alone...if you light a candle - do so for Preslye. Whether she makes it or not. If she does, the girl has a challenge before her that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. If she grows up as a reasonably adjusted adult - she will have beaten some mighty long odds.

Myself - I'm trying to hold myself to the Bob Costas quote I posted - "Things are seldom black and white. Don't demonize. Try to understand."

Lord, I'm tryin'...