Gratitude, Reflection, Celebration

Sometimes it's hard to separate and attend to the emotions, especially when they come at you like bullets from a Gatling gun. 

But that's what we must do throughout this thing called life. 

Twould be an understatement to say that this morning, my mind is conflicted. 

I'm grateful, I'm sad, and I am happy. 

I'm grateful because Bill and I got to go to the Gonzaga Kennel last night, sit in premium seats and watch the No. 1 college basketball team in the nation. 

We could not have done this without the thoughtfulness and generosity of an individual whom I'll simply refer to as Angel, Jr. 

He has to be Junior cuz his dad is just plain Angel. 

Like so many who know this family, we have been recipients of their thoughtful generosity over the years, especially ZAG-related. 

It's inspiring and downright fun to know these people, and once more, thanks to them, Bill and I had what I consider the opportunity of a lifetime. 

Every single day, it seems, we are reminded of the goodness in this world.  

Is that beginning to sound like a broken record?

Seems I say that a lot, but it's true, and when you are on the receiving end, it's a humbling experience, for which we are always grateful. 

Thanks, Angels.  

It was pretty neat to see the ZAGS and to have an opportunity to walk right up to the popular, personable and former ZAG, Robert Sacre and talk horses last night. 

Robert owns two Tennessee Walkers and one Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse cross (17 hands). 

I also met Kevin from the Jay and Kevin Show on Coyotee Country and got to tell him that every morning, while I'm shoveling horse apples, I'm listening to him.  

I think Robert, the horselover, appreciated that.  BTW:  Kevin is the voice of the ZAGS in the Kennel. 

I also saw a couple of local faces from the past, Cheryl Deshon, SHS Class of 1964, and Mike Flaim, Gonzaga grad, former colleague at Sandpoint High School and now expatriate educator in The Netherlands.

So, it was a nice evening watching those talented players do their thing and especially seeing them upclose and personal. 

It was also an evening of dealing with a heavy heart.  

I learned just as we were headed to Spokane about the passing yesterday morning of a professional educational leader, dear to me and countless others in the region. 

Jim Wilund was the best. 

And, when I say that, I'm talking about his role as a professional educator/principal, athletic figure, friend, father and husband.  

In a nutshell, and again, as an understatement, I'll say he'll be missed.  

So much to say about this individual that someone once described as a "prince of a man."  

We, of the Love family, all treasure the time spent with Jim and his wonderful family of Raye, Travis and Josh when he served as principal at Sandpoint High School back in the  mid-1980s. 

RIP, dear friend, and much love to the Wilund family.

And, now comes the celebration to offset the sadness.

  Today is my sister Barbara's 60th birthday.

What an amazing woman and example!

Not only a highly accomplished horsewoman but also a gifted teacher, who said to me the other day, "Jim Wilund hired me."  

He knew a good one, for sure. 

Happy Birthday, little Sis.  If we can make it through the plowing stuff, we'll go celebrate your special day. 

So, yes, on this last day of the year, as happens with all of us so often, there is much to contemplate.  

A common thread runs through each of these three events:  goodness. 

And, that is always the gift of the day.