Deep thoughts -- or not

If you stop by regularly, you know that my family had some very sad news this past week, and after witnessing and sharing the grief of a dear friend, I thought I'd share some thoughts I've had worth writing down. Some serious, some not so serious.

✒ When a friend or loved one loses someone close, offer to shop for funeral clothes. You will feel infinitely more helpful than if you had baked a cake.

✒ Every woman should have a funeral dress in her closet. No ifs, ands, or buts. I cannot tell you how much wear I have gotten out of my Talbots traditional, two-piece, black dress. Sadly, that says I go to a lot of funerals. But the dress has been in my closet for probably 10 years and it's still in style.

✒ If your children cry at a funeral, there is no Kleenex box large enough to catch your tears. Forget about it -- they will bounce of your traditional black funeral dress anyway. Just make sure you have on waterproof makeup or you'll end up looking Goth at the cemetery. Thankfully, I remembered my waterproof makeup.

✒ If a friend or family member loses a child, keep Kleenex with you at all times. You never know when you will cry.

✒ There is no reason in this world to not treat others with kindness. Complete strangers, best friends, family members. You never know how it will affect them. You will be remembered for it.

✒ Hug people - especially kids (probably not strangers - they might not understand). Kids will wiggle and moan about it, but they love it. And they will remember how you loved them. And kiss their sweet cheeks -- especially teenagers -- they need more love.

✒ Tell your children that you love them every single day. Each child, every day.

✒ Teaching your children that God has infinite mercy will carry them through hard times. If they believe, truly believe, that God loves them, and will protect them, they can deal with almost anything. There is nothing like knowing you have a soft place to fall in Our Lord Jesus to keep you standing.