Proverbs 21:20. A fool and his money are soon parted.

My mom used to say this, quite often in fact, and I always considered it to be a fleck of generational wisdom handed down to us by folks who had the great misfortune of living through the Great Depression of the 1930’s. But I guess, if you trace things back far enough, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the notion may have had its origin in scripture. And let’s face it, fools and their parted money have been with us for as long as there’ve been fools and money.

Had a meeting this morning, then popped into my local grocer on the way home. I guess they’re not accustomed to seeing me dressed like this, because I sure got my share of looks and comments. I was able to assure people that nobody had died, that I wasn’t getting married, or that I hadn’t died myself.

This hurts.

Although I didn’t know Amanda all that well, what I did know often included that smile that just made everyone feel so welcome. I had the honour of teaching three of her children, Alex, Athena, and Zakk, and it was through parent-teacher interviews that we would meet initially. But after that, any encounter in public would always feature that fantastic smile and personality. So it hurts to see people so vibrant, so beautiful, and so alive leaving us so early.

My condolences to the Tachiatis family. I wish I had the words that could help make sense of life and the hardships presented within it, but sadly I don’t. My best would be to have you all in my thoughts and wish you peace as you navigate the road ahead.

Anyone remember that notion that, when gas prices rose and rose and rose, we (the consumers) would band together, identify one gas supplier (Shell, Esso, etc.) and en masse stop buying gas from them?

Pretty bleak looking landscape outside the patio/bedroom doors. But every day is a gift in its own right, so in that sense, what a beautiful day outside today!