During the last few decades I've spent on this planet, it has occured to me that these are very true words....I wish I knew who said them so I could give proper credit.

"It is not the mountains we stumble over during our journey, it's the small stones in the pathway that trip us up."

I do so believe that is the case for me at least. I see the mountain coming and I prepare for it as best I can, when I finally reach it, I climb over or around it to where I belong.

I see a path of pebbles ahead and give it little thoght, but from the time I place my foot on the path, it's one problem after another, a lost shoe, a twisted ankle, a stumble and fall.

I suppose it's because I'm not paying much attention to those little stones, that they seem inconsequential at the time. I'm more interested in getting to that big mountain...that thing I can see so clearly and that I understand better than the little pebble.

Now I'm thinking maybe I made this whole journey backward...had I taken my time with the small stones, I may have made the trek to the mountain a little smoother. I could have scattered the pebbles about to make a smoother path, tossed some to the side, placed some in a more orderly fashion. Perhaps a more careful approach would have given me more rest and strength to tackle the mountain.

II dunno what this babbling is all about, really. I guess it could have something to do with the fact that two people who are very dear to me and going through a struggle and I don't know how to help them.

If I were not related to them, it might be easier, easier for them to talk, easier for me to listen...who knows.

In any case, my heart is breaking because I can no longer kiss the scraped knee and make it all better. One thing I can do is pray for them and if any of you guys wanna join in, I sure would appreciate your help for my two youngins.

thanks so much.
xoxoxoxo