Every day brings us new beginnings and challenges but it’s the little gestures that help. Everyone was trying to get a workout in before the storm so there was no parking for all of us little old ones, so we circled and circled and finally found spots to park and attend our choir practice. We learned some new songs and practiced some old songs. We came away happy for that moment in time.

And then, I went to the grocery store along with the rest of Louisville because we always go crazy before a whopper of a storm. It is in our nature to shop and clear out the shelves with comfort foods and soup fixings and then hold up in our warm little caves.

But the coolest thing that happened at the grocery store, was that I found everything I needed, talked to an adorable woman who I encouraged to come next week and sing with us, and then paid it forward with my $20 off coupon that I couldn’t use at the checkout because I didn’t spend enough (hallelujah!). The couple behind me was grateful, and the checkout girl said, “I love the people in this town!” I felt joy again for a little while.

And then, I got home and read my email. I was sad to hear about the death of a wonderful person who was such a cool guy. We enjoyed his company so much when he joined our table for lunch at the senior center. He was such a delight and regaled us with his wonderful life stories. We often saw each other in the swimming pool and chatted and swam next to each other in the lanes, much to the chagrin of others swimming. I had been texting him to ask him if I could draft his story for my blog and hadn’t heard from him. I found out through our Senior Center staff that he had passed a few weeks ago. I found his memorial site on Facebook and loved all the pictures and wishes posted by his family and friends. Although I hadn’t known him for a long time, I appreciated how rich his life was, and it was good to see he has a great family. Jonathan Hritz will be missed.

So my message today is to stop worrying about the big stuff and just enjoy the moments with the people you love and the people you get to know every hour of every day. None of us know what the future will hold. So hold your loved ones’ hands and tell them how much you appreciate and care about them. Do this every day.

Love to all. Stay safe and warm.