Saturday, October 27, 2012

Alive

"How beautiful it is to be alive."  -Henry Septimus Sutton

Henry Septimus Sutton was born on 10th February 1825 in Nottingham, the seventh child in a family of seven sons and three daughters. His father, Richard Sutton (1789-1856) was a bookseller and printer, and the proprietor of the NottinghamReview. Henry, who spent his childhood among his father’s books, was educated at a private school in Nottingham and then at Leicester Grammar School. On leaving school he was articled to a surgeon, but eventually abandoned the medical profession for literature and journalism, writing first for his father’s paper.  From--http://www.readysteadybook.com/Article.aspx?page=henrysutton

This writer was born long ago, but this simple quote is wonderful.  It is a beautiful thing to be alive, and we need to rejoice in this gift daily.  God had a plan and purpose for each day we live.  When asked, "how are you?"  My father in law will often say, "happy to be here."  As a two time cancer survivor he recognizes the gift of life more than most.  This weekend he celebrates his third daughter's birthday.  He has four grown children and has seen all four get married and have families of their own.  I feel very blessed to have him, and all the other grandparents in our lives.  I never had the chance to get to know my father's parents, but I gather from others that they were beautiful people during their lives.  My mother's parents died when I was in my early 20s.  I am thankful that they spent many winters in Florida with us and taught me about their past through stories of the depression, World War II, and many walks in the snow.

There is no snow today in Florida.  But we have hurricane fringe winds from the coast, and we will celebrate the fall with a Spooky Halloween breakfast at our neighbor's house and a fall festival at Addison's elementary school.  Later this afternoon we will watch the Florida State Seminoles take on the Duke Blue Devils for Homecoming.  It is a truly a BEAUTIFUL day to be alive for us!

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