Greetings,

People count on me to be at work, and I consciously and conscientiously maintain good health to be there for them.  

Last night, I wasn't so sure, feeling that wee bit  of malaise. That little scratchiness in the throat. That chill. 

Before going to bed, DH brewed me some tea, and I squeezed a full dropper of Echinacea and Goldenseal tincture into it. I finished the tea off with two aspirins, counting on its antiviral properties. I was taking no chances.

I woke up feeling fine.  Just fine. Overnight, the herbal elixir had beefed up my immune system to effectively nip the cold, and the aspirins had snuffed out any lurking viruses.

Some enchanted evening, you may see a stranger. 
You may see a stranger across a crowded room, 
And somehow you know, you know even then, 
That somewhere, you'll see him again and again. 
~ Rodgers & Hammerstein

As soon as I got to work, I was gifted by Brandon's sweet smile.  Maggie and Nathaniel were in to see me, and Brandon had tagged along. I've known Maggie for over 15 years, before the husband, before the boys.  

Some may lay their eyes on each other for the first time across a crowded room.  Maggie and her husband put a unique twist to this romantic imagery. Their eyes first met across a crowded room... at a funeral.  A mutual friend had been struck and killed while checking out a flat tire alongside the freeway.  A tragic, seemingly senseless passing of a beautiful, young woman.  

I believe their departed mutual friend met Brandon on the other side. Brandon must have flashed his heart melting smile, and, together, they arranged to have the fateful meeting of eyes at the funeral.

They knew that these two would make the perfect, committed parents for Brandon.

He is a man of sense who does not grieve 
for what he has not, but rejoices in what he has. 
~Epictetus

Nathaniel is the older of the two boys. He's artistically talented with aspirations to become a doctor.  He's bright, very bright.  

Brandon was born, four years later,  with developmental delays.  His parents work with him every day.  Inspired by Brandon, Maggie says she is now taking special education classes at the local college. 

We are each given different gifts, and Brandon has been generously gifted with the biggest, brightest and sweetest personality.  He is his parents' and brother's best gift.

Everybody loves Raymond Brandon.

"The middle years of marriage are the most crucial. In the early years, spouses want each
other and in late years, they need each other." 
~Rebecca Tilly

Later in the day, Ler Biaroi came by.  In the past, he has been -- let's say, a challenging client for all of us. He can be edgy, bordering on critical.  We slay him with loving kindness, and he returns to us like clockwork, even if we're never ever really sure that we've pleased him at all.

Today, he seemed different.  Humbled. I wondered if the events of the world had brought him down to Earth.  We talked about how life had taken on new meaning since 9-11.  I wondered aloud why at 50 years old, he had never married.  

"During "for better or worse" times like these," I said, "I'm grateful to have my husband beside me." 

Ler was receptive, asking me if I knew of anyone. I didn't, although Sue did cross my mind. 

"Maybe you should consider trying a dating service..."

He said he had no luck with Great Expectations. I asked him to keep an open mind, maybe it just wasn't the right time then. 

"I'll bet you were just too picky then, " I said. Ler agreed. 

Marriage is the triumph of 
imagination over intelligence.
Second marriage is the triumph of
hope over experience.
~Oscar Wilde 

Doni came by and enthusiastically shared with Ler how he had met Jen through a dating service, the Orange County Social Club, nine months ago.  He and Jen hit it off immediately, and now they are the proud dog parents of their newest arrival, Coco, the little bitch Pekingese, and Geisha and Chablis, two silky terriers. They are one happy family.

I think Ler just might give the OCSB a chance.  In the meantime, I'm praying for him as finding the right wife for this very particular man is a tall order. I have faith, and prayer can't hurt. 

I want Ler to be happy, too.  Everyone deserves to be happy.

Marriages Are Made in Heaven, 
But Maintained On Earth

I believe marriages, like children, are made in Heaven.  The meeting arrangements may vary.

Some meet with the help of dating services, others with heavenly help at a funeral. 

"Life is a Gift."

Sincerely,
Author Unknown

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