Some days Lemons are Just Lemons

Day 165

Sometimes, no matter how hard to you try to turn lemons into lemonade, you just get stuck with a sour mess. I have tried hard to make this the best day possible despite being thwarted at every turn.

Today I successfully navigated my way through challenge after challenge with as much humor as I could muster. I even found a little time to goof off. This evening, feeling pretty smug about my ability to rise above, I grabbed my things and headed out the door with a smile on my face. Then, I checked my voicemail.

Upon checking my voicemail, I received some very sad news. The world lost one of the kindest people I've ever known today, Richard (Dickie) Fuqua. He and his deceased wife Sarah (Tootsie) were my neighbors as a child. My brother and I spent practically every weekend at their house. They took us to church with them on Sunday and included us in family dinners, holidays and celebrations. We were family.

The Fuquas' were some of the kindest most selfless people I've ever known. Through their example, I discovered that there was something more to the world than my home, which was fueled by alcoholism, bitterness, and anger. They made me believe that I could become more than what was "expected" because they expected more. They praised my good grades. They came to band competitions. They even came to my Confirmation and they weren't Catholic. It's important to note that they were the only people who acknowledged these things.

These people did everything in their power to counteract the bad parenting that was going on next door. If it were not for their kindness and generosity, I would not be the woman I am today. Dickie has left this world to join his wife Tootsie in Heaven. My heart is heavy with what I've lost. It sings for what he has gained in Heaven.

If you think that you can't have a positive impact in the world by simply being generous and kind, you are dead wrong. The Fuquas left a legacy of love that will endure in my heart forever.

Tonight, I've got nothing left to give. This last bit of news has me throwing in the towel and saying "ok... I've done the best i can with what God gave me today."

Margaret