[Billie]

[Billie]

It was one of our Finest weekends, and many of you kept coming back, Friday through Sunday, finding comfort in the beauty of Dutchess' "The Stations of the Cross". We saw some old friends and we made some new ones. You shared some of the most touching words and pictures of the true meaning of Easter, and we are so happy you shared it with us.

Thank you for being here; we hope to see you today.

[FreeTheHostages]

"He misses the trees."

LOL -- I was having the same, well, er, um, not the SAME, problem this weekend. I needed a nice sprig for an Easter tree, and I live in a concrete jungle and I had to walk almost a mile to a place where it would be permissible to fetch a tree branch for my Easter egg tree.

[Iowa Granny]

Great story about Buster. Thanks for bringing it to us. I pass this way a couple of times a day, but seldom post. Thank you for all you do.

[jwfiv]

Can't help but grin from ear to ear reading your delightful thread today, Billie...thank you. I hope your weekend was restful, wonderful and just perfect.

Good morning to all our Hostess babes, and to all Freepers...it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

[Mo1]

Morning Billie ..

[LadyX]

Billie, if Thud and Dog were here, they would award Buster this:

{{{{{ Meows and Woofs for Buster }}}}}

[Billie]

I missed many of you yesterday on the Easter thread, and wanted to especially say hello and thank you for your wonderful contributions and posts to a beautiful thread. (Yes, you, too, T Man!) :)

'nad, miss you and hope that you get your 'puter hooked up in your new home and can join us very soon. Hope you and your family had a Blessed Easter.

Colleen, loved the White House state Easter Eggs, and thank you for giving me the link to Texas'! And yes, I love the bluebird on New York's!

Thank you all!

[Billie]

I missed this yesterday and didn't know if the rest of you saw it or not. (Of course, wolfie, bear in mind that daisy may not bake you any more pineapple two-crust pies for your remark!) Of course, also we know that you are kidding and you probably picked the sweetest one of us to put on that bunny!

Post #649 yesterday's thread: TOO CUTE! Thank you, wolfie! Hugs are in order for another cute hostess graphic.

((((((((((((((((((((wolfie))))))))))))))

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Wishing my BunnyBabes a wonderful, blessed Easter.
Freezie, you are hidden behind daisy....she's a little on the fat side. LOL

((((((( Babes )))))))

[SpookBrat]

Thanks for the sweet thread. We have a soft spot for Springers. We had to put our 16 year old Springer to sleep two years ago. His name was Mr. Peabody. He was the most obedient dog we ever had. If you looked at him cross eyed, he would obey you. Very smart, loyal and affectionate dogs.

[bmwcyle]

He has a place in Heaven.

[dutchess]

Hi Billie....FINALLY got here! Great Thread (but you know I'm just a little partial to our canine friends!) And absolutely love the pledge!

[daisyscarlett]

What a sweet story about Buster and his "family"...I am so sorry he does not have any trees but PETA sure can't complain about the special care he is getting-shoot his own respirator even if necessary. Isn't it amazing how some of our most special animals have come from shelters?

Loved the flag graphic too-is it new?

[WVNan]

I hope it's not too late to say hello Billie. I even brought you a bouquet of my favorite flower. BTW, I loved that dog story.

[grantswank]

DYING IN THE FAITH

I am drinking my Tim Horton’s coffee while seated in this crowded coffee shop in Elmsdale, Nova Scotia. The day is overcast, drizzly and not all that sunshine promising.

However, I have just come upon another Easter story of sunlight. It flows quite freely from the life of John Savage, former premier of Nova Scotia. He has but a short time to live, dying of cancer.

Three weeks ago, he lost his wife of 45 years, Margaret, to cancer.

“I’m not maudlin about it. I’m not crying about it. I’m accepting what happens to everybody sooner or later,” Mr. Savage witnessed to reporters on Easter Monday. He was speaking from his dining room table in his lakeside home in Dartmouth. To this city, he gave seven years of his life as mayor before leading the provincial Liberals to power in 1993.

As I feel hail and hearty on this misty Tuesday morning, Mr. Savage is closing out his earthly stay in typical courage and outspokenness. Never one for mincing words, he continues his forthright persona to the end.

“I’ve had some really startling remissions. . .now it’s got to the point where there is no further treatment and I’m prepared to go the way the good Lord intends me to go,” Mr. Savage stated simply.

For a personality of extreme independence and at times bold stubborn streak, his reliance upon God has never wavered. He told reporters that being obedient to the divine was his daily walk. He did not mind it. It brought him great support and now that the end is near, it is proving to be his stay.

It was the same spiritual stamina experienced by his wife. What a heritage to give to his children who were watching over him as the reporters queried the politician.

Photographers asked if they could take his picture; he declined, saying that he was no longer photographable. He has lost 40 pounds due to sickness and therefore would like to be remembered as he looked when in robust health.

Mr. Savage could not be more complimentary of the medical staff he has come to know most intimately during his illness. He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to his children for their daily kindnesses.

In speaking to the media, he stated that he expects to spend “the rest of my life in some peace,” primarily because of his faith in God. He stated that what lies ahead is exciting him for he believes that death will entrance him into the presence of God, just as his wife’s faith held firm.

“I’m quite happy. I have no qualms about dying.” He elaborated by saying that a person’s faith “gives you a reason for being and for doing. . .It’s something that I’ve always followed, something I’ve always obeyed and worked with. I find it a real treat at the end.”

___________________

J. Grant Swank, Jr., Pastor, New Hope Church, Windham ME