Hi all,<P>Last week I had a tough decision to make about Easter weekend. Parents and other family were traveling to see one of my aunts in Pennsylvania. For some reason I was not "up" for the trip (usually I love going there to visit). Part of it was the sadness of this being the 2nd Easter without my wife. <P>I was feeling pretty down near the end of last week when two events brought a change in me: First I gave everybody a half day of work here at our office. I intended on going home early and getting some work done around the house. Instead on my way home I stopped in for the afternoon service at a local church (The Passion Service). I had never been in that church before nor do I remember ever going to Good Friday Services (was always too busy). It was strange, but during the service I felt a warm feeling come over me, almost like someone was whispering "it will all be alright, just rest". Even though I was still sad, I felt a relaxing kind of peace.<P>The next morning I got up early to go help at my church for their annual Easter-Egg Hunt. I was wishy-washy about whether to go or not, but I am SOOO glad I did. The feeling I get from helping others is so great. Not only did I get to interact with the children, I was also able to meet a few other men in my church and to make a couple new friends.<P>But what made the weekend was one of my wife's friends. I had not seen her since before my wife left. She was there with her children for the hunt. As I was talking with someone I felt a hand on my shoulder - I turned around and there she was. She gave me a big hug hello. We talked about her kids (whom my wife used to teach) and how her husband was doing, etc... As she was walking away I mentioned to her that my wife may be coming to town next week. Upon saying that she came back to me and gave me another hug. She told me how sad she was that my wife and I were going through all this and how she wished things were different.<P>It really made me feel good. Just to have one of my wife's best friends react to me like that. It was a nice Easter gift. Also I am sure my involvement with the church event will get back to my wife. A big change for me - I used to have a 101 excuses why I could not help out...<P>Just thought I would share.<P>BTW: I have found that whenever I am feeling down, depressed and sad, if I have an opportunity to help someone else out, it brightens not only their day, but mine as well. Try it and see!<P>Hope everybody had a nice Easter/Passover...<P>God Bless,<BR>Mike<P>------------------<BR>God always waits for the right time to do the right thing in the right way.

Hi Mike,<P>thanks for that. Sometimes I need reminding how good it is to help others.<P>You sound like you had a nice easter after all. It's nice when friends can pat you on the back and say that they are your friends after all. I know I miss my friends from my marriage. They seem to have fallen down the cracks.<P>Take care of you, and have a good week.<P>hugs<P>Jo

Hi Mike,<P>Its great when things like that happen, almost like someone really is watching out for you. I know that I've neglected church for a while, but everytime I go , I get that feeling as well. <P>I also get far more satisfaction out of helping others because it makes me feel good. It also distracts me from my problems, or puts my life in perspective, such as Thank God my kids are ok, etc.<P>I'm glad you had a good weekend. Dana<BR>