For me a saddened and heavy-ladened heart this past week as my sister, Sepal Pedigo, went home to be with Jesus after succumbing to health issues she couldn't recover from.  I always have to write about my loved one at their funeral and my sisters was not any different.
Want to write you a few lines that our Pastor Chris Moore read at Sepal's funeral that I had written.  Our loved ones mean the world to us as so many of you know.

For My Beloved Sister "Sepal"...We've been close as far back as I can remember.  You've always been there for me giving me guidance and help when you thought I needed it.  So lucky to have had such a remarkable and caring sister as you, Sepal.  We've had so many fun-filled sister get-togethers for me to remember that will help me get through the loss of you in my life when I'm missing you and the void that cannot ever be filled.  You're with Jesus now because He
saved your soul years ago.  I'll be back with you someday when my journey here is over.  My heart is broken, but I'm happy for you in your new home.  You've got to be happy, too.  Love, Carol.

As I've written many times before in the column cherish your loved ones every day and tell them you love them often.  You'll be glad you did as I have if they pass away.

Melvin Ferrell is doing better after spending a few days in the hospital with bronchitis and allergy problems.  So good to talk with you, Melvin.

Burley Bogle tired but in good spirits on Tuesday evening and feeling pretty good.  He's always outside working, if the weather permits.  He says we're going through dogwood winter now.  I've noticed "Aubrey's" dad's pink dogwood is blooming and is a beautiful sight.  Donna Prater in good form on Monday.  Always a joy to chat with her.  Talked with Beverly Hubler on Tuesday.  She and the family are doing well.

I find myself wondering about the invasion of those cicadas in May.  Millions upon millions to arrive.  Will people want to put chocolate on them like they do grasshoppers and other insects and eat them?  I'm about to gag just thinking about that.

Gracie Bratcher is doing much better when talking to her on Wednesday of last week.  She sent me a beautiful sympathy card that deeply touched me about Sepal.  Thank you, Gracie.

Please keep praying for the following people:  Cecile Ferrell, Mary Melton, Joe Gunter, Jeff Brown, Rose Watts, Charlie Mai Daniel, Jimmy and Faye Hale, Walter and Faye Ferrell, Georgene Grisham, the people of Israel, and the families of Sepal Pedigo, Lois Larimer and Greg Laboe.

Yesterday was to be an extreme weather day for middle Tennessee.  You, like me, probably kept a close eye on the weather.  We should never take the possibility of severe weather lightly.  Our lives could hang in the balance.  I'm so glad we dodged another bullet this go round.  Being prepared for bad weather is a must and having that "safe place" to shelter in during a storm can keep you alive.

If you have any news for the column, just give me a call at 615-563-4429.  Have a great day!

Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.  Luke 23:43