TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2013

Our year ended with heavy hearts. Our dear friend, Joyce Gauthier, passed away in the early morning. We are in total shock. Joyce was so vibrant and full of life when she and Jim spent Thanksgiving with us just a month ago. Jim needs our love and prayers now. 

Family Thanksgiving at Randy St. Germain's, November 28, 2013. 

You may wonder at me "Blogging" about a friend's passing but the very last thing Joyce said to me was "Keep blogging!"

Joyce, the Scottie magnet, with Robbie (standing) and Maggie. 

Silly of me to day, but our Scottie, Maggie, latched onto Joyce like a long-lost friend when they visited last month. We all commented on it because Maggie will not sit with anyone for more than a brief (2 minutes or less) moment ... yet Maggie was glued to Joyce. 

Jim and Joyce Gauthier, with Maggie. 

Kerry Livgren wrote it; Kansas sang it; a beautiful haunting melody ... and a favorite of mine. 

"I close my eyes, only for a moment, and the moment's gone

All my dreams pass before my eyes, a curiosity

Dust in the wind, all they are is dust in the wind

Same old song, just a drop of water in an endless sea

All we do, crumbles to the ground though we refuse to see

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind

Oh, dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind

Don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky

It slips away, all your money won't another minute buy

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind

Dust in the wind, all we are is dust in the wind

Dust in the wind, everything is dust in the wind (everything is dust in the wind)."

Our grief is deep, personal sorrow. We remember your voice and the vitality you brought to every event, large or small. Every gathering was better with you there, Joyce. Rest in peace, you've earned it. We were honored to be your friend. God bless.