Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Life’s Tokens

                Medals

Life isn’t fair. It is not always easy. Life continues, it doesn’t wait. It doesn’t ask you if you are happy, or is it good for you. It offers mountains to climb, valleys to visit, and a sky that is endless. One step at a time or running through it…one thing is certain our path is right under foot and the directions are endless.

Because I come from a very large family (26 aunts and uncles, over 80 first cousins, and nearly three hundred second cousins who mainly live in the same rural area.) I have bear-ed witness to many occasions that life has to offer. It isn’t unusual with such a large family to have a wedding, a birth, a baptism, and a funeral each month. My family has a steady cycle of happiness and sorrow, coping and rejoicing, being and becoming… the gifts, the lessons, the examples are plentiful.

…and you dear reader, like my dear family extends a hand, shows me the way, leads me through the steps… I take comfort hearing your stories, reading your experiences, gathering that this too shall pass no matter how bruising it is to my heart. Your faith brings me to a fertile ground where love does not die but is absorbed, transformed, and beckons me to focus that life is unending- no matter what side of the token it is showing me this moment.

Comments

52 responses to “Life’s Tokens”

  1. Alina

    I sometimes say thank God we don’t always get what we deserve! Yes, life isn’t fair, but it can surely be beautiful.

    Reply
  2. mary Kate

    I still have a little bit of Lourdes water left. Can I send it you?

    Reply
  3. debra

    When I was a child, I would often cry, “It’s not fair!!!!!” My father would reply, “Whoever said life is fair?” As an adult, I know that while life doesn’t always seem fair, it sure is rich. All the experiences are the warp and weft that make the tapestry of life. They make me stronger and more acutely aware of the majesty of it all.

    Reply
  4. April

    And you continue to show such grace in the midst of it all. Thank you, Corey. Many prayers being sent up for you and yours.

    Reply
  5. Shannon

    You are the most optimistic and real person I’ve ever met. I’m extremely lucky to know you and have you as a friend.

    Reply
  6. cara

    Oh my.. I have been reading your tale.. actually I started at the beginning, and have read straight through (tears, laughter, anticipation and heartache.. all in one spot. Like a novel I can’t seem to put down.) You are an inspiring woman. I’m praying for peace for you and your family.. you will be in my thoughts often..

    Reply
  7. marcie

    such truth, and wisdom, and love, you have helped me more that you will ever know. A fellow traveler on this planet school. It is a strange place, an awful place, a wonderful place. You have the key, so do I, now what pocket did I leave it in???? Oh yea, found it again.

    Reply
  8. Suzanne

    You are the one who shares with us the wisdom and love within your words and way to look at singular events, dear Corey! And although you are passing a hard time, you are still able to notice when God waves at you and you smile back… and at the same time you teach us how to be aware and pay attention to God’s waves in our lives!
    Big, tender hug for you*
    Keeping you and your family in my prayers*

    Reply
  9. TACE

    I always say “life is strange” it has no sense to all the weirdness. Except maybe the good things we experience are ever the more sweeter because we know there is bad. Like people say how there’s no light with out dark? It’s hard to be human I think 🙂 Reading about you and your family is very interesting, so large and close. I send your family continued best wishes from me 🙂

    Reply
  10. Candy

    I come here and I read your heart and I really have no words, except thank you for sharing your journey. It’s one I know I’ll be taking myself one day – probably sooner rather than later. Still praying.

    Reply
  11. amylia

    One of my favorite posts thus far. Thank you for sharing with us all the way you look at the world. It helps me look at things in a more Corey kinda way, and that feels good and right to me.
    Your father raised you well!

    Reply
  12. anna

    Oh, my — here we are trying to comfort and support you, and you, dear Corey, through your beautiful words, comfort and nurture us…truly. xoxoxo

    Reply
  13. Mari-Nanci

    What we do for you, could never be compared with what you do for us. Even in sorrow, which seems to go on and on and on for all your family ~ you are so understanding and eloquent. And you continue to share this gift of yours, with us.
    I can never say enough thank you’s to you.
    Mari-Nanci

    Reply
  14. beachy

    Sweet Corey, you so often share comforting words with us. It is out of love that we all want to share comfort with you!

    Reply
  15. Mo’a

    I am in awe of how large your family is…it is amazing to a person like me whose immediate family is small…I do however, have a fairly large family in Iceland and am thankful that after all the years here in the States I am still close to them.
    You writing is inspiring and more inspiring is the way you live your life…and how much you give to us, your readers.

    Reply
  16. cheryl

    Corey, my stranger friend,
    I wish you peace in this time of
    strife.
    These are the times when I know why
    Faith matters.
    There are times when I wonder and a
    friend’s trial reminds me of the
    significance of prayer.
    Love,
    Cheryl

    Reply
  17. Marguerite

    Dear sweet Corey,
    It is so amazing to me that in your situation, you can post such profound thoughts about life that mean so much to all of us. You are a remarkable soul and we are all praying for you daily. You are so lucky to have such a lovely family and I thank you for making me think more about mine.

    Reply
  18. lauren Mumford

    Holding you in my heart…

    Reply
  19. Hasmin

    Corey, your words touch my heart, as always. ((hug))

    Reply
  20. Alexandra

    What a blessing to have such a large loving family. Prayers for your father. There is the St. Joseph novena which begins soon – very powerful. I’ll remember your dad in my prayers.

    Reply
  21. Gail

    Dear Corey,
    Thank you for writing of your pain, struggles, joys, and lows. You are living life and I am honored to walk with you and support you on the journey. May God’s peace be with you all.
    xoxo
    Gail

    Reply
  22. amber

    Dear Corey. I wish I could give you something more than words of prayer and concern… I so do. I can hear how hard this is. But your bright spirit still shines here.
    I add my love to all the rest.
    ((you))
    🙂

    Reply
  23. deirdre

    Somehow, throught it all, we breathe and go grocery shopping and wash dishes. And we hold tightly to the hands than keep us steady. I’m still holding a lit candle for you.

    Reply
  24. Nel

    I am so glad you have been encouraged and uplifted by thoughts and prayers that are being sent your way. That’s what friends are for and you have certainly been a friend to many. Now it’s our turn to be there for you. One day at a time, life goes forward… sometimes it brings joy and sometimes unbearable pain, but always it goes on. Love & prayers continue your way, Nel x

    Reply
  25. Darla

    Wanted to leave a word to let you know that I continue to hold you and your family foremost in my thoughts. It is a hard time and you are courageous.
    Darla

    Reply
  26. Sher

    Many of us have walked a similar path; it is woodsy and sometimes hidden from the sun, leaving us a bit disoriented and confused. We feel our way with uncertainty and each of us responds differently, with varying degrees of anguish when the path seemingly disappears and elation when you can spot the sunrise. It is always much more comfortable when the sun is bright and we can see a familiar meadow ahead. Know that all prayers are being heard and that you are always surrounded with love.

    Reply
  27. Jeanne

    God bless you and yours real good my darling friend………
    Each day has a miracle inside it………
    and those with eyes to see may find it.
    I love you
    Hugs and prayers
    Love Jeanne

    Reply
  28. My Melange

    Lovely thoughts. Wow! What a big family. I am sure it makes life interesting 🙂

    Reply
  29. Ann @ Holy Experience

    And that is our hope, the beauty that sustains us: life *is* without end.
    Here we gestate, grow, mature… and, when the time comes, we transition, doing the hard work, the heart work, of delivering into Father’s waiting hands.
    Each day, we are one closer.
    You are upheld in prayers, Corey…
    All’s grace,
    Ann

    Reply
  30. karen

    I think of you each morning and remember when my own father was very ill and in the hospital. It seems so unfair that good people have to suffer. ….Sending you and your dad hopeful prayers.

    Reply
  31. diana

    Once again I am amazed by your grace and wisdom… even on the roller coaster ride you are shouting out to your friends. xoxo

    Reply
  32. Dee

    Dear Corey…on a daily basis I come and check to see how you are doing…thinking maybe I can give you some words of wisdom. Instead…you continue to lift me up with your beautiful words.
    You will make it through this…thanks to your faith,family and friends.
    You are loved and you are blessed!
    Dee

    Reply
  33. rochambeau

    You are blessed to have such a large family Corey. Isn’t it true? We all need one another!! Without people in our lives to love, life would be nothing!
    Thinking of you dear friend!!
    xox
    Constance

    Reply
  34. Suzanne – The Farmer’s Wife

    Yes, Corey….it’s life!

    Reply
  35. Star

    I have found what you relate to be true in my own life. Although we all have our own path to walk, filled with the challenges and joys that make each of us unique, there is strength in drawing on the experiences of others and knowing that we are not alone (although it sometimes feels that way).
    Know that whatever support you get from our words, you have given us the same many times over. That’s what friends are for 🙂
    Sending blessings overflowing to you and your family as you continue down life’s path.

    Reply
  36. martina

    Corey not only are you very gifted with words, but other commenters say such touching things so beautifully. Can’t top what has been said by the others. Sending hugs.

    Reply
  37. Miss Sandy

    Ah Corey, my heart hurts for you as you pass through this bittersweet experience. Your courage astounds me. Believe it or not, you are inspiration of grace under pressure. Thank You!

    Reply
  38. Ariane

    I have been continually touched by your thoughts and words and how they reflect life. I’m sending you, your dad and your family thoughts of love, strength and stamina to help you all endure through this challenging point in life.
    Ariane

    Reply
  39. Rosemary

    You are so lucky to have such a large family!!
    That is really nice. I hope you are managing to have some good days as well as bad. My heart goes out to you and yours.
    Even thought we have never met in person,
    I feel like we are friends. I feel for my friend.
    Rosemary

    Reply
  40. catalina

    My father passed away some years ago. I am the oldest of five at home. I wrote to my brother and sister about the “natural way”. The “natural way” means olders go first and so and if this is how things happen in a family is the best way. I hope your father will stay more with you and will feel better.
    Cycles, as you say, of happiness and sorrows, are best to go through when you have people who loves you and who you love. To share is a wonderful luck.
    Love continues, I’m sure

    Reply
  41. Terri B in Oregon

    I follow your ordeal, day by day. I have to say that you are so serene, so together during what must be such a difficult time. I will continue to pray for you and your father. Whatever the outcome, rest assured it will be the right one.

    Reply
  42. Eunice

    How can I say what others have said so beautifully? So, I will just say that your father, yourself, and your family are in my prayers. Your strength is beautiful to behold.
    Eunice

    Reply
  43. Colette

    I check in every day. I don’t comment every single time, but I whisper a little prayer before I leave.
    xoxo

    Reply
  44. Amanda

    Oh dearest Corey, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Despite your pain, you still continue to leave words of love and inspiration that touch my soul. I feel almost self-centered when I read your thoughts, but appreciate them so and wish that I could do the same for you in your hours of need. I’m afraid I fall short, but please know that we all wish you the very best.

    Reply
  45. Lynne

    No, life isn’t always fair, but somehow, we count our blessings and move through all it throws at us, becoming better people and more compassionate and aware of the grace that we are given to transced all of it.
    God Bless!

    Reply
  46. Pat

    Stopping by again, this evening, Corey. You all are in my thoughts. I understand this rollercoaster, so well. My prayers are with you.
    Pat

    Reply
  47. babelfish

    Hungry I come to You, for I know You satisfy. I am empty but I know Your love does not run dry. Broken I run to You for Your arms are open wide. I am weary but I know Your touch restores my life. I’m falling on my knees offering all of me Jesus, You’re all this heart is living for (lyrics).

    Reply
  48. Liisa

    Hi Corey,
    I visit You often here to read Your beautiful words. Life isn´t fair and doesn´t wait that is true. I have this picture in my mind that I will put on canvas some day. It came to me when my much beloved grandmother died in great pain from cancer. I pictured her ,with all of us who love her, on the train of life. She had to get off at her destination and I´m still on the train waving to her from the window, waving until I can´t see her anymore. Life doesn´t wait, it moves on.
    Hugs
    Liisa

    Reply
  49. Sugar

    Corey, where did you find those pretty blue pendants? Never have I seen anything so nice!

    Reply
  50. M-Noëlle

    I visited Notre Dame de la Vie last week …. there were many many small pictures hung up the walls by the benches where people can pray…
    Paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries… all ex-votos to thank ND – all real stories that you can read just like letters or books…
    I was overwhelmed by their Faith…
    I thought of your father very strongly and recommended him to ND.
    I have no paintbrushes and no canvas… but I thank her ….

    Reply
  51. Poetess

    Hello
    I have just found your blog today. What a tremendous sense of peace I felt visiting.
    I am sorry you are having a difficult time at the moment.
    God bless
    Poetessxxx

    Reply
  52. leslie

    Thank you Corey. Your beautiful words have brought tears to my eyes. You have such a sense of peace and love to each tale you tell. Keeping your family in my prayers.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions