Jim Cook, one of my beloved veterans and color guard member is standing guard now in heaven. I have known Jim and his devoted wife, Annette, for many years and am deeply saddened by his passing. Jim was always good to his word, and his handshake was his bond. The community has lost a local hero.</p><p><b>Season of Lent begins</b></p><p>Ash Wednesday is the official start of the season of Lent, a spiritual journey one is offered in preparation for the promise of rebirth at Easter. A time of prayer, fasting and reflection it can provide us with a path to inner peace and renewed understanding of our faith. Popularly Easter is filled with images of colorful bunnies and baskets with brightly colored eggs and chocolate goodies and a parade of new clothes. I know I used to always get a new Easter hat, although you seldom see hats anywhere. Those are fun and festive customs and I always enjoy a good Easter egg myself, but as with Christmas, we need to remember the reason for the season. Lent gives us rituals and purposeful reminders that lead us to remember the ultimate gift. When I received my Ashes on Wednesday I heard the words, "Remember we came from ash to ash we will return." Then I looked up at the cross, the ultimate Easter symbol, the promise, the debt paid. I smiled. I believe.</p><p><b>February birthday balloons </b> Two very adorable little girls celebrate their birthdays this month, Jocelyn Vierra on Feb. 2 and Avery Vierra on the 25th. Proud parents are Mark and Janelle Vierra, and grandparents are Frank and Lou Vierra.</p><p>Feb. 17 is the big day for my beautiful, smart and sassy, dear friend Marlene Salha.</p><p>Happy birthday to Lucille Pacheco, Amy Pikas, Belinda Menezes, Bekki Foell, Gloria Marchese, Mary Bertao, Ninette Latronica, Carlos Marchbanks, Charles Breshearts, James Engel, Ray Gomes, Walter Wright, Helen Foxworthy, Jean Roedell, and Michael Curtis.</p><p><b>Native Daughter drive through</b></p><p>This is one of the great meals of the year, so be sure and get your tickets. The Lomita's Parlors 9th Annual Tri Tip dinner will be held on March 28 at $10 per dinner. Pick up time will be from noon to 3 p.m. at The D.E.S. Hall. Call Mary Louise Cotta for tickets at 826-2651</p><p><b>Thoughts and concerns</b></p><p>People who would like to send cards to our beloved Tesse Mazzina can send them to 428 J St., Los Ba&#241;os. Get well wishes to Bernadette Germino, Cindy Silva and Dolores Brazil. My sympathy to Marlene Gargano on the death of her father. </p><p><b>Anniversary bells</b></p><p>A blessed happy anniversary wish to super couple Jerry and Fay Davis whose big day is Feb. 21, my birthday.</p><p><b>Charleston enchilada sale</b></p><p>Once more Charleston Elementary School is having their Annual Enchilada sale on March 7. A pan of two enchiladas for just $6, pick up at the D.E.S. Hall. For your tickets ask any Charleston parent or call Lara Olson at 346-1199.</p><p><b>Relay for Life</b></p><p>The American Cancer Societies Annual Relay for Life is a 24-hour life altering experience that brings attention to one of the greatest serial killers in the world. The funds raised by the sponsors, walkers, and donors are used for needed cancer research, education and services. They make a difference, every walker, every dollar. This years Relay for Life will be held the weekend of May 22 and 23 at Pacheco Park. Get involved. Lara is having a team this year in honor of Ron called Shooting 4 A Cure. If you would like to sponsor, walk or donate to this team in honor of my husband please call Lara at 346-1199 or mail a check to 472 Santa Barbara. Thank you.</p><p><b>Once more, let's here it for the boys </b> President's Day, there were American Flags waving all over town, once more thanks to our dedicated men of the Veterans Color Guard. God bless them.</p><p><b>Unique</b></p><p>Thank you to Pereira Jewelers for repeatedly showing they have a true heart. Silent deeds are seen by God.</p><p><b>Why me?</b></p><p>On Christmas Day 1966 I had my daughter Leslie Joy and a very good friend of mine, Betty, had a baby girl the very same hour named Francine. We were both thrilled. Leslie came home, and has thrived all these years becoming a wonderful mother and human being. Francine developed heart troubles in the nursery and never lived to see the outside of the neonatal care unit. I did not ask, "why am I so lucky, why me?" Although I am sure Betty asked, "Why her?" When Lara was in a near fatal car accident, in fact she died and was brought back, I did not ask, "Why God did you save her?" When I cared for my dear friend Mary Glenn and watched her beloved husband Don suffer as he slowly watched her slide away, I did not ask, "Why God am I so lucky to still have my spouse?" Nor when I traveled south to care for my friend Don, and held Babs as she sobbed when she lost her beloved husband of over 40 years, ask, "why am I so blessed?" I was relieved, and happily went home to see my healthy husband whom God had saved safe for me to enjoy. So how can I now ask when I have the husband who is ill, "Why us?" While I have the pain in my heart of facing the loss of someone I so love, can I ask, "Why God? Why me?" My favorites picture of our Jesus Christ is of him praying at the garden of Gethsemane. He knew what was to come and he prayed for strength to face it. It wasn't an option. It was his role, his time. There are times in all of our lives when we are truly blessed and times when we are truly pained, both emotions pour into our life as our time on earth passes by. We live, we love, we hope, we forgive, we have faith, we keep on going, as Christ kept walking up the hills of Calvary carrying his cross. We believe.</p><p>Ron is to have his PET/CAT scan next week to see where we are headed, so pray for us and I hope to be back real soon, so until next time, may all your news be good news.