For Connie

May God grant you always...

A sunbeam to warm you,

a moonbeam to charm you,

a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you.

Laughter to cheer you.

Faithful friends near you.

And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.

                                                                                                                     -- Irish Blessing

Words starting with "c" captured my attention on my walk this morning. Have you ever stopped to consider how many sunny, uplifting and supportive words are crafted with the third letter of the alphabet?

Care

Caring

Compassion
Calm

Concern

Compliment

Comfort

Cheer

Cozy
Comfy

Cuddle
Chuckle

Celebration

Children

Curiosity

Creativity

Commitment
Cake
Cookies
Candy

Chocolate

Coffee
Captivate
Cooperate
Cherish

Courage
Comforter

Christ

These thoughts surfaced following news the other day from my dear friend and writers' group critique buddy, Connie, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Certainly one of the ugliest, if not most ugliest, c-words ever. If only we could strike that one from our vocabulary.

And so, for Connie and others who may have received not-so-welcome news of late, please know our prayers are with you. May sunbeams warm you, laughter cheer you, and the God of all mercy, grace and comfort be with you.

__________________