Ezine-Issue 5

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Contents
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1. Introduction
2. Just for fun
3. News from TheLillyPond.com
4. From Reader Pamela
5. What's your story?
6. Reach out
7. Contact me

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1. Introduction
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Thank you for subscribing to my ezine. We're all working to
improve our relationships with our mothers and daughters and
the other important women in our families.

I've found strength and direction when I remember lessons
and stories from my mother and from reading your stories. I
hope you enjoy them.

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2. Just for fun
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Lillian is on her way to Colorado Springs where we'll join
the rest of the small but growing Bridges clan this weekend
for a rare family reunion. I'm her brother Bob and she asked
me to fill in for her with one of my stories here.

I was still living at home during my first couple of
semesters of college. And I worked at a drive-in restaurant.
There were some late nights when it was my turn to close the
cash registers.

The day before a big test, I asked Mom to be sure I got up
on time the next morning so I would not be late. It was
really an important test. She said sure, fine.

I had to work late that night. The next morning, I woke up
late and had to scramble to get to class on time to take the
test. When I got home, I fussed at Mom (which was never a
particularly smart thing to do), "Why did you let me
oversleep? I asked you specifically to be sure I got up on
time."

"I tried to wake you up this morning," she said, "but you
said the test was postponed and to let you sleep."

"Oh, Mom, you can't believe anything I say when I'm half-
asleep."

"Okay, got it," she said sweetly.

The next time I had a test in that class, I mentioned it to
Mom and she said she'd be sure I got up on time.

I woke up the next morning because Mom was standing there
pouring water in my face. I sputtered and stammered and
cried out "What are you doing?"

"Ohhhhhhh," she said sweetly, "you said not to believe you
when you're half-asleep. So I asked you if you wanted a
drink of water and you said 'no' and I knew not to believe
you because you told me not to. So, I was just giving you a
drink of water that I just knew you really wanted."

Suffice to say, I was up early for the test that day and for
all the other tests that semester. But not early enough to
get one up on Mom.

### Bob Bridges ###

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3. News from thelillypond.com
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More articles are going on the website. So watch this space
and the right border of the website for current info.

And if you've missed any of the ezines, they are now posted
on the website in the archive. Go to the "Subscribe" page
and scroll down to the bottom for the "Archive" link.

So check back to www.thelillypond.com and stay connected.

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4. Reader Pamela
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Dear Lillian:

I just found you through Heartwarmers. And I'm really
excited to be a part of your great venture.

I lost my mother back in 1986. I wasn't raised by her. My
parents divorced when I was 2 years old and I was raised to
"hate" her for certain things she had supposedly done. But I
never did hate her; I really loved her. Although I couldn't
let anyone know. I seldom saw her but when I did, I was
thrilled! We had just started developing a relationship when
I was married and pregnant with my second child. My mother
committed suicide by walking into heavy traffic. My step-
sister, the only one actually raised by my mom, had died a
few months earlier, and I believe my Mom died of a "broken
heart."

My own daughter is getting ready to graduate from high
school in 3 days. She is literally beautiful. She turned 18
years old this month and she'll still be at home for a
while. She'll be starting college this fall to become an
elementary school teacher. I have so many emotions for her.
She likes to say that of my three children (the other 2 are
boys) she is the one I prayed for. When my husband returned
from Korea (we were both in the Air Force) our oldest son
was almost 18 months old and we wanted another baby. Every
day as I prayed, I would ask the Lord to bless us with
another baby... and "if it's your will, let it be a girl."

My husband has the most awesome parents, so what I
personally did not have for a mother, I have in my wonderful
mother-in-law!

I praise God that you give reference and glory to HIM!
Thanks!

Love,
Pam

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5. What's your story?
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One of the most valuable resources we have in this world is
each other. I'm hopeful that stories and lessons my mother
taught me will be a blessing to you. Perhaps you have a
lesson your mother taught you or a story that lifts you up
and would be of help to someone else.

Maybe you learned to deal with the loss of your mother, or
you have a tip to help mothers survive their teenagers.
Maybe you have a story that's just plain funny. Whatever it
is, I would be delighted if you'd send it to me for sharing
here in this ezine. Include your name, city and state and
tell me whether you want us to publish your full name, or
just initials, or your location only.

Just send your story by email to stories@thelillypond.com

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6. Reach out
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If you know someone who would enjoy having The Lilly Pond
ezine, please feel free to forward this email in its
entirety to them.

If you received this ezine from a friend and you would like
to subscribe and receive your own copy of The Lilly Pond,
you can go to thelillypond.com and subscribe for free or
click here to send an email to us with
"SUBSCRIBE" in the Subject line. Thanks.

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7. Contact me
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Your comments are welcome. Click here to email me.

Thanks for reading!

With all my heart, Lillian

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