911 lesson - Never Go through life saying "I should have"

Boatlift, An Untold Tale of 911

This video (click Boatlift) is so moving - With much respect, I offer thanks to the people who answered the call for help. Without question, without hesitation, they came to help each and all - thank you for the heroism and for bringing to light, out of that horrific darkness, the goodness that resides in the hearts of humankind. 

Reasons to Laugh in 2012

I believe like many, I am ready to close out 2011. I thank the past year for the blessings that were born out of the struggles, but gladly greet in the 'new year.' So to befriend this fledgling relationship with the next 364 tomorrows, I meet it with a promise of appreciation and hope for joy. Looking to solidify my resolution, I found this youtube video and once again am reminded that laughing is just good for our health! (click on the above title to view) Happy 2012 to each and all! May you greet each day with laughter and say goodnight with a good laugh!

The Power of Kindness Is Being Discovered

Mothers' Day thoughts - The Greatest Gift

I have been blessed with enjoying life with ten children. Seven I gave birth to and three were the precious gift of my marriage. I love them each dearly. They are all just really good people with tremendous minds, hearts, and sense of humor. They are without a doubt the greatest gifts, my husband and I, could ever give or receive from this world. To the two kids that I lost before they were born, I lift my love and I am grateful to have had you with me, even for the short while you were here. To my mom, thank you for life and all the love you have given. To all mothers, I hope this day is just one which celebrates the gift you have given (and received) all the other days throughout the year! Happy Mothers' Day!

My son, Will, was musing this morning about women and shared,

"Girls love the Tin Man and the Scarecrow but never the Cowardly Lion."

The next 5 minutes

There will be days, in most of our lives, that moving that next step seems impossible. Just plan for the next 5 minutes. that is all.. If that is too much go to 3 minutes. And, take one of those minutes to say, "I did it, I can do it again" ... things will get better, but they may get a lot worse before that too. My son says, it always ends up okay, so if it is not okay then it isn't the end.

I am sorry it is hard. That can be what is real for these 5 minutes, and maybe the next .. but don't take care of it except for by those minutes so maybe, just maybe it will get easier the next five... and remember you made it through the last.

Who I am vs Who I want to be

My son told me it isn't being published which makes one a writer; it is being rejected and deciding that you will keep writing... I like that.

He also quoted someone else who said - suffering is temporary but quitting is forever.

Maybe we are who we want to be as long as we don't quit trying.

A Grateful Heart can't harden

It seems to me that gratitude is the greatest gift you give to yourself. It is one of those boomerang presents.. you offer thanks and your heart is filled with the gratitude sent. I love those kind of gifts, where you really don't know who gave the present because both are so overjoyed with the sharing. It is easier to learn to love yourself when you find the boomerang gifts...

Me Me Me Me

Isn't it funny how we can demand attention but have such trouble receiving the genuine love of another? It is as if we are humbled when we are truly loved or maybe our great fear of losing such a treasure makes us hesitate..

Start out small

Maybe a pet, a puppy or fish... but the quickest way to find out that you are lovable is to love & care for another... the very act of caring makes you understand.. good plan actually.

Just because

It seems, for me, that when I feel the best about myself are the days that end with me realizing I never took the time to think about my own success or failures, because I was so busy working and/or helping others.

A grateful heart

A grateful heart and a hungry spirit... both are needed to move forward

I asked my son what made him want to go back to school.. he said, "I woke up broke and hungry."

He saw the gift in waking and in the hunger so with both he could move forward in hope.

With just one or the other, we remain just where we are, I believe. ... which isn't a bad thing on some Saturday mornings either.

Smile, smile, smile...when no one is looking

When was the last time you smiled at yourself? Really said "hello" and smiled as you looked in the mirror without judgement, just stopped by to smile at your reflection... that person in the mirror deserves to be loved by you....

By the way, I wouldn't answer that question out loud in front of anyone... or try the whole smiling at yourself & saying hello in a public restroom..