Ahh...summertime...sleeping a little later, moving a little slower, actually finishing my coffee before it gets cold in the mornings. We are in full summer swing, which has provided some blogworthy stories for me to share...
Story #1
So, there we are, hubby and I, deep in REM sleep at 2:00 AM. "Ouch," Ron says, as he awakens suddenly to a pain behind his left knee. First thought was that it might be my toenail. It had been awhile since my last pedicure, but my toes are not that gnarly! Second thought: Poisonous spider? Better check. Lights on, covers lifted up, and a large scorpion scurries across the sheets, disappearing under the bed! After 15 minutes of searching, we locate the scorpion, who is hiding in between the mattress and box spring. As Ron holds up the mattress, I mutilate the body with several slaps of a pink flip flop. Ron does a quick internet search, then returns with an announcement: "Florida scorpions are not poisonous and if I were allergic, I would be foaming at the mouth by now, so I think I'm good." Every night since: sheet check before bed!
Story #2
Youngest child tries out for swim team...no skills needed as long as he can propel in any fashion 25 meters without holding onto the wall or sinking. Success, he makes the team! First week of practices, he learns freestyle. No problem, he's got the arms circling, he's moving forward. Second week of practices, he is taught backstroke. Big problems...he's got the arms circling, but instead of moving backwards, he is sinking. First meet, our child is signed up for backstroke. Can he scratch? "No," the 19 year old coach says, I don't believe in "I can't." Will he do it for a treat? Sure, he will do anything for a treat. Flailing and barely staying afloat, he finishes 3 minutes behind everyone else. Hope those Razzles were worth it! More practices, including private ones with Dad. Second meet, our child does a brilliant backstroke, wins his heat, and returns with this statement, "I don't know what happened, Mom, I was terrible at practice, but I won at the race. I guess God helped me swim fast."
Swim team fee: $100
Swim team suit: $25
Swimming/life lessons: Priceless
Story #3
The life span of guinea pigs is somewhere around 5-7 years. FuFue and George, being 2 1/2, we figure they have at least a few years left. A few days ago, I notice Fu lying around a little more than usual, but with three children, one with more pressing medical needs than a subdued guinea pig, I get distracted and don't worry too much about it. Last night, we notice Fu is more than lethargic. He is lying on his side, unable to eat or drink. When he does try to move, he has trouble standing up. We prepare the kids for his passing. Lots of tears. A long night, but Fu finally passes away this morning. A family funeral, burial in the backyard. More tears. 10 year old daughter moves on and is all about the multiple craft ideas she plans to do in memory of her beloved Fu. 6 year old is still in mourning. Does not eat much, he's too sad. Lots of questions about death and heaven. He has a hard time when it rains this afternoon since he knows Fu is out there. His ideals about life have changed due to the death of a small rodent. I guess we have to start somewhere. I think I prefer the life lessons in the last story. Death is hard.
Note: The guinea pig on my blog template is our survivor George. RIP Fu!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Cancer, something we all can hate
Cancer...I think I was 8 the first time I heard the word. Two of my neighbors, both under 40, had it and eventually died from the disease. I remember being afraid of cancer because it was something that adults whispered about and people died from. I secretly hoped that a cure for cancer would be found by the time I became an adult.
My childhood dreams of a cancer cure could not have been more dashed than in the past 3 years, in which I have personally known 3 people touched by the disease...a beautiful young girl named Casey who danced in my daughter's dance class, passed away on Mother's Day in 2007, after a long brave battle with brain cancer. That same week, Steve, our friend and devoted husband of my friend Lauren, had to say goodbye to his wife and two young girls, as he died of melanoma at the age of 42.
Then, this year, one of my closest friends and 5 AM walking partner was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I am thrilled to report that after a long year of chemo, radiation, and two major surgeries, she is in remission! I pray she will continue in her healing and live many more years to see her children's children grow up!
As an adult, I understand the physiology of cancer better, but it is still just as difficult to understand the spiritual side of this disease. I struggle to grasp the concept of why these friends of mine have had to suffer while there are so many horrible people in the world who will probably live out their lifetimes to the fullest in seemingly perfect health.
I watched the most profound video last night and want to share the link www.deathisnotdying.com. The woman in the video is named Rachel Barkey and on March 4, 2009, what started out as a speaking engagement for 40 women from her church, blossomed into an event attended by over 600 women. The video is 55 minutes long, but once you start listening, she will have you captivated and the time will fly by! I laughed, cried, and was inspired as I listened to her explain how it is that she can serve and trust in God, despite having terminal cancer. I cannot explain how it will change and challenge you...you just have to hear this incredible message!
So, click on the link, turn up your speakers, and fold some laundry while you listen. You won't be disappointed!
My childhood dreams of a cancer cure could not have been more dashed than in the past 3 years, in which I have personally known 3 people touched by the disease...a beautiful young girl named Casey who danced in my daughter's dance class, passed away on Mother's Day in 2007, after a long brave battle with brain cancer. That same week, Steve, our friend and devoted husband of my friend Lauren, had to say goodbye to his wife and two young girls, as he died of melanoma at the age of 42.
Then, this year, one of my closest friends and 5 AM walking partner was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I am thrilled to report that after a long year of chemo, radiation, and two major surgeries, she is in remission! I pray she will continue in her healing and live many more years to see her children's children grow up!
As an adult, I understand the physiology of cancer better, but it is still just as difficult to understand the spiritual side of this disease. I struggle to grasp the concept of why these friends of mine have had to suffer while there are so many horrible people in the world who will probably live out their lifetimes to the fullest in seemingly perfect health.
I watched the most profound video last night and want to share the link www.deathisnotdying.com. The woman in the video is named Rachel Barkey and on March 4, 2009, what started out as a speaking engagement for 40 women from her church, blossomed into an event attended by over 600 women. The video is 55 minutes long, but once you start listening, she will have you captivated and the time will fly by! I laughed, cried, and was inspired as I listened to her explain how it is that she can serve and trust in God, despite having terminal cancer. I cannot explain how it will change and challenge you...you just have to hear this incredible message!
So, click on the link, turn up your speakers, and fold some laundry while you listen. You won't be disappointed!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
My Dog
"If dogs could talk it would take a lot of the fun out of owning one." - Andy Rooney
We adopted a dog this past summer when we saw the pet rescue sign and agreed that we would "just look" (has anyone ever walked away without a pet when they said that?). There were several crates of dogs, bouncing around as if to say, "Pick me! Pick me!" One dog caught my eye because she sat regally in her kennel with her front paws crossed. It only took a few minutes of petting her to know we wanted to adopt. The rest is history...now Pixie is part of our family.
With three kids in our home, I wouldn't say that Pixie lives a life of leisure. She generously fulfills the roles that each child demands from her. To our disabled son, she is a devoted nurse and can often be found, lying in between his legs, giving him companionship and comfort. To our daughter, Pixie is a thespian, wearing various costumes and playing parts in homemade musicals. To our youngest son, Pixie is a playmate and displays the virtues of longsuffering and patience, as she endures the rough play of a 5 year old boy. No wonder she loves to catch up on her sleep during school hours!
My kids are not the only ones smitten with Pixie. After I had babies, I wondered why I would ever want a pet again. Then, my babies became children and I realize the importance of having a quiet being in the house who still thinks I am brilliant. I will admit, my kids sometimes accuse me of liking the dog more than them, to which I respond, "Don't be silly, I will always love you guys more." Love is the key word here...there are many days I like the dog more! She is obedient, never talks back, and even helps with housework (I haven't had to vacuum crumbs since we got her).
My kids are not the only ones smitten with Pixie. After I had babies, I wondered why I would ever want a pet again. Then, my babies became children and I realize the importance of having a quiet being in the house who still thinks I am brilliant. I will admit, my kids sometimes accuse me of liking the dog more than them, to which I respond, "Don't be silly, I will always love you guys more." Love is the key word here...there are many days I like the dog more! She is obedient, never talks back, and even helps with housework (I haven't had to vacuum crumbs since we got her).
On the crazy dog owner scale, I like to think I am still far away from the extreme category of the Paris Hilton's of the world who carry their poodle in a handbag. I love my dog, but I am still sane enough to know that she is not an accessory. However, if we ever have a hurricane and it comes down to evacuating without the dog, you might find Pixie and me on CNN, being airlifted from our roof! On second thought...maybe I will just invest in one of those handbags.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Lunch for a Stranger
Recently, I was driving through a shopping center when I saw a homeless man. This was not the first time I have seen him. He is our local "townie" and I see him at least once a week, shuffling across the bridge, wearing the same shabby clothes and sporting a long beard that is as matted and grey as the locks that cover his shoulders. Sometimes, I pity him. Most of the time, I see him like the sailboats and palm trees, just part of the usual backdrop of the trip to my comfortable life in the suburbs.
That day in the shopping center was different. As I drove by the grocery store, I quickly covered my mouth in disgust, as I saw the townie, scooping morsels of rubbish into his mouth. I thought about the maggots, parasites, and other dwellers inside of that trash can. I considered how desperate I would have to be to reach into festering trash in the heat of summer for a bite to eat. I wondered how long it had been since the townie had eaten. I thought about buying him something to eat, but then remembered I had my 4 year old in the car with me. I considered it a risk for me to talk to this man, especially with a child on my arm. The next time I see him, I vowed, I will buy him lunch. Accelerating my van forward, I felt good about my oath to help the homeless. A small voice from the backseat interrupted my justification to put off feeding the hungry.
"Mommy, why is that man digging in the trash can?"
"He doesn't have anything to eat."
"Then, we should buy him some lunch, Mom."
I have never heard the audible voice of God, but I thought about the verse that says, "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise..." (Ps. 8:2) Out of my son's lips came the wisdom of God and I could not let the opportunity to feed this man get away.
So, after a trip to a drive thru restaurant, we were off in search of the townie who needed some lunch. By this time, he was walking down his usual route toward the bridge. Finding the first available parking spot, I put the van in lock down mode and firmly whispered, "Stay in your carseat and do not call out to me."
My hand shook as I approached the familiar stranger and passed him the extra value meal we had purchased.
"We thought you could use some lunch," I curtly said.
His fingers were dirty, his nails even filthier, but his smile was gracious as he quietly thanked me and took his lunch.
As we drove away, the townie sat in the same spot I met him and devoured his cheeseburger.
"He was hungry," my son observed, "Good thing you gave him that lunch, Mom."
Not wanting to let this teachable moment get away, I quickly let him know that Jesus says to give food to people who don't have any.
"Does he have a house, Mom?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Maybe we could give him some money to buy a house, too, " my son suggested with the same ordained innocence as before.
Someday, he will understand, I thought, and what a sad thing that he will.
That day in the shopping center was different. As I drove by the grocery store, I quickly covered my mouth in disgust, as I saw the townie, scooping morsels of rubbish into his mouth. I thought about the maggots, parasites, and other dwellers inside of that trash can. I considered how desperate I would have to be to reach into festering trash in the heat of summer for a bite to eat. I wondered how long it had been since the townie had eaten. I thought about buying him something to eat, but then remembered I had my 4 year old in the car with me. I considered it a risk for me to talk to this man, especially with a child on my arm. The next time I see him, I vowed, I will buy him lunch. Accelerating my van forward, I felt good about my oath to help the homeless. A small voice from the backseat interrupted my justification to put off feeding the hungry.
"Mommy, why is that man digging in the trash can?"
"He doesn't have anything to eat."
"Then, we should buy him some lunch, Mom."
I have never heard the audible voice of God, but I thought about the verse that says, "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise..." (Ps. 8:2) Out of my son's lips came the wisdom of God and I could not let the opportunity to feed this man get away.
So, after a trip to a drive thru restaurant, we were off in search of the townie who needed some lunch. By this time, he was walking down his usual route toward the bridge. Finding the first available parking spot, I put the van in lock down mode and firmly whispered, "Stay in your carseat and do not call out to me."
My hand shook as I approached the familiar stranger and passed him the extra value meal we had purchased.
"We thought you could use some lunch," I curtly said.
His fingers were dirty, his nails even filthier, but his smile was gracious as he quietly thanked me and took his lunch.
As we drove away, the townie sat in the same spot I met him and devoured his cheeseburger.
"He was hungry," my son observed, "Good thing you gave him that lunch, Mom."
Not wanting to let this teachable moment get away, I quickly let him know that Jesus says to give food to people who don't have any.
"Does he have a house, Mom?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Maybe we could give him some money to buy a house, too, " my son suggested with the same ordained innocence as before.
Someday, he will understand, I thought, and what a sad thing that he will.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Look at the birds? Birds don't have laundry to do!
After 12 years of doing the "stay at home Mom" thing, I have reached the milestone of my youngest child starting Kindergarten this year. So many people have asked me, "What will you do with all your time now that you have an empty nest?" With all that I still have to do around the house, I am still one busy bird! In fact, most days, I feel like a bird before a storm, flying in circles, fretting about the impending tasks I need to accomplish in the six hours of a school day.
I have often pondered the words of Jesus, found in Matthew:
"...do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:25-27)
Missing the true meaning of this scripture, I envied those darn birds! Since baby birds have one outfit, Momma bird has it made when it comes to laundry! Neither does she have to worry about how long the casserole needs to cook or if she has time to make that casserole since it is 6 PM and everyone in the nest claims to be starving. Is it any wonder that Momma bird trusts the Lord for her every need?
Upon further meditation of these scripture verses, I realize that Momma bird may have an easier nest to manage, but she is an example of a nest empty of one thing: worry. So, in answer to the question, "What will you do with all your time?" I will look at the birds, consider how the Lord cares for them, and remember that I am much more valuable to my heavenly Father than they are. I will fret less about housework and trust God to show me how to manage my busy nest. After all, is life not more important than my "to do" list?
Lord, help me to be as trusting as the birds of the air.
I have often pondered the words of Jesus, found in Matthew:
"...do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:25-27)
Missing the true meaning of this scripture, I envied those darn birds! Since baby birds have one outfit, Momma bird has it made when it comes to laundry! Neither does she have to worry about how long the casserole needs to cook or if she has time to make that casserole since it is 6 PM and everyone in the nest claims to be starving. Is it any wonder that Momma bird trusts the Lord for her every need?
Upon further meditation of these scripture verses, I realize that Momma bird may have an easier nest to manage, but she is an example of a nest empty of one thing: worry. So, in answer to the question, "What will you do with all your time?" I will look at the birds, consider how the Lord cares for them, and remember that I am much more valuable to my heavenly Father than they are. I will fret less about housework and trust God to show me how to manage my busy nest. After all, is life not more important than my "to do" list?
Lord, help me to be as trusting as the birds of the air.
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