Yeah for Jack

My niece is an incredible woman, I am so deeply proud of her. Her beautiful son John Henry, "Jack", was born with autism. It has been a tremendous struggle that has been gut wrenching. He is low on the spectrum and is struggling with language and appropriate social skills.

Kelley has had him in a state funded program since he was 2 years old, and this week he entered Kindergarten. A very brave move for mom, who is a teacher and has returned to school to obtain her Special Education credential. She has had workshops in her home for family members who want to help Jack succeed, and we gather to go through skills with him that will help him practice appropriate responses, increase his response vocabulary and develop language phrases for initiating conversation. All of this is done in order to help him make the transition into a world outside of his home. I love the fact that my son sees this as an opportunity to help and it has opened his eyes so much. Which is another story, but let's just say that he "gets it" and it has helped him grow as well.

We all face challenges in our own lives, but nothing grips our hearts more than when it involves a child and their future. She just wants him to have a chance, and possibly friends, and be able to enjoy a life outside of the security of his home environment. She is a fighter, and I love that about her. She is also a person that easily gives to others even though her plate is quite full.

We have become quite close again, I am thrilled to have her in my life. I remember a time when I was lucky to hear from her every few years and now if we aren't checking in with one another every few days that seems odd.

She had that little guy in every Vacation Bible School program she could find in our community, number 1 because it was free and number two it was "practice" for kindergarten. So far, Jack loves kindergarten in our public school system, and I applaud him and Kelley.

Letting go and trusting others with your kids is very hard, especially if there are special needs involved. I am so proud of this mom, she is one special lady.

And Here Is to More.............(sigh)

I am still soaking up every memory made on our recent trip to Europe. I am grateful for every trip we have ever taken,every memory, moment of laughter, frustration, and every ounce of excitement over seeing something knew. Our family has been very fortunate,and we don't take that lightly.

Every opportunity to travel is an opportunity to see how small our world really is, and how alike we all truly are. We value family, and appreciate simply being together and sharing the moments of discovery. We really discovered so much this time around. In France, we learned that family was not necessarily the one you were born into, but the commitment to one another runs deep during time of war. The stories of families lost, and other families taking stragglers in as their own, or the "band of brothers" who liberated France are evidence of this. Life is precious and wasting it is an injustice to those who lost their lives to ensure us of the right to live ours freely.

My History Professor, Dr.Murphy, told us to get out and explore the world, to visit foreign countries and see for ourselves how much alike we all truly are. Learning to embrace our differences, respect them, and learn from one another is what separates us from those who hold prejudices without true knowledge.

This is the beginning of understanding the need to reach out and do more for others less fortunate. It starts with first hand experiences that move your heart into action. So, here is to more.

"The Last time I Saw Paris....."

We encountered only a few snags on our first European tour, and we managed to escape without injury although our nerves were a bit frayed at one particular point.

On our last evening in Paris we rushed through all of the sites we could before ending our evening with the most important stop of all, The Hard Rock Cafe Paris. As we had discovered all through our European experience there is one thing that is very true, they never rush you through a meal. They consider disturbing you as you dine to be rude, so you must get their attention for everything including the bill. So, after walking, hunting, and running into a couple of Americans ( how funny it is to feel such excitement when you hear your own language being spoken and you can recognize a southern accent...home!)we located the restaurant where we would celebrate our son's 19th birthday..The Hard Rock Cafe in Paris.

After dining on a wonderful meal and enjoying a , yes..chocolate dessert accompanied by happy birthday being sung in French we were ready to head back to the hotel via the subway train. It was nearly 1:00 a.m. and the cafes were still filled with people sippping wine and coffee and enjoying conversation. There was a lovely chill in the air and we were full and ready to rest. Armed with our subway map and our trusted leader, we purchased our ticket and entered the subway platform.

The train arrived and as we welcomingly took our seats and began to relax we heard, "oh, nope, we have to get off at the next stop, it will be faster if we take the "A" train directly to the Airport and get a taxi to the hotel." No questions asked we popped off at the next stop, where we heard again, " oh, nope we need the next stop and then up to the train back to the airport." With a snarl, and a huff, we watch and wait for the next train, "swooosh", we get on quickly, but not quite fast enough, my son begins to get in just as the door is closing, so I did what any mom would do, I threw my body in the way of the door, and felt a sharp pain permeate my shoulder, but the kid gets on board.

Alas, the next stop, and out we go, heading up the stairs, my thighs burning, and to the train area, but it was chained and locked. Almost immediately we hear and see three gurads and a muzzled german shepherd dog, the subway it closed. We were escorted out and onto the streets of Paris at 1:30 a.m., as taxis are flying by, people are milling through the alley ways, and we are praying for safe passage to our hotel and at least a few hours of sleep before dawn.

I wish I had a picture of this!

Kitty Day Care

Just before we left to take a short vacation in the Spring we made a discovery in our side yard. One,you really don't want to find, a stray cat had decided to have her brood of kittens in our yard.

There they were, 2 yellow, one gray, and two black,eyes tightly closed and resembling rats more than kittens. It had been a particularly wet season for us, highly unusual I might add, but it certainly added to the concerns of the situation. Mother Cat (MC for short), had placed these little creatures inside a box, which was inside a box on it's side, so that it provided a roof and shelter for her little brood. We carefully moved the box into the corner by our fence and made a cover for it, provided a few clean t-shirts, food and water for MC and left.

When we returned, they were missing, and we were somewhat relieved that we had escaped the responsibility of these creatures that had landed in our yard. Move forward two weeks, and while cleaning out the side yard as to not encounter another situation like this, my son hears a faint meowing coming from a large nasty box and alas,there they were slowly,one at a time making their appearance, dirty, tiny, wobbly,and too darn cute.

We scooped all five up, and proceeded to check them out and clean them up and call our favorite vet, Dr. Heidi. After, making another shelter for them keeping them warm and keeping an eye on MC, we left them to her as instructed, and waited, watched and played with them daily until they were four weeks old. Then we made our move, and brought them inside, armed with kitty formula, kitty mush, and toys, lots of toys...thus Kitty Daycare was created.

I have only had dogs, and mine are spoiled rotten, so these babies became crate trained, litter trained, immunized, and socialized and dearly loved and pampered.
We have found great homes for two of them and have had nibbles for the others, and I have honestly refused offers because of where they were going..I am picky and want them to go to good homes.

My Normandy Obsession

While attending the local university several years ago, as a History Major, my concentration was in American Colonial History. Now, I am completely obsessed with Normandy, the towns of Bayeux, St. Mere Eglise, and Arromaches. We spent time in Paris, and stood in front of the Arc de Triomphe and 40's newsreels played in my head, however, it did not move me as much as the countryside for some reason.

The fields of cows, the farmhouses, the green hills and rolled up hay bales, the chickens, and the beaches that were sprinkled with cinder block and iron...still. I was amazed to see the flags of England, Canada, France and America displayed so boldly...almost everywhere. Many of the people that we spoke with expressed the same thoughts,"...we expected to see the English and Canadians come to help us, but we were so surprised and happy to see the Americans."

I am an emotional person, I admit it. I wear my heart on my sleeve and am moved by the smile and giggles of babies and teenagers alike. I well up easily when I hear a song that brings back memories of my parents, and of my youth. I cry when I hear our National Anthem and see ole glory waving in the sky. It is who I am, and I make no apologies for it. I wept like a baby when I stood before a white cross in the American cemetery resting above Omaha Beach that read, "Here lies in Honored Glory One Known Only to God". Then I raised my eyes and saw white marble lying on a blanket of green as far as the eyes could see ( over 9000 men were lost on D-Day)and cried even more.

I am proud to be an American, I am proud of our country and our service to humanity, and most of all I am proud of the men and women who hear the call of service to their country and go willingly into harms way. Yes, we just celebrated the 4th of July and patriotism is coursing through my veins, I wish everyone could visit these places once and say thank you to the "greatest generation".

Pictures to Remember Dreams By

I am finally over the time difference, but I wake up at 5:30 a.m. just the same. I keep thinking about our two weeks in Europe and at times it feels like a dream. Thank goodness we have over nine hundred pictures to remind me that it really happened.

My son likes to start taking pictures from the moment he packs his bag, and from that moment forward everything is documented whether we like it or not ( I have given up and have found a way of laughing through it or getting even for unflattering photos).

He did a great job and I am so glad he is this meticulous....now that we are home ;-)

Ou est la Boulangerie?

One of my favorite sayings in french was, Where is the Bakery? I bet you can guess why. My niece told me that I had to enjoy all of the chocolate I could while I was in France because it would be a whole new experience. OMG, she was so right! They use a higher concentration of cocoa, and the pastry is so buttery and flaky...I miss France.

4th of July

This has been an extraordinary day. I joined the church I have been attending for almost 2 years. I am inspired more than ever to be the best that God wants me to be. I have no obstacles holding me back, I just want to please God and follow his plan for my life.

On this Independence Day, I am proud of being a Christian, an American and grateful for all the opportunities I have had in my life.

I pray for our country and it's leaders and I continue as always to hold those I love in prayer.

To God be the Glory

Europe for the Graduate

I was dreading the 10 hour flight, I won't again. It was better than I thought it could possibly be. Air New Zealand is the only way to fly. The passenger flying economy is treated like most airlines treat first class. The seats were quite roomy and the leg room was more than adequate. The food service and drink service was way beyond anything I could have imagined, I wonder what business class was like, or first class because this was great. We were on a 747 double decker, unbelievable..love Air New Zealand!

Europe, well it is not over rated. It was spectacular, England, and France were beyond anything I could have imagined. We learned a bit of French before we left, the last few weeks of school were crazy with so much preparation on every level. We were warned about Europeans not being too terribly fond of Americans, we never encountered anything other than gracious , wonderful people. They appreciated the effort we made to speak to them in their own language, and were so helpful regarding site seeing options and food choices. I almost think France was my favorite.

Paris is beautiful, and the architecture is something to marvel at. However, the countryside..oh my gosh, Bayeux, Caen, Normandy, Arromanches and the beach front at Omaha Beach is breath taking for so many reasons. We stayed in a wonderful little roadside family run hotel just a few killimeters from the beach front. IF, you ask they will tell you the stories of the German occupation and what D-Day meant to them. I have grown up hearing the WWII stories from all sources, this experience was the most powerful.

England was magical, the countryside is sprinkled with castles, cottages, pastures, rolling hills, and the city is full of the hustle and bustle that it is famous for. Double decker red buses, red phone booths, and Mind the Gap on every tube stop. The Tower of London, the Thames, Parliment, Westminister Abbey and of course the pubs where neighborhoods come alive at night. I watched with amazment as we exited the tube station and came right out in front of Big Ben. I remembered all the times I had watched Peter Pan as a child, with my children and again with later generations. Just for a small glimpse of pixie dust..ah come on. Magical, simply magical.

I love Europe, at least what I have seen of it so far.

Passports Are Ready To Be Stamped

It is official, the trip I have been dreaming about since "all" of the trips began is really going to happen. We are going to Europe, to London, Paris, Normandy, and Ireland. It is bittersweet, but we will relish it, devour every second, and soak in as much of this dream as we can muster.

It is a culmination of hardwork that brings us to this adventure, my son's and my grandson's graduation. I wanted so much to be able to share this celebration in a manner that would excite and inspire them as they transitioned into their college years. I am reconciled, I am content at last and I am closing the book on this part of the story, finally.

The adventures end here.

It's Really Almost Over

I don't think that I have ever worked this hard to get rid of a kid that I love so much. His senior year is coming to an end, he set goals for himself and nearly attained all of them. That is what life is about, we set a goal and we push ourselves to our personal limits to achieve them. We may fall short, but we learn a lot along the way and that is what matters.

He is serious, he feels things deeply, but you would never know because he hides it. He wants so much to be accepted and struggles with his own insecurities, fear of rejection. What he once thought was his comfort zone has been altered dramatically, it was painful, but he dealt with it, and learned that life isn't always fair. No it's not, but you are my son, you are fair and thoughtful and I am deeply proud of the man you have become.

All of the tests have been taken, applications sent, rejection and acceptance letters received, and we fall back to plan "B", for there is ALWAYS a plan "B", because you don't give up, I admire that about you.

You will graduate with Honors, National and State, you are a Gold Seal recipient, you have made your family deeply proud and have proven to yourself that hard work and determination are rewarded. The next steps are full of questions,and hard work but you have proven to yourself that you are up to the task.

I admit that I was never fond of the idea of having a "boy", I had been raised with three of them and had wanted girls. You have been a joy to me and I have never wanted anything other than a son from the moment I met you ;). As graduation draws near I want you to know that your life is ahead of you and it will be everything that you desire it to be. You have alot to say about your life path, and you walk with God's guidance, so when struggles occur ( and they will as you well know) you know who to lean on and trust to make it through.

It went by too fast, but just remember, it always does.
I love you more,
Mom

Friends From School

I have friends whose husbands are being deployed, friends from my college days. I am so proud of their courage and their faith in God. I guess when you know that someone you love is facing uncertain dangers, which you have no control over, if you are smart, you look to your creator.

I see great courage in their young lives, something good, and wholesome. I am reminded of the days that I sat in class with these kids and listened to their comments and discussions during lectures. I remember how hopeful I was as I realized that our country was filled with these kids in universities all over our land. It gives me so much hope for our country and what it stands for.

I am embarrassed by those who trash our country, our schools, and our policies. People who never step out of the shadows to become active participants in the effort to make a difference or to make things better. However, they are always there to criticize and attempt to destroy someones reputation, years of dedication, and hard work. For everyone of you, there are at least 10 more, who are doing the right thing and are actively involved in the community striving to overcome your ignorance and regain ground you have attempted to destroy.

We need to get back to the basics of truth, honor and decency. I am grateful to see that the kids I met in school have continued down the path that I saw. They are great people, and are raising and influencing beautiful children. I am deeply proud of them, I was the mama in the classroom, the lady in her 40's who decided to correct a mistake and go back and finish what she had started.

They are doing it right.

Oh Why Did I Do That.....

I am in my 5th week post op from abdominal surgery plus. OUCH! I had cancelled this once before, and was nervous going into it this time. That was a clear sign, but I tiptoed in anyway. This has been very tough to come back from, but alas I am on my way. There is something about being put under deep sedation that really bothers me, you lose the time, who knows what the heck has happened,and it drains you of so much energy. Dumb, but I am told in a few more weeks I will be singing a different tune...yeah ok. FTT is what they call it, full tummy tuck, abdomnioplasty...this is not for the faint of heart, a person with low pain tolerance, or dummies like me. I had a friend tell me, "welcome to the club" , as I thanked her I asked why she didn't warn me. The answer was simple, " if I had told you, you wouldn't have done it!" Well she had me there, lots of truth in that one. Well, I can say one thing..no more stretch marks, not a one..gone.

Vanity has a price...pain!