NEVER EVER

I was watching the 2012 Olympic Trials last night. These folks amaze me!

One of my favorite portions of the Summer games is gymnastics! Having done gymnastics for an extremely long time, nothing near the caliber of these young ladies, I have nothing but respect and admiration for the dedication and tenacity that they ooze with!

Although the newbies look to be promising, I was truly rooting for Shawn and Nastia. Sadly, Shawn injured herself and instead of pushing herself to a severe injury, she opted out. Nastia, however, competed but did not fare too well. It was heartbreaking to watch them . . . and yet . . . incredibly inspiring!

Gymnastics is a brutal sport. There is MUCH for the body to endure, and these ladies have been beating themselves up for nearly as long as they've been alive! They live by one mantra . . . NEVER, EVER QUIT! It is thrilling to watch them dig deep to hang on, finish, or stick a landing. You find yourself on the sofa, clenching in hopes that you can somehow help them from half a country away.

It is their message, however, that rings so vibrant and true. NEVER, EVER QUIT! They battle through injures ~ they don't quit. They fall - they don't quit. They lose - they don't quit. They win - they don't quit. They instill a passion for chasing their dreams with a ferocity matched by very few. They overcome obstacle after obstacle after obstacle. They do things on 4 inches that most folks couldn't do on the floor with several assistants! They strive to achieve and to better themselves daily. And they NEVER, EVER QUIT!

Now, if these tiny titans can do what they do, what lies ahead of you that seems so daunting? Really!

NEVER . . . EVER . . . QUIT!!!

Be You!

There is only one you.

'To wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are.'
~ Sven Goran Eriksson


You are extraordinary. You are beautiful. You are unique. You are different. You are simple. You are complex. You are frivolous. You are superb. You are fancy. You are blessed. You are formal. You are amazing. You are dazzling. You are a blessing. You are incredible. You are delightful. You are joyous. You are astonishing. You are brilliant.

You are perfect.

Be You!

Forgiveness!

Forgiveness . . . yikes!

This is a hard one!

When you are hurt ~ be it physically, mentally, emotionally or any combination of those dreaded things, it is terribly difficult to move past that pain. It becomes a weight - anchoring you to that event, or person, or injustice. That added weight is most unhealthy, just like the real weight we gain. It causes more damage than the actual injury.

You must learn to forgive!

Forgive - by definition means - to grant pardon for or to; to cancel (as in a debt); or to cease to feel angry at or for. In its simplest form and explanation, it means to free yourself! To allow yourself to move forward. If you continue to hold on to the damage and detriment, you are not allowing room for blessings and benefits. It is physically impossible to carry it all.

Forgive does NOT mean forget. A life lesson is a life lesson and things should be learned from it. You may become a little more cautious, a little more tentative, but you will move on . . . improved! It is much easier said than done, but when you allow yourself to forgive those who have hurt you and you realize that it truly is THEIR burden to bear, you days seem a little brighter, a little less oppressive. It is a beautiful weight-loss program that truly makes you more attractive instantly!

You look mahhhhhhhhhvelous!

Perspective

I may have written about perspective on a prior occasion, but I have been reminded once more of its importance and its duality!

From the bottom of the mountain, your perspective is one of a tremendously difficult and rugged climb. From the top of the mountain, there is a vista you will never forget as its beauty is etched in your brain forever and the efforts of the climb truly pale in comparison.

From the side of a ravine, your perspective is one of great anxiety of how, exactly, you are going to bridge the gap. From the bottom of the ravine, either side looks like an unattainable lofty height from which you could surely proceed. From the opposite side of the ravine, you might wish you could get to the bottom for some shade, perhaps some flowing water, a little respite from the weather.

From the pangs of hunger, one can see that even a single slice of bread is a smorgasbord of a meal. From a table laden with foods of all varieties, one becomes bored with the flavors.

From trials and tribulations, one's perspective dawns on the realization that the trivial day-to-day issues that so many people stress over, really are not so important. And when one is free of any trials and tribulations, their perspective seems to blossom hope in others.

Perspective is a fickle monster! One of the best lessons in life is that when your own perspective narrows . . .  STOP! Go to the other side of the ravine, a different part of the mountain, get a little hungry, and try to look at the day from ANOTHER perspective. You might find a whole other world out there. Doesn't make you better or worse or starved or sated or downtrodden or victorious.

It just alters your perspective!

GUAG

G.U.A.G!

Get up and go! Do something. Chase a dream.

Nothing worthwhile was ever stumbled upon while sitting down!

Enjoy Every Inch

After a rather roller-coastery type of weekend, We have returned to a tropical storm! Whoopie!

Experiencing a full-service military funeral at Arlington Cemetery is quite the emotional field trip. So much raw emotion packed tightly into a regimented and orderly acknowledgement of one man's dedication to God and Country left one drained and very unexpectedly whisked from awe to sobs to complete respect. And then to traverse our way back to the administration building and to learn that there are an average of THIRTY of those services EVERY day truly brings a reverent hush to one's heartbeat. Seeing the tents, the chairs, the prepared earth . . . waiting to accept another hero just sort of brings home an inkling of what Arlington envelopes. Whew . . .

And then . . .

We flew home yesterday in extremely turbulent weather - that was NOT the most fun we've ever had. Then we got stuck in the monorail at Tampa Airport. That was more fun, but not quite as much fun as we've ever had. Then we got to drive to St. Pete in the storm and high winds across the H.F. Bridge with waves crashing over the opposite lane. That was kinda fun, but very exciting. I'm sure it was less exciting for those folks driving in the opposite lane. We finally made it home all safe and sound! Yay!

And now . . . what we have learned from the entire weekend . . . a bit of wisdom from Nelson Mandela:  There is no passion to be found in playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.


So, although I would highly recommend NOT flying through tropical storms, getting stuck on airport monorails, or driving on roadways that could be engulfed by rogue waves at any moment . . . I would urge you to expand your thoughts and your horizons. Take the road less traveled and where there is no road . . . create a path! You are more capable than you could ever imagine. All you need to do is test your limits. Try new things. Walk in new shoes. Take a new direction. You might surprise yourself in what you can do.

Life is short . . . enjoy every inch of it!

Master Sergeant Alfonso Sellet

Like thousands of poignant goose bumps raising from hallowed ground
The torment of lost and broken souls creates nary an audible sound
This sacred ground is readied to envelope another source
A hollow place awaits a box; simplicity daunting in force
The box contains a hero. A son, brother, a dad
A husband, twice, who lost both loves. A patriot; country-clad
A survivor from the very start. A twin - left all alone
Searching to fill an empty void, unhappy on his own
He battled wars; claimed victories, secured bridges; grew up too quick
Dedicated himself to others; churches, orphans, and the sick
His thoughts were always on others; be it a veteran or a wife
His faith in God and Country bore a Bible, flag-draped life
He has earned this privilege - this internment to blessed land
Welcome home, hero, to Arlington, back by Momma, as you planned
After nearly a century . . . at ease, soldier, rest in peace
Thank you for your service, may your earthly worries cease
Thank you for your laughter. Thank you for your good
Thank you for your stamina. There's a hole where you once stood
Another goose bump on the horizon. Arlington's army grows by one
Heaven's gained another hero. God's called home another son.

We love you and we miss you Alfonso

Pick a brother, any brother!

People often ask me in those silly email childhood questionnaires, "What was your favorite toy?"

My answer is always the same . . . "Pick a brother, any brother!"

With six to choose from, there was always someone to play with, someone to get into trouble with, someone to take a hike with, someone who was up for an adventure, someone willing to play the 'quad-opoly' (where we put like four monopoly games together and played for months at a time building entire villages, not just houses and hotels), someone to ride bikes with, someone to have mulberry fights with, someone to write and act out a play with, someone to fish with, someone to climb trees with, someone to play in the fort with, someone to play basketball with, or tennis with, or golf with, etc., etc., etc.  I think I was definitely spoiled to always have that opportunity. And I thoroughly enjoyed that blessing!

Now, sadly, as is the case with most large families . . . rifts occur. These folks aren't talking to those folks. Those two don't like that one and those guys won't contact these guys. It's really kind of childish, but such is the nature of the human being. It truly hurts my heart, though, and I know my mother was always greatly pained by the chasms between us. She learned, though, that interference usually just brought more grief and that was mostly on her - so she just let nature take its course . . . devastating as it might be (to her and to us).

My goal, as 'Aunt of the Year' (ha ha!), is to try to ensure that doesn't happen to the second generation. I truly believe that our kids are smarter than we are. They see the harm the abysses create and they do not want to repeat the procedure. I would love nothing more than for all the cousins to remain in touch, in contact, and humane! For the most part, I believe this is not only possible . . . but working! I want them to take what is in my heart . . . and share it with one another. The love. The understanding. The acceptance. The joy of having those relationships!

I still answer those email questionnaires with, "Pick a brother, any brother." I only wish it were true, today, that we would all play nicely together! 

Another step . . .

In honor of the recent incredible feat of walking across Niagara Falls, I was pondering the tight rope.

Life is like walking a tight rope.

It seems that at the very beginning, the rope is tiny, fragile, and insecure. As we grow, develop, and learn; the rope thickens and becomes more stable. It is supported by many friends and lots of family. As life surges ahead, we widen our rope to enable our children to walk beside us. Although their ropes are new and delicate, we use our stable and sturdy foundations to ensure their tethers become thick and strong. It would also seem that as we focus on our families, the ropes that bound us to family and friends has strayed and diverted. And as our children move on, we begin to see that our once-formidable rope becomes thin again. The family binds will sometimes become brittle with battles or break with illness and death. And as we continue our perilous journey our wires again become singular and capricious. Where we once walked with great groups and massive mobs, we are once again balanced by ourselves, alone and unsteady.

Know this . . . just like the amazing Wallenda . . . there will ALWAYS be hoards awaiting you. Those that have gone on frail wires before you. They will meet you and walk with you those few final steps of your journey. And they will assure you that you were never alone. They were always tied to you. They stood beside you for balance. They strolled beneath you for support. They cheered you from above with wings you didn't know you had. And they have waited for you in eager anticipation of your momentous journey's completion. Just take another step. And then another. You simply have to walk on in faith.

Or so I choose to believe . . .

Simple and Superb!

Every now and again, you come across a certain statement or phrase that just truly resonates with you. There is just a certain undeniable purpose to having come across those words at that time. Sometimes it is to share them with someone who is hurting. Sometimes it is to simply absorb them, put them to grand use and then offer them to someone else on another day. Sometimes it is to simply post them ~ cause you know that some body, some where needs to see them to make a difference!

I have some rather dramatic friends who could truly use these words - today and ALWAYS. I have some friends who are experiencing some life traumas who need to realize that maybe getting even is NOT the best plan. I have some friends who need to just point their shoes in another directions. And, I, myself . . . just adore swallowing up and integrating some poignantly wonderful words of wisdom whenever they come my way.

So . . . day . . . ponder this:

Knowledge is learning something new every day.
Wisdom is letting go of something every day.


Simple and superb! Thank you for your time!

Memories

As I approach a rather bittersweet event, I am pushed to remind myself:

One has to live in the present.
What is past is gone beyond recall.
Whatever is future remains beyond one's reach.


Memories are often the glue that holds our lives together and often times it is the thought of creating new memories that propels us into tomorrow.

In the mean time, we are to soak up the day. Bask in the brilliance of the here and now and absorb all of what lies around you . . . friends, family, faith, fortune, and even failure. We build and grow, ebb and flow, fondly looking at the past and eagerly looking to the future!

Make your memories, friends! You are all in mine!

My Victor

I know - Lyn, you don't EVER write on Sundays!
Well . . . today is an extraordinarily special day!

Yesterday, I wrote of my FOUR fathers (ha ha!). Those men that helped to make me who I am.

Today, I write of my champion, my hero, the father of my children . . . My Victor!

Our road together has not always been easy. Thank goodness he works in the restaurant business. Having food to eat was never in question! But he has always kept us full in many, many other ways!

He stood by me for the birth of our daughter, Deanna. It was not easy. I actually tore a belt loop off his jeans. He sat with her for hours under the lights at the hospital for jaundice, continued to work, and found the time somewhere to create a giant "Welcome Home" sign for us when she was allowed to come home. The mere sight of it, brought me to sobs!

Although he missed the birth of his son, he more than made up for it. His intentions were clear, from the moment he arrived, screaming at the nurses to point him to his in-labor wife that he WANTED to be there. He visited with baby, Miles, long before he came to see his tired wife and that, too, made me cry!

He did all the father things a dad's supposed to do; throwing balls, playing games, riding bikes, pull-my-finger, bed-time stories, and creating little traditions we still carry on today. He also did much more than that.

He helped to make my daughter's full-torso back brace a game, testing her to see how far and how tight she could close it. I don't think she realized that that very action was helping to straighten her out! He stood by my son, sleeping in God-awful uncomfortable recliners in the hospital while Miles received his infusions. He celebrated every birthday with great joy and silliness, and celebrated even more every victory over every trouble or obstacle. He coached them through high school and now through college and all the challenges of wayward friends, crazy schedules and doing the right thing. Always with, "Let me tell you what you should do . . ."  And always with much, much laughter!

Victor is the champion of my heart! Victor is the hero of all of my dreams. Victor is my best friend, who has stood by me, vehemently, through all the years, all the tears, all the while, through all the smiles, through the heartache, the setbacks, the joyous triumphs, and my crazy schemes. He kept me focused and grounded, and yet still pushed me to pursue my dreams and fly!

HE is my champion, my hero, the incredible father of my babies. My Victor is . . . My Victor!!!!!
Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day!

Fathers!
What an integral part of life! They have so much to teach, to burden, to share, to offer! Most folks are attached to their own and then, if lucky enough, find an in-law to befriend as well.
Me?  I have had FOUR!!!
First is Pop - my biological dad! I don't remember a lot of the early years as my parents divorced before I was 8. But he spent from when I was 12 until he passed away trying to amend for his earlier shortcomings and absences. He was a dear friend who supported me at EVERY gymnastics meet, listened to EVERY word I ever spoke, smiled whenever he was around any of his kids, and just tried to be a good and loving pal and person whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Second is Alfred - step dad #1! He may not have been my favorite person in the world, but I've got to give him credit for introducing me to golf and tennis. Starting with a single interchangeable club for each of the kids, we all whacked the snot out of the golf ball on a regular basis. A few of the brothers still play quite regularly and I'd love to if I had the time and a partner. I beat the boys on the boys golf team, because there was no girl team and was actually instrumental in getting a girls team started! I love tennis to pieces and that has spawned my adoration of racquetball as well. He was also instrumental in pushing my mom into the major end of the graphics business - where I garnered my livelihood. Been involved in graphics arts/design for nearly 40 years!
Third is Alfonso - step dad #2! Although our time with him was very brief, what he did for my mom was just incredible. Twenty years her senior, he showered her with affection and attention. He took care of her through her ailing years and shared in a plethora of all things she loved to do - especially music. He stood and sat in awe of her talents and her as a human being and, as my life was full of my own family, having my mom being catered to was a beautiful thing to finally witness. She deserved it and I cannot and will not ever be able to thank him enough for his care, reverence, and love for her!
Fourth is Sal - father-in-law! A man so short in stature but made up for in spades by his actions, love, and smile! With such a turbulent interchange of fathers as an adolescent, having this stability in my 20's and 30's was not only essential to my well-being, but fabulous for my heart! This man was a giant - no matter his size. He touched so many lives with sheer grace and kindness. To be called his daughter was truly a gift! I will cherish that for ever!
And let us not forget all those father-type figures who have come in and out of our lives. Those men who have served, in some manner, to rear us; to steer us; to guide us through some difficulties we faced, when our dad(s) could not be there. I thank you John, Harold, Lenny, Michael, and more.
I wish for you today (actually tomorrow) that you connect with your dad - whatever title he might hold. Thank him. Tell him you love him. Show him how much you care. It's not about the ties, the barbecue sets, or the sports memorabilia. It's about opening up and sharing your heart with someone who has given his up entirely for you!
Happy Father's Day!

The Three C's

Just a little snippet of something that caught my eye today . . .

Charm is a wonderful tool. It can be of great use and create many an open door!

Character is irreplaceable! Your word, your honesty, your core is truly ALL you have that is YOURS in this world. Do not let it be manipulated, coerced, or altered. Believe in what you will and stand by those beliefs with everything that you are. Do not allow titles and labels to lead you or mold you.

"Charisma without Character is a Catastrophe."

Behold, the Power . . .

About a million years ago, I read a book entitled The Power of Positive Thinking, by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. I think I need to reread it and share it with others. I remember that I thoroughly enjoyed the book - even though I'd probably get a lot more out of it now. I remember thinking that THIS was how I wanted to think. Positive thinking and belief really do make a huge difference.

A very dear friend, from my middle school years, posted something on Facebook to the effect of "We Believe What We Tell Ourselves". It was basically a post to remind ourselves that we are worthy, well, and wonderful. It is actually, I believe, Dr. Peale speaking in another form.

You are important. You are worthy of great things. You are lovable. You can be who you are. You are strong. You can do this.

All true!

Things will get better. You can get through this. Everything will work out. The best is yet to come. This too, shall pass.

All true!

Believe with your heart. Train your brain. The power of positive thinking is truly an amazing gift. Thanks, Kate, for reminding me! And for helping me to share!!!

Service Above Self

Ah . . . clarity!

I was reading an article this morning about an extraordinarily deserving local fire chief who won an award for his community service. He certainly deserves the award and a bazillion others. He's a great guy who truly goes above and beyond for the community. The Rotary award is defined as "Service Above Self"!

Far too often, we are looking and searching for instant gratification. What can I get? How will this benefit me? If I do this, can I get something out of it? And this is what our children are learning. It is sad!

More folks need to practice the disintegrating art of "Service Above Self"! You cannot know true joy until you give something without the chance of reciprocation. It's even better when there's no opportunity for the recipient to even know the donor. To place your needs and wants second, or third, to the privilege of helping another is a truly selfless act and its ripples resonate to places you cannot even imagine.

There is no limelight. There is no headline. There is no fifteen seconds of fame. There is only peace, serenity, and fulfillment of another's necessities. It is a beautifully uplifting and freeing moment when you've walked away from 'service above self'. Such joy and contentment as to be nearly indescribable.

Today, I not only wish you the euphoria of 'service above self', but I also wish you the humbling experience of being its recipient. It truly puts life in perspective and allows you whole new vistas. And what a wonderful lesson to teach our children!!!

Be well!

I'm headed back to the gym today. I hate to be so erratic about it. Life, though, sometimes gets in the way. I have friends who would go every day, even if it meant being late to their own wedding. That's a little over-the-top for me. But I do realize how very important it is.

Exercise is not only is good for your body and good for your heart, but it is good for your soul. Just a brisk walk provides the same endorphin rush we get when we fall in love or eat great food. And although we're usually not sore after either of those, it's a 'good hurt' and your body's way of thanking you for making it work. I absolutely love it!

I wish I could get a majority of my friends to join me at the gym. It is such a healthy habit to have. I've been physically active since it was more just a matter of survival with six brothers. I enjoy all kinds of activities from track to football to gymnastics to dance to weights to racquetball or tennis and just about everything in between.

My goal, over the summer, is to make my working out more of a ritual and a little more regular. The first step in setting a goal is to tell people. That way, you've always got someone checking up on you . . . challenging you! So . . . I'm challenging you to challenge me! I've lost nearly twenty pounds almost entirely on diet alone. If I can add some regular exercise, I might be back to my old 'fighting weight' in no time . . . and yes, I love boxing and martial arts as well!

I wish you all health and wellness. I hope you are able to find an exercise that you enjoy and you're able to stick with it. There are far too many people who enjoy your existence to put it in jeopardy! Be healthy. Be well!

Enjoy!

There is something so calming and soothing about being outdoors and doing nature stuff. Mowing the lawn, to me, is one of the most refreshing, relaxing things I can do. Trimming up plants is another favorite. Sitting poolside with some good classic rock on the radio basking in the beautiful sunshine is just a splendid way to idle away an afternoon.

Yesterday was one of my most delectable sort of days. Being productive and yet enjoying everything around me. Making my house a little more homey and spending time with family. It just doesn't get any better than that. I so enjoy the blessings I have been given!

I hope that wherever you are, and whatever it is that you find inspirational, invigorating, inviting and invaluable . . . you experience it in spades. I hope that you take the time to enjoy nature, beauty, family, freshness, and the things that truly touch your heart. Play a game, laugh, nap, smile. Work hard when it is time to work hard, but work JUST as hard at relaxing!

ENJOY!

Best Things

Since I am feeling a bit under the weather today, I will keep today's blog to a minimum.

I need, during my pitiful sniffling and sneezing fits, to remind myself and others who may need this word right now, that . . .

"The best things are nearest; breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you."


~ Robert Louis Stevenson


Thank you and enjoy your 'best things'!

To wish . . .

Although I tend to be a people-pleaser, I am also working on learning to do things for me. It has taken many, many years, but I am learning that what I want matters and what I think matters and the things I believe in matter, too. We are each invaluable just the way we are and have plenty to share, to add, and to offer to spice up the world.

I spent a good portion of my youth, I think as most adolescents do, wishing I looked like this model, or wrote like that person, or did gymnastics like that athlete, or played piano like this musician, or a million other things. As I grew older, I wished I had this job, or wished I lived somewhere else, or traveled in different circles. The thought was that the grass was always greener somewhere else.

It took me a long time, two children, serious illnesses, and several deaths to realize that I am EXACTLY who I'm supposed to be, living where I'm supposed to live, with the folks I'm supposed to be with. I have talents to be shared, gifts to be given, and lots of love to lavish on the folks that deserve it.

"To wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are."    ~ Sven Goran Eriksson

I might trust too easily, cry too easily, and be hurt too easily. I also fight like hell, am tough as nails, and am as loyal as they come. I clean up pretty well, but would just as readily be throwing around the football in the mud. I am passionate, poetic, philanthropic, and poignant. I am silly, sappy, sweet, and sugary. I am determined, dependable, devoted, and driven. Without me, some lives would be a little less lively. Just as without you, my life would be a little less full.

Be you! Adore yourself. Admire yourself. Accommodate yourself! Accept yourself!

Don't waste the person you are . . .

My Darling

There is a Ch-Angel that I have been blessed to know for many, many years. She is a joy and a pleasure to speak to, to hug, to listen to, and to simply coexist with. She's a real Darling!

This Ch-Angel came into my life at God's perfect choosing! When I needed a little spiritual handrail, my son needed a friend, and my daughter needed some extra support ~ there was my Darling Ch-Angel! She just wrapped you up in a giant hug, listened to you . . . really listened, consoled, advised, and sometimes just ate graham crackers and apple sauce! She's a true woman of God, offering His word in regular conversation, to offer ease, comfort, praise, and rejoicing!

For nearly a decade, my Darling Ch-Angel has been by my side, through thick and thin, trials and triumphs, judgement and jubilation. After my husband and brothers, she was the first person I called after my mom passed away. She offered me, through her own tears, quiet solace and peace with my loss. She is just a graceful piece of my heart that I know is a constant - even if a little time and a little space may come between our meetings and conversations.

I know my Darling Ch-Angel will always be with me. I am so very blessed by this. I wish you could know her and, if you do, you're nodding in agreement with everything I've written. God bless you, my Darling Ch-Angel! Thank you for being you!

Heal

The wounds we receive throughout our lifetimes can be of various sorts. They can be physical and obvious, or they can be much deeper and unseen. The latter are harder to carry and can take eons to heal. There comes a point in the healing process, though, when you must face that fear, that pain, that angst to actually move beyond it. Finding the right time, though, is the key.

We all have these wounds. Someone who has hurt us, betrayed us, or defiled us. Some event that has truly skewed our views, our beliefs, or shaped our character. Yesterday, I witnessed the proverbial 'tearing off the band aid' WAY before its time. I did not mean to cause harm. I merely wanted to have this person take that baby step toward moving beyond the scarred psyche. It was not the right want at the right time.

We have to pay very close attention to the needs of other people. It is wonderful to try to help, to try to assist others, to bridge a gap or create a better sense of self in someone else. It is not a task, though, that you can force on ANY person. That first step needs to be their own. You need to walk beside them, unfaltering in your support and love, and be consistent.

Know, though, that when you offer yourself completely to the aid of another, you are truly doing yourself a tremendous amount of good as well. When you touch another's heart, you cannot help but heal an aching part of your own. So, today, tread gently toward a greater good - for another . . . and for yourself! Be well! Heal your neighbor ~ heal yourself!

Sing!

There was a friend of mine who recently was, as politely as possible, questioning God and religion. He wanted to understand faith, even though he is an atheist. As sad as I find that, and I will keep him in my prayers, to 'explain' God, faith, and religion is like trying to nail jello to a tree, or catch a two-year old after a candy bar, or to hold on to the wind.

If I might make him just a little more confused . . . a little Victor Hugo snippet should offer some very keen insight into faith for ya!

Be like the bird that, halting on its flight, awhile on boughs too slight, feels them give way beneath her, and yet sings . . . knowing that she hath wings.

Make life beautiful!

What a fabulous Sunday! It is such a good, warm-fuzzy to be a part of something amazing and something that is truly larger than one's self. In less than twelve hours, All Children's Hospital, its Foundation, Media folks, volunteers, and generous donors of Tampa Bay and around the country raised over $3.7 million dollars. That is a feat that speaks volumes about the institution I am so very passionate about! What a joy to have helped to raise just an infinitesimal portion of that, to watch while hubby and son sat on the phone banks and took those donor calls, and to linger afterward and mingle with old friends who seem much more like family.

From there, we went and spent a long, lazy lunch with my daughter. She's just a splendid individual who is not only gorgeous on the outside, but stunning on the inside. It makes a momma proud to see her child content. Sleepy, but content! Then home again, where the son takes over lawn duties for an injured dad. It just was a day to beam about so very many things!

If you were lucky enough to catch any of the telethon stories, or to have an enjoyed a Sunday like I had, please know how blessed you are. Life is always put in much better perspective after 'telethon weekend'. We learn that 'Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.' (John W. Gardner). We are certain to make mistakes, fudge a few lines, maybe even go off the page a time or two, but if you find a way to incorporate all those little mishaps into the big picture, the mural of your life becomes a much more interesting and poignant piece of art!

Draw freely, my friends! Make life beautiful!

An Honor & Privilege

Seven years ago, this very weekend, Miles was a 'featured story' on the All Children's Hospital Telethon. It was two years after treatment had started and, we were still having our ups and downs but we were a determined unit with an entire hospital rooting us on!

His life-threatening auto-immune disease attacked his muscles as though they were a virus. This caused severe weakness in his legs, arms, etc., and if left untreated could eventually attack his lungs, swallowing, and heart.

I cannot thank All Children's enough for what they have done for my kids! Not only did they fix my son, and 'straighten out' my daughter (who battled with Scoliosis for over a year), but they fixed myself and my husband, too. They stood beside us through every treatment and explained every procedure so us normal folk could comprehend it. They consoled and sometimes even cried with us at set backs. And, boy howdy, did they rally with us over every tiny victory! We weren't numbers or 'cattle patients', like in some facilities. They knew exactly what Miles would want for lunch, had his IV start procedure down to a science ~ one to poke, one to rub his feet, one to set his head phones to the right song, and one to coax him through relaxing. As a mom, I could sometimes not even get next to him to be a supportive part of the process. And that was OK, because he had four 'other' moms taking charge!

They taught my kids to speak, to advocate, to step out of their comfort zones, to freely be philanthropic, and to teach others to do the same. All Children's taught me to do the same! We've been to congress, spoke in front of large groups, given testimony, and they've allowed us to pursue passions we might not have ever pursued. Miles started a library for the kids at the hospital. Deanna offered up her artwork on-air and at a guild event to raise funds. I have penned two children's books with proceeds returning to the hospital and Dream Fund and also shared specifically written poetry. And Victor . . . they've kept him even-keeled, denied him his 'John Q' moment on more than one occasion, and helped him in his public speaking as well.

It has definitely been a journey! Although it did not come without its bumps and bruises, tears and troubles, grief and gashes . . . I would not trade it for anything! It has been a true honor and privilege to be a part of reciprocating to such an amazing facility that has truly done wondrous things for myself and my family. It has been humbling and yet enlightening! There has been at least one Marinello present at the telethon every year since Miles' first appearance, and it would be no sweeter an opportunity than to continue that tradition for a long, long time.

Phone in your pledges, or make them on-line. Channel 8 locally or www.allkids.org.
Thank you all, for being the biggest support team ever! Love you all!

Expect the Unexpected!

There once was a farmer who took a young miss,
In back of the barn where he gave her a . . .
Lecture on horses and chickens and eggs,
And told her that she had such beautiful . . .
Manners that suited a girl of her charms.
A girl that he wanted to take in his . . .
Washing and ironing and then if she did,
They could get married and raise lots of . . .
Sweet Violets!!!

And old tune that I always found very silly. My kids loved it when they were little cause they always jumped at the obvious and were confused and amused by the actual words. Makes me smile to sing it and makes even more sense when you realize that you should always expect the unexpected!