How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.
This week belongs to two equally amazing groups of people:
Nurses and Teachers
I'm not sure that mere words can do justice to the amazing feats these folks perform on a regular, daily basis.
You teacher types not only take on the overwhelming responsibility of educating our future leaders, but a vast majority of you do it with a joy and zeal that astounds me. You babysit, guide, set limits, push boundaries, empower, restrain, regulate, manipulate, listen, parent, love, care, and offer the world to those that choose to reach for it. You do this for little to ridiculous pay, offer your own money and time, and all because you want to see that growth in a young mind. You are sometimes yelled at by ignorant parents, badgered by bully children, constantly bogged down in the muck that is red tape, extra duties, and budgets. And still . . . you are eager to change the lives and hearts and minds of our youth. Thank you!
You nurse people have every ounce of respect I can muster. What you do, day in and day out, makes me dizzy. The nurses I have had the privilege of knowing, on any given day, do all the regular stuff like taking blood pressures, weighing in patients, listening to heart beats, chests, and taking temperatures. And then . . . Wow! You draw blood, start IV's, soothe screaming infants, rub anxious feet, calm and coax, explain the unexplainable, make everything available and possible for the doctors, and divert and distract. You float through codes like boxers in a ring - second nature. There's no hecticness or hesitation. You have around you the aura of angels - caring and sharing and giving and love. And then . . . there's more! You move on the families of the patients. You ensure their sanity and their stability. You encompass entire rooms of fear-filled family with a positive sign and smile, or a truly heart-felt and sincere explanation. Thank you!
If you happen to run into someone from either of these groups today or this week, please be sure to offer them a world of thanks. As chaotic as having teenagers learning imaginary numbers or an undiagnosed sick child can be . . . know that these folks - these nurses and teachers - take on these tasks willingly and joyfully . . . for you . . . and for the children.
How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Meaning of Life
Relax . . . it's NOT another Monty Python reference!
This is a quick quote that encompasses, well, . . . me!
"The Meaning of Life is to Find your Gift.
The Purpose of Life is to Give it Away."
~ Pablo Picasso
I have done a variety of jobs. I have applied myself toward many tasks. I have enduring countless hours of training and instruction. I enjoy a great many activities.
I find myself happiest giving of my time and my self trying to make other people happy. I'm not sure it's a 'gift,' but I will give whatever I'm able in pursuit of a better situation for another soul.
Go find YOUR gift . . .
then give it away!
This is a quick quote that encompasses, well, . . . me!
"The Meaning of Life is to Find your Gift.
The Purpose of Life is to Give it Away."
~ Pablo Picasso
I have done a variety of jobs. I have applied myself toward many tasks. I have enduring countless hours of training and instruction. I enjoy a great many activities.
I find myself happiest giving of my time and my self trying to make other people happy. I'm not sure it's a 'gift,' but I will give whatever I'm able in pursuit of a better situation for another soul.
Go find YOUR gift . . .
then give it away!
Monday, May 6, 2013
Moments
Life is made up of moments.
Some take your breath away. Some leave you staggering. Some startle you. Some frighten you. Some enlighten you. Some embolden you. Some buoy you. Some strengthen you.
All are special, important, and vital.
My husband has a way of shocking those moments into our lives. He is a warm and loving person, but not so much in public. He is not all warm and fuzzy and mushy, unless we are sharing a moment in which he thinks that is appropriate.
A few days ago, he shocked me with a warm, mushy moment that I'm certain will stick with me for a long, long time.
He was telling me about his crazy restaurant people and his travels and what he sees and comes across during those travels. One of his favorite times of year is when he's north of us and sees the baby Sand Hill Cranes. They are big, beautiful creatures that sounds like pterodactyles when they squawk. It's actually a little scary.
Apparently, these big, beautiful birds are not too smart. They walk and feed and bring their young roadside without any fears or hesitation. Because of their size, the short flights begin low and, unfortunately, almost certainly into traffic. So he said to me, in the middle of all his ramblings, "Here's this beautiful family and then one gets killed. It's so sad. They mate for life and now the one is just left all alone - forever. And the baby only has one parent."
Now, I'm not sure if he does these things just for shock value. But, I think that he occasionally slips up and allows that beautiful interior of his to be seen. My heart just melted. How this strapping, brute of a man can be so choked up about a bird, just gives me hope for the whole world. It is a beautiful moment to have been a part of. He's a special guy.
Today, I hope you have a moment!
Some take your breath away. Some leave you staggering. Some startle you. Some frighten you. Some enlighten you. Some embolden you. Some buoy you. Some strengthen you.
All are special, important, and vital.
My husband has a way of shocking those moments into our lives. He is a warm and loving person, but not so much in public. He is not all warm and fuzzy and mushy, unless we are sharing a moment in which he thinks that is appropriate.
A few days ago, he shocked me with a warm, mushy moment that I'm certain will stick with me for a long, long time.
He was telling me about his crazy restaurant people and his travels and what he sees and comes across during those travels. One of his favorite times of year is when he's north of us and sees the baby Sand Hill Cranes. They are big, beautiful creatures that sounds like pterodactyles when they squawk. It's actually a little scary.
Apparently, these big, beautiful birds are not too smart. They walk and feed and bring their young roadside without any fears or hesitation. Because of their size, the short flights begin low and, unfortunately, almost certainly into traffic. So he said to me, in the middle of all his ramblings, "Here's this beautiful family and then one gets killed. It's so sad. They mate for life and now the one is just left all alone - forever. And the baby only has one parent."
Now, I'm not sure if he does these things just for shock value. But, I think that he occasionally slips up and allows that beautiful interior of his to be seen. My heart just melted. How this strapping, brute of a man can be so choked up about a bird, just gives me hope for the whole world. It is a beautiful moment to have been a part of. He's a special guy.
Today, I hope you have a moment!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Soldier On
Every day, we are faced with a multitude of challenges. Everything from simply getting out of bed, to what to wear, to how to face a full schedule, to what's for dinner, helping with homework, paying bills, and a million things in between.
And then . . . there are those of us who face all of those challenges along with an illness.
Whether it is your own illness, or you are the caregiver for someone with an illness, the every day challenges are multiplied ten-fold. Simple tasks are not so simple. Little choices become monumental. Life can sometimes seem unbearable.
But . . .
You must Soldier On!
There is actually a video on YouTube called Soldier On by Penny Lane. If you can find it, watch it. It is about and for "Cure JM". This is the disease that robbed my son Miles of so many years. It is a brutally honest viewpoint of a family's struggle with the disease and things that the kids face. I cried the whole way through it. It truly is amazing and very well done.
Monday is "Wishbone Day". A day which brings awareness to Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease) and which has targeted a dear little friend of mine, Oliver. He has suffered much in his short little life, but he too must Soldier On.
My son works with a beautiful young lady who struggled through a brutal battle with cancer as a youngster. She is now a beaming, stunning, personable asset to the world. She did her part to Soldier On. She's fantastic!
So . . . if this offers some perspective on picking out an outfit or perhaps what to make for dinner, then good. If you are one of the few who has to face much more difficult decisions every day then please remember . . . chin up, knees down, and . . .
Soldier On!
And then . . . there are those of us who face all of those challenges along with an illness.
Whether it is your own illness, or you are the caregiver for someone with an illness, the every day challenges are multiplied ten-fold. Simple tasks are not so simple. Little choices become monumental. Life can sometimes seem unbearable.
But . . .
You must Soldier On!
There is actually a video on YouTube called Soldier On by Penny Lane. If you can find it, watch it. It is about and for "Cure JM". This is the disease that robbed my son Miles of so many years. It is a brutally honest viewpoint of a family's struggle with the disease and things that the kids face. I cried the whole way through it. It truly is amazing and very well done.
Monday is "Wishbone Day". A day which brings awareness to Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease) and which has targeted a dear little friend of mine, Oliver. He has suffered much in his short little life, but he too must Soldier On.
My son works with a beautiful young lady who struggled through a brutal battle with cancer as a youngster. She is now a beaming, stunning, personable asset to the world. She did her part to Soldier On. She's fantastic!
So . . . if this offers some perspective on picking out an outfit or perhaps what to make for dinner, then good. If you are one of the few who has to face much more difficult decisions every day then please remember . . . chin up, knees down, and . . .
Soldier On!
Friday, May 3, 2013
The Garden of Life
I may have made use of this on a prior occasion, but I really like it. It speaks eloquently and visually of a truth beyond measure.
"The splendor of the rose
and the whiteness of the lily
do not rob the little violet of its scent
nor the daisy of its simple charm.
If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose,
spring would lose its loveliness."
~ Therese of Libieux
Bloom!
Be your own special self!
"The splendor of the rose
and the whiteness of the lily
do not rob the little violet of its scent
nor the daisy of its simple charm.
If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose,
spring would lose its loveliness."
~ Therese of Libieux
Bloom!
Be your own special self!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
A Tale of Two Kiddies
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times . . ."
"Baby A" - born into a tumultuous extended family steeped in excessive anger, denial, selfishness, and ignorance. Born to unexpectant youth, this innocent life does not deserve the turmoil and misgivings that surround it. This beautiful soul has provided a beacon of pure and precious light to a gloomy world. This baby has transformed two wandering souls into caring, loving, incredible parents that this baby, and any other, would be thrilled to have. This "Baby A" has brought with it a glorious opportunity of love and peace and perfection . . . to those that choose to accept it!
"Baby B" - born to hard working parents, who suffered great loss, but would sacrifice everything to have and hold this baby. Through faith and fortitude, they brought forth a charming and handsome life whose brilliant eyes and coy smile would melt the frozen glaciers. This blessing has turned a stylish professional into a beaming, covered in Ritz crumbs mother who would have things no other way. A priceless joy! A gift that came after much grieving has enlightened the hearts of anyone near "Baby B"!
Babies are sparkling symbols of all that is right in the world. They are untarnished and guiltless and absolute. They are messengers of untainted and unconditional love. The exultation of holding such a miracle is nearly indescribable. Complete and overwhelming contentment.
And to be a parent:
"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done . . ."
"Baby A" - born into a tumultuous extended family steeped in excessive anger, denial, selfishness, and ignorance. Born to unexpectant youth, this innocent life does not deserve the turmoil and misgivings that surround it. This beautiful soul has provided a beacon of pure and precious light to a gloomy world. This baby has transformed two wandering souls into caring, loving, incredible parents that this baby, and any other, would be thrilled to have. This "Baby A" has brought with it a glorious opportunity of love and peace and perfection . . . to those that choose to accept it!
"Baby B" - born to hard working parents, who suffered great loss, but would sacrifice everything to have and hold this baby. Through faith and fortitude, they brought forth a charming and handsome life whose brilliant eyes and coy smile would melt the frozen glaciers. This blessing has turned a stylish professional into a beaming, covered in Ritz crumbs mother who would have things no other way. A priceless joy! A gift that came after much grieving has enlightened the hearts of anyone near "Baby B"!
Babies are sparkling symbols of all that is right in the world. They are untarnished and guiltless and absolute. They are messengers of untainted and unconditional love. The exultation of holding such a miracle is nearly indescribable. Complete and overwhelming contentment.
And to be a parent:
"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done . . ."
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Be Alive
I've taken a couple bits and pieces of several favorite little quotes and mashed them all together. Sometimes, I think putting a couple things together creates a much better, more effective version than pieces individually!
Be aware of wonder.
Live a balanced life . . .
learn some and
think some and
draw some and
paint some and
sing some and
dance some and
play some and
work every day some.
Don't be afraid . . . be alive!
Hit the floor running. Do what makes you happy. Make a difference. Be a difference.
Be alive!
Be aware of wonder.
Live a balanced life . . .
learn some and
think some and
draw some and
paint some and
sing some and
dance some and
play some and
work every day some.
Don't be afraid . . . be alive!
Hit the floor running. Do what makes you happy. Make a difference. Be a difference.
Be alive!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)