Abby Update

I received an update on Abby today and if all goes well she'll be going home tomorrow. She's gained a few pounds for the first time in weeks and her little body seems to be accepting the tube feeding with her new medication. The doctors said the best thing for her now is to get home and begin school with all the other children. After a month in the hospital, that's the least this sweet child deserves.

Apparently after Dani gave Abby the nail polish and lip gloss set last weekend, Abby enjoyed a fresh manicure and began asking for the lip gloss and lip balm. Prior to Dani's gift her mother said they couldn't get her to let them put anything on her lips and it was very frustrating. I'm so glad I listened to Dani's insisting that we buy the little girly gift pack versus the purple nail polish I had picked out. I thought I was being hip and modern suggesting such a wild color. Now I feel like an old fogy.

To all of you who prayed for Abby...THANK YOU...and please don't stop. She faces so many obstacles on a good day and has a long road of recover ahead of her. Nothing, however, will set her on the road toward healing like getting home to her friends and the ability to gain some weight. Continue to keep her family in your prayers as well. They are dedicated but exhausted.

If you have an extra prayer in you, ask God to help Dani learn to smile when a camera comes as opposed to reducing to tears.

Dani Visits Abby

A few months ago Dani met Abby at a festival here in town. Abby's mother is a co-worker of mine, so we were sad this week to hear Abby was in the hospital. She's been sick with an unknown intestinal disorder and her mother thought it would cheer Abby to see Dani. Since the children's hospital is familiar stomping grounds for us, Dani happily went bearing gifts and was quite ready to share a little love.

We had sent three Hawaiian leis to Abby a couple of days before our visit, so Dani wore her favorite pink flower lei to the hospital. She loaded her wrists with seven colorful bracelets and I encouraged her to think about giving Abby a few when we arrived. Dani had also picked out a girly gift pack of pink nail polish with two lip glosses and proudly carried her gift bag on her arm through the hospital.

Upon arrival we were greeted by

Abby's wonderful grandmother, Mary.

Dani gave Abby her present

and Abby picked five of her favorite bracelets.

Dani cried when the camera came out,

which is normal for her,

but she was also concerned that Abby had an IV.

She thought it hurt.

Abby was being silly with her favorite doll.

Time to slow down and rest.

The girls said their good byes and

we prayed with Abby and her grandma before leaving.

Please pray for Abby as the doctors attempt to diagnose her rare disorder. Jimmy and I have been where this family is and it's a difficult road. The days are long and the nights even longer. There is nothing like watching your child battle an illness that puzzles the experts as it steals your child. It is an indescribable grief that seems to suspend time.

In the midst of it all, however, we cling to the knowledge that God is good. He never forgets even one of His children. He loves, protects, teaches, and guides us every inch of the way. He has not forgotten Abby or her family and has a special plan for them. Jimmy, Dani, and I feel privileged to lift them up to God during this time and encourage them to the best of our ability. Bringing Dani in for a visit was the least we could do.

"Comfort, comfort my people, says your God."

Isaiah 40:1

Race for a Cure

Kansas City hosted its Susan G. Komen run today and 25,000 runners joined in to "Race for the Cure." My mother died of breast cancer in 2006, making this event extra special to me. The pictures speak for themselves, so enjoy.

My friend Debbie pins the

"In memory of My Mom"

sticker on my back.

A good friend always has your back.

Debbie, myself, and Shauna, before the race.

Heading out.

There were so many runners

I had to wave to catch Jimmy's attention.

Kansas City's meteorologist, Katie Horner,

reading "In memory..." stickers at the start of the race.

That's when I started to cry.

The beautiful mass or runners.

Race for a Cure (cont.)

As Dani waits for her mama to come back,

she poses for this picture

with the humongous pink pig donation bank

in the background. She loves pigs.

My best friend and prayer warrior, Debbie,

and me after the race.

It was HOT!

One of the thousands of touching memorials

to victims of breast cancer.

Dani holding her pink dog balloon

freshly constructed by a pink clown.

I look forward to the next "Race for the Cure." You might consider getting involved yourself. It's a good thing!

Exceptional Family Time

Friday morning I packed up and left for St Louis to meet with a few parents who have special needs children and are fellow bloggers on Exceptional Family TV. Jimmy stayed home with Dani to keep her on schedule, so I was footloose and fancy free.

Prior to leaving I had the best time wrapping presents for the children and their parents because, even though we'd never met, we are linked by a special bond that requires no introduction. I was eager to take the trip and arrived to no disappointment. We were all welcomed into the Oswald's home with open arms, given our own part of the house to spend time together and get acquainted, and fed some scrumcious food.

Driving in from Tennessee came Susan, Exceptional Family's CEO and Executive Producer. She and I had spoken many times over phone, on Skype, and through emails, but nothing takes the place of a personal meeting and it was a pleasure to see this talented lady. What cracks me up is how different Susan and I are. She's a global thinker who dreams BIG dreams, while my brain resides comfortably in a box, struggling to accomplish even the smallest of tasks. Her big ideas used to intimidate me but I've learned to respect the talent God has granted her. After all, if she were me, Exceptional Family TV would not be the success it is today.

I also met for the first time Tara Ecklund, eFamily TV Sales Representative and mother to sweet little Lilly. Tara and I hit it off from the get go, even though I'm not sure how anyone could not get along with her. She's simply beautiful inside and out, and what a terrific mother. I don't know how many times I watched her care for Lilly and prayed I'd done half as well when Dani was that age. Tara has a great sense of humor and was a great air mattress filler upper. She worked hard to adjust my bed to fit my needs and we were like two silly girls as she filled up my mattress a second time and took advantage of the moment by blowing me in the face with the blower. I like cheap fun and that was a hoot. Once settle in for the night, Tara and I talked in the dark about all sorts of things, just like roommates in college.

Then there's the Oswald's who opened their home to our tribe. They have five children in all, one of which is Katy who has special needs. Their home is a true home filled with love, discipline, and respect. Their generosity made our weekend a success and for that we say thank you!

Here are a few pictures of the journey.

Heading out at dawn.

If you look real close you can smell the coffee.

God's signature sunrise.

A storm off in a distance,

God's way of spicing up things.

Continue below...

Exceptional Family Time (continue)

Rest, play, and talk time.

Tara enjoys the Oswald's black labrador, Hope.

The girls play the piano.

Todd smoked ribs that were so good Susan nearly cried and

Michelle's sopapillas almost reduced me to tears.

Lilly and Katy at dinner

Thanks for a wonderful weekend everyone. When can we do this again?

Pet Therapy

Our hospital recently launched a new volunteer program that’s proving to be a howling success. Sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face, our new therapy dogs come on site three days a week. Administering a special healing balm that only canines can provide, they arrive wearing their own photo ID badge clipped to their collars and commence meandering their way to each unit spending time with patients, staff, and visitors. Nearly everyone lights up when they arrive and our office is no exception. In fact, we’ve given strict instructions to the program leader and dog owners alike to always stop by for a visit whenever these special paws step onto the premises.

Yesterday Chance stopped by for a visit. The last time he came he was a bit nervous as we showered him with attention. It was his first visit to the hospital and he missed his canine brother and sister at home. I felt sorry for him and wanted to do something to make him feel a little more at home the next time he came, so I placed a bowl of dog biscuits on my desk. This time when Chance arrived I escorted him back to my desk, placed the bowl of treats on my chair, and let him sniff away. I knew he was beginning to relax when I felt him lean on my leg. Soon he laid down, closed his eyes, and enjoyed a little massage.

Bless his little heart he even nibbled up a last crumb from his biscuit as he soaked up the attention. His soft coat was white, black, grey, and tan. Cute as a bug's ear. After his time of TLC in our department he went on to the Emergency Room to visit someone in need and then headed home for the day. I suspect he bragged a bit about his hard day at work when he got home to his brother and sister.

We can't wait for another dose of pet therapy!

Holy Squash!

I'm almost scared to go to the garden these days. We have but a modest compost pile that somehow manages to grow "Promised Land" type vegetables. This baby below is the third gargantuan squash we've harvested in the past two weeks. You should see the looks I get when walking to work with one of these beauts. Today I walked into the office, holding this squash's big brother like a baby, and said to our new secretary, "Look at the new baby I just delivered." She glanced up and was so surprised she blurted out laughing.



HOW TO COOK: Cut this hefty Hindenburg in half, coat with olive oil, salt, pepper and any other of your favorite spices, grill for 3-4 minutes each side, and you have a delicious and healthy side dish for dinner.

What fruits are you harvesting from your garden this year?


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Running the Race

In two weeks many of my friends, co-workers, and women of Kansas City will be participating in the Susan G. Koman run for a cure. Breast cancer took my mother's life, so this event holds a special place in heart. I will be running in honor of her.

Ecclesiastes and I usually head out for a run at 5:45 am, before the sun has a chance to team up with the already existing humidity. It took a while to get used to it, but I've learned to love running before dawn because there are so few travelers out at that time. We jaywalk/run whenever the urge hits, I don't have to put on sunscreen, which makes it harder for sweat to evaporate and cool off the body, and Ecclesi gets to see all the rabbits busily running about, giving him lots of free entertainment along the way. Most of all the quiet pre-dawn hours seem to magnify the presence of God, making it a great time for prayer.

Training in the heat and humidity is terribly challenging, especially for this new and rather mature runner. The days of running a compete course without stopping to walk, rest, and take a sip of water are a distant memory as the dog-days of summer faithfully oppress each day. I remember when the first heat wave of the summer arrived I thought something was wrong with me as my stamina suddenly evaporated away, making a once easy route painful and daunting. I began monitoring my heart rate and discovered the heat and humidity was more taxing on the body than I had imagined.

I continue to run outside in order to adapt to the climate, so Ecclesi and I set out this morning for a long 4.5 mile run. Thinking it would be a luxury to sleep late for just one day, we left an hour later at 6:45am. The sun was coming up and the humidity was as thick and oppressive as usual. It was 80 degrees and we did fine 2 miles out, then the heat began to takes its toll. Ecclesi began to slow and before I knew it all I could do was walk at a snail's pace with a hand on my hip. I wasn't short of breath and my heart rate was decent, but I was so dog-on tired. I'd drink ice water and pour it down my neck, but neither would refresh. Then, I began to get goosebumps, something I instinctively knew wasn't a good sign.

Walking longer than usual, Ecclesi was working hard at prompting me to run. He was just as tired but must have figured running would get him home to the pool sooner. The same logic was in my head but my body would not cooperate. I was glad I had my cell phone with me and wondered more than once if I'd have to call Jimmy. "Dear can you come get us? I'm laying on a grassy strip behind the hospital just off the highway near McDonalds. You can't miss us we're by the doggy poop trash can. It's awfully hot can you hurry?" Part of me cautiously hoped Ecclesi would begin limping temporarily so I could call for an escape, but he seemed to be getting a second wind. Mustering up the will to carry on, I walked, ran, trotted, and gimped the way home in fairly good time, but it was no fun. No fun at all.

The more I run the more I see how it mirrors life. Sometimes we feel as though we can run a marathon, while other times there are so many factors against us we can barely limp along. The key to surviving and even thriving in both is perseverance, that tenacious will that refused to give up. We may fall or fail but quitting is never be an option. It isn't a sin to walk, rest, or take a sip of water along the way and it doesn't ruin the race, it merely gives you what you need to carry on. Some races will be better than others but each serves as a building block for the next, which is where we find our hope for the future. A bad day is bad but soon will pass. In its place will be a new one, better than the last.

If you are tired on your journey, take a rest. Call for help if you need it and lay down in the grass along side the road if you must. Look up into the sky and remember God is with you. He loves you and you are never out of His reach. Pray to Him like never before and keep your eyes on Him for He will see you through. Most of all dear friend, never ever, ever, ever give up. To give up is to give in to the enemy. But to persevere is to bring joy to the heart of God!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,

and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Hebrews 12:1

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22 Years!

Ahhh...I remember it well, heading to the hospital at 6:30 in the evening twenty-two years ago, not to have a baby but to work the night shift in ICU. With every bed in the unit filled to capacity, the nurses' report room was a mighty tight fit.

Big as a barn I busily took notes of each patient's condition, but soon found it increasingly difficult to pay attention. Coming to my senses after a particularly hard contraction, my eyes lifted to meet the stare of male nurse looking straight at me. "Are you alright? You look like you're in labor. Should you be here?" he said with chin pulled in and eyebrow raised.

All heads turned as his comment effectively blew my cover and in a flash the nursing supervisor was called, my condition was assessed, and I was on my way to having a baby. Our little doodlebug was born that morning at 3:30 am and the rest is history.

The "Queen" as we call her has been a puzzle, pickle, joy, and mystery all rolled up in one. Jimmy and I of course had no clue what our future held the day she was born, but even after 22 years we wouldn't trade her for nothin', no way no how.

Of course, life with disabilities is an exceptionally tough road, just ask someone in our shoes. There are times when grief is a monster shy just one hair of overpowering us as the reality of her disabilities sinks deeper into our hearts. Then, amidst it all we remember two key anchors of hope: God allowed her into our lives and He has a perfect plan.

Happy Birthday little sis.

We love you!

Dani with all her presents.

Brother Drew mailed her a package of candy

which arrived right on time.

Dani's Day Hab had a party for her today. She proudly left this morning with her 9.5 lb cake (no joke that thing nearly broke my back carrying it to the car) and celebrated with her friends. She received a stack of handmade cards, peach body spray (which she's applied 5 times this evening), and a twelve-pack of roller lip gloss. Jimmy said she plopped herself in the car with all her gifts, flipped down the sun visor, and began lavishly applying her lip gloss. She's her mama's girl.

"For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb."

Psalm 139:13

Beauty and the Beast

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, this morning beauty was more of a beast as Dani approached the breakfast table. Bless her heart our little sweet pea has not one ounce of style, but loves to dress herself and show off her favorite items of clothing. The problems is she tends to wear all her favorites at once, ushering in shocking combinations when you least expect it.

This morning she pranced into the kitchen, pretty as you please, donned in her favorite Pterodactyl socks framed by a pair of my sandals. With mannequin white legs extending out her orange knit shorts, she was quite the sight to behold. No doubt God and His angels smiled and giggled along with Jimmy and me.

The piece de resistance was the hole in the sock over her right big toe.

Prom Time

Dani's Adult Day Care program had their prom a while back and the theme was Grease. Since we dressed her to the hilt for the Sweetheart Dance, in a fancy pink dress and black patent leather shoes, we decided to drop prom tradition and send her 50's style. Olivia Newton John would have been proud to see Dani with her T-shirt tied at the waist, pink bandana, and rolled up blue jeans. She was a tad proud of herself as she posed for this picture.

Some of the young men dressed in their finest suits, while the gals wore dresses. Everyone had a great time dancing and enjoying refreshments. No doubt Dani hovered like a humming bird around the refreshment table.

If She were a Savant

When an individual with Autism excels developmentally in areas that far exceeds the average, they are called a savant. Our daughter Dani isn't considered a savant but if she were it would be in the area of geography. Her ability to maneuver around the Kansas City metropolitan area is astounding. She not only knows how to get to the airport 45 miles away, but can navigate to it from all different directions. She can also identify where her grandma is buried, even though it's an area we rarely travel. She doesn't often sign "grandma" because she knows my mother is in heaven, but when she does mention her best friend it's on the highway near the cemetery. Truly amazing.

Like many Autistics Dani has a few quirks that are unique and challenging. For instance she hates fringe. Several years ago I mistakingly bought living room rugs with decorative loose ends all to watch her avoid them like the plague. Seems I inadvertently purchased her very nightmare. Now, whenever she enters the living room she takes an alternate route or awkwardly hops over the fringe.

Unlike some Autistics Dani is not overly concerned with the order of things. Her desire for organization seems focused mainly on humans. She can detect an adult who is not in control of the situation at the drop of a hat. The only therapists she's ever fussed with were the ones who were new and unsure of themselves. I kind of admire her ability to assess adults this way. I prefer more grounded folks myself.

Given the fact Dani is not a neat freak, I was shocked the other evening when I walked into her room and saw her play things lined up neat and a precise. Tidy as a store, her play food, bracelets, and other sundries were parked on her bookshelves in exact little spots. I couldn't help but say,"Good job girl!"

She even found the perfect place for her Daniel Boon hat

...atop her stuffed rabbit.

I don't know if this was a late case of spring fever or what, but it was a pleasant surprise just the same.

Advanced Communication

When your child cannot speak or communicate fluently, as with our daughter Dani who is deaf and Autistic, you learn to capitalize on the few clues she offers. Like most parents we watch for subtle cues that signal how she feels and uses them to learn her likes and dislikes.

As an example, when Dani walks with one knee locked like a pirate, we know she's in a really good mood. In fact, we call her Peg (as in peg leg) when she walks this way and it never fails to give us a kick. Other hints that indicate she's happy include her cooing like a dove, wanting to be hugged, and a peaceful look on her face like this one at her Day Hab program.

Seeing her perched in this chair proudly wearing her lei warmed my heart the instant I saw it because it revealed she was happy and content. As much as she hates having her picture taken, she's clearly calm as a cucumber in this photo, which is quite a feat considering the fact here at home she cries at the first sight of the camera. To us this picture is a modern day miracle.

Deciphering subtle forms of human communication is a skill common to nearly everyone. A heavy sigh or the tapping of one's foot means they're bored or growing impatient and a wandering eye amidst a conversation most likely means you've worn out your welcome. These and a host of other indicators are but a few delicate forms of communication we each give and receive on a daily basis.

Parents of children with communicative disorders, however, are a unique breed. Drafted into the most challenging and advanced course on communication the day our special children were born, we are forever hunting for better ways to understand and interpret our child. Communication boards, sign language, blinking, pointing, and grunting are but a few things we accept as valid forms of communication. It may make no sense to anyone else on earth, but if it conveys a message to us that's all the counts.

That's why many years ago I adopted the philosophy that says if a doctor, teacher, therapist, or caregiver of Dani refuses to listen or work closely with me or my husband, we drop em like a hot potato. After all, who can read Dani better than her father and me? How many folks have taken the crash course in Dani 101 and passed? No amount of education can override what we have learned these 21 years and anyone who thinks it does couldn't possible have her best interest at heart. Fortunately, we've encountered very few professionals who disregard our input, but the few times it's happened left an indelible mark I'll never forget.

With this in mind I encourage you to trust your instincts and stick by your guns. No one knows your child like you and anyone who thinks they do couldn't be more wrong. When it comes to reading your child you are an expert. You hold an advanced education few others have and your specialty is your child. Listen to your gut, do what you feel best, and years down the line you won't regret it.

Reality

Reality is for People with No Imagination, the sign read as I entered my chiropractor's restroom. Snickering at the correlating picture of a Dalmatian dressed in a George Washington suit, the cleaver quip sent me thinking that perhaps this is why reality can be so painful. It's the pin that pops a fanciful dream, sending it plummeting to the ground.

Take my 26.5 oz bottle of lotion for example. I no sooner brought it home from the store today when, while putting it on the top shelf in the linen close, I lost my grip and dropped it on its poor little pump head. Thankfully the lotion didn't squirt all over creation, but a tiny and ever-so real dream died as I attempted to piece the pump together. It was broken beyond repair. Now I have to drain the new lotion into my old bottle, which is another flavor, as the perfectionist inside me screams, "But that lotion doesn't match the label!"

A deeper reality has Jimmy and I feeling like pin cushions as life's course shifts from going where we'd hope it to be at this time of life on to a more sober state of affairs. With my father's health slowly deteriorating, the painful sting of his mortality has prompted a deep course of grieving. Perhaps you can relate and find yourself staring in disbelief at something broken in your own life. Whatever your pain, the good news is it's not hidden from God. He knows our discomfort and understands the toll life's reality inflicts on our souls. That's why He calls us to set our minds on things above, because heaven's a reality guaranteed to exceed our wildest imagination. No one can puncture that dream. Jesus made sure of that.

I don't know about anyone else but I'm looking forward to heaven. How about you?

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.

On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

No longer will there be any curse.

The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city,

and his servants will serve him."

Revelation 22:1-3

Works Better Broken

The fan over our computer has been on the fritz. No matter what setting we put it on, it turns at a snail's pace. As the weather in Kansas City flirts with the 100 degree mark, the tiny twirl of the air is nothing short of frustrating.

Yesterday Jimmy began taking it apart to get an idea of what kind of switch it needed when suddenly, out of the blue and with its innards hanging out, the fan began to run good as new. I happen to be sitting there at the time and it felt simply scrumptious. "Isn't that weird. I take it apart and it begins to run" Jimmy said standing amazed.

Sometimes life is like our fan, we work better when broken and at the end of our rope. It isn't easy and certainly not fun, but these are often times we see Christ most clearly. That's what happened when the disciples found themselves amidst a tempest. Following Him into a boat one day, without warning a furious storm came upon the lake. They'd been in the boat with Jesus for a time, but only saw Him in a new light when the storm hit. With the boat taking on water and fear flooding their souls, they did the only thing the could do, they called on Christ. That's when they witnessed a miracle and received more faith.

Do you need to see Christ in a new light? Perhaps life's boat is taking on water and panic is flooding your soul. If so, do what the disciples did. Allow the storm to turn your eyes from the crisis on to Jesus. All we will ever need is at His feet and He is always at our side. Nothing is too difficult for Him or catches Him off guard. He is the peace that passes all understanding. Let's praise Him for who He is and all He's done for us.

"Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Matthew 8:24-27

Swinging Bean

I walked into the kitchen when something caught my eye. "Dear, why is the swing swinging?" I asked staring at the empty but active equipment. "Bean was in it" Jimmy replied, chopping a green pepper without missing a beat.

Cocoa Bean in the swing? Oh, surely not. He had to be mistaken. After all, why would a dog hop onto a swing? Not only is it unstable and unpredictable, but surely the loud whack of it hitting the deck railing on the upswing would scare him half to death.

Well...the thought no sooner passed through my brain when lo and behold motion on the deck caught my eye again. This time I witnessed the event first hand. Bean took a flying leap, landed in the swing, and perched himself on the cushions pretty as you please. Swinging high and low, he was proud as a peach and had obviously done this fine act many times.

I ran for the camera, set it on the sports setting, and snapped away before he could jumped off. He must have sensed I was near by the way he peered into the sliding glass door. Perhaps he suspected dear old ma was attached to the camera suspended in mid-air.

Swinin' Beanie Weanie

A Time to Celebrate

What fun it was to celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary. Last night we went to a dinner theater and saw John Davidson, the handsome guy from Hollywood Squares, in Becky's New Car.

First, we dropped Dani off at her teacher/babysitter's home. Lorretta and her husband were so ready for her and had the entire evening planned with dinner, swimming, a visit with the animals (three dogs, two doves, a couple of geckos, and a chinchilla), and last but not least listen to Loretta's husband play the guitar. I knew their evening had gone well when I called after the play to let them know we were on our way and heard the background filled with the sound of Dani strumming a guitar with all her might. They'd taught her to sign Jesus Loves Me, so she'd strum a few rough cords, stop, sign the words, and resume playing. When we arrived she was wound up like an eight-day clock trying her hardest to recreate what she'd heard Loretta's husband play. Their service to her was mesmerizing.

Once at the dinner theater, we were escorted to our small but nice table that sat six. If the room were a globe we'd have been on the equator, smack dab in the middle of the room. The view was great, not too close and not too far away. Just right.

Of course no one has control over who they sit next to, unless their group fills a table. You'd think the seating order would be up to theater management, but it's really up to God and who He carefully places at your side. Interestingly enough the other two couples at our table were celebrating their wedding anniversaries as well. One couple was celebrating seven years, while the other rather young looking pair shocked us with forty years under their belt. Over salad we shared polite conversation. Things like where we live, how many children we had, dogs stories, and our professions. As God would have it, when we shared about Dani and her Autism, the couple celebrating their 40th anniversary expressed deep concern for their 2 year old grandson who is exhibiting questionable signs of Autism.

I couldn't get over the fact that out of the hundreds of people in the audience, God planted us on the equator next to these heavy-hearted grandparents. Apparently their son has not come to see the warning signs in his son, leaving these grandparents at a loss how to broach the topic. As we listened to their story it was clear that in the grand scheme of things there was little we could do to help, but we shared our experience, listened to theirs, and offered a little hope and encouragement. Yet another pair of perfectly good strangers to pray for.

The evening was a wonderful change of pace. Jimmy and I hadn't been on a date since my mother passed away in 2006, so to be foot loose and fancy free for an evening was a slice of heaven. The food was delishy, the company was outstanding, and maybe...just maybe we helped another family facing the challenges that lie ahead of them.

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another;

be sympathetic, love as brothers,

be compassionate and humble."

1 Peter 3:8

How?

How does a grown man rip a 12 1/2 inch slit in his blue jeans by the simple act of getting into the driver's seat of his car after church? I was with him and can attest to the fact Jimmy wasn't doing back flips in the lawn, rescuing a child about to be hit by a car, or any other jean-splitting activity. He was easing himself up into the SUV as he's done a thousand times before.

I heard the rrrrrrrrrrrrip but didn't know what had torn till he pointed to his crotch revealing the damage. "Aren't those the $80 jeans you got for $20?" I asked in disbelief. "Yep and I'm glad they chose to tear now and not in church or out on a photo shoot" he replied still assessing the damage.

Driving out of the parking lot, we inspected the foot-long tear as if he'd narrowly escaped a crocodile attack. Then, after scrutinizing it from nearly every angle, we began to speculate the timing of this untimely event. "How would you have gotten out of church with that long tear if it had happened in there? How embarrassing would that be? Oh...wait a minute...I know... your Bible would be have been big enough to cover it. You could have walked out holding it low in both hand. Yeah, that would have saved you." I said thinking out loud.

Giggling as we contemplated every angle of this odd and potentially embarrassing incident, we eventually meandered home, changed our clothes, and headed to the grocery story for Sunday dinner supplies. Thankfully all our apparel remained quiet and intact.

This is what you might get when you buy

well-worn jeans.

A Bit of Heaven

Seems the human connection simply cannot be broken. Eric Whitacre's virtual choir proves the point. With each choir member sequestered in his/her home singing solo to the same music, they combine to make a heavenly sound.

Only human beings connect through cards and notes, watch one another on television, hook up on facebook, and chat, text, and twitter non-stop. Animals don't attempt these endeavors. After all, if a dog barks it's less for others and more for himself. We on the other hand possess an inborn passion to connect with other human beings on some level be it ever so small. It's part of the unbreakable bond created when God made us in His image. We are like Him and one another all at the same time. When you mix our strong desire to unite with various talents and advanced technology you get something very special, the sound of heaven here on earth.

"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Genesis 1:26-27

"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Revelation 5:13

A Little Gem

A good book is hard to find and I don't know about you, but if it doesn't grab me on the first sentence, my desire to finish is seriously threatened. That, however, was not the case with Same Kind of Different as Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. This true story of two polar opposite men forging an unlikely but precious friendship was so touching I didn't want it to end. Not only was it a fast read, but nearly impossible to put down, especially toward the end. I giggled my socks off at certain points and cried uncontrollably in others. Not far into the book it became apparent I had to watch when and where I read it, since my emotions would whisk me off to who knows where every single time. I quickly learned it was best read alone and in private. When I finally finished reading this little gem I handed it off to Jimmy and said, "That's the best book I've ever read. Enjoy!" He smiled, not so surprised after seeing me, the book and a box of Kleenex having become a tidy trio.

Same Kind of Different as Me has all the fine qualities I love in a book. It is touched a spot in me few books ever reach and gave me food for thought sure to bring about change for the good. One of the greatest truths I gleaned is how much God loves every person, no matter how poor or underprivileged, and perhaps uses these unsuspecting individuals to do His most grand work.

If you are looking for a good read consider this humble book. Just be sure you purchase a box of tissues too. You'll need it.

Picture Perfect Mother's Day

Friday afternoon, when Dani came home from her Adult Day Hab program, she promptly took her backpack to her room and commenced fishing around in it as if on a hunt for a special prize. I didn't think much about it as I began to settle in for a nice relaxing weekend.

After a quick and successful rummage through her things, she appeared at my side proud as a peach presenting me with my now early Mother's Day gift. Holding it in my hands, I couldn't believe my eyes. No wonder she was proud as a peacock. It was a framed picture of herself smiling from ear to beautiful ear. Seems they'd been hard at work all week helping her and the other special needs folks make that special something for that special someone on that special day...Mother's Day!

It's ironic Dani hates to have her picture taken and yet her gift to me was a priceless photo of herself. I was touched as I gazed at her delightful face, both next to me and in the frame. Truth be known it's been a tough road these past 21 years with Autism, but I am proud to be her and her brother Drew's mother. Motherhood is a privilege, an honor, and investment into the future. Nothing could ever replace or duplicate the bond a mother has with her children. Moments like these prove the point.

I hope this Mother's Day brings you joy and may the Lord bless you and your family abundantly!

5K (cholesterol) Run Complete!

According to Life123 a marathon is one long road race totaling 26.2 miles. The marathon originated when an ancient Greek soldier, Pheidippides, ran from Marathon to Athens to relay the message that the Persian army had been defeated. As legend has it, once the words “We have won” came out of his mouth, he dropped dead on the spot. This fable prompted the first Olympic marathon, which totaled 24.8 miles, the distance Pheidippides ran.

In 1908 the marathon distance was changed to 26.2 miles when King Edward VII and Queen Alexandria wanted the royal family to see the beginning of the race. The course was changed to begin at Windsor Castle and end at a racetrack, thus changing the distance to the now standard 26.2 miles.

Beyond the marathon there is the ultra-marathon, which can be 30, 50, or 100 miles, the half marathon (about 13 miles), and last but not least the 5K, a race for folks like me who want to get in shape without dropping dead like Pheidippides.

I ran my first 5K about 10 years ago in a run for Autism, then proceeded to let running slide as life got busy with our little Dani who suffers from the disability. A few months ago, after turning 50 and hearing my cholesterol was too high, I kicked back into gear and began training again. I had four weeks to get into shape for this race and believe it or not…I did it!

Today’s run was for a family who has three terminally ill children and it was heart-warming to stand amidst hundreds of people at the starting line to pray, sing the National Anthem, and then run as one body in unison for one cause. There were men, women, kids, parents pushing strollers, and dogs all along the way. One little pooch was zig zagging in front of me making me giggle as I seriously tried to run. He seems to want to run along side me, which would have been fine if he’d have ran in a straight line. (You might recall Cocoa Bean got kicked off my running schedule for the same wavering offence.) Another doggy had to make a pit stop along the way bless his heart. His owner patiently waited as his fury friend made a deposit in the grass. As we ran by I said to the man, “I’m glad that isn’t you doing your business roadside.” We all chuckled and continued on our journey. I usually run alone so it was fun to have folks to wave and talk to along the way.

At one point I took a quick glance at my stopwatch and was happy to see the end had to be near. A few paces further and I saw the bright colored balloon arch over the road where we had begun the race and felt a jolt of energy pulse through my body. It was downhill the rest of the way and Coldplay was playing strong in my ears. I turned my music up a notch and commenced running past the runners I’d followed from the beginning. Once past the “finish line” I heard the announcer on a bullhorn say, “5K runners you’re not done. Keep going up the hill, turn right, run around the chair and come back. Then you’ll be done!”

Now, I gotta tell you I’d given it all I had by that point and the thought of conquering another hill was beyond discouraging, but I had no choice. I had to finish the race and the only way I could do that was to change my mindset and move forward, even if it involved another hill.

I equate running hills to eating elephants, one bite at a time. As I approach an incline, instead of dreading it I envision each step as a bite into the hill. Before I know it I’m up and on my way, happy to have eaten another elephant.

After finding the chair that I’d rather have sat in than run around, I trotted back down the hill and crossed the finish line, AGAIN. Folks were cheering and Jimmy was taking pictures of his ole bride. My attention, however, was drawn elsewhere. Out of the entire crowd all I could see was my little Dani patiently leaning against a tree waiting for her mama to arrive. Just the site of her was so precious it brought a smile to my face. Beaming from ear to ear, I took a beeline straight to her and planted a big kiss on her forehead. Bless her heart for all she knows I ran to someone’s house, grabbed a cookie, visited for ½ an hour and ran back. She has no idea the hard work it takes to run these bones down the road, but she and her daddy waited in the cold rain to cheered me on and for that I am most grateful.

I'm the one in black (#220)

My coworker, Shauna, and her husband

are to my right.

By our stance I'd say we were listening

the National Anthem.

We're off!

Crossing the finish line the first time.

By now it was raining.

Crossing the finish line the second time super pooped.

Now I need another goal. What might be my next 5K (cholesterol) run? I have something in mind and I'll give you a hint. It involves some very big elephants.

God's Glory in Creation

Jimmy was lying out in the field the other day. Glancing out the window I would have thought he'd dropped from a heart attack or stroke, but a slight squint of the eye revealed a camera in his hand. Now, that made sense and put my heart to rest.

Hard at work doing his favorite thing, he was busy capturing the beauty of nature up close and personal. A little click here and a quick snap there and soon he appeared with the most astounding proof that God is as intricate as He is powerful, for even a dandelion is nothing short of amazing.

(click on pictures to enlarge)

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.

Everything is uncovered and laid bare

before the eyes of Him to whom

we must give account."

Hebrews 4:13

Glory to you Lord for the beauty you bestow all around us each and every day. We praise you for your faithful love and abundant provision. You are the only true and living God. May we glorify your holy Name in all we do.

Take Flight

It was early morning and I was plugging along on the last 1/2 mile of my early morning run. The sidewalk's incline was slight but ever so tiring and all I could think about was the oasis that lie ahead, the refreshing bottle of water sitting on my door step. Like a sloshy stop watch, it's the last thing I touch before heading off and the first thing I pick up when I arrive back home. Just over the hill and one left turn, then I'd be home and done for the day.

I was tired on the last hill and a little slow as well, but steady nonetheless. I was going to finish no question about it. The sun was shining horizontal rays across my path and the birds were busy with their daily activities. One little Robin was so caught up in her early morning routine she hopped from the grass onto the sidewalk and began running in front of me. I don't think she saw me at first but once she landed on the pavement my presence began to haunt her. She ran like the wind in a wavy pattern and I couldn't take my eyes off her delicate little bird legs. How does she run so fast on those tiny little sticks?

She was about seven feet ahead of me and the thought crossed my mind she might "pass the baton" at any second. We kept pace with one another for a time, but the longer we ran together the more uncomfortable she became. I sensed her tension and couldn't help wonder why she didn't just up and fly away. Sure she was way smaller than me and I far stronger, but she had one thing I didn't have. Something that could whisk her off to safety in nothing flat...wings to fly far far way.

Little Miss Robin eventually gathered her wits and took flight. She was gone in a flash leaving me to pound the pavement that last 1/2 mile home. Our little jog together may have scared her a bit, but it got me thinking a lot. Sometimes I'm like my little fowl friend. I get to doing my own thing when suddenly the enemy is on my tail scaring me half to death. I pick up the pace but am no match for his skill and expertise. So I run and run and run, forgetting I have something he doesn't have...wings to fly away.

Paul describes eight different kinds of wings we can use to fly from the enemy when he's hot on our trail. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." Philippians 4:8 He goes on to tell us, in verse 9, that when we set these wings in motion the peace of God will be with us. A far cry from running in terror.

God's word is full of great truth designed for our daily living. While the enemy wants to intimate and distract, the Lord is ready to protect, guide, and direct our every step. What great strength we gain in having a positive attitude and mind set on the things of God. Focusing on the truth of God's word effectively leaves our enemy in the dust, much like miss birdie left me on the hill.

If you feel chased by the enemy take flight. Meditate on all that is true, lovely, good, and praiseworthy. Then relax with the peace of God in your heart. If anyone asks where you get your peace, tell them from a birdie...Little Miss Robin.

What's Your Default?

I came to a conclusion this week. Our little dog Cocoa Bean's default is set on bad. Granted he's been a pistol since the day he was born, but this week sealed the deal.

I woke Thursday morning, let the dogs out, took a quick bath, and sat down to put on my make-up. But before propping myself in front of the mirror, I felt compelled to take a quick peek out the bedroom window to see what the dogs were doing. To my utter shock and dismay I saw Cocoa IN the garden Jimmy had just planted. The one with a wire fence around it.

Hollering Bean! into the inky dawn, I hustled to the kitchen to get him inside before more damage could be done. My shout woke Jimmy who got up just in time to witness the whole thing. I finished putting on my make-up on and headed out the door, sure the subject was closed.

Not long after arriving at work an email titled "Bean Almost Met His Maker" popped onto my computer screen. Seems Jimmy let him out again for a quick pit-stop and Cocoa took a bee-line straight for the garden and dug up a couple of pepper plants in less than 60 seconds flat. I couldn't believe what I was reading and that's when it hit me...Beanie Weinie's default is set on bad.

You and I have a default setting too and how we respond to trials and temptations determines what our setting is on. When Martha and Mary lost their brother Lazarus in John 11 for example, the first person they called was Jesus. They loved Him with all their hearts and knew He loved them in return. Even in their darkest hour they waited patiently for their Savior, the only one who could relieve their distress.

Have you ever stopped to think what your default setting is on? If not, think about about how you respond when times get tough? Do you become angry? Do you withdrawal? Go shopping? Place blame? Whatever your default is, if it isn't Christ seek to reset your system. I reset my heart each day through prayer and time in God's word, which keeps me balanced and focused on what is good and right. It's the only way to endure through trials and turn from temptations that can be so difficult to resist...like Mr. Beanie and the garden.