Sunday, June 28, 2009

The Best Day of My Life

The Best Day of My Life

Author Unknown
Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever! There were times when I wondered if i would make it to today; but I did! And because I did, I'm going to celebrate!

Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger. I will go through this day with my head held high and with a happy heart. I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds.

Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice!

Today, I will share my excitement for life with others. I'll make someone smile. I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know. Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for them and how much they mean to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and His Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures. As the day ends, and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

I lost another pound!!!

I am now at 9 pounds I have lost in the past few months...only 21 more pounds to lose till my 30th class reunion! My goal is 30 pounds for 30th class reunion!!! Gonna make it!!! hugs, cheryl
PS Drinking more water is working!!!

We all need this sign!!! Going to start making these!


I have this in my kitchen....

What a week here!!!

Well what a week here again!!! It will change some time soon I pray...it started with Lindsay going to the hospital in Springfield Mo on Sat night...she has a kidney infection with yeast! Then her mouth got canker sores and she is a mess from being at camp all week...then Natalie had a friend die in a car accident that just graduated with her..they were driving and the road was wet and they hydroplaned and hit a tree and the back of the car was gone and she was sitting in the back seat and got thrown out and died..they found her on a fence! The night of the wake Natalie came walking through the dining room and her foot got caught on a stand and she kept walking and she pulled it and it became dislocated and broken...she did it to the same toe 4 years ago next week! We had to go back to the same foot surgeon and he has done 3 other foot surgeries on her and now a 4th this week! He has to go and put it back in place and put a pin in it..it is hanging off the side...I can't believe it! All his nurses kept coming in the room...he looked at Natalie and is like I have had you since you were a baby! He has been so good to us!

That same day I had to go to an endodontist for a tooth that was infected and was told it is cracked and of course it is holding a bridge so he couldn't do anything for me...he just told me to go and didn't charge me..it was suppose to be 95 dollars...I then had to call the dentist that has taken care of us and they called back and set up the appointment for when we get back from Lindsay's, as my parents and I are going down to help her move next week!

Now we get told Kerry has adhesions on his stomach and that is what is causing his pain..it is scar tissue growing and we have to get him into a general surgeon...so all of this in a week!!!! I then had my last session it was to be with the doctor in Chicago from the study at Rush and today he told me he is going to keep seeing me as he knows that I still have so much going on and he will just do it without charging me...I have to say God does take care of us...We have a dentist, physical therapist, podiatrist, psychiatrist, and they have taken us all for no charge!!! Is that amazing and I didn't even ask ....God just keeps providing through our trials! hugs and prayers to all of you, cheryl Here is a picture of what it looks like looking out this doctors office in Chicago..it is so beautiful...Lake Michigan!!!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Quotes!

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy."

Thich Nhat Hanh

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

How To Be Happy In Life - The 9 Paths To Happiness

How To Be Happy In Life - The 9 Paths To Happiness

- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Sometimes it appears that life throws more obstacles in our path than we can handle. However, even in the face of the most challenging circumstances, you can make the choice to be happy by following these 9 paths to happiness.

1. Honor Yourself: Remember what the flight attendant says, "Put your own oxygen mask on first." You are of no use to anyone else if you have not taken care of your own needs first - this includes your own emotional, as well as physical, well-being.

2. Forgive Everyone For Everything: Forgiveness is a gift to yourself. YOU created the stress in your life by getting angry, and YOU can instantly remove that stress by granting forgiveness. Expressing your forgiveness to the other is optional - internalizing that forgiveness is required in order to live a joyful life. Don't forget to also forgive yourself for everything you regret ever having done or not done.

3. Have Gratitude For All Of Life: As with forgiveness, gratitude is a gift to yourself. Saying "thank you" is a powerful way to create great relationships, but the real power of gratitude is internalizing an immense thankfulness for your very existence - everything that has ever occurred or failed to occur in your life.

4. Respect Your Mind: Faith is powerful, but it is no substitute for observing, paying attention, weighing alternatives, and choosing with intention. Without conscious choice, there is no freedom or happiness.

5. Design Your Future: Don't be a passive tumbleweed blown by the winds of life. Envision the future you want, and then take action to create that future. Often, you will fail. Plan again and take action again.

6. Begin Today, and Never Give Up: There is no better time to begin than today - each and every "today." When obstacles stop you, think of new ways to reach your goals. In the words of the Oriental proverb, "Fall seven times, stand up eight."

7. Be Of Service To Others By Radiating Happiness: Being of service is one of the greatest paths to happiness, but remember that your greatest service to others is the person that you are, rather than the tasks you accomplish. Your greatest gift to others is to give them happiness, and by far the most powerful way to do that is to be an example of happiness and to radiate that happiness to others.

8. Dance Lightly With Life: Life does not have to be a serious undertaking. You will make mistakes, you will feel regrets, and eventually, you will die - so what? Happiness comes from dancing lightly with life - playing hopscotch on the river of life - leaping gracefully from joy to joy while laughing at the threats of calamity - even laughing hysterically at our human frailness when we do fall into the muddy torrent.

9. Know Unity With Spirit: There are as many ways to connect with Spirit as there are people - each of us has our own way to receive strength and serenity from the Infinite. Your life will be happier if you acknowledge that you are not alone, become open to that presence, and create ritual to celebrate your connection. You may feel your bond with Spirit at the Lord's Supper, in Songs of Praise, in Calls to Prayer, in Meditation, or while walking in the woods. However you connect with Spirit, do it today.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Finally got the front porch clean!!!


Took me longer this spring and summer to get my porch ready but finally we can now go and spend our time out in our front porch!!! My friend came over and helped me get it clean and ready for summer!!! She even helped get the lights up around the screens and it looks so neat at night all lite up!!! Now to get my flowers planted tomorrow!!! Will get pictures tomorrow of all I am getting done finally! Feels so good to finally getting back to using my right arm! Still sore but at least able to do something! Will never take my arms for granted anymore!!!

Lindsay at Camp this Week!




I am impressed that my daughter took her vacation and is spending it as a camp counselor for this week from her church! Her team is red and she is loving this week...Keep her in your prayers as this is such a special time for these young girls! Lindsay just loves this week and spending time with these girls!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Make pictures look old!



Friday's in Chicago...Rented a Bike this week!




On Friday's I take the train downtown Chicago and go to a doctor's appointment for a study I am in and then right across the street is Millenium Park and the Lake...always wanted to ride a bike along Lake Shore Drive so yesterday was the perfect day and I rented one and spent two hours riding and also stopped at Navy Pier and had lunch! It was such a beautiful day along the Lake of Michigan!

Natalie's Graduation Party




Had Natalie's Graduation Party last Sunday!!! I am officially done with High School!! There is good and bad...makes you feel old thinking all of your girls are all through school but the good part is now it is time for me!!! Gotta keep going...now to get 2 through College! One day at a time...
Courage doesn't always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."
- mary anne radmacher

Sunday, June 7, 2009

My Brother's Wedding!






My parents, Oksana my new sister in law, Janel and Lana my nieces






Thursday, June 4, 2009

A Dad's story...

A DAD'S STORY

On July 22nd I was in route to Washington , DC for a business trip. It was all so very ordinary, until we landed in Denver for a plane change. As I collected my belongings from the overhead bin, an announce ment was made for Mr. Lloyd Glenn to see the United Customer Service Representative immediately. I thought nothing of it until I reached the door to leave the plane and I heard a gentleman asking every male if he were Mr. Glenn. At this point I knew something was wrong and my heart sunk.

When I got off the plane a solemn-faced young man came toward me and said, 'Mr. Glenn, there is an emergency at your home. I do not know what the emergency is, or who is involved, but I will take you to the phone so you can call the hospital.'



My heart was now pounding, but the will to be calm took over. Woodenly, I followed this stranger to the distant telephone where I called the number he gave me for the Mission Hospital . My call was put through to the trauma center where I learned that my three-year-old son had been trapped underneath the automatic garage door for several minutes, and that when my wife had found him he was dead. CPR had been performed by a neighbor, who is a doctor, and the paramedics had continued the treatment as Brian was transported to the hospital.

By the time of my call, Brian was revived and they believed he would live, but they did not know how much damage had been done to his brain, nor to his heart. They explained that the door had completely closed on his little sternum right over his heart. He had been severely crushed. After speaking with the medical staff, my wife sounded worried but not hysterical, and I took comfort in her calmness.

The return flight seemed to last forever, but finally I arrived at the hospital six hours after the garage door had come down. When I walked into the intensive care unit, nothing could have prepared me to see my little son laying so still on a great big bed with tubes and monitors everywhere. He was on a respirator. I glanced at my wife who stood and tried to give me a reassuring smile. It all seemed like a terrible dream. I was filled-in with the details and given a guarded prognosis. Brian was going to live, and the preliminary tests indicated that his heart was OK, two miracles in and of themselves. But only time would tell if his brain received any damage.

Throughout the seemingly endless hours, my wife was calm. She felt that Brian would eventually be all right. I hung on to her words and faith like a lifeline. All that night and the next day Brian remained unconscious. It seemed like forever since I had left for my business trip the day before.

Finally at two o'clock that afternoon, our son regained consciousness and sat up uttering the most beautiful words I have ever heard spoken. He said, 'Daddy hold me' and he reached for me with his little arms.

[TEAR BREAK...smile]


By the next day he was pronounced as having no neurological or physical deficits, and the story of his miraculous survival spread throughout the hospital. You cannot imagine, we took Brian home, we felt a unique reverence for the life and love of our Heavenly Father that comes to those who brush death so closely.

In the days that followed there was a special spirit about our home. Our two older children were much closer to their little brother. My wife and I were much closer to each other, and all of us were very close as a whole family Life took on a less stressful pace. Perspective seemed to be more focused, and balance much easier to gain and maintain. We felt deeply blessed. Our gratitude was truly profound.

The story is not over (smile)!

Almost a month later to the day of the accident, Brian awoke from his afternoon nap and said, 'Sit down Mommy.. I have something to tell you.' At this time in his life, Brian usually spoke in small phrases, so to say a large sentence surprised my wife. She sat down with him on his bed, and he began his sacred and remarkable story.

'Do you remember when I got stuck under the garage door? Well, it was so heavy and it hurt really bad. I called to you, but you couldn't hear me.. I started to cry, but then it hurt too bad. And then the 'birdies' came.'

'The birdies?' my wife asked puzzled.

'Yes,' he replied. 'The birdies made a whooshing sound and flew into the garage. They took care of me.'

'They did?'

'Yes,' he said. 'One of the birdies came and got you. She came to tell you 'I got stuck under the door.' A sweet reverent feeling filled the room. The spirit was so strong and yet lighter than air. My wife realized that a three-year-old had no concept of death and spirits, so he was referring to the beings who came to him from beyond as 'birdies' because they were up in the air like birds that fly.. 'What did the birdies look like?' she asked.

Brian answered, 'They were so beautiful. They were dressed in white, all white. Some of them had green and white. But some of them had on just white.'

'Did they say anything?'

'Yes,' he answered. 'They told me the baby would be all right.'

'The baby?' my wife asked confused.

Brian answered. 'The baby laying on the garage floor.' He went on, 'You came out and opened the garage door and ran to the baby. You told the baby to stay and not leave.'

My wife nearly collapsed upon hearing this, for she had indeed gone and knelt beside Brian's body and seeing his crushed chest whispered, 'Don't leave us Brian, pl ease stay if you can.' As she listened to Brian telling her the words she had spoken, she realized that the spirit had left His body and was looking down from above on this little lifeless form.. 'Then what happened?' she asked.

'We went on a trip,' he said, 'far, far away.' He grew agitated trying to say the things he didn't seem to have the words for. My wife tried to calm and comfort him, and let him know it would be okay. He struggled with wanting to tell something that obviously was very important to him, but finding the words was difficult.

'We flew so fast up in the air. They're so pretty Mommy,' he added.

'And there are lots and lots of birdies.' My wife was stunned. Into her mind the sweet comforting spirit enveloped her more soundly, but with an urgency she had never before known. Brian went on to tell her that the 'birdies' had told him that he had to come back and tell everyone about the 'birdies.' He said they brought him back to the house and that a big fire truck, and an ambulance were there. A man was bringing the baby out on a white bed and he tried to tell the man that the baby would be okay. The story went on for an hour.

He taught us that 'birdies' were always with us, but we don't see them because we look with our eyes and we don't hear them because we listen with our ears. But they are always there, you can only see them in here (he put his hand over his heart). They whisper the things to help us to do what is right because they love us so much. Brian continued, stating, 'I have a plan, Mommy. You have a plan.. Daddy has a plan. Everyone has a plan. We must all live our plan and keep our promises. The birdies help us to do that cause they love us so much.'

In the weeks that followed, he often came to us and told all, or part of it, again and again. Always the story remained the same. The details were never changed or out of order. A few times he added further bits of information and clarified the message he had already delivered. It never ceased to amaze us how he could tell such detail and speak beyond his ability when he talked about his birdies.

Everywhere he went, he told strangers about the 'birdies.' Surprisingly, no one ever looked at him strangely when he did this. Rather, they always got a softened look on their face and smiled. Needless to say, we have not been the same ever since that day, and I pray we never will be.

You have just been sent an Angel to watch over you. Some people come into our lives and quickly go...Some people become friends and stay a while...leaving beautiful footprints on our hearts .. and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend!!

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present! Live and savor every moment...this is not a dress rehearsal! THIS IS A SPECIAL GUARDIAN ANGEL...

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Life...

Sometimes you wonder why we go through so many crazy things in our lives and what is the purpose for them? Why do things happen to some families and not to others? Why do some people have to suffer depression and others don't? Why do some people have to suffer pain and illness while others don't? I try so hard not to let the why's get me someday's but sometimes the why's get me...why do teenagers act the way they do to parents? Oh it can just about drive you crazy....I have learned to just let it go and get busy with something but the tears still come and it hurts but after awhile you feel better and pick up where you left off and life goes on....hopefully someday I will know some of the why's of life cause right now they got me down...hugs, cheryl

Lyrics to the song playing...

Can't give up now!

There will be mountains
That I will have to climb
And there will be battles
That I will have to fight
But victory or defeat
It's up to me to decide
But how can I expect to win
If I never try

Chorus
I just can't give up now
I've come too far from where
I started from
Nobody told me
The road would be easy
And I don't believe He's brought me this far
To leave me

Never said there wouldn't be trials
Never said I wouldn't fall
Never said that everything would go
The way I want it to go
But when my back is against the wall
And I feel all hope is gone
I'll just lift my head up to the sky
And say help me to be strong, oh

Chorus

Oh, I know You didn't bring me
Out here to leave me lonely, oh no
Even when I can't see clearly
I know that You are with me so I can't