And It Just Keeps Going and Going....

When I say "it" just keeps going and going.....I am referring to life in general.

Last weekend, we received a call early Saturday morning that Chef Ed's mom had fallen in the middle of the night and broke her hip. It was that dreaded phone call that we had anticipated we would received. My initial thoughts went back to my old hospital days of working with elderly patients (Chef Ed's mom is 85) and how slow their recovery was after traumatic injuries such as this one.

We have been trying to decided when to travel back home because it's 8 hours away and we have business commitments tieing us down here. A roller coaster of emotion was in place. Over the last week, her surgically repaired broken hip has had to take the back seat at a heart issue has surfaced and needs immediate attention. Without the heart working; we won't have a hip to worry about. First things first. A heart cath is scheduled for this morning and we are packing our stuff and planning to leave on Saturday.

That ole' feeling in the pit of my stomach is there. Sad. Sad for the thought that this is a beautiful lady that has always loved me and welcomed me into her family since day one. She kisses me and hugs me like the rest of her children and she never ever fails to say "thank you" when we part. Things don't look well and I have a bad feeling that this is the beginning of the end. The last time I saw her, we rocked in rocking chairs on the porch at the beach and she reminded me, again, of what a wonderful life she had experienced. I think that helps me crack a smile in knowing that she really puts the meaning into "living life to the fullest."

In the meantime, around Thanksgiving, I always try to look upon the good in life. Even though life doesn't always go as planned, I have always felt strongly in knowing that I have been blessed beyond belief.

I pray for Chef Ed and his family. I pray for peace that surpasses all understanding.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." Matthew 6:34.

The Perfect Lunch

It's pouring down rain outside so I decided to take advantage of the lunch hour by diving into some of my favorite things:

Chicken Noodle Soup for a cold, rainy day!

And, my new book, Fish!

I might add that I have a Spirit Spa CD playing in the background.

Boy, this seems really cozy!!

Sick, Sick, and MORE Sick

I regret to inform you that I have been sick for the past two and a half days. I mean REALLY sick. Fever, chills, runny nose, stuffy nose, cough - and everything else you can think of.

Though through it all, let me be the one to tell you that I was able to drag my weary body off to my hair appointment yesterday evening. I am woman - hear me ROAR! That was the one thing I was concerned most about. Not the fact that I may have flu symptoms - but my HAIR! I was freaking out over the thought of having to wait another 2 weeks until Trish could fit me back in to her schedule.

Thank God for Alka Seltzer Plus Cold!

Oh yeah-and I don't have the flu. It's just a nasty head cold. It's nothing that a little red wine won't cure!

Happy Birthday, Richard

I am blogging today with a humble heart.

Today is my brother's birthday. He would have been 45 years old.

Birthday's were always a big deal around my house. My mother did elaborate parties and really went out of her way to make our day feel special.

Richard was a bright and wonderful person; intelligent with a special spirit.

I felt very connected to him. Actually, I have felt that way right after he passed away. I would talk to him, sense his presence. There were many times that I have felt as if he was watching over me. I felt looked after. Protected.

Certain things have fallen into place so smoothly that it's not even logical.

At different times, I've had different understandings of what is spiritual. I believe sometimes that souls can connect. Reality is weird. Time and defense mechanisms can blur and protect but when you're standing at a grave, it's very, very real.

I have a strong sense that there is a greater plan, that all of this couldn't have been prevented. But, why him? Why someone with such potential to the world and to those around him? It's hard to fathom. You just don't know -- can't understand.

The whole experience changed my life. I know that I'm a completely different person than I would otherwise have been. I don't focus on trivial things.

The separation of body and soul are so strong. It reminds me of why I don't like to take flowers to his grave site. I don't want to try to beautify it because it's not him that I am visiting. His spirit was who he was.

What I know now is that I feel farthest away from him when I'm living my life superficially. My focus is to now keep the things that are REALLY important alive and in order.

May your sweet face shine down upon our lives here and cause us all to strive to be a better person.

I know you are having a wonderful day rejoicing!