High School Moments

High school is such an awkward time for so many of us. It is only the few that are full of

self-confidence and win the Popularity Award. More high schoolers are struggling to make their mark and figure out where they fit in to the social structure.  Relationships come into play, at this stage of life and are a reflection of where you are with your own development. Yet the emphasis is on relationships.

I recall, in my high school, the most common topic was who was dating whom. The pressure was always on to be dating. More often than not, it didn’t even matter if you liked the person or not, it was more about if the person was in the ‘in crowd.’

The sad part about this mentality is plenty of good people were left by the wayside. Some of the best people to be dating were ignored for some real losers. And this paradox occurs even today, a fact of high school years. So many parents I meet tell me of their teens disappointment of not having dates when their children are so wonderful. Many teens just don’t stand out enough, for no apparent reason. At a time when they could be formulating ideas of how relationships work, the nuances, many teens are left out cold.  The advantage of this experience is perhaps it may help less missteps made in marriage causing repaired relationships instead of divorce. Or, the other good outcome would be, experience in relationships can lead to better distinction between what is healthy attraction verses pure lust and won’t last.

I know in my case, I did relatively little dating in high school. I didn’t have much of a grasp of how relationships worked, even less of my own value. When I met an older guy, at a particularly low time, I assumed he knew a heck of a lot more about relationships than I did. I was also very flattered that he was interested in me.  Quickly in the marriage, I learned he had no dated in high school at all! So we found ourselves married, two people with virtually no experience at relationships at all and I was eighteen.

There are many ways of getting confidence as a young person, a good education, developing faith in God, a solid family.  Getting attention from the opposite sex also builds up teens value and if any of the later is not present, the young person will suffer.

I have spoken with counselors working with teens from broken homes or homes where abuse is present. These kids have major self-esteem homes.  Young adults living in poverty have an uphill battle even without relationships struggle.   These added issues have a profound effect on their feelings towards themselves making them more vulnerable to bad relationships or none at all.  It is natural when a relationship goes south or no one wants to date them for them, internally to attribute it to themselves and not to the other person.   For me,  it was hard to accept attention even from someone willing to give it. I felt unworthy of it and as if a guy willing to give it must have something wrong with him. Inside I was struggling with me but didn’t want anyone else to see or know that.  Teens want to keep everything secret many times.  Perhaps today teen suicide is an all-time high.

Self-esteem building is the best way for a young person to have a healthy life and good relationships that foster future success. Without it, they are more apt to have disappointments along the way.

Schools allow bullying much more than they should.  This issue has always been there, it is not so much new. Yes social media possibly has made it worse but is your child adding to it by their public media posts?  Don’t allow them to be part of the problem, fueling their own issues. If they complain, ask them if they are adding to their own issues.

I firmly believe if you don’t like something, be an advocate for change. Try to create solutions for your children so they don’t live your mistakes. They won’t listen to you, if they are ‘normal’ but school systems might, your church may very well. It is a good place to start.

I recently heard from an old friend. It reminded me of something I always wanted to say. Sorry does seem to be the hardest word.  Brushing aside someone who cares was not helpful. And having regrets would have been nice for them to know. For years I wanted to undo the wrong and wish I could go back and replay it. I wondered many times ‘what if’ but won’t get the chance. Life teaches you that you can’t go back but you can share your lessons and your triumphs with others. Care enough to teach your kids even if no one is asking you out, your value is immeasurable.  Do not settle for less and don’t overlook the good people God places in your life.  Your time is coming! 

Blessed are Those Strong in Spirit, Like Melanie Bannister

Chris and Melanie Bannister 

There are some stories you hear that you just know you will never forget and will forever be touched.  Some lives are meant to be that way, a life  that has far reaching impact beyond just the circle of family and friends. Such is the life of someone I just recently learned of, a woman in Allendale, Michigan. 

It starts out pretty normal like anyone else living in anywhere, USA.  Growing up, getting married and having children. But it goes horribly array in so many ways neither she, nor anyone else could have predicted.

I learned of Melanie Bannister from my cousin Connie Brown. Melanie is my cousin’s daughter-in-law’s best friend. She has been in the fight of her life, for the second time. She has been trying to put out fires now for years, her kids, her husband’s and now one out of control waging against her body.  Her loving husband is beside himself wanting her to enjoy a quality of life and yet understanding her need to always choose life, one more day, always wanting that extra moment with her children and her husband and her loved ones and friends. 

Those around her say that she has maintained strength through the adversity and a positive spirit through the storms.  Yes, you could say she inspires. But you could also say she suffers as her treatments make her quite sick. Her story is the reality of breast cancer gone badly, when it comes back with a vengeance and permeates other areas of your body. Metastatic cancer is a harrowing experience and no one deserves this journey, not Melanie, not her husband nor these four children. She is a soldier and for that, she deserves a few moments of our time to hear her story straight from her lips:

  

My name is Melanie Bannister. I would love for our story to be shared. I am wife to Chris Bannister for 17 years and a mother of 4 children. 7 years ago this October I was diagnosed with Stage

2/3 Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. I went through aggressive chemo and radiation, as well as a double mastectomy. I was regular about going to every checkup appointment.  I had a total of 6 PET scans after and I was all clear of the nasty breast cancer.  We thought that would be the last I would ever hear of it for me. 

Almost 6 years later to the day I was diagnosed with Stage IV Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.  I was told the cancer has metastasized to my liver, lungs, uterus, ovaries and bones. This was one year ago. The first step was supposed to be putting my body into menopause and then starting a targeted chemo pill that is specifically for my type of cancer. 

Unfortunately, my body did not respond well to going into menopause and the insurance would not cover the pill unless it did. With the cancer multiplying fast in my liver and bones, my oncologist decided on IV Chemotherapy Ixempra. Due to the neuropathy of side effect of this treatment, we discontinued it in July 2017 and have moved on to Gemzar. For the rest of my life I will be on some form of Chemo to keep me alive. Although the side effects are bad, if this is what I have to do to keep me here for my family it's better than the alternative. 

Due to everything involving our family, my husband Chris has had to take unpaid leave to help care for our children as this process at times has made me very sick and weak. 

Chris also had to go on short term disability due to having a fracture in his neck fusing 2 vertebrae together and be off work for 6 weeks July of 2017.

My children are so important to me and there are challenges with them also. Our oldest daughter Alexis is 22 years old and was born with Cytomegalovirus. She, in turn, has Cerebral Palsy and is severely multiply impaired.  Alexis requires full time care 100% of the time. Her conditions have led to many hospitalizations and surgeries over the years.  When she was only 7 years old, she was left in a coma for a full month and again 2 years ago. At that time, the doctors were not sure if she would pull through it or not. By God’s grace, she did!  Alexis cannot eat by mouth but we will take that because she is here with us.

Our daughter Kyleigh is 17 and was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, Acute Intermittent Porphyria when she was only 7 years old. My husband Chris also has this rare blood disorder.  Stress is a huge trigger for this disorder and can have either of them down for days at a time requiring hospitalization at times T

Our son Noah was born with Ocular Albinism, a rare genetic disorder of the eyes and is legally blind.

Our youngest is Caleb, 9 years old, healthy but way too young to understand or remember what mommy went through before or perhaps to grasp all of this in our family. This is very new for him this time around. Caleb still has his good and bad days of worrying about me.

This will be a long uphill climb for our beautiful family. But, we can do this together because I know God has our best intentions at hand. This is our normal. God has blessed us because He knows we are strong and together we can get through anything.

We are truly blessed. Yes there are times where I ask why?  Why me?  Why us? What did we do wrong?  But I know that it's nothing we did wrong. It's because we are blessed and we are strong!!!

There is much to be learned from this young woman's story. Could you endure this kind of hardship and be strong in spirit, love and faith?  With all this adversity, she still stands as a beacon of hope for all those around her as she fights for every single day she can be alive, just for one more moment to spend with her husband and children.  This woman and this family has many many needs. I pray more people hear her story and decide to help. If you are touched by Melanie, please share her story. Her GoFundMe page is for a family that can use the support and is worthy of all of our contributions. Bless all of you for reading this and most of all, Melanie and her wonderful family!  Click here to show your support for this brave woman!

Jeanette Lynn Hopkins Dundas : Living the Dream

Over the last several months I met a neighbor in my community at a relatively small book

club I started.  I quickly learned, from a friend, that she was a writer with several books in

print and many more in the works. I befriended her, not just as a book club member, but 

as an author and with an appreciation for the fact that she was a published writer. I found myself a month later attending a Book Signing she presenting at in the Tampa area. Though the event wasn’t impressive, she was as well as her books. Thus, began my fascination with Jeanette Lynn Hopkins Dundas as a writer.

Jeanette was born and raised in West Tampa Florida at a time where mostly immigrants lived, close to a well-known Cigar Factory in that era.  She fit right in as her single mother and grandmother raising her were both Italian.  Jeanette grew up speaking fluently Italian to communicate with both of them as well as speaking English. 

Her mother Dorothy Gullo Hopkins ran her own business out of her own home for years,

Dorothy Gullo Hopkins

Dorothy’s Reweaving.  As it grew eventually it was moved to Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa with a storefront. This allowed Jeanette to attend a larger more prominent high school, Plant High School. Following this, she went to St. Pete’s College and earned an Associate Degree in Marketing.    

Interesting notes about Jeanette’s family:
 Dorothy, her mother, could not read or write music but had an astounding ear for it and could sing beautifully pitch perfect.
Filomena Gullo Jeanette’s Nanna, as grandmas are called in Italy, had a love of books and began reading to Jeanette from a very early age. Being bright, Jeanette learned the entire alphabet by age 3! Shortly after this began her love affair with reading. This was followed by a continual passion and lifetime love of writing. Jeanette began winning awards for this talent, including an award in College for a poem written about Elvis Presley and later an award for Elvis Presley’s

Nanna, Filomena Fraterigo Gullo,
 (on Lfthand) 

Fan Club, which was quite large by this time,  for her short story which had to include all of his hit songs. 

Speaking of Elvis, you could say meeting "The King"was a pivotal moment in Jeanette’s early life.  Her mom arranged the meeting knowing it would be a highlight in her 11 year old daughter’s life. They left a message on Colonel Parker’s personal phone, Elvis’s agent. They wanted  to confirm he would be filming Follow that Dream the coming weekend  before they made the long drive to Yankeetown, Florida. They also had the name of the hotel he would be staying at, which would be crucial later.  Colonel Parker personally called them back, a good sign! However they were told he could not promise anything because filming would run late and it was hard to get near him but they would try.

When they arrived, the crowds were immense, girls were screaming, grown women were blocking their view, everyone was in awe of The King. It was apparent, she would get nowhere near Elvis through the throngs, though she managed to catch a glimpse. Plan B came to mind, circle back to the hotel, knowing eventually he would return there after filming.  And so, as she stood near and his car pulled up, Elvis got out. Luck was on her side because Elvis made eye contact and saw her.  He literally pulled her close showing a kindness to a young girl in awe of his celebrity status.  As frightened as she was of the crowd pulling and pushing to get near him, he not only sheltered her from everyone but kept her at his side for all the pictures everyone was taking standing next to him that day! 

To this day, the grace and compassion he showed towards her left an indelible mark. See not only  was Elvis kind to her but when she went back to his room to request one last picture with her friend who was too shy to stand  in line that day, he overrode  management and stepped out to take a shot with Jeanette’s best friend.  Thus, nana who had not liked Elvis prior to the trip, became sold on The King too! 

Jeanette is most known for her Bongo Bay Mystery Series sold on Amazon. Even this title is tied into her love of Elvis.  His ex-wife Priscilla Presley wanted to get Elvis one year something quite different for the man who had everything. Her surprise was bongo drums.  Being from Tampa having a passion for the beaches, Jeanette put the two together and formed her series name for her lifelong goal, to be a published writer with an exciting mystery romance series - Bongo Bay Series.  (Sold on Amazon, link below)

Jeanette does a good bit of her writing in either her home in a special area that is light, airy.

 organized but not meticulous.  She is anything but anal, definitely more of a go with the breeze.
Her home has more a of feel like you have just entered a warm summer cottage.  Perhaps she is mirroring her cottage she still owns on the beach in Port Richey, Florida, where she raised her two children.   Being with Jeanette, she gives undivided attention and leans in as if she feels every speaker, everyone has something she can grasp and learn from. Perhaps her author/writer mind is always working!

Her approach, as an author, is to create a character first and then build a story around them. She has to believe the character truly exists so that the story can be realistic.  Only then, does she feel the reader can grab a hold of it and go along for the journey with the twists and the turns.

Many authors feel their craft is limited for the very few unlike Jeanette’s attitude.  She encourages anyone with a desire to write to do so, no matter the age or their background in writing. Furthermore, any hidden desire that has never been tried for fear of failing should be ventured, in her opinion because living is meant to be lived in the fullest and experienced.  Writing to Jeanette “is not about who will read it, it is about expressing your ideas on paper,  if that is something that moves you. Be true to you!"

As the reader,  she wishes for you to leave her stories feeling happy.  She also likes there to be something of value learned and faith to be renewed that change can always occur no matter our circumstances. In her book Stolen Destiny, domestic violence is interwoven in to one of the main characters but not the only storyline. It is illustrated clearly that it does leave scars. The storyline proves that issues kept in the dark, like domestic violence, victims need to deal with in the light of day. Once explored though, a person can capture their true identity and move forward and live fully!

Jeanette strongly believes we should not ever close doors, personally or professionally. Reach for the knob of the doors you want to open, nomatter how impossible the
feat may seem and give yourself the chance, life comes at you

Mr. & Mrs. Dave Dundas

fast and you are worth it! She never dreamed, at this later stage in her life she would be publishing books.  Having a wonderful relationship with her husband Dave gives her added encouragement to continue to fly with her passion. And reading any of her books or writings, you will see she does it quite well! Perhaps you will read them and find you can too!

“Always find a way to come out of your shell in this lifetime.“  Jeanette Lynn Hopkins Dundas

To order any of Bongo Bay Series, see below. 1st installment is Stolen Destiny but each is a stand alone novel. Stayed tuned for 3rd book to come out shortly! 

          Link to Order

. 

The Long Good-Bye to Mom

I wasn’t prepared. I had volunteered at senior facilities in my youth. During my adult years, I have sung Christmas carols, delivered care packages and even visited my ex-husband’s father when he resided there prior to his death. But never had I dealt with someone I loved being incapacitated. Then it changes. 

Some of you may recall about 7 years ago I reconnected with my biological mother after many years of separation.  With that much passage of time, there is really no way to form a

bond like many children or adult children have with a parent but it was still healing in many ways. It gave me a sense of closure to at least hear an ‘I love you’ from the person who brought me into the world. For so many years I felt unloved and forced upon my stepmother. I was part of a package deal knowing it was my father she was in love with and not me or my sister. Our dad had custody of both of us when they divorced as she had left us..

Seeing my mother and getting to know her better, it didn’t take long at all to see why we weren’t raised by her. The flaws don’t take long to come out. But there is a connection there, a love and at times, a real joy.  Moments when she is truly the mother I dreamed of having, though fleeting. Much of the time, I dealt with the reality of who she was and was forced to accept, it is what it is. 

Now her condition has worsened significantly as her health has not only deteriorated but

dementia has kicked in. As the last year or two has gone by, it seems as if everything has accelerated.  Maybe it didn’t progress that quickly, when I look back at all the things that have been going on the past four years but, in not knowing her, I had no idea what was normal and what was not in her behavior. There were falls, unexplained lapses in memory, outbursts of anger, odd behaviors out of left field, that left my sister and I calling Adult Services frantic with worry for her well-being. She was placed over a year and a half ago in an independent living center for her own good. She is watched over and provided her meals. Best of all, all of her medications are administered which helps not compromise as much her heart condition and ensure her meds are taken properly. We had hoped this would help stop the downward progression we have seen.  It hasn't though but she has been much safer. 

I sit here now, full of a heavy heart as we are at the stage I never wanted to see happen. When I pick up the phone, I am never quite sure who will be on the end of the phone anymore. I have only my mother and my sister that I am closely connected too and communicate with regularly on somewhat of a biweekly basis and now my mom is losing it, losing touch with reality. It is as if she is partially dead to me but still alive. 

As my husband tries to comfort me, he can’t quit comprehend as his mother died with her mind intact. My mom will call sometimes sobbing in sadness,  full of a heavy heart

inconsolable like a child. The next call may be her happy full of joy laughing at hearing my voice and in midstream angry at me over something simple like I didn’t call her back over some message she never left or bad-mouthing my sister only forgetting who she is talking to and saying my name.  And the reverse happens when she talks to my sister. She has forgotten how to be happy. 

The ability to discern truth from fiction is hard for her.  Her brain doesn’t comprehend it clearly anymore at times. I am so grateful I had the time to reconnect before this dissension.  As my sister and I share stories of a trip or two we have taken her on, we laugh with glee over the funny moments and then stop in silence with where we are now.  We remind each other we are indeed blessed with those memories but yet are faced with the fact there will not be anymore of those for us with our mother. She is a skeleton of who she was.  

It is refreshing to have each other to share this experience with. There were periods in our lives when we weren't as close. Thank God we are now so that this isn't something either of us has to experience alone. Mom use to tell us she knew her mind was starting to go and was scared. She use to say she was a sorry excuse for a mother and didn't deserve us, both of us being there for her now, as she was losing it and closer to the end. She would apologize over and over again for everything that she wasn't. We let her know as God forgives we forgave her a long time ago. Hate has no place in this world but our relationship would always be different because we are different. I think she got it, she stopped saying it.  Now she doesn’t say it at all anymore. She actually doesn't say nearly as much. She is more like a self-centered child with a mind that is not nearly as reflective as her age.  I am glad. I don’t want her suffering or realizing her physical condition. 

Wow, is it different when it is someone you know, someone you care for, your own parent.  The best advice I get is from my friends, to try to not react to anything she says. So when I get yelled at, cried at, begged for something impossible to deliver or whatever, I am learning to simply 'be', listen and respond simply. I must keep my emotions on a shelf, at least while on the phone or with her. No, I wasn’t prepared for this. And yet, I am glad I wasn’t. It would have hurt too much to know in advance. 

Thank you God for a few moments with my mom to hear I love you.  As her mind goes and one day she leaves this place and goes home to you, I will have some memories shared. I will have had hugs with arms that held me as mothers do to their daughters when they are growing to give them strength and courage.  My time has given her peace to know I have forgiven her for her transgressions. And most of all, I have been able to heal from the pain. God bless my mother inside with what she needs to finish her time here.

Growing Traffic on Your Site the Smart Way

“Every website must have online traffic if it expects profits and benefits. Driving substantial traffic to a website or blog is a critical factor in any successful business plan."  Krohn Media is one of the best in the business at driving massive online traffic to websites and blogs.”

It gives me great pleasure to give my followers information on Steven Krohn for your individual or business use.  Any that you know who would benefit from his expertise, please share his information as an invaluable resource. In this

business, it is hard to segment the shysters from the experts.   I have known Steven for a few years and have found him to be one of the premier sources of this type of work. His work is top-notch, his pricing competitive and can attest to the fact he is results-driven.  Steven is always on the cutting edge of the newest technology in this field.

Wondering how big of an impact it makes to have a heavy steady traffic flow to your website?  Read the article below from Krohn Media that explains in  depth reasons why this traffic is critical to your success and growth. 

There are millions of business owners that know they have to be on the Internet in order to both survive as well as to out-market their competition. Chances are that your competitors have invested heavily online. Why? Your prospects will always look online for a solution to their problems.

The running joke in the search engine optimization (SEO) community is that Page 2 on the search engine for a particular keyword is considered a graveyard, since only a small percentage search for solutions outside of the first page. People are too busy nowadays to spend a lot of time searching, right?

All business owners hear that their website must get a lot of traffic in order to get traction in the marketplace. However, they don’t really understand how it benefits them and can significantly impact their bottom line one way or another.

Top 5 Reasons Why Your Website Needs Traffic

1.    Charge More Money For Advertising
When serious advertisers choose websites to extend their brand message, one of the sites they look at is Alexa.com. The more traffic your website receives the more you can charge for advertising.

2.   Improved SEO
As long as you properly keyword optimize certain pages, search engines will consider that particular page popular and will immediately list it higher.  

In general, the public believes if something is listed higher in the search engines, it is deemed more credible and will enhance your reputation. Even better that once a visitor hits your page that is listed higher in the search engine, they will check out your other content and you may pick up lots of subscribers over time, if you have a compelling offer.

3.   You Become The Cool Kid
Let’s face it, everyone wanted to hang with the cool kids in high school. The same holds true in real life. Nothing creates more for free traffic than other people that shares your cool content. This will lead back to additional traffic being driven to your website. The more people sharing your content, the cooler you will become.

4.   Enhance Marketplace Domination
This may be an unintended benefit of increased website traffic. You are taking valuable virtual real estate from your competitors.  Prospects are always looking for solutions to their problems. Either they will seek a solution from you or to your competitors and will spend money to do it. Be their logical choice.

5.   Ninja-Like Keyword Magic

Part of any legitimate digital marketing campaign is a daily viewing of your Google

Analytics. You will be able to see not only where you traffic came from and also the

keywords in which they found you in the search engines. Once you find extremely popular keywords, it would be wise to create additional content with those keywords.  Feed the beast! 

Obviously, these reasons can quickly catapult your website from an unknown to quickly becoming the resource prospects will turn to in order to solve their problems.

The sooner you can drive a massive amount of traffic to your website, the sooner your bottom line will love you!

Contact Information for Krohn Media: 

 steven.krohn@att.net or (682) 593-3430

***I welcome your feedback once working with Steven of Krohn Media though I know you won't be disappointed! 

Get Politically Savvy

I use to think politics were for only smart people.  As I got more interested in it, I realized politics is about understanding and being involved in what is going on in government at the different levels be it city, state or the nation. As American citizens, we have a responsibility to be involved at some degree.

Voting is the main responsibility. However, how can you make an informed vote if you are not educated on the candidates? Simply watching an ad or listening to your friends is not a sound reason to vote for someone. Name recognition is not good logic either. Everyone has heard of the Sandman and yet if he appeared on a ballot, would you endorse him?

It does take abit of homework on a voter’s part. Research is easy, simply get on the internet and google the candidates and read up on their views. Compare and contrast each statement. Also, read their bios and see whom seems to be capable of best representing the people of your area and devoted to meeting the needs of your area. The issues you are struggling with are the needs that matter so definitely make those the priority.

If you feel strongly about an issue or a candidate, get outside your comfort zone and make some noise. Sitting at home complaining does no good. It does not encourage others to vote, to sound alarms or donate money to make a campaign for a good candidate successful. In my District, one man sat in the House Position for 24 years, Michael Bilirakis. His son Gus Michael Bilirakis has been in the seat ever since, 2007.  Consequently, the opponent, Mark Tager is finding it extremely hard to break through as the name recognition is so strong.  Tager has new ideas, fresh blood and creative solutions.

When a representative is in the same position for such a long period of time, it is easy for them to get credit for everything positive that happens whether or not they had anything to do with it. Look behind the photo ops and the media lines to determine, were they instrumental or not? Is their webpage merely tagging on to their party’s successes or are they standing on solid ground with accomplishments that have truly impacted their region?  If this is the case, it is time to vote them out and let someone you feel is competent step in.

Make certain you are pushing everyone to not only register to vote but show up on election day. This is a civic responsibility. There is no excuse not to take the time to pull a few levers. If you live here, you need to make the time just as surely as understanding who you are voting for and what they are standing for and against.  Your opinions matter as much as theirs do!

Transpose Me God

Today at church our priest asked a question. "What are the moments in our lives that

transpose us?"  What events occur that make us change significantly in ways we can never return back to who we were before?  Are they happy or sad events or both?

Reflecting on this, initially no one reacted.  He had to pump ideas into the congregation"s head. "Surely someone has had a child."  That got the wheels turning and the ideas flowing, shouts began one after another.

When something happens in our life very good, it is easy, initially, to assume it had something to do with us. However, upon reflection, we must recognize it is by divine grace of God we are given blessings, much as we are given life. Many babies are never born, dying in the womb not seeing the light of day. You being here is a miracle.  Thus that is transposing to all those that know you and whose lives you touch. Are you making the most of those experiences, impacting others lives in a positive way, lifting people up so as to help them achieve their greatness?

We are also transposed when we commit to relationships, such as marriage and deep abiding friendships.  Honoring relationships is keeping them sacred, prime importance in your life above all else. Do you protect other’s love, trying to minimize pain or do you take it for granted? We are to cherish each other's love and feelings as if they were our own.  We should be a shoulder to cry on for each other and be there in times of sorrow and need, in good times and in bad. Can we not celebrate and cheer each other on as we are all children of God? In doing so, our lives and others should and would forever be changed.

We are also transposed, as Father pointed out, very much by sad events, such as the death of a child. It truly tests  our faith. Hearing the word cancer, said in relation to us, or any life limiting disease transposes us as we now face our own mortality firsthand. We must face the inevitable and deal with it in a real way. With this realization comes the process of acceptance of  God as our savior if we are to have peace and serenity approaching death. Understanding that the path of Jesus's resurrection leads to life will help not only us but the loved ones we leave behind.

Being shut out of loved ones lives is the reality of many Christians, such as in divorce or families falling apart. It is never easy to let go of ones you love but sometimes the signs are there that you are no longer wanted.  Fighting it will not change the outcome.  Transposition is not always something we want to embrace but with God's help, we can successfully. 

As Christians we do not create our own life’s plans, we walk in God’s divine plan and make the best choices we can with our daily steps. Accept defeat with grace and those that persecute you, let them be. You must be right with God in the end, that is what matters most. The Lord is with you always, keep an open heart to those that love you unconditionally.  

As our Priest said today, only with transposing oneself can a Christian truly grow. We need moments that stop us in our tracks, both good and bad episodes, that affect us in a way we will never be the same. That is called living a rich full life.  The price of this is that you will have times that will shake you to the core and bring you to your knees in sorrow.

Anything less than this, though, is half living. And wishing it weren't is taking the miracle of life for granted. So don’t be frightened when you find yourself looking in the mirror and seeing yourself change. That simply means you have lived, you have embraced and you have allowed God to work through you!  Amen. 

------------

After communion, I looked around and bent my head down, reflecting on how blessed I am to be at such a beautiful loving church. Inspite of all that I miss in my life, I can feel, every single time I attend Mass every week here my Grandmother in heaven watching me. She was a devout Catholic, who I use to watch pray the rosary and talk to me about her faith. I know she is proud of me for converting to Catholism and practicing the faith that was so much a part of who she was. 

And yes, Grandma, my faith, your beautiful Catholic Church has transposed me too!

Loving Watermelons - Is it Bad?

How exciting to find out watermelon is great for you because I love eating it! For

years I avoided indulging on this favorite because I thought it was consuming way too much sugary water. Now I feel completely justified in eating away and s will you. 

Do you know more people get sick in the summer from dehydration than about anything?  Watermelon is 94% water!  And if you love it, stay hydrated by eating it!

There is so much vitamin content in this fruit, also classified as a vegetable. It is loaded with Vitamins A, B6 and C.

It also contains lycopene, more than in raw tomatoes. Of the produce family, it has one of the highest levels.  This little know nutrient, lycopene,  is taken by people who want to prevent hardening of the arteries, and cancer prevention, specifically prostate, breast, lung, bladder, ovaries, colon and pancreas! . It’s benefit in reducing risks of cancer is because it helps fight the formation of “radicals” that are known to be strongly linked to cancer. Lycopene is also used to treat some HPV infections which can be a cause of uterine cancer

Lycopene has anti-inflammatory properties too. Watermelon is known to help with muscle soreness.  It is even linked with bone health.

Watermelon has antioxidants, amino acids and a small amount of potassium in it. The benefits of these three are more widely known by the general population. This is why it has a distinction of being classification a Super Food. The benefits of eating watermelon are an extensive list indeed.  

Over the years, so many spit out the watermelon seeds, perhaps afraid one

would grow internally! LOL!  Actually the seeds are quite beneficial to eat.

 Vitamins contained in them are B, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Also, it is known for being a good source of healthy fats, protein and fiber.

It is a misnomer that there is such a thing as a watermelon diet. However, eating it cleanses your body and helps you lose weight at the same time. It contains only 6% sugar. One cup of watermelon is 47 calories.

Watermelon is the #1 consumed melon in the country. If you aren’t on the bandwagon eating watermelon now, you are short changing your body!  Eat up and spit out the guilt! 

Friendships can be Fleeting

Friendships can be fleeting,                     

They may simmer and be hot,

Sharing highs and lows

Helps one mature a lot.

But life is full of challenges.

And relationships can unfold,

When feelings aren’t reciprocated,

The end of the story should be told.

It is hard when there are memories,

That fill your heart with joy,

But over time those moments

Can become a decoy.   

Our lives are enriched,

Just by having friends,

But it is important to recognize

When the time has come for it to end.

Not every friend is there forever,

For our standards do go up,

One must ask themselves,

Is the quality filling my cup.

There is no goodbye spoken,

No words from the lips will pass,

But distance grows insipidly

And the feelings are gone alas.

Do not look with sadness,                    

For the goodness was worth the pain,

Losing time with one friend,

Opens windows for future gain.

The thinner we spread ourselves,       

By hanging on to unreliable friends,

Translates to less energy,

To the dear friends that will bend.

So when you evaluate a friendship,

A word of strong advice,

Ones to truly value,

Are friends who always treat you nice.

Proverb 18:24

One who has unreliable friends  soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

A Gift of a Grandma

On a recent trip to Nashville to see my grandchildren, my grandson was asking me to buy him toys. Thus began a talk I wanted to have about my own grandmother. The value of my relationship with her was built on her unconditional love for me.

Grandma Gliatti was born in Italy and moved to America in her twenties.  She and my grandpa were poor. I am sure they lived on pasta and homemade bread for many meals.  She used to tell me stories of hiding under the kitchen table when bill collectors came.

Even when I was a small child, toys were prized, getting any kind of gift or money. And yet, Grandma never had much money so gifts were limited to Christmas and were very small items.. At that time, she bought all of her grandchildren (which were many) a little something each, frequently we all got the same thing.

The delight in getting a gift from Grandma Gliatti was more special because of who it came from than any item. Infact, as good as my memory is of my childhood, I can only recall one gift from her, a Barbie type doll that was Italian so she said!

Her reaction to seeing her grandkids happy was the best gift of all. When Grandma smiled, her face lit up and at times, she would move to tears of joy. How can you put a price tag on a gift like that? 

I was raised by my Grandma’s son, who was the only one of 4 siblings not living  in Toledo, Ohio. Thus my time spent with her was limited to weekend trips to see her and the rest of the family. The drive to Grandma’s didn’t matter; it was too big of a thrill to see her to care. She was worth the boring drive. Her and Grandpa I felt the moon and stars were over their head.

Kindness in a relative is not measured in terms of material possessions but more out of love. Grandma use to sit up late with my sister and me, talking about whatever we wanted to talk about until my father pulled in the driveway. As soon as she saw those headlights, she would yell and laugh telling us to run up to our bed we shared and pretend to be asleep.  We did exactly as we were told, never letting on what Grandma had done.

Looking back, perhaps our parents knew it and chose to not say a word. The late night chats seemed to be as important and special to Grandma as they were to me. Her white powdered cookies she hid in the cabinet from Grandpa would come out and we would sit munching cookies and laughing with her for hours.

Those days gone by, of watching her make her Italian dishes and kneed bread may be over with but in my mind, they never ended. She was an important part of my youth and the realization that what she gave was priceless hits me hard when I look at my own grandchildren.

I asked my grandson what his best memory was of being with me. Not surprising he 

mentioned something he had done with me. I then began rattling off, with my husband, his

Grandpa, a multitude of experiences we have shared with him over the years. The list is endless, baking cookies, attending a Christmas show, playing at the park, swimming in our backyard, reading books before bed at our house, watching him laugh with delight at our Christmas train!

I told him about my grandmother who has gone to heaven. It was important to me that he understand that what I miss about Grandma is not an item I opened or her slipping me a quarter at the store. My memories of all the fun times I laughed with her and she told me how much she loved me is what I remember best and loved the most.

My grandson seemed to understand because he asked me if I miss her much. I told him yes, but that is why I try to be as good of a grandmother to him as she was

to me. When I die, I asked my grandson always remember what we did together and how I made him feel. I then had to ask if he knows how much I love him. When he said yes, I told him than he too, when he grows up, won't remember me for a truck, a bug or a train. Infact, I went on to say I don't want you to remember anything I bought you. I want you only to think of all the laughter we shared and all the wonderful memories of the time we have spent together, just like I do with my Grandma! 

Now I know how grandma felt towards me and how she missed a grandchild when she didn't see them. But, I also know, as she said, we carry them in our heart so they are never truly far away.