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Because she asked...
I feel my boots trying to leave the ground, I feel my heart pumping hard. I want to think again of dangerous and noble things. I want to be light and frolicsome. I want to be improbable, beautiful and afraid of nothing, as though I had wings. ~ Mary Oliver
Is there a quote that you feel? I would love to hear it. And if you have a photo that whispers that quote to you, be sure to share it with sisters.
"There is nothing we like to see so much as the gleam of pleasure in a person's eye when he feels that we have sympathized with him, understood him. At these moments something fine and spiritual passes between two friends. These are the moments worth living." -- Don Marquis
The book arrived and I read it in less than twenty-four hours and that was on a busy weekend of attending Paralympic events. The past week has been dotted with moments of my trying to decide what to write...other than "read this now if you are a mom". Sure, it is a book written by a mom of a special needs child, but her words resonate with all moms. Words of reality...words of frustration...words of love...read them.
I keep thinking perhaps it is because of time spent in NICU with our oldest son...or the special needs diagnoses times three of our younger sons which my husband and I have faced and that exhaust us...but no. It is simply Jennifer's honest words about the moments of fear and uncertainty of motherhood.
The plan was I would ramble about the similarities of our experiences...our fears...our what-ifs...our unspoken hopes. The only thing I find to say is if there exists a writer able to more fluidly weave words...I've never read her work.
If you are a mom, read Road Map To Holland. If you are a mom of a special needs child...or perhaps like me, of several special needs children...read Road Map To Holland.
Thank you, Jennifer, for sympathizing with and understanding me. You have indeed shared your spirit, and that is a beautiful gift.
Note...If you are the parent of a child with Down Syndrome, the book's appendix offers a plethora of resources, additional reading titles and a glossary of terminology.
A few days ago a twelve year old young lady blessed my heart beyond measure. She made me cry; she made me smile; more importantly she made me think. Hailey presented my blog with the most treasured award I have ever received...Alexander's Heart which she presents to blogs with heart.
My name is Hailey and I'm 12 years old. I have a blog in memory of my brother who passed away in 2006 from a heart defect. I was looking online at other blogs and found yours and I would like to give you my blog award for having a blog with heart!
My blog is for the purpose of reaching out and helping children who have a sibling who has special needs or who has died. I do random acts of kindness in my brother's memory.
Hailey has the loving heart I want my sons to have...that I want to have. The last few days my mind has been trying to wrap itself around the fact that this young girl has grasped THE purpose of life. Most adults will never achieve her depth of compassion, understanding and unconditional love. Hailey has comforted me in the knowledge that our children will...no, they are...making this world a better place. Hailey is not simply presenting this award to honor her brother. She is living the pledge of doing random acts of kindness daily in the real world.
I do not want to take the spotlight with this award. Please visit Hailey's blog. Begin at the beginning and read...it is a new blog and it will only take a few moments of your time. I encourage you to encourage Hailey. If her words, her actions, her heart inspire you...please comment and tell her. If you are not moved by Hailey's commitment to honor her brother's memory by making this world a kinder place, well, quite frankly I would be ashamed of you.
This is not an award for the recipient to give to others. Only Hailey has the right to choose recipients. Would you do me a favor? Please blog about Hailey and link to her blog. It does not need to be a lengthy post, but please pass the word. We need encouragement. We need to recognize and spread the word that there are beautiful Haileys in the world...spread the hope which lives with our children.
Alexander was on earth a short while, but clearly God's purpose for his fragile life was served. Hailey, thank you for caring. I am so proud of you.
Change of plans. I will not be participating in The Ultimate Blog Party...it's a fun gig...I love the friends I made from last year. I hope you will check it out and party. Janice and Susan have put a lot of work into the huge event. The ladies rock.
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Last night I was touched by illuminating women...their writing, art, photography...their souls. I read, clicked and read until I caught up with postings of the sisterhood and several individual blogs. A favorite quote surfaced above all of my thoughts...
To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer, is to keep your soul alive. ~ Robert Louis Stevenson
I sat and cried.
I wiggled and smiled.
I had a stirring.
I had a longing so deep, my body ached.
I'm the first to admit no great artist resides within my soul...but...a great artistic soul resides within my body. And she has been stifled...by me...far too long.
My soul tosses and turns...
Time to settle her by arousing her...
I'm not even sure what this means...
Today you will find me mapping my heart at Wrapped Emotions.
Wednesday and Thursday you will find me at the spa hospital undergoing rejuvenation angioplasty and a stent.
See you soon.
It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll. This is how God does things. ~~Donald Miller
Life has been strolling, offering contemplative moments, simple pleasures, little changes...when I wasn't looking...wasn't listening...wasn't wanting...wasn't expecting...
Life is finite...first chances do not come again...time is a priceless gift...
When we love something it is of value to us, and when something is of value to use we spend time with it, time enjoying it and time taking care of it. ~M. Scott Peck.
I'll be spending time
...loving...
...wondering...
...learning...
...doing...
...being...
...inhaling...
...slurping life...
...hoping for revelation...
...because there is so much more...
...and missing it would be so sad.
Can you tell that I have reached that cliche known as a crossroad in life?
Part of finding my direction in life includes what I post here at Slurping Life. I know my blogging does not and will not alter the universe. I just want to know...
What do you find when visiting Slurping Life? Honestly, why do you come back...or maybe you do not plan to come back, why not?
Comments are open. Thanks.
"Mom, do you think that Jesus is getting excited about his birthday yet? Do you think he's decided what kind of birthday party he wants to have?" asks Wil.
Oh, does he have to grow up? I mean really...what if all Christians thought of Jesus in such a tangible, approachable manner? What if we each held on to such delightful thoughts forever?
What if...
As I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus played in the background and wrapped up all snuggly warm, I posted the new prompt for this week at Wrapped Emotions, my other blog. Yes, the boys are in charge of Christmas music today.
Whether or not you choose to actively participate and share, I think your heart will be blessed and your soul warmed by simply doing this one.
...but it is. Please remember that fact.
Reflect on this: You, with all your flaws, have been chosen for this opportunity to consciously taste life, to know it for what it is, and to make of it what you are able. This gift of a conscious life is grace, even when your life is filled with great difficulty and it may not feel like a gift at the time. --Philip Moffitt
Wishing a Thanksgiving full of grace, love and beautiful memories to you and your family.
What is Blog Action Day?
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From the site:
On October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future.
Blog Action Day is about MASS participation. That means we need you! Here are 3 ways to participate:
Post on your blog relating to the environment on Blog Action Day
Donate your day’s earnings to an environmental charity
Promote Blog Action Day around the web
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Visit Blog Action Day for more ideas and to register your participating blog. Then take a moment to visit The Action Blog.
We strive to be a green family, but do not reach our goal as we should. Becoming more environmentally aware and frugal is a goal for our family, and one that I'm ready to kick up a notch. Posting on Monday, October 15 would be a good start.
I'll be posting. Will you?
Recently I have been on an internal quest. Maybe it is best described as a quest to bring the internal forth to the external realm of my life. The following has been repeating through my head...
Do not think of what you are
Still less of
What you may one day be
Rather
Be what you are...be
The unthinkable one
You do not know.~~ Thomas Merton
Yesterday when I visited one of my blogs of inspiration, which I hadn't read lately, this was the last entry posted weeks ago. Dan asked a question...it seemed like he asked it of me alone, like it was conjured only for me...as though it patiently waited on the page until I discovered it...
if you had a ring and could pick a word,
what would it be and why?
Please go over and read that question in context of his entire post.
In leaving a comment my word leaped onto the computer screen like magic...because life to me is magic. I never want to lose that view of life around me...within me. My fingers typed quickly without, it seemed, any assistance from my brain...
My word would be “wow”. I want to always look at the people and world around me in wonder and amazement…the vast beauty. I never want to view life as stale, mundane. There’s too much wonder in life to do that. “Wow” Yep, that’s my word.
So if you miss me for a few days know that I am wandering the planet...with my crew, of course...saying "WOW". Or perhaps you'll find me relaxing in my favorite backyard spot saying "WOW". Wonder and beauty are, after all, where ever you exist at any moment in life. What's your word?
A mother's soul is weeping...a father's heart is shattered...
No matter what a child's age, he is the child of his parents. His loss hurts no less at age 27 than age 7. I don't know his age. I didn't know Matt. But his parents lost their son...their child...and they lost him to the duty of protecting the freedom of my country. He was protecting my children, my family.
An online tribute and card is being prepared for Matt's family. Words are inadequate at such a time of deep loss, yet the words offer comfort by joining many hearts. Please visit and leave your words to let Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski know you are thankful for their son's life and that you are saddened by his death.
Welcome to my day of sharing a little beauty. Beauty is found in that which is created from the heart...
A new blog I plan to frequent...Tangled Wings. She shares beauty through her photography, her poetry and more. Sit back with a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy.
Wishing you a Sunday filled with beautiful smiles.
"My life...is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next." -- Gilda Radner
"A spirited mind never stops within itself; it is always aspiring and going beyond its strength." -- Montaigne
"Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life." -- Seneca
"The opportunity to experience yourself differently is always available." --Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
"The challenge is in the moment, the time is always now." -- James Baldwin
"It is not enough to take steps which may someday lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise." -- Goethe
"I do it." -- Mike's son
I am struggling to trust myself. Maybe you would like to join me in learning to trust yourself. I'd love the company.
"Each moment is a place you've never been." -- Mark Strand
The quote awakened me, and I wanted to share.
Enjoy your day...every single place.
Thank you for all of your comments and emails full of prayers and well-wishes. I'm being a good girl and following doctors' orders.
Would you pretty please do me a favor? Please keep Parker in your prayers, thoughts and well-wishes...as well as his entire family. Tammy is keeping Parker's blog updated. I know any comments there to let her know Parker is held close in the hearts of many would be of untold comfort and encouragement.
Love ya, Parky.
Blogger Reflection Award: This award should make an individual reflect upon five bloggers who have been an encouragement, a source of love, impacted you in some way, and who have provided a Godly example. In other words, five dear bloggers whom, when you reflect upon them, you are filled with a sense of pride and joy...of knowing them and being blessed by them.
The award was begun by a special young lady 16 years of age. Read about it, and I think you will agree she is indeed a special young lady.
This honor touches my heart. I want to thank Jane, Audrey and Sharon, those inspirational Pinks & Blues Girls, and equally inspiring, Jan of Mauzy's Musings for honoring me with the Blogger Reflection Award. It has been a couple of weeks since they bestowed the honor, and I apologize for being so long to bow and humbly accept. I must also apologize for not passing the award to fellow bloggers as the rules say, but the time has come for repose in my life.
Our lives change every minute, every second. Sometimes those changes are quite unexpected, thrusting a person into more responsibilities...presenting more hurdles to leap...awakening more fears...while simultaneously calling for repose to save one's health.
Repose ~ Peace, Tranquility, Calm, To be peacefully calm or quiet.
You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose. -- Indira Gandhi
I believe in Divine intervention, and this time as God speaks, I am listening. Please keep my family and me in your thoughts and prayers.
Smiles.
A beautiful young mother is in a fight against inflammatory breast cancer. She wants to see her children grow up...and she should...and she gave permission to copy this from her blog and post it. This is really, really important and I want you to read it. Thank you WhyMommy...my prayers are for your healing and for strength in your mission to inform other women.
Everyone, please read...and say a prayer of healing and gratitude for WhyMommy...then go over and tell her you're thinking about her...
We hear a lot about breast cancer these days. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, and there are millions living with it in the U.S. today alone. But did you know that there is more than one type of breast cancer?
I didn’t. I thought that breast cancer was all the same. I figured that if I did my monthly breast self-exams, and found no lump, I’d be fine.
Oops. It turns out that you don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer. Six weeks ago, I went to my OB/GYN because my breast felt funny. It was red, hot, inflamed, and the skin looked…funny. But there was no lump, so I wasn’t worried. I should have been. After a round of antibiotics didn’t clear up the inflammation, my doctor sent me to a breast specialist and did a skin punch biopsy. That test showed that I have inflammatory breast cancer, a very aggressive cancer that can be deadly.
Inflammatory breast cancer is often misdiagnosed as mastitis because many doctors have never seen it before and consider it rare. “Rare” or not, there are over 100,000 women in the U.S. with this cancer right now; only half will survive five years. Please call your OB/GYN if you experience several of the following symptoms in your breast, or any unusual changes: redness, rapid increase in size of one breast, persistent itching of breast or nipple, thickening of breast tissue, stabbing pain, soreness, swelling under the arm, dimpling or ridging (for example, when you take your bra off, the bra marks stay – for a while), flattening or retracting of the nipple, or a texture that looks or feels like an orange (called peau d’orange). Ask if your GYN is familiar with inflammatory breast cancer, and tell her that you’re concerned and want to come in to rule it out.
There is more than one kind of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer is the most aggressive form of breast cancer out there, and early detection is critical. It’s not usually detected by mammogram. It does not usually present with a lump. It may be overlooked with all of the changes that our breasts undergo during the years when we’re pregnant and/or nursing our little ones. It’s important not to miss this one.
Inflammatory breast cancer is detected by women and their doctors who notice a change in one of their breasts. If you notice a change, call your doctor today. Tell her about it. Tell her that you have a friend with this disease, and it’s trying to kill her. Now you know what I wish I had known before six weeks ago.
You don’t have to have a lump to have breast cancer.
P.S. Feel free to steal this post too. I’d be happy for anyone in the blogosphere to take it and put it on their site, no questions asked. Dress it up, dress it down, let it run around the place barefoot. I don’t care. But I want the word to get out. I don’t want another young mom — or old man — or anyone in between — to have to stare at this thing on their chest and wonder, is it mastitis? Is it a rash? Am I overreacting? This cancer moves FAST, and early detection and treatment is critical for survival.
Thank you.
Tears stream down my flushed cheeks while typing this post. So many have emailed me asking for updates as to how the donations are going for Love For Parker...there will be many updates throughout the week. I thank each of you for your spirit of love in giving. But this is far more important...
Tammy, Parker's mom, has just emailed me about Parker's echo cardiogram today and...it is not a good report. I am almost at a loss for words through my tears, so I asked Tammy's permission to copy her words from our email and post them here. She said "yes". She also said "But please, Melody, ask for prayers for Parker. Please, above all, prayers for Parker." And so that's what I ask of each of you...Prayers for Parker.
Here's today's reports from Parker's appointment...in the words of a mom whose heart is so heavy...
We received bad news. His pressures have gone from 54 to 81.
The cardiologist is talking to the ENT, Sleep Specialist, and GI doctor.
He will be going in for another PH probe.
He will most likely be getting the trach. (tracheotomy)
The cardiologist doesn't feel it is because of his lungs or his medication no longer working. He feels something has 'come up' and we need to figure out what. Parker has severe upper airway issues and that could be the cause of his PH. He says that for Parker to have been at near NORMAL levels so quickly on the Tracleer he believes that we can reverse these pressures again...IF we can find the missing part of the puzzle.
Parker's crit was down to 20.
He needs to be transfused. BIG TIME.
I'm sure we'll be hanging out on one of the floors at PCMC pretty soon.
My heart hurts.PLEASE pray for the cardiologist to be tuned into the Spirit while he speaks with the ENT and Pulmonologist and that together they can discern what is the best path to follow and decision to make for Parker's health. And please pray for answers as to the best way to treat the chronic sinus infections and thick mucus that is stuck in his nasal area.
I am so confused. His BNP on Thursday was 122. Not great, but WAY better than 1600........and now his PH values are so high.We REALLY need prayers.
~~Tammy
I have talked with Tammy enough to understand one thing...many complications which arise with Parker are preventable and correctable. A huge problem arises when there is not excellent coordination of care between Parker's many specialists. The lack of excellent coordination of Parker's care arises from the simple fact that their insurance company leaves so many medical needs uncovered. When you have to see whatever doctor the insurance company dictates, or are told to try this medication before the more effective one simply because it is cheaper...do you begin to see the big picture? I can vouch because I've lived much of this with my children.
So you see, this love offering...Love For Parker...is very needed. For the simple fact is this...with the money a better coordination of care for Parker will happen.
But now...at this moment...if you pray...stop...and honor the request of a mother...PRAY FOR PARKER.
Blessed. While working on Love For Parker, I have been overwhelmed and blessed by an untold number of people I have never met face to face. Bloggers, business owners, people...people have donated prizes, blogged about Love For Parker, emailed ideas and other assistance...offered their help in countless ways.
Please accept my "thank you". Before Love For Parker even begins, the blessings are immeasurable. I look forward to an amazing week through each of you, as God pours out His blessings untold.
Saddened. A mother's heart is bearing unimaginable pain. A family is altered by a tragedy. A little sister longs for a hug from her big sister. Hannah is now in heaven dancing and twirling with her Papa. As her family prepares to celebrate her beautiful life, her pure spirit...please visit and offer your words of love...and your prayers.
Did you tuck your child into bed last night fearing for his or her life? One mother did...her son's cardiologist called...
An echocardiogram is where they measure Parker's Pulmonary Hypertension levels. The last two echocardiograms showed that Parker's numbers were steadily rising. Rising isn't the way we want them to go. If as in Parker's case, PH numbers rise high enough, PH is quite often deadly. There have been two children on the PH list that I am on to lose their fight to this disease in the last few months.
One is hoping for a heart lung transplant before time runs out.
My shoulders are already tense. I know I won't sleep well tonight. I can't seem to get enough of Parker. I hold him to me as if just my determination alone could heal his heart and lungs.
If only a mother's love and determination were enough. Costly medical interventions are necessary, and sadly, insurance is not the answer. Medicaid is not available to the family. Every entity they approach for assistance issues the same reply...sorry, you don't qualify.
A mother should not tuck her child into bed each night worrying where the funds will come for the next medical procedure which will sustain his young life...for a piece of plastic tubing to ensure his next breath. Nor should she spend her days begging an insurance company for coverage and fighting red tape.
A mother should be free to tuck her son into bed each night with a hug, a kiss and relaxed shoulders.
Please join us in "Love for Parker". You will be blessed.
Life is hard, and sometimes life is harder. I know that you know that, and so I ask...
Would you please help me spread the word? Would you please love on Parker...just a little?
Thank you from the bottom of Parker's little heart...and mine.
Love for Parker is now live. Having reached this page, if you would like a chance to win the Hewlett Packard digital camera, printer and accessories package retail over $400 or one of many more prizes, click here . Or you could just click that adorable little face above.
The dates of the love offering will be July 23 through July 27. Make a $2 donation (of course, larger donations will be accepted *smile*) during that time from the "make a donation" button that will be posted on Slurping Life and be entered in the drawing for all prizes.
Slurping Life is hosting an online love offering for Parker, a little boy with big medical needs. You will also have an opportunity to win the following digital camera, printer and accessories package courtesy of Hewlett Packard...
HP Photosmart R837 digital camera, camera case
HP Photosmart A616 compact printer, carrying case, and an HP Custom 110 Series 120-Sheet Photo Value Pack (glossy Advanced Photo Paper).
More prizes will be listed when the event is posted. Yes, I said more.
Once the love offering event is posted, please consider making a donation and you will be entered in the drawing for fabulous prizes. Best of all, you will help a family meet the extraordinary needs of a child. In the next few days take a little time to read through Tammy's blog, Praying for Parker, and get to know him.
Making the deal even sweeter is Julie, who is hosting "Reading for Parker". It's a book party, and I love me a good party! Through July 28 every Usborne book purchased through Julie means you are sending a donation to Parker's medical fund and are entered for a chance to win one of the prizes which will be offered here. Yep, there's more than one way to donate...more than one way to win. If you make a monetary donation here at Slurping Life next week and purchase books from "Reading for Parker", you get two...two...entries into the drawing for prizes.
Each of you lovely bloggers willing to post about this on your own blog and link...I love ya. Those of you who would like to grab the button code and have Parker's adorable button in your post and sidebar...here it is:
The dates of the love offering will be July 23 through July 27. To be entered for prizes make a $2 donation (of course, larger donations are allowed *smile*) during those dates from the "make a donation" button that will be posted here at Slurping Life.
Let's end the week talking about a vivacious woman who exudes creativity, inspirational thoughts, an upbeat attitude, a giving spirit, joys of motherhood and some of the best photography skills on the planet...Tracey of Picture This. The woman is one of my favorite sources of inspiration for all of the reasons listed, and SHE has awarded this to me...
Now I'm going to cry. Thanks, Tracey. Oh, not for making me cry, but for the award.
Having received several honors this week, I feel the need to purchase an evening gown, sexy stilettos and expensive jewelry...walk the red carpet...and make acceptance speeches. Playing dress up is so much fun. My blogging friends certainly know how to make a girl feel special, and I am sincerely, humbly honored. Sincerely, thank you.
The best part is having the privilege of awarding fellow bloggers who make me think, and there are way more of you than I am able to mention here. For the sake of brevity the bloggers revving my brain this week and to whom I bestow the Thinking Blogger Award are...
Ladies, thank you. Now take your bow as thinking bloggers.
