Sophie

Winter has been long and snowy and for Sophie it has been a dreamland! Why it is fun to play frisbee in 10 inches of snow or bury her nose in the snow, or jump snow drifts is beyond me. However, she is a black lab and that's what they do. What they don't do is run and hide when the snow melts...unless of course you are Sophie. 

Today's temps are in the mid 30's, sun is shining and the snow on the roof is melting. This, in Sophie’s world makes sounds that are too creepy to listen to. So for her, huddled on Mommy's side of the bed with her head buried in the pillow is the best place to be on such a day.

I remember my youngest daughter being frightened of thunder storms. It was a very real fear of hers that took years to overcome. At that first clap of thunder she would run to me for reassurance that we would be safe. I would sit with my arms around her and tell stories of my childhood watching thunderstorms with my father. We would sit in our garage and watch nature's magic as the storm would literally roll across the fields and soon be pounding our drive. One story led to questions of "were you afraid", "did the rain really look like it was rolling"?  The storm would be long gone before we noticed the silence. A quick hug and kiss and off she would go, until the next storm. 
 
In life the moments of reassurance can calm fears, build confidence and show someone just how important they are.

Have a great day everyone!

Life Changes

Watching our parents age is hard as we quickly become the caregiver, the voice of reason and ultimately the decision maker. When a case of suspected kidney stones turns into bladder cancer one can justify the pain and sickness as needed to detect this silent disease. At the time hearts ache watching our devoted parent, who has always been so strong, slowly decline. How can that be? He is the voice of reason, he is the strength in my life, he is the man who has loved me unconditionally, and he is my hero. He taught me that family is everything; "without your family you have nothing". Believe in God and have faith in all you do. Walk into a room with a smile and always say hello; believe it or not it will make someone's day. What's important to you may not be to someone else and that's OK; stay true to yourself and respect the opinion of others. And the list goes on of all that my father has taught me. I can only hope that I have learned these lessons well.

Today my sweet father will come home from the hospital after battling pneumonia and his first request???

"Bowl of Mom's sauce and pasta"...thank God some things in life never change!

I love you Dad...