Saturday, November 17, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Have You Had Your Hug Today?
Growing up, remember having that one best friend? Remember having sleep overs and reading under the covers with a flashlight? Remember catching fire flies together? Then there was that bosom friend who was with you through thick and thin when friends couldn't come over or it was raining outside. For you, who or what was it? For me...it was my stuffed animal Snuffles by Gotta Get A Gund! This timeless stuffed polar bear has been here for me through everything. They say it is healthy especially for children who grow up with acute medical situations to have such a friend to act out and love and have when Mom and Dad weren't there or when feeling lonely. Loving the Snuffles helped express what I couldn't express because developmentally I wasn't emotionally prepared - the one thing I could do is hug my teddy bear.
My Snuffles has been here through thick and thin. He hugged me every night and ensured I felt safe. He went through every surgery growing with me growing up. He helped me while receiving shots. I use to bite his ear instead of crying. Snuffles was a wonderful supporter for me in and out of the hospital. He is absolutely filthy from many years of love. When I got married I remember thinking, "Oh no, I can't sleep with a Snuffles!" I had to "wean" myself since we had been together for all those years. First I would sleep at night with Snuffle on my pillow and then eventually the night stand then the book shelf on the other side of the room until finally, he was put in a box in the closet.
Last February our first dog, black lab mix George passed away. He was my everything like Stella is now. Because I work from home I literally spend more time with our dogs than my husband. George became a self-trained service dog. He learned when my spinal fluid would fluctuate and was at my side immediately before that happened and I became dizzy. I recall one day I fell from the spinal head ache and dizziness. George put himself under me and helped me crawl to bed. In classic George form, he helped (as only a dog could) get into bed. Then he hopped up and waited for me to get on my back. The spinal fluid and head aches lessens when lying flat; it's a neutral position for the spinal. Once I was situated George gently placed his sweet head on my belly and looked up at me, never began closing his eyes until mine did. For almost 14 years we had this wonderful relationship. After surgery he did the same thing, lying with me for hours and hours while I was in pain. He was so sensitive and I love/d him very much. We planted a cherry tree in the back yard in his memory so every spring it blooms. It is a reminder of him and lets George, gracing the back yard with beauty.
We were devastated as everyone is when losing a beloved pet. I couldn't sleep because although he was large he was able to get so close to me in bed (like a cat) to make me feel the same comfort I had with my beloved Snuffles. My friend suggested pulling Snuffles out of the closet to curl up with him for that closeness I craved. I did at age 36 sleep with my stuffed animal. Oh just seeing him made me feel kinship that only close friends have after a long separation. He slept with me and snuggled me to the point I felt peace with George being in Doggy Heaven. Of course the friend who suggested this also happens to be my best friend from childhood with whom I played endlessly and she knew of Snuffles and our "story" from the hospital. Friends always know each other and what we need.
As we have Stella now, a young yellow lab, she also loved Snuffles. She got him off the bed and pulled out all the stuffing which has been replaced and he'll have a little "surgery" to sew closed his wounds. Mark, my husband bought me a new Snuffles to comfort me during rough times when that closeness is necessary and George isn't here to provide it. Stella doesn't get on the bed and is a shorter lab. We don't want it to be hard on her joints as we learned, with George, it made his arthritis worse. You live and you learn. Stella and I have our special snuggie time. I wish during one life time the dogs could meet because Stella and George would love each other. I've been lucky to have the ultimate snuggle machine, my husband and from childhood Snuffles then George and now Stella.
It's important to feed the soul. For some it's a stuffed animal, a blanket or a special photo. For others it's a memory. I think what's nice is to have that bossom friend or item which makes you feel safe along with family and friends. Snuffles, I love you. To George, our first puppy love we will always love you. My cousin put it very well. No animal will replace George but they will make your heart bigger - Stella has definitely enlarged our heart to know more and different love! I wish love to warm your hearts and give you a "hug" each day! Have you had your hug today?
My Snuffles has been here through thick and thin. He hugged me every night and ensured I felt safe. He went through every surgery growing with me growing up. He helped me while receiving shots. I use to bite his ear instead of crying. Snuffles was a wonderful supporter for me in and out of the hospital. He is absolutely filthy from many years of love. When I got married I remember thinking, "Oh no, I can't sleep with a Snuffles!" I had to "wean" myself since we had been together for all those years. First I would sleep at night with Snuffle on my pillow and then eventually the night stand then the book shelf on the other side of the room until finally, he was put in a box in the closet.
Snuffles!
Last February our first dog, black lab mix George passed away. He was my everything like Stella is now. Because I work from home I literally spend more time with our dogs than my husband. George became a self-trained service dog. He learned when my spinal fluid would fluctuate and was at my side immediately before that happened and I became dizzy. I recall one day I fell from the spinal head ache and dizziness. George put himself under me and helped me crawl to bed. In classic George form, he helped (as only a dog could) get into bed. Then he hopped up and waited for me to get on my back. The spinal fluid and head aches lessens when lying flat; it's a neutral position for the spinal. Once I was situated George gently placed his sweet head on my belly and looked up at me, never began closing his eyes until mine did. For almost 14 years we had this wonderful relationship. After surgery he did the same thing, lying with me for hours and hours while I was in pain. He was so sensitive and I love/d him very much. We planted a cherry tree in the back yard in his memory so every spring it blooms. It is a reminder of him and lets George, gracing the back yard with beauty.
Georgie Boy!!
We were devastated as everyone is when losing a beloved pet. I couldn't sleep because although he was large he was able to get so close to me in bed (like a cat) to make me feel the same comfort I had with my beloved Snuffles. My friend suggested pulling Snuffles out of the closet to curl up with him for that closeness I craved. I did at age 36 sleep with my stuffed animal. Oh just seeing him made me feel kinship that only close friends have after a long separation. He slept with me and snuggled me to the point I felt peace with George being in Doggy Heaven. Of course the friend who suggested this also happens to be my best friend from childhood with whom I played endlessly and she knew of Snuffles and our "story" from the hospital. Friends always know each other and what we need.
As we have Stella now, a young yellow lab, she also loved Snuffles. She got him off the bed and pulled out all the stuffing which has been replaced and he'll have a little "surgery" to sew closed his wounds. Mark, my husband bought me a new Snuffles to comfort me during rough times when that closeness is necessary and George isn't here to provide it. Stella doesn't get on the bed and is a shorter lab. We don't want it to be hard on her joints as we learned, with George, it made his arthritis worse. You live and you learn. Stella and I have our special snuggie time. I wish during one life time the dogs could meet because Stella and George would love each other. I've been lucky to have the ultimate snuggle machine, my husband and from childhood Snuffles then George and now Stella.
It's important to feed the soul. For some it's a stuffed animal, a blanket or a special photo. For others it's a memory. I think what's nice is to have that bossom friend or item which makes you feel safe along with family and friends. Snuffles, I love you. To George, our first puppy love we will always love you. My cousin put it very well. No animal will replace George but they will make your heart bigger - Stella has definitely enlarged our heart to know more and different love! I wish love to warm your hearts and give you a "hug" each day! Have you had your hug today?
Stella Blue!!
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
The Magic of Water
When you were younger did you engage in sports? Team sports? Play kick ball with the neighborhood kids? Or line tag? Or freeze tag? Race to the end of the street to see who was the fastest? Remember the feeling of being out of breath and how full of life you felt? Imagine the feeling of training your whole life and competing in the Olympics? Wow! The magic of all the tenacity, hard work, skill, talent and passion wrapped into one athlete is amazing. It’s inspiring to watch the Olympics and imagine the feeling the athletes feel upon completion of their sport? It’s awe inspiring!
For most of us, we don’t make it to the Olympics but in our minds the thrill and exhilaration of playing or competing in our own sports is magical. For some sports isn’t as easy due to physical limitations and here enters the Paralympics. Olympiads who also push their bodies to perform and win! To overcome the odds of physical disability is challenging and to look it in the eye and physically overcome what probably so many medical professionals never thought imaginable must feel completely beyond amazing. I can’t wait to watch the Paralympics soon!
Little Julie with an Adaptive Big Wheel!
I still won!
For me, swimming was my sport of choice. I learned to swim before I walked because of being born with sacral agenesis, a rare spinal birth defect which impacts the body in many ways. To maintain all around body strength and to walk, I swam since about 9 months of age. Funny – I never knew it was technically physical therapy because I loved swimming so much. In the water, I felt free and playful like a dolphin. We had a pool in our back yard so I could swim more even beyond practice. I innately became competitive and competed at the Township level, missing the State team in the 50 meter free style by 2/10 of a second. It wasn’t until well into adult hood I didn’t see this as such a failure. I am unable to kick because of my birth defect. I’m proud of my score in trying out for the state team. I swam my best with only half my body doing the work. I take pride in making it that far.
Nothing Kept me From the Water!
Luckily, for me, swimming has and always will be where I feel at home. In the water, I feel no pain with the buoyancy of water. I was always very tiny but like a bullet when I dove into the water. My coach often swam me up with older age groups because of my speed. Preparing for a heat, the competitors stood on the diving blocks eyeing the competition. I could see the other girls look at me as if I was not a contender because I was so short and skinny. Then we started the race. I took the first 25 meters slow and easy and then kicked it into high gear to lap many of the girls. I loved the feeling of looking under the water to the left and right of me to see where the competitors were in the water. I knew when I hit the wall that I had won by a lot! The little under-dog had won. When I swam it was the one place I could win and my disabilities didn’t seem very limiting. Water is like my elixir and to be swimming in it – was magic!
In the summers, if you couldn’t find me, I was ALWAYS in our pool! We played water volley ball and water basketball and our yellow lab would jump in the water to doggy paddle with all of us. It was the best time in my life! To feel free from limitations and reality of surgeries and just be a kid was wonderful. It gave me that extra boost, out of the water, to over-come the many obstacles in my life with optimism and hope. Still water, a pond, a lake, a river, the ocean, a pool – makes me feel completely calm and at home. I don’t even have to be in it. However, I think I’m much like our lab Stella – in my heart and soul I really do want to jump right in and dunk my head.
Stella Enjoying a Pool Day!
I hope, for everyone, that you have that one place or sport that makes you feel free. Think back on what made you feel exhilarated as a child and play a little now. Engage your children in free play along with team sports if they show that’s what they want to do. My parents never pushed me to swim; I begged to swim year round. In fact, my twin brother and older sister were also natural swimmers and competitors as well – all in different strokes. We remember our childhoods filled with laughter, fun and many swim practices and meets. Mostly we remember the feeling of finishing a race, hitting the wall – looking up at the scores to see our time and smiling. The nice thing about swimming was beating our own best time but coming together as a team to win a meet or a relay. The support for each other was like that of a family. We all had our strengths and swam those events to bring the family honor. It was about coming together as well. The world could learn a lot from child hood team sports where there is healthy competition, team work and fun.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Back To The Basics
Being born with a congenital spinal birth defect, having over 40 major surgeries thus far, it seems extraordinary to others that I maintain a positive upbeat outlook on life. Well growing up in a hospital and learning the reality of life very young my perspective is different than most, as it was, my whole life. Embracing each second I got to live or each surgery after which I got to come home to my siblings was a blessing as is each day, even when in debilitating pain. It does not remove the pain, the struggle or fear, what it does is help me see life from the perspective of how full it is.
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I have different ways to cope with pain and surgeries. Certainly I am not alone in the plight against chronic pain and energy conservation. I like to distract myself by listening to music (one of my favorite techniques) or by watching movies with positive, encouraging messages. Usually each surgery or challenge I watch and re-watch the same movie. There is comfort, somehow, in hearing and seeing the same movie repeatedly. Actually it became a series, Legally Blonde with Reese Witherspoon and others is one which continually makes me laugh but also has many meanings within it.
Perhaps there are some who think it's a frivolous "chick flick" about some blonde in L.A. (in the first one). However upon watching these movies, yes there is embellishment of the L.A. culture and sororities with everything being pink, fuzzy, dressing her little dog and coming across as a space cadet. Beneath the surface though the messages are clear. In the first one, Reese (Elle) wanted to get her boyfriend back by becoming a "serious" law student so with much fortitude, support from her friends and plain optimism she did get accepted into Harvard Law School.
Once there it was quite clear the cultural differences between L.A. and the East Coast. She was even called "Malibu Barbie." In an attempt to win back her boyfriend, she puts her efforts into becoming a "serious law student." Again she made friends and put her mind to accomplishing the goal (which she thought was to get her boyfriend back) and ends up graduating top of her class with prestigious offering at a law firm in Boston. Yes her boyfriend (Warner) ended up wanting her back when he saw what a power house she was and how she beat all odds. She realized that she inadvertently she found herself as a lawyer, able to use her voice and work for the common good. Some of the movie is idealistic but isn't it nice to still be idealistic? Isn't it nice to see the good in people and not jump quickly to a negative conclusion? It's nice, quite frankly, to be like Elle in this movie.
In the second movie she takes on Washington to ban cosmetic testing on animals. The irony is she is the picture of beauty and talks of makeup and fashion throughout both movies. She realizes the injustice of animal testing makeup on for her own benefit. Again when she arrives in Washington D.C. her "team" does not embrace her and finds her too "Polly Anna" and way to positive to ever succeed on The Hill. She does it her way, with style, grace, integrity and kindness and in the movie ends up winning her fight. It was not easy. Again it was through her tenacity, positivity, close friends and smarts she overcomes the obstacles associated with politics. She also makes it a point to give others credit, even if not due, to enhance team morale. This shows the team she isn't out to knock someone down at her expense.
So how can I NOT be happy with messages like these around me? I am surprised our DVDs aren't worn out from watching these movies during recovery from numerous surgeries. It shows that when we, as people, get back to the basics and focus on what is important, inherently walls are dismantled and people come together. These are ideals which help me on a daily basis, remain true to your morals and ethics, have a solid inner circle of friends and family to trust and don't give up. With such support it is easier to keep going to the finish line. It does not mean there won't be pain or loneliness or fear, it means you aren't alone. So to those who don't understand the basics of being happy, I say watch "Legally Blonde" and get beyond the stereotypes and embellishments to really see how Reese's character Elle overcomes challenges with such grace.
Humanity is about treating others the way they need to be treated and placing those around you that embrace you in good times and bad. We are truly rich if we have just one person in our life who fills those shoes. I am thankful for all these people and my dog too! Although I don't dress mine since she's a yellow lab and all dog but she brings a smile to my face. Stella helps put life in perspective as well. The messages of how and why to be positive are around all of us, just open your eyes and be open to using these tools. You'll be surprised at the positive changes in your life. Let's do it together!
A Smile Lights Up A Room
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I have different ways to cope with pain and surgeries. Certainly I am not alone in the plight against chronic pain and energy conservation. I like to distract myself by listening to music (one of my favorite techniques) or by watching movies with positive, encouraging messages. Usually each surgery or challenge I watch and re-watch the same movie. There is comfort, somehow, in hearing and seeing the same movie repeatedly. Actually it became a series, Legally Blonde with Reese Witherspoon and others is one which continually makes me laugh but also has many meanings within it.
Perhaps there are some who think it's a frivolous "chick flick" about some blonde in L.A. (in the first one). However upon watching these movies, yes there is embellishment of the L.A. culture and sororities with everything being pink, fuzzy, dressing her little dog and coming across as a space cadet. Beneath the surface though the messages are clear. In the first one, Reese (Elle) wanted to get her boyfriend back by becoming a "serious" law student so with much fortitude, support from her friends and plain optimism she did get accepted into Harvard Law School.
Once there it was quite clear the cultural differences between L.A. and the East Coast. She was even called "Malibu Barbie." In an attempt to win back her boyfriend, she puts her efforts into becoming a "serious law student." Again she made friends and put her mind to accomplishing the goal (which she thought was to get her boyfriend back) and ends up graduating top of her class with prestigious offering at a law firm in Boston. Yes her boyfriend (Warner) ended up wanting her back when he saw what a power house she was and how she beat all odds. She realized that she inadvertently she found herself as a lawyer, able to use her voice and work for the common good. Some of the movie is idealistic but isn't it nice to still be idealistic? Isn't it nice to see the good in people and not jump quickly to a negative conclusion? It's nice, quite frankly, to be like Elle in this movie.
In the second movie she takes on Washington to ban cosmetic testing on animals. The irony is she is the picture of beauty and talks of makeup and fashion throughout both movies. She realizes the injustice of animal testing makeup on for her own benefit. Again when she arrives in Washington D.C. her "team" does not embrace her and finds her too "Polly Anna" and way to positive to ever succeed on The Hill. She does it her way, with style, grace, integrity and kindness and in the movie ends up winning her fight. It was not easy. Again it was through her tenacity, positivity, close friends and smarts she overcomes the obstacles associated with politics. She also makes it a point to give others credit, even if not due, to enhance team morale. This shows the team she isn't out to knock someone down at her expense.
Lean On Each Other
So how can I NOT be happy with messages like these around me? I am surprised our DVDs aren't worn out from watching these movies during recovery from numerous surgeries. It shows that when we, as people, get back to the basics and focus on what is important, inherently walls are dismantled and people come together. These are ideals which help me on a daily basis, remain true to your morals and ethics, have a solid inner circle of friends and family to trust and don't give up. With such support it is easier to keep going to the finish line. It does not mean there won't be pain or loneliness or fear, it means you aren't alone. So to those who don't understand the basics of being happy, I say watch "Legally Blonde" and get beyond the stereotypes and embellishments to really see how Reese's character Elle overcomes challenges with such grace.
Humanity is about treating others the way they need to be treated and placing those around you that embrace you in good times and bad. We are truly rich if we have just one person in our life who fills those shoes. I am thankful for all these people and my dog too! Although I don't dress mine since she's a yellow lab and all dog but she brings a smile to my face. Stella helps put life in perspective as well. The messages of how and why to be positive are around all of us, just open your eyes and be open to using these tools. You'll be surprised at the positive changes in your life. Let's do it together!
Share Joy With Your Furry Baby
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Joshua's Ride For Riley
Joshua's Ride for Riley 2012
Sunday, June 24th
Carmel Cyclery Bicycle Shop
230 W. Carmel Drive
Just west of the Monon Trail on Carmel Drive
1:30 Adult Ride, Kids Activities, Live Music, Silent Auction, Bounce House
Carmel Fire Department, Food
2:15 Kids Ride
2:30 SNAKE HEAD ED
Silent Auction Items
-Jewelry from Distinctive Diamonds
-Autographed Tony Stewart Replica Helmet
-Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
-Autographed Shoes from Tamika Catchings
-Kings Island Tickets
- And more!!!!
ADMISSION IS FREE, DONATIONS ACCEPTED. FREE T-SHIRT TO THE FIRST 125 PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DONATION THE DAY OF THE RIDE.
Carmel Cyclery Bicycle Shop
230 W. Carmel Drive
Just west of the Monon Trail on Carmel Drive
1:30 Adult Ride, Kids Activities, Live Music, Silent Auction, Bounce House
Carmel Fire Department, Food
2:15 Kids Ride
2:30 SNAKE HEAD ED
Silent Auction Items
-Jewelry from Distinctive Diamonds
-Autographed Tony Stewart Replica Helmet
-Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
-Autographed Shoes from Tamika Catchings
-Kings Island Tickets
- And more!!!!
ADMISSION IS FREE, DONATIONS ACCEPTED. FREE T-SHIRT TO THE FIRST 125 PEOPLE WHO MAKE A DONATION THE DAY OF THE RIDE.
Joshua's Riley Urology Story
Joshua was born with a rare condition called Prune Belly Syndrome. Dr. Cain, from Riley Urology the day he was born, explained that the syndrome occurs in 1/40,000 live births and about 98% of them are boys. Prune Belly Syndrome is a congenital syndrome of the Urinary Tract System, characterized by a triad of symptoms. These include a partial or complete lack of Abdominal Muscles, undescended testicles and urinary tract abnormalities such as a very large bladder. He further explained that Joshua would be very susceptible to all kinds of infections, primarily Urinary Tract Infections, but that all types could cause problems. We were told to prepare to spend a lot of time in the hospital and he would have several surgeries. My wife and I will never forget the comforting words of Dr. Cain that night before he left, “Don’t worry about the future and the hurdles that will come, enjoy your child love him and take care him. When the hurdles do come, we will get you over them.” Riley has been here every step of the way and continues to support our family.
The Story Continues
Joshua developed the first of many Urinary Tract Infections and was taken to Surgery before he was a month old. Soon after that first surgery, he was transferred to the NICU at Riley. While there, he continued to grow and had one more trip to the operating room. The staff at Riley was wonderful and took good care of Joshua and comforted us in our time of desperation. From the doctors down to those in the Maintenance Department at Riley, understand that the patient's family has needs and they all rise to the occasion with empathy and sincerity. Finally, on Christmas Eve, after almost 7 weeks in the NICU, we received the news that Joshua was ready to go home. Christmas was really a merry one for all of us, big brother Matthew got to meet his baby brother for the first time and the whole family was together for Christmas. Thank you Riley for the a Christmas we will never forget.
Joshua's Spirit Shines On
This is just the beginning our Joshua’s Riley Story and that story continues to be written with each appointment and test that is run and will continue to be written for many years to come. In March, 2010 Joshua was back at Riley for 2 ½ weeks with another Urinary Tract Infection and endured one more trips to the operating room. In September, it was 3 days with a minor infection and as this is being written we are preparing for another stay in Riley for more surgery. Recently, March 2011 he endured a 11 1/2 hour marathon surgery to fix his Urinary tract and do a tummy tuck so he has abdominal muscles in the right place and looks right. After his surgery, he spent 3 weeks in the hospital recovering. The amazing thing - he is the happiest child you will ever meet, with a smile that will break your heart. His spirit is a gift to everyone who meets him.
Why Riley Urology?
The 5 doctors in this practice are the only Pediatric Urology Specialists in the State of Indiana. They see close to 9,000 patients at all Indianapolis area hospitals and 5 clinics in outlying cities in Indiana. Led by doctors Richard Rink and Mark Cain, this practice has been rated #3 in the country by US News and World Report for the past 3 years, and are world renowned in the Urological community. Although ranked among World Leaders in Pediatric Urology, Riley Urology does not have a research fund or endowment of its own. The money raised will allow these doctors to continue their research and develop new treatments. No matter where you are located you can be a part of the fun and fundraising. Donate at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/keith-krimmel-1/keithkrimmelsfundraisingpage and also feel connected with us here in Indy by doing a positive activity in honor of Joshua and his family as well as Riley Children's Hospital which serves hundreds of thousands of sick children. No amount is ever, ever to small to make a difference in a child's life, a family's life.
Donate your Happy Heart Beats at http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp.
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Participate by sharing your compassionate heartbeats. All Riley Kids, in the hospital to those grown, like me feel stronger when the number climbs! It makes the world a smaller place, connecting us all through our humanity, compassion for others all while doing positive activities to increase your overall happiness.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Happy Father's Day
A perfect song for Father's Day is by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, "Teach Your Children." So the lyrics go:
"Teach, your children well...
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's
The one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would die
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you."
Dads! It is your special weekend to be spoiled by your family. Enjoy it, relish in it for you do so much throughout the year - you deserve this day - Father's Day! What does your Dad do for you? Fathers are an important factor in a child's development. They teach us courage, strength and of course, baby us too. I've enjoyed always being "Daddy's Little Girl." Perhaps girls have different relationships with their Dads. I can't speak from a boy's perspective. When Dad walks in the room with joking and teasing or to relax with the family around the TV childrens' faces seem to relax with a sense of protection and security from Dad.
What are you going to do this weekend to celebrate your Dad, Grandfather, Uncles etc? It's difficult to find that perfect thing to say, "Thank you for all these years together. I think it may be easier when you're little - cute little foot steps to deliver the paper give Dad a big smile. It still comes down to the same thing it did on Mother's Day - spend time together. Bask in the love and memories you share. Tell the funny stories and laugh out loud on the patio for a barbecue. Play with each other and tickle Dad's funny bone by engaging his inner child in fun activities or let him relax, bask in the glory of his day!
Celebrate the Father's who have gone but still play a large role in our lives. Do the things they love and smile thinking of doing them together. It's a day to celebrate all Dads - those with us and beyond. It's important to show you care. I think of men as needing tenderness - not known for their love of expressing feelings. Be sure to commit yourself to knowing your Dad, Grandfather, Uncle etc - talk about history to keep it alive. Cherish the moments you share with Dad. These are the days to hold onto! The quiet wink or the pull of your pony tail - savor the moments. Guys, hold onto memories ofplaying catch or building a tree house with Dad. Whatever the memories, hold them close to your heart.
Lets remember the hugs from Dad. When Dad gets home, although busy from all the duties of the day - Dad walks through the door and the children light up. Remember wrapping yourself around Dad's leg and him walking saying, "Where is that Julie? I know she's around here somewhere." The room filled with giggles and excitement. A the while, I'm holding onto his leg while he pretends to not see me. I remember the "Bear Hugs" which made me feel like I was the most important in your world.
Also exciting is that Dads take a very active role in raising children. More Dads stay home now and it's fantastic for the whole family. When a family unit functions like a well oiled wheel, it's magic. It's to our parents and grand parents we owe gratitude! Spoil Dad rotten with what he would like to do this weekend.
Thank you Dad for always being here for me and supporting my dreams. You always knew when words weren't enough and to handle tears you brought ice cream. Your laugh, wit, strength and humor inspire me always. May all experience the love from a Father figure to bring a sense of security and stability to your life and fun!
Remember the rest of the song. When we are grown the cycle is obvious and the rest of the lyrics so poignantly address the process. So the rest goes:
"Teach, your children well...
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's
The one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would die
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you."
Dads! It is your special weekend to be spoiled by your family. Enjoy it, relish in it for you do so much throughout the year - you deserve this day - Father's Day! What does your Dad do for you? Fathers are an important factor in a child's development. They teach us courage, strength and of course, baby us too. I've enjoyed always being "Daddy's Little Girl." Perhaps girls have different relationships with their Dads. I can't speak from a boy's perspective. When Dad walks in the room with joking and teasing or to relax with the family around the TV childrens' faces seem to relax with a sense of protection and security from Dad.
What are you going to do this weekend to celebrate your Dad, Grandfather, Uncles etc? It's difficult to find that perfect thing to say, "Thank you for all these years together. I think it may be easier when you're little - cute little foot steps to deliver the paper give Dad a big smile. It still comes down to the same thing it did on Mother's Day - spend time together. Bask in the love and memories you share. Tell the funny stories and laugh out loud on the patio for a barbecue. Play with each other and tickle Dad's funny bone by engaging his inner child in fun activities or let him relax, bask in the glory of his day!
Celebrate the Father's who have gone but still play a large role in our lives. Do the things they love and smile thinking of doing them together. It's a day to celebrate all Dads - those with us and beyond. It's important to show you care. I think of men as needing tenderness - not known for their love of expressing feelings. Be sure to commit yourself to knowing your Dad, Grandfather, Uncle etc - talk about history to keep it alive. Cherish the moments you share with Dad. These are the days to hold onto! The quiet wink or the pull of your pony tail - savor the moments. Guys, hold onto memories ofplaying catch or building a tree house with Dad. Whatever the memories, hold them close to your heart.
Lets remember the hugs from Dad. When Dad gets home, although busy from all the duties of the day - Dad walks through the door and the children light up. Remember wrapping yourself around Dad's leg and him walking saying, "Where is that Julie? I know she's around here somewhere." The room filled with giggles and excitement. A the while, I'm holding onto his leg while he pretends to not see me. I remember the "Bear Hugs" which made me feel like I was the most important in your world.
Also exciting is that Dads take a very active role in raising children. More Dads stay home now and it's fantastic for the whole family. When a family unit functions like a well oiled wheel, it's magic. It's to our parents and grand parents we owe gratitude! Spoil Dad rotten with what he would like to do this weekend.
Thank you Dad for always being here for me and supporting my dreams. You always knew when words weren't enough and to handle tears you brought ice cream. Your laugh, wit, strength and humor inspire me always. May all experience the love from a Father figure to bring a sense of security and stability to your life and fun!
Remember the rest of the song. When we are grown the cycle is obvious and the rest of the lyrics so poignantly address the process. So the rest goes:
"Teach your parents well
Their children's hell
Will slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's
The one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you."
Their children's hell
Will slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick's
The one you'll know by.
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you, you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you."
Monday, June 11, 2012
Happy Days of Summer
Ahhh...the sounds, smells and tastes of summer! What do you love the most about summer? Summer is my favorite with all the flowers, barbecues with friends, fresh herbs, lemonade, children belly laughing playing hop scotch or expressing themselves with chalk art. This all makes me smile and sigh a sigh of contentment for the couple months we are blessed with this weather and sunshine! The memories and positive stories of our life make us who we are today and mold our children into what they will become.
Remember the first Dairy Queen run of the summer? Sitting outside with friends and family on the metal picnic tables - trying to eat your ice cream before it melts down your arm. Yum!! Oh the giggles and good times shared over ice cream. I suppose that's why it has it's own song, "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" When I hear the sound of the ice cream truck playing it's kicky tune it brings back memories of running to get my beloved push-up - parents were always close behind!
Take a moment to sit back in your chair and remember all the things which lit up your life as a child, like fire flies! They are still magic no matter how you look at it. Remember lying on the grass looking up at the fluffy white clouds seeing shapes and pointing them out to your very best friend? Oh the days! Did you make whistles out of a single blade of grass? What made you utterly joyful as a child?
I grew up with a swimming pool in the backyard which was fantastic. All the kids played at our house and we could not be outside alone around the pool even though my brother, sister, and I were swimmers. Safety first. In my family full on water fights were a regular occurence. They started outside in the pool with all of us and our Dad. We would surprise attack Mom in the kitchen with water balloons and other water ammunition. How could she be upset with all three children giggling and her husband leading the band? She usually ended up getting thrown in the pool. The family dog even got involved. He was a yellow lab mix so it was heaven for him too!
Later I learned that the reason my parents bought that house was for the pool. It was physical therapy for me. I swam long before I walked as I have a congenital spinal birth defect. Swimming kept me strong and active....and blissfully happy! I didn't even realize it was technically therapy I thought I was a dolphin. If you couldn't find me, I was swimming. In water, I didn't feel pain either. Plus I was competitive and swam at the township level. It was one thing I could do better than anyone. I always got first place, in my strokes, free and fly. Those were the days. My brother, sister and I would ride our bikes to swim team in the morning and back home to do chores and play then rode back for afternoon swim practice.
Being active is empowering and exhilarating. When I was young we would play line tag and who remembers freeze tag? We played kick ball - not my strong suit! All the neighborhood kids would play for hours, having peanut butter and jelly at each others' houses. Remember to do the things which make you utterly happy - the way you feel when you were little with an ice cream cone in hand licking it as quickly as possible before it melts. Get out with others and be true to yourself.
When we are true to ourselves we are more authentic and can truly share ourselves with others. Honor yourself. I challenge you to do just one thing you use to do when you were little and see how it feels. Play with your children. Get them outside to blow dandelions which have gone to seed and watch how the seeds disperse gently in the air. Let time stand still for a while by having fun. It's different for everyone.
I'm still on bed rest for a CSF leak since February so I'm unable to do the things which make me happy but when I get out of bed for some water, I look out the window and get a glimpse of some flowers blooming and sometimes the little ones from the corner are outside giggling as they walk their puppy. I take utter solace when I see the Eastern Blue Bird on the holly bushes we planted. They are magical and I believe good luck. I hold onto these moments for day dreams. I day dream about swimming, sailing with my husband, sitting out side eating, gardening, riding in the car with the windows down listening to my favorite song . Have fun. Do it for me too!
Engage all your senses and enjoy some fun inside or outside. Oh remember sunscreen too - something we did not do back in my day! Have a twist cone and sing the song, "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" Remember to share these activities and happiness you gain with others. Happiness is contagious. All the moments in our lives is a book of memories, each told in a story of what makes you happy.
Remember the first Dairy Queen run of the summer? Sitting outside with friends and family on the metal picnic tables - trying to eat your ice cream before it melts down your arm. Yum!! Oh the giggles and good times shared over ice cream. I suppose that's why it has it's own song, "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" When I hear the sound of the ice cream truck playing it's kicky tune it brings back memories of running to get my beloved push-up - parents were always close behind!
Little Julie/Water Baby!
Take a moment to sit back in your chair and remember all the things which lit up your life as a child, like fire flies! They are still magic no matter how you look at it. Remember lying on the grass looking up at the fluffy white clouds seeing shapes and pointing them out to your very best friend? Oh the days! Did you make whistles out of a single blade of grass? What made you utterly joyful as a child?
I grew up with a swimming pool in the backyard which was fantastic. All the kids played at our house and we could not be outside alone around the pool even though my brother, sister, and I were swimmers. Safety first. In my family full on water fights were a regular occurence. They started outside in the pool with all of us and our Dad. We would surprise attack Mom in the kitchen with water balloons and other water ammunition. How could she be upset with all three children giggling and her husband leading the band? She usually ended up getting thrown in the pool. The family dog even got involved. He was a yellow lab mix so it was heaven for him too!
Opening Day at The Doggy Pool
Later I learned that the reason my parents bought that house was for the pool. It was physical therapy for me. I swam long before I walked as I have a congenital spinal birth defect. Swimming kept me strong and active....and blissfully happy! I didn't even realize it was technically therapy I thought I was a dolphin. If you couldn't find me, I was swimming. In water, I didn't feel pain either. Plus I was competitive and swam at the township level. It was one thing I could do better than anyone. I always got first place, in my strokes, free and fly. Those were the days. My brother, sister and I would ride our bikes to swim team in the morning and back home to do chores and play then rode back for afternoon swim practice.
Being active is empowering and exhilarating. When I was young we would play line tag and who remembers freeze tag? We played kick ball - not my strong suit! All the neighborhood kids would play for hours, having peanut butter and jelly at each others' houses. Remember to do the things which make you utterly happy - the way you feel when you were little with an ice cream cone in hand licking it as quickly as possible before it melts. Get out with others and be true to yourself.
Playing With The Kiddos!
When we are true to ourselves we are more authentic and can truly share ourselves with others. Honor yourself. I challenge you to do just one thing you use to do when you were little and see how it feels. Play with your children. Get them outside to blow dandelions which have gone to seed and watch how the seeds disperse gently in the air. Let time stand still for a while by having fun. It's different for everyone.
I'm still on bed rest for a CSF leak since February so I'm unable to do the things which make me happy but when I get out of bed for some water, I look out the window and get a glimpse of some flowers blooming and sometimes the little ones from the corner are outside giggling as they walk their puppy. I take utter solace when I see the Eastern Blue Bird on the holly bushes we planted. They are magical and I believe good luck. I hold onto these moments for day dreams. I day dream about swimming, sailing with my husband, sitting out side eating, gardening, riding in the car with the windows down listening to my favorite song . Have fun. Do it for me too!
Engage all your senses and enjoy some fun inside or outside. Oh remember sunscreen too - something we did not do back in my day! Have a twist cone and sing the song, "I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" Remember to share these activities and happiness you gain with others. Happiness is contagious. All the moments in our lives is a book of memories, each told in a story of what makes you happy.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Badge of Honor
The month of June is declared "Riley Month." What is Riley you say? Riley Children's Hospital is in Indianapolis, IN with nearly 1400 sick beds, the most of any hospital in the country. The reason June is so very special is because there is a fundraiser called Joshua's Ride for Riley on June 24th raising funds, awareness and fun for Riley Urology who saved the life of Joshua.
This month you will hear stories from Riley kids (like myself), parents and supporters to generate excitement for the wonderful loving care Riley Children's Hospital provides to thousands families a year. Of course we will not forget our Dad's that help make the world go around on Father's Day and be prepared for a special treat celebrating a Riley Dad. You will understand why being called a "Riley Kid" is a badge of honor.
My Riley Story
Personally having grown up with a congenital spinal birth defect, I spent quality time at Riley enduring over 40 surgeries some as an adult, as well. The journey is a continuous one for me, perhaps looking another surgery in the eyes in the very near future. I'm 37 so I grew up with Riley. Riley was a small hospital back in 1981 when my family moved here from Ohio. The Urology department was in a hallway with only a couple exam rooms. Within that very small space, however, were exceptional health care providers leading the way medically as a State of the Art department. The nurses, doctors, medical students, residents eased the minds of the frightened children and parents. Their empathy and concern helped distract parents and children from some painful procedures and at times news of major surgeries which would be scheduled.
Urology Department
I remember the tile floor. It had multiple colors and I jumped from one color to another without stepping on the lines. In the hallway, they had books and magazines too. My Mom would engage me in "Highlights" magazine to keep me from being afraid. And another favorite was, "Ranger Rick." It was a basic set up with brilliant doctors who changed my life. After many procedures over the years, they made me continent, and in that, confident as well! Many of the Urological surgeries are life saving procedures no one thinks about. Entire urinary tract are reconstructed to save a childrens' kidneys and lives. It's truly phenomenal!
Wow, I spent so much time in the Orthopaedics department as well. Sacral Agenesis (my congenital spinal anamolie) is multi-faceted, impacting the body holistically. In order to walk I have had many corrective procedures for bilateral club feet to straighten my feet and ankle fusions (surgically fuse the ankles at 90 degrees) and muscle shortenings and lengthenings and more. What I loved was my Doctor and the Nurses. This department was around the corner (in the 1980's) with a small waiting room and several examining rooms. My doctor was so gregarious and confident. I idolized him really. Before surgeries he used marker to draw the bones on my legs and "diagram" what he was going to do so I could visualize the procedure. It helped me become a part of the process, as a child.
Hospital Stays
There were many long hospital stays over the years. Before the hospital expanded to different wings per illness, siblings were not allowed to visit for fear of spreading germs to the immunocompromised patients. I went long times where I missed my twin brother and older sister. However, the nurses were so wonderful on the floor. When I was able to get out of my bed, I would sit at the nurses station and could call my Mom. I was quite grown up! Even when I used the call button for the nurse, I made my request using proper medical terminology and very politely. They tirelessly cared for all of the children! To this day I still can picture some special nurses I've had over the years and am so thankful they came into my life. To lift everyone's spirits, I would wear a clown nose and plastic Spock ears when the nurses came into my room. I did this even when I was tired and in pain. It put a smile on all of our faces and broke the tension. If you don't laugh you cry. And laughter is a great release!
College Years And Beyond
As I went to college and tried to "forget" my surgeries and all that I had been going through, I was abruptly reminded. Suddenly I was unable to walk with indescribable pain. Ironically enough, I had never had a spinal surgery my entire life until I was 21. This is where Orthopedics and Neurology worked together in many surgeries. My spinal canal collapsed on the spinal cord compressing it so much that it was damaging the cord and my ability to walk and other organ functions. After my first Laminectomy (remove bone from around the spinal cord giving the cord room to swell without injury) it was wonderful. Immediate relief and regaining of strength. I had about 5 of those and then 5 tether cord releases where my neurosurgeon surgically corrects an abnormality with the nerve roots. This keeps me out of pain and walking as well.
What Can You Do?
All Riley Kids grow up quickly seeing life and death as a child. It molded me into an empathetic, independent, happy individual who wants to pay it forward and help other children and families struggling. Join me in honoring Joshua's fight to live in just 4 short years. He's endured many long, arduous surgeries at the hands of Dr. Cain and Dr. Rink at Riley Children's Hospital in Urology.
Remember to engage in activities which make you happy and share the heart beats during that activity with Riley Kids. It's sharing compassion that gives families hope when they see the number increase, knowing that so many people have done something positive in their honor. The weather is nice now, if you want to bike ride, walk your dog, play Frisbee, or read, do yoga, spend time laughing with friends, volunteer. Make doing positive activities a part of your daily life and it will become a habit. Share that happiness with Riley Kids who can view that as a giant get well card from the world. Log your Happy HeartBeats at http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp.
To login, click on "Are you a member Login"
User Name: on
PassWord: tap
Will you join me in generating excitement as Joshua's Ride For Riley approaches? Spread the word. You can log happy heartbeats wherever you are located by doing a positive activity that day. It will connect all of us. Read Joshua's story at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/keith-krimmel-1/keithkrimmelsfundraisingpage to donate to Riley Urology who saved Joshua's life and gave his family hope! This is one of many, many stories of survival at Riley including mine.
This month you will hear stories from Riley kids (like myself), parents and supporters to generate excitement for the wonderful loving care Riley Children's Hospital provides to thousands families a year. Of course we will not forget our Dad's that help make the world go around on Father's Day and be prepared for a special treat celebrating a Riley Dad. You will understand why being called a "Riley Kid" is a badge of honor.
My Riley Story
Personally having grown up with a congenital spinal birth defect, I spent quality time at Riley enduring over 40 surgeries some as an adult, as well. The journey is a continuous one for me, perhaps looking another surgery in the eyes in the very near future. I'm 37 so I grew up with Riley. Riley was a small hospital back in 1981 when my family moved here from Ohio. The Urology department was in a hallway with only a couple exam rooms. Within that very small space, however, were exceptional health care providers leading the way medically as a State of the Art department. The nurses, doctors, medical students, residents eased the minds of the frightened children and parents. Their empathy and concern helped distract parents and children from some painful procedures and at times news of major surgeries which would be scheduled.
Urology Department
I remember the tile floor. It had multiple colors and I jumped from one color to another without stepping on the lines. In the hallway, they had books and magazines too. My Mom would engage me in "Highlights" magazine to keep me from being afraid. And another favorite was, "Ranger Rick." It was a basic set up with brilliant doctors who changed my life. After many procedures over the years, they made me continent, and in that, confident as well! Many of the Urological surgeries are life saving procedures no one thinks about. Entire urinary tract are reconstructed to save a childrens' kidneys and lives. It's truly phenomenal!
Thank Your Riley Urology for Making me Continent!
Orthopedics and Neurosurgery
Wow, I spent so much time in the Orthopaedics department as well. Sacral Agenesis (my congenital spinal anamolie) is multi-faceted, impacting the body holistically. In order to walk I have had many corrective procedures for bilateral club feet to straighten my feet and ankle fusions (surgically fuse the ankles at 90 degrees) and muscle shortenings and lengthenings and more. What I loved was my Doctor and the Nurses. This department was around the corner (in the 1980's) with a small waiting room and several examining rooms. My doctor was so gregarious and confident. I idolized him really. Before surgeries he used marker to draw the bones on my legs and "diagram" what he was going to do so I could visualize the procedure. It helped me become a part of the process, as a child.
Out of the Gates to Walk!
Hospital Stays
There were many long hospital stays over the years. Before the hospital expanded to different wings per illness, siblings were not allowed to visit for fear of spreading germs to the immunocompromised patients. I went long times where I missed my twin brother and older sister. However, the nurses were so wonderful on the floor. When I was able to get out of my bed, I would sit at the nurses station and could call my Mom. I was quite grown up! Even when I used the call button for the nurse, I made my request using proper medical terminology and very politely. They tirelessly cared for all of the children! To this day I still can picture some special nurses I've had over the years and am so thankful they came into my life. To lift everyone's spirits, I would wear a clown nose and plastic Spock ears when the nurses came into my room. I did this even when I was tired and in pain. It put a smile on all of our faces and broke the tension. If you don't laugh you cry. And laughter is a great release!
College Years And Beyond
As I went to college and tried to "forget" my surgeries and all that I had been going through, I was abruptly reminded. Suddenly I was unable to walk with indescribable pain. Ironically enough, I had never had a spinal surgery my entire life until I was 21. This is where Orthopedics and Neurology worked together in many surgeries. My spinal canal collapsed on the spinal cord compressing it so much that it was damaging the cord and my ability to walk and other organ functions. After my first Laminectomy (remove bone from around the spinal cord giving the cord room to swell without injury) it was wonderful. Immediate relief and regaining of strength. I had about 5 of those and then 5 tether cord releases where my neurosurgeon surgically corrects an abnormality with the nerve roots. This keeps me out of pain and walking as well.
Thank You Riley for Taking Care of Me. It makes me Happy!
What Can You Do?
All Riley Kids grow up quickly seeing life and death as a child. It molded me into an empathetic, independent, happy individual who wants to pay it forward and help other children and families struggling. Join me in honoring Joshua's fight to live in just 4 short years. He's endured many long, arduous surgeries at the hands of Dr. Cain and Dr. Rink at Riley Children's Hospital in Urology.
Remember to engage in activities which make you happy and share the heart beats during that activity with Riley Kids. It's sharing compassion that gives families hope when they see the number increase, knowing that so many people have done something positive in their honor. The weather is nice now, if you want to bike ride, walk your dog, play Frisbee, or read, do yoga, spend time laughing with friends, volunteer. Make doing positive activities a part of your daily life and it will become a habit. Share that happiness with Riley Kids who can view that as a giant get well card from the world. Log your Happy HeartBeats at http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp.
To login, click on "Are you a member Login"
User Name: on
PassWord: tap
Will you join me in generating excitement as Joshua's Ride For Riley approaches? Spread the word. You can log happy heartbeats wherever you are located by doing a positive activity that day. It will connect all of us. Read Joshua's story at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/keith-krimmel-1/keithkrimmelsfundraisingpage to donate to Riley Urology who saved Joshua's life and gave his family hope! This is one of many, many stories of survival at Riley including mine.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Calling ALL Mothers!
All Mothers, Aunts, Grandmas, sisters...the day dedicated to YOU is quickly approaching. What does Mother's Day mean to you? What memories do you have? Some gifts were the perfect one that year and other years I bet you just couldn't find that one thing which says, "Mom YOU are the best!" It's difficult to really show your gratitude to the woman who has raised you or nurtured you as your Mother has. We all have women in our lives, our Mothers, sisters, Aunts, Grandmothers, and those who filled those roles, who have taken care of us in our time of need and celebrated us when flying high in the stars. This day is yours!
Growing up with special needs from my rare congenital birth defect, Sacral Agenesis, there were many Mother's Days that I probably didn't even know (because so young) that my Mom was just grateful to have all of her chicklets with her. Just having us there was probably gift enough. I think at the end of the day it's about being there for Mom the way she has always been there for us. Sure, we buy flowers and other gifts but it's the time spent but it's time spent with Mom that means the most. Mother's Day is our turn to shower you with love and gifts.
I speak from being the daughter of the World's Best Mother (perhaps a little bias) who has been here through thick and thin for all of her children. For me, we've weathered over 40 surgeries together, countless doctor appointments and tests where my Mom stood, like a rock, during each and every one!! I can't imagine the strength it took watching her baby writhing in pain, at times and others suffering after surgery and during the time leading up to surgery. She has and continues to be here for me and now my husband and I during difficult times medically.
This year Mother's Day, as every Mother's Day is a celebration. Because I'm still recovering from a Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) leak and have to remain on bed rest, we are bringing the party to our house and eating "bed side." Yes I do have the best most adaptive family :) What matters is that we will be together, even though, it will be in our bed room with black out curtains and end tables, we will still have each other and have surprises for the Woman of Honor Sunday :) It's what we make of a situation that matters. In light of suffering and my Mom having to be strong, still, we will celebrate her with all our hearts because she has loved us all so dearly.
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As a daughter it means something words don't even do justice to say thank you to my Mom. Saying I feel lucky isn't even enough to describe the gratitude I have for my Mom. Without her, I wouldn't have been raised to try everything, even if I fell. I was never treated differently than my twin brother or older sister. My Mom empowered me and gave me the confidence to try and take on challenges with my whole heart and gusto. Sure she had to pick me up when I fell but if she hadn't been that force of strength, encouragement and love I would not have grown up to be an independent, loving and open woman.
Thank you to ALL Mothers, Aunties, Grandmas for loving us from generation to generation. You have made each of your children stronger and better people for it! I hope you are spoiled rotten with a day filled with flowers, cookouts, and most of all LOVE. We do know how much you love us and today is your day to accept that love from all of us daughters, sons, grandsons, nephews ecetera. Each day is a gift to share with each other.
I don't feel an expert with being a Mother since we aren't able to have children. We certainly love them, all children. We love our nephews and niece and those of our friends. I have to say coming to grips with not having children or being able to physically care for a child was not easy. I realized as I watered all my inside plants and planned my gardens...I am a Mother. I nurture everything and everyone around me. I whole heatedly think that being the Mother to an animal is loving with all your heart. Knowing nothing, you get your first puppy, discipline as it attempts eating rugs or base boards. Then seemingly overnight they are full grown grown, then age and move more slowly until that one day when...It's like loving animals is a love that never stops because within a certain amount of time we ended up with our next puppy, Stella! Over and over again, we know loving a puppy, raising it will lead to that "one day." I wouldn't trade loving and having Stella in my life for anything and yes I miss George (our first baby) daily. It's like my Cousin put it beautifully, no other dog will ever replace George, it will make your heart bigger. It has! By the time we are old and don't have pets, we will have really large hearts!
To all women who nurture each other, children, friendships, plants, nephews, nieces, cats, dogs ecetera, we know how to love too! Hats off to you, because to love openly, is not something just anyone can do. I am forever in debt to my Mom, Aunties, Grandmas, sister, cousins, friends and more. Your love makes this wold a better place.
And so I conclude with the wise words sung by Jackie DeShannon, "What the world needs now is love sweet love, its the only thing that there's just too little of..no not just for one, oh, but for everyone..." Remember to love freely and openly and to share that love with those around you. Watch the world become a better place because of your love. Thank you Mom for teaching me love and so much more!
Remember to share your happiness and joy this weekend with "Riley Kids" at Riley Children's Hospital at http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp.
Login by clicking "Are you a member, Login" in the right hand corner within the red banner
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Our love expands to all the children and Mothers spending the weekend in the hospital. Share your Happy HeartBeats of compassion and love with the Riley Kids, remember I am one too, and all their Mothers this weekend! Pay your love forward. Riley Children's Hospital is a family in and of itself with the loving care they extend.
Growing up with special needs from my rare congenital birth defect, Sacral Agenesis, there were many Mother's Days that I probably didn't even know (because so young) that my Mom was just grateful to have all of her chicklets with her. Just having us there was probably gift enough. I think at the end of the day it's about being there for Mom the way she has always been there for us. Sure, we buy flowers and other gifts but it's the time spent but it's time spent with Mom that means the most. Mother's Day is our turn to shower you with love and gifts.
I speak from being the daughter of the World's Best Mother (perhaps a little bias) who has been here through thick and thin for all of her children. For me, we've weathered over 40 surgeries together, countless doctor appointments and tests where my Mom stood, like a rock, during each and every one!! I can't imagine the strength it took watching her baby writhing in pain, at times and others suffering after surgery and during the time leading up to surgery. She has and continues to be here for me and now my husband and I during difficult times medically.
This year Mother's Day, as every Mother's Day is a celebration. Because I'm still recovering from a Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) leak and have to remain on bed rest, we are bringing the party to our house and eating "bed side." Yes I do have the best most adaptive family :) What matters is that we will be together, even though, it will be in our bed room with black out curtains and end tables, we will still have each other and have surprises for the Woman of Honor Sunday :) It's what we make of a situation that matters. In light of suffering and my Mom having to be strong, still, we will celebrate her with all our hearts because she has loved us all so dearly.
Happy Mother's Day
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Thanks for ALWAYS being here for me and always making life fun!
As a daughter it means something words don't even do justice to say thank you to my Mom. Saying I feel lucky isn't even enough to describe the gratitude I have for my Mom. Without her, I wouldn't have been raised to try everything, even if I fell. I was never treated differently than my twin brother or older sister. My Mom empowered me and gave me the confidence to try and take on challenges with my whole heart and gusto. Sure she had to pick me up when I fell but if she hadn't been that force of strength, encouragement and love I would not have grown up to be an independent, loving and open woman.
Thank you to ALL Mothers, Aunties, Grandmas for loving us from generation to generation. You have made each of your children stronger and better people for it! I hope you are spoiled rotten with a day filled with flowers, cookouts, and most of all LOVE. We do know how much you love us and today is your day to accept that love from all of us daughters, sons, grandsons, nephews ecetera. Each day is a gift to share with each other.
I don't feel an expert with being a Mother since we aren't able to have children. We certainly love them, all children. We love our nephews and niece and those of our friends. I have to say coming to grips with not having children or being able to physically care for a child was not easy. I realized as I watered all my inside plants and planned my gardens...I am a Mother. I nurture everything and everyone around me. I whole heatedly think that being the Mother to an animal is loving with all your heart. Knowing nothing, you get your first puppy, discipline as it attempts eating rugs or base boards. Then seemingly overnight they are full grown grown, then age and move more slowly until that one day when...It's like loving animals is a love that never stops because within a certain amount of time we ended up with our next puppy, Stella! Over and over again, we know loving a puppy, raising it will lead to that "one day." I wouldn't trade loving and having Stella in my life for anything and yes I miss George (our first baby) daily. It's like my Cousin put it beautifully, no other dog will ever replace George, it will make your heart bigger. It has! By the time we are old and don't have pets, we will have really large hearts!
To all women who nurture each other, children, friendships, plants, nephews, nieces, cats, dogs ecetera, we know how to love too! Hats off to you, because to love openly, is not something just anyone can do. I am forever in debt to my Mom, Aunties, Grandmas, sister, cousins, friends and more. Your love makes this wold a better place.
And so I conclude with the wise words sung by Jackie DeShannon, "What the world needs now is love sweet love, its the only thing that there's just too little of..no not just for one, oh, but for everyone..." Remember to love freely and openly and to share that love with those around you. Watch the world become a better place because of your love. Thank you Mom for teaching me love and so much more!
Our First Luv Bug, George!
Our Second Baby Luv, Stella!
Remember to share your happiness and joy this weekend with "Riley Kids" at Riley Children's Hospital at http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp.
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Our love expands to all the children and Mothers spending the weekend in the hospital. Share your Happy HeartBeats of compassion and love with the Riley Kids, remember I am one too, and all their Mothers this weekend! Pay your love forward. Riley Children's Hospital is a family in and of itself with the loving care they extend.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Penguin Kids Fitness - Inspiring Children to Be Active!
First of all, my name is Stephen. I started the website for Penguin Kids Fitness in November 2011, and in order to be able to remember the date forever, launched on 11/11/11. It wasn’t quite 11:11am, but was incredibly close, so I can safely say that this special day will never be forgotten. The concept has evolved massively since the start and has gone from me setting out to teach classes across the UK to children to get them to be active, evolving into promoting people doing this and also promoting products as well as services to ensure all aspects of children’s welfare is now covered.
The website is now at a position where the purposes are strongly defined and I am working towards two main goals, which are the following:
1. To promote products and services that benefit the health, fitness and wellbeing of children
2. To engage with children to inspire and motivate them to take part in sport and physical activity
I have explained how the first element evolved, and I have seen positive reaction to promoting a wide range of products and services. This started with promoting businesses and organisations across the UK, but with the help of launching a French speaking version of the website, the website(s) now promote products and services which are international, as well as businesses and organisations nationally in UK, USA, France and Ireland. This is growing and there is now the clear aim to promote and be seen across the world, wholly aided by the fact that the main promotion and marketing is through Twitter and Facebook, which makes all of this possible.
The engagement side of the Penguin Kids Fitness business is done through two main aspects. Work is being done to create lots of resources for teachers which will help them to make PE more fun and get more kids engaged, inspired and motivated to take part in sport and physical activity. The other way that the site is engaging with children is to target them directly through the "Stuff for Kids" section Meet The Characters, which has seen the creation of a total of 24 Penguins, each one representing a different sport. A working progress, the eventual aim is for each penguin to have a profile, an interview with them plus more details on the sport they play and how kids can start playing that sport.
There are other elements and areas on the "Stuff for Kids" section, and hopefully I have whetted your appetite to check out the site and find out what these other areas are. I feel I can say that you will discover even better things when you get there, and I hope that kids will walk away wanting to discover a new sport or take part in different activities.
The drive to create Penguin Kids Fitness has really come from wanting to make a real impact on the life of our younger generations, and to ensure that they get the most out of all the opportunities which now exist for them. As well as all these fantastic and motivating opportunities which would see kids running around and trying different activities, there seems to be an equal amount of opportunities which would actually prevent them from taking part in sport. Whether the various distractions of television, computer games and computer activities, or the need for them to do lots and lots of work in subjects for school, the main thing that now lacks in a child’s life is the ability to run around, be free and burn energy. I know I am not alone in being worried that this could have a very bad effect on their lives, especially as the habits we develop later in life are founded upon the habits we teach ourselves as a child. As a result, it is really important that we get our children to run around more and take part in sport and physical activity, as this means they will be more likely to take part in sport or go out running when they are older, thinking of this as natural.
I think that just about explains why and what the Penguin Kids Fitness website is all about. What started as a website which I thought would be seen by a few people has grown to something that is now seen around the world, and it is quite nice to think about this. The steady growth of the website and support has been really positive, and I am looking forward to it growing more and more as the site is developed with the number of resources that are available for parents, teachers and children.
If you have not yet seen the website, you can check it out at www.penguinkidsfitness.com. To stay up to date with all updates and see when new links and resources arrive on the website, follow/like us on twitter (our profile is @PenguinKidsFit) or on Facebook (our page is www.facebook.com/PenguinKidsFitness).
Children will Love Playing Along Side the Penquin Characters!
Please feel free to contact us is you have any questions you want answered. The contact details are on the website, or you can use the contact forms and they will come through to me.
I hope you have enjoyed this guest blog. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Julie for giving me the opportunity, and hope you keep following her blog to follow the fantastic work and inspiration she provides through the Happy Heartbeats Counters (I support and follow her, and there is a link to her blog on the Penguin Kids Fitness website).
I hope you all have a good week.
Thanks, Stephen
Thursday, April 26, 2012
When Saying Thank You Isn't Enough...
In this Happy HeartBeats blog we naturally discuss finding happiness and feeding our souls with positivity, then sharing that with others; a pay it forward system. There are times when being on the receiving end of the compassion is extremely overwhelming. What do we do when there are no words to thank those around us for giving so much?
Recently I've been struggling with a Cerebral Spinal Fluid leak. I fell about two weeks ago, sustaining a significant concussion. I have not been myself or able to write and share/motivate those around me. It's been terribly lonely and terrifying. My husband has been lovingly at my side to calm me from the cognitive side effects, confusion, agitation, ringing in the ears, nausea etc. He is ALWAYS here! My parents always come to bring food, even more than they had been. Without their help, the stress would be so much more overwhelming.
Talk about sharing happiness and compassion with others! I am surrounded by a family and some friends who never leave my side, no matter what medical challenge comes my way. I know, or think I remember being so weird to talk to because of the confusion and agitation. Yet, they all remained here, loving me. I found out just today, from the tests, that I sustained just soft tissue damage in my head, neck and lower back where the CSF leak. For me that is excellent news considering what could have happened. A definite silver lining in light of a scary fall. I did find my humor by posting a song the other day on Face Book. That's my thing. I usually like to post songs to fill peoples' days with humor or inspiration instead of talking about myself. I posted the song, "If I Only Had a Brain," from the musical The Wizard of Oz because I was so frustrated from not being able to think clearly. I'm still struggling but the old me is coming back :).
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The thing is, that those who love so freely and share their hearts openly are around all of us. It's also allowing and accepting that compassion and love. I still don't know how to thank everyone who stands by me still. There are no words to do justice to that type of sharing. That's what Happy HeartBeats is all about. It's important when you are on the receiving end and are down in the dumps to cherish the people in your life who really comprehend compassion and empathy. These are virtues not many possess but so many of us are lucky to receive. Interesting statistic. Hold them close to your heart and remember...always pay it forward. We thank those who are here for us every day, our significant others, children, parents, siblings, grand parents, animals etcetra but to do their actions justice, we must share the same type of love, joy and compassion with others. This completes the circle and makes our world a loving place. It's not a thing for dreamers. I am living proof and if it weren't for everyone around me who have chosen to love me, for me, and despite me, that I smile and can share it, and hopefully inspire!
Saying thank you seems trite in light of the good deeds of others. Then there are others committed to going another step. They give themselves wholey to charities and causes close to their hearts. We're not able to have children due to health issues but growing up a Riley Kid, I identify with the struggles of being a child at Riley Children's Hospital. Being in the loving hands of the staff, from doctors to food service who enter the room with love and a smile. They not what their empathy means to the entire family. Well, for my husband and I, those kids, the Riley Kids are our kids! Please pay it forward, in your life, and share with those at Riley Children's Hospital http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp . It's free and takes just 60 seconds to give hope and inspiration to those who need a lift from others.
Remember the login information.
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Just click on "login" in the upper right hand corner within the red banner on the page.
Compassion is a virtue which needs to be passed onto others so those on the receiving end experience true empathy and are able to share it with others. Will you join me in thanking those around us, in the only way that truly does justice to who and what they are?
Be prepared for an amazing guest blogger for the following entry. If I told you who it was I'd be sharing too much. Stay tuned...
Recently I've been struggling with a Cerebral Spinal Fluid leak. I fell about two weeks ago, sustaining a significant concussion. I have not been myself or able to write and share/motivate those around me. It's been terribly lonely and terrifying. My husband has been lovingly at my side to calm me from the cognitive side effects, confusion, agitation, ringing in the ears, nausea etc. He is ALWAYS here! My parents always come to bring food, even more than they had been. Without their help, the stress would be so much more overwhelming.
Talk about sharing happiness and compassion with others! I am surrounded by a family and some friends who never leave my side, no matter what medical challenge comes my way. I know, or think I remember being so weird to talk to because of the confusion and agitation. Yet, they all remained here, loving me. I found out just today, from the tests, that I sustained just soft tissue damage in my head, neck and lower back where the CSF leak. For me that is excellent news considering what could have happened. A definite silver lining in light of a scary fall. I did find my humor by posting a song the other day on Face Book. That's my thing. I usually like to post songs to fill peoples' days with humor or inspiration instead of talking about myself. I posted the song, "If I Only Had a Brain," from the musical The Wizard of Oz because I was so frustrated from not being able to think clearly. I'm still struggling but the old me is coming back :).
Loving Family!
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The thing is, that those who love so freely and share their hearts openly are around all of us. It's also allowing and accepting that compassion and love. I still don't know how to thank everyone who stands by me still. There are no words to do justice to that type of sharing. That's what Happy HeartBeats is all about. It's important when you are on the receiving end and are down in the dumps to cherish the people in your life who really comprehend compassion and empathy. These are virtues not many possess but so many of us are lucky to receive. Interesting statistic. Hold them close to your heart and remember...always pay it forward. We thank those who are here for us every day, our significant others, children, parents, siblings, grand parents, animals etcetra but to do their actions justice, we must share the same type of love, joy and compassion with others. This completes the circle and makes our world a loving place. It's not a thing for dreamers. I am living proof and if it weren't for everyone around me who have chosen to love me, for me, and despite me, that I smile and can share it, and hopefully inspire!
True Blue Friend!
Saying thank you seems trite in light of the good deeds of others. Then there are others committed to going another step. They give themselves wholey to charities and causes close to their hearts. We're not able to have children due to health issues but growing up a Riley Kid, I identify with the struggles of being a child at Riley Children's Hospital. Being in the loving hands of the staff, from doctors to food service who enter the room with love and a smile. They not what their empathy means to the entire family. Well, for my husband and I, those kids, the Riley Kids are our kids! Please pay it forward, in your life, and share with those at Riley Children's Hospital http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp . It's free and takes just 60 seconds to give hope and inspiration to those who need a lift from others.
Remember the login information.
Username: on
PassWord: tap
Just click on "login" in the upper right hand corner within the red banner on the page.
Compassion is a virtue which needs to be passed onto others so those on the receiving end experience true empathy and are able to share it with others. Will you join me in thanking those around us, in the only way that truly does justice to who and what they are?
Be prepared for an amazing guest blogger for the following entry. If I told you who it was I'd be sharing too much. Stay tuned...
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Silver Lining
Happiness, true happiness, makes my soul flurry with excitement and dance with glee. I've had a tough time lately with a Cerebral Spinal Fluid leak keeping me on bed rest - almost in my 4th month. I have a very positive outlook which keeps my eye on the prize, recovery and enjoying the outdoors again. To let you in on a secret, yes, I am "Happy Julie," accomplished because of my faith, family, friends and beloved pup Stella.
Stella, The Grand-pup!
Please Don't Leave Grandpa!!
What I'd like to tell you about now is the happiness I find, in each day, right now. Sure, it's a little dreary, black out curtains, and only able to get up to use the restroom and let the dog out and get a drink. I always say...there is a silver lining in every situation. It may be tarnished but it's there. My silver lining is obvious, consistent and loves me unconditionally - my Dad. He comes over at noon, on the nose, every day to make me lunch so I can stay in bed. For almost 4 months now, my Dad and I have had one on one time just us and, of course Stella! We talk and I've opened up in ways I never had done before with my Dad. I never chattered and babbled assuming he didn't want to hear it. I even apologized and he said, "Did it ever occur to you, I would like to hear you 'chatter?' I don't know if he'll ever know what that meant to me. He's had to listen to me cry, hand me kleenex after kleenex and really be there for me in ways he's not had to in the past. He gives excellent advice!
My Dad and Silver Lining!
I look forward to lunch everyday with you :) I love YOU!
Let's face it, it's stereotypically Mom's job right? If I cried I went to Mom. If a boy dumped me, I went to Mom. It's just natural. Mom and I are best friends. Our relationship is so close because of our unique situation. I can remember when I was little and I'd cry. If my Mom wasn't home, my Dad looked like a deer in head lights and would offer ice cream. It did work. But now it's different. We talk back and forth about how he is doing and what has going on in his day and how I'm managing. He judges my symptoms by how I act and really, really takes care of me. He's my silver lining and I smile just thinking of tomorrow's lunch with Dad! We do daily devotionals together too. We are bonding on such an adult level and it's just been so fantastic. If I didn't have this leak, I would not have gotten this chance to know my Dad the way I have.
The time I share with my Dad, I log as Happy HeartBeats. Happiness, for me, is not what I can accomplish physically outside but what I accomplish, in time with my Dad, or a wonderful talk with my best friend and day dreaming. I think it's important to define happiness for each person. I remember gardening, cooking, sailing, playing outside with Stella but for now fun is defined differently. Friday night has and always will be Pizza Night for us and it's really become our date night. Oh we live for the next netflix movie or we save all the recorded TV to watch Friday night. It's together time because my husband has to do so much more around the house, cook, clean, do laundry and work more than full time. He's the man of ALL men!
So when you are engaging in your happy activities remember they don't have to be formal exercise triathlons (although that applies), they really are individual to everyone. For me I can't wait to have lunch with my Dad and talk. He knows I love walnuts and he always brings trail mix and picks out the walnuts for me and puts them on my night stand. It's loving and endearing. I think I was always hard on my Dad because he teased me so much. I took him too seriously and now I know it.
I will cherish the moments he threw me in our swimming pool, gently tugged my pony tail, teased me lovingly and smile!
I see how he looks at me now and, on my bad days, I see that deer in the head light look like before, but now he steps up and takes control with advice or listening; he gauges what I need. He wins the prize!! Thank you Dad for being here for me and Stella. We love every day we spend with you!
So remember, each day when you do something that makes you happy share your Happy HeartBeats with Riley Kids, like me at http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp. We all need your love and support! Thinking of others being happy makes me smile and I know when that number increases each day, it's because someone shared their smile with me. I share mine with you, always!!
Thank You Smile from Julie, Riley Kid :)
Your Happiness, Love & Compassion always mean the world no matter how old we are!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Happiness Is In The Eye of The Beholder
Remember growing up and everyone would always ask, "So, what do you want to be when you grow up?" And we all thought we knew too. The great thing about that is, our imagination told us what we wanted to be. Oh the places we could go in the recesses of our minds. So natural and uninhibited. A true story about a young boy many years ago. It goes like this: "When I was five years old, my mother always told me that Happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I wrote down ' HAPPY ' . They told me I did not understand the assignment, and I told them they did not understand life." - John Lennon. Interesting coming from an individual who went on to sing and teach the world harmony and how to be themselves. He really lived what he wanted to be, happy. Happiness it seems lies in the eyes of the beholder. Teachers may think it has to be a profession, doctor, lawyer etc. but wouldn't it be nice to be happy too?? Now that's a dream worth dreaming. Thank you John Lennon for your many gifts of words and songs and inspiration.
Let's look at our youth today and their happiness. There are so many responsibilities and rushed events, often little time for the imagination to lead the way. Remember lying on your back on the ground, looking up at the sky seeing actual objects in the clouds? It was so real. Remember holding hands and skipping down the side walk with your best friend and catching fire flies in the summer? Oh the magic surrounding us. It was just a dream land. Let's step back to that time with our kids. Think of adventures to take with your kids. In the evening, play tag or freeze tag even. Now there's a blast from the past.
One such company which encourages and teaches us ways to be children again and to help our children find joy in creative play is www.planetfassa.com. It's not just for kids to be happy and learn through imagination and being creative. It's for all of us. Let's all get involved. Ask your children what makes them happy and write down their comments, to catalog as they grow. Review it and ask them to explain or better yet, to show you. Spend time in the evening unwinding by playing hide and seek, asking what they did during the day and what was their most favorite, start a game where every week someone new in the family hides a designated item and it has to be found and reassign the hider each week. This can go on a life time. Then when the children are grown, one of the kids will bring it and maybe leave the item under your pillow - oh the memories to be established. Don't forget the bed time story and if your children are older come up with them as families. Remember blowing bubbles and seeing who had the largest one and how long it would last before it popped? Don't forget hopscotch on the drive way and other chalk art outside. Play with your animals who may have been couped up all day while everyone's at school and work. Play Frisbee or ball or keep away. The moral of this story, do happy activities! Belly laugh until your stomach hurts (what a wonderful feeling). Have friends over to enjoy the fun and engage in their fun activities.
Adults don't forget to foster your inner child. He/she is still there. Think back on what made you happy. Maybe your career revolves around that, if so, you are very lucky indeed! Remember to tap into your own imagination whether it be journaling, talking to an old friend, getting together with friends and laughing the whole time, spending time with family, running, triathlons, walking your dog (your best friend), do puzzles to unwind, sudoku, sail, enjoy the night sky...do whatever it is that lets you escape for a little while and just puts a smile on your face. Read about where my imagination took me as a child to spark your memories at http://www.planetfassa.com/blog/?p=4470 and remember even day dreaming is something which can make us happy. I spend time remembering our trip to Santa Fe and the sunsets from mountain tops, all the colors and how close the sky felt. I have always loved the sky.
Next week, be prepared for a new type of adventure involving penguins to get our kids and families, active, happy and healthy. Who wouldn't want to share that?
Me on my Adaptive Big Wheel Having Fun!
Let's look at our youth today and their happiness. There are so many responsibilities and rushed events, often little time for the imagination to lead the way. Remember lying on your back on the ground, looking up at the sky seeing actual objects in the clouds? It was so real. Remember holding hands and skipping down the side walk with your best friend and catching fire flies in the summer? Oh the magic surrounding us. It was just a dream land. Let's step back to that time with our kids. Think of adventures to take with your kids. In the evening, play tag or freeze tag even. Now there's a blast from the past.
Mark Playing with our Nephew and Thier Prescious Dog Gabby!
One such company which encourages and teaches us ways to be children again and to help our children find joy in creative play is www.planetfassa.com. It's not just for kids to be happy and learn through imagination and being creative. It's for all of us. Let's all get involved. Ask your children what makes them happy and write down their comments, to catalog as they grow. Review it and ask them to explain or better yet, to show you. Spend time in the evening unwinding by playing hide and seek, asking what they did during the day and what was their most favorite, start a game where every week someone new in the family hides a designated item and it has to be found and reassign the hider each week. This can go on a life time. Then when the children are grown, one of the kids will bring it and maybe leave the item under your pillow - oh the memories to be established. Don't forget the bed time story and if your children are older come up with them as families. Remember blowing bubbles and seeing who had the largest one and how long it would last before it popped? Don't forget hopscotch on the drive way and other chalk art outside. Play with your animals who may have been couped up all day while everyone's at school and work. Play Frisbee or ball or keep away. The moral of this story, do happy activities! Belly laugh until your stomach hurts (what a wonderful feeling). Have friends over to enjoy the fun and engage in their fun activities.
Adults don't forget to foster your inner child. He/she is still there. Think back on what made you happy. Maybe your career revolves around that, if so, you are very lucky indeed! Remember to tap into your own imagination whether it be journaling, talking to an old friend, getting together with friends and laughing the whole time, spending time with family, running, triathlons, walking your dog (your best friend), do puzzles to unwind, sudoku, sail, enjoy the night sky...do whatever it is that lets you escape for a little while and just puts a smile on your face. Read about where my imagination took me as a child to spark your memories at http://www.planetfassa.com/blog/?p=4470 and remember even day dreaming is something which can make us happy. I spend time remembering our trip to Santa Fe and the sunsets from mountain tops, all the colors and how close the sky felt. I have always loved the sky.
Stella Swimming enjoying A Hot Summer Day in The Pool!
Look at that Happy Dog Smile!!
Then make it part of your habit to share all that happiness to http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp. How great to teach the spirit of sharing and giving to your children. What a wonderful thing to share - happiness. It's catchy! Watch our world become a better place because of YOU and your families and pets. Let's show everyone Happiness improves our lives and those of others when we share it!
Take Time to Enjoy Each Other Outside!
Mark and Julie a Change of Scenery! Adults Need Fun Too!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
What Makes You Happy?
As Happy HeartBeats Ambassador and Spokes Person comes much responsibility. Happy HeartBeats empowers YOU to become more happy and engaged in life and share that with Riley Kids. None of us know when the next "speed bump" that will develop but with the compassion you share, we know we have so many loving people giving us strength and hope.
So what makes you happy? What leaves you with a smile that comes from within and shows on your beautiful face? Is it dancing, walking, doing puzzles, reading, doing yoga, meditation, prayer, playing with your children, volunteering, date night, going out with friends you haven't seen in a while, vacation etc? It is different for everyone. I feel a responsibility to ensure YOU find happiness from within. As an exercise, let me know what activities give you a lift. Let's get interactive here. When we identify those things which make you happy, you will want to do them over and over again.
Share your Happy HeartBeats at http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp with Riley Kids. You will find your outlook on life changes. Instead of forcing on the negative news, you will be able to watch it once, take it in, and go on with your day. It doesn't mean we forget what happens in the world. Happy HeartBeats make the world a smaller place connecting us together though shared Happy HeartBeats. The number represents all of us contributing our Happy HeartBeats while doing what makes us happy. How wonderful to know that many others were doing something in any given day that you were, then share those who need it most. We don't know from where those HeartBeats originate, but we do know that we are connected with others around the world for one common interest, sharing our happiness with others.
Something has been tugging at my heart strings for a while that I'd like to share. Being Spokes Person for Happy HeartBeats is truly an honor. Sharing happiness echoes what Happy HeartBeats empowers us all to do. As those who face any challenges, I'm sure you've probably surmised it's not always been sunshine and roses growing up with a birth defect and having so many surgeries, with a continuing journey. Being happy isn't about wearing a smile to convince yourself you're happy. Happiness is being authentic and honestly representing yourself. For example, I do have my bad days. It's normal and natural. I even sometimes get grumpy :) For me, it's been important to be able to just verbalize, "Today is a bad pain day," or recognize what struggles I'm facing. It's taken many years to realize it's not complaining, rather it's being fair to those around me to be honest about what I'm feeling. We cannot expect others to read our minds. It will get lonely not opening up to others.
In college I realized that I couldn't just pretend any of "this" was happening to me, life with Sacral Agenesis. You'd think my first clue would have been having more surgeries than I am old but I'm really head strong. I wanted to think that I could do anything and push through whatever pain there was. Well, when I was a junior in college I was put in a wheelchair and, at the time, they said "forever." I freaked out. It really took until I was 21 to actually accept that what I had been living was extraordinarily different than most. Now I use my really cool wheel chair for distances and walk in the house and sometimes use my walker when I go out, depending on my energy. I learned that pushing through was only going to hurt ME, physically. My whole life I was no different than others, as far as I could see. Life is about adaption and that's what I do very naturally. We can still achieve what we set our minds to, we just take different paths to reach the finish line. It was the year I will never forget because I started opening up and sharing my feelings.
It's wonderful to be happy and comfortable with where I am, in life. I do believe there is a silver lining in everything, even on days it's most difficult to see. It will show itself. Sure, maybe it needs to polished, but it's there. I realize that in order to be the best Spokes Person leading others to find what makes them happy, I needed to share what I've learned. Life's journey is bumpy with detours and winding roads. It's important to roll down the windows, let the wind blow through your hair and sing along to what's on the radio. With the "speed bumps" life places in our path, doesn't it feel better to have someone or some way to cope. Armed with people, activities or moments that bring our soul joy ensures we always take the exit to optimism.
Here we are full circle. What makes YOU happy!! I look forward to hearing what those activities are. It's nice to know we are not alone in life and Happy HeartBeats provides a hypothetical journal of activities leading us to innate happiness. Comment on the blog to share your activities in life that bring you happiness. It's getting back to the basics in a hectic world. Isn't it so neat that the world is a community built on happy experiences shared with each other? I look forward to hearing from you this week. Also if it's difficult to leave a comment, email me at hemkerjulie@gmail.com to share your happy activities. Let's shake things up!
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So what makes you happy? What leaves you with a smile that comes from within and shows on your beautiful face? Is it dancing, walking, doing puzzles, reading, doing yoga, meditation, prayer, playing with your children, volunteering, date night, going out with friends you haven't seen in a while, vacation etc? It is different for everyone. I feel a responsibility to ensure YOU find happiness from within. As an exercise, let me know what activities give you a lift. Let's get interactive here. When we identify those things which make you happy, you will want to do them over and over again.
Julie and Hubby, Mark Sailing for Happy HeartBeats!
Sharing Our Happy HeartBeats Gives Even More Meaning to What We Love!
Share your Happy HeartBeats at http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp with Riley Kids. You will find your outlook on life changes. Instead of forcing on the negative news, you will be able to watch it once, take it in, and go on with your day. It doesn't mean we forget what happens in the world. Happy HeartBeats make the world a smaller place connecting us together though shared Happy HeartBeats. The number represents all of us contributing our Happy HeartBeats while doing what makes us happy. How wonderful to know that many others were doing something in any given day that you were, then share those who need it most. We don't know from where those HeartBeats originate, but we do know that we are connected with others around the world for one common interest, sharing our happiness with others.
Something has been tugging at my heart strings for a while that I'd like to share. Being Spokes Person for Happy HeartBeats is truly an honor. Sharing happiness echoes what Happy HeartBeats empowers us all to do. As those who face any challenges, I'm sure you've probably surmised it's not always been sunshine and roses growing up with a birth defect and having so many surgeries, with a continuing journey. Being happy isn't about wearing a smile to convince yourself you're happy. Happiness is being authentic and honestly representing yourself. For example, I do have my bad days. It's normal and natural. I even sometimes get grumpy :) For me, it's been important to be able to just verbalize, "Today is a bad pain day," or recognize what struggles I'm facing. It's taken many years to realize it's not complaining, rather it's being fair to those around me to be honest about what I'm feeling. We cannot expect others to read our minds. It will get lonely not opening up to others.
In college I realized that I couldn't just pretend any of "this" was happening to me, life with Sacral Agenesis. You'd think my first clue would have been having more surgeries than I am old but I'm really head strong. I wanted to think that I could do anything and push through whatever pain there was. Well, when I was a junior in college I was put in a wheelchair and, at the time, they said "forever." I freaked out. It really took until I was 21 to actually accept that what I had been living was extraordinarily different than most. Now I use my really cool wheel chair for distances and walk in the house and sometimes use my walker when I go out, depending on my energy. I learned that pushing through was only going to hurt ME, physically. My whole life I was no different than others, as far as I could see. Life is about adaption and that's what I do very naturally. We can still achieve what we set our minds to, we just take different paths to reach the finish line. It was the year I will never forget because I started opening up and sharing my feelings.
It's wonderful to be happy and comfortable with where I am, in life. I do believe there is a silver lining in everything, even on days it's most difficult to see. It will show itself. Sure, maybe it needs to polished, but it's there. I realize that in order to be the best Spokes Person leading others to find what makes them happy, I needed to share what I've learned. Life's journey is bumpy with detours and winding roads. It's important to roll down the windows, let the wind blow through your hair and sing along to what's on the radio. With the "speed bumps" life places in our path, doesn't it feel better to have someone or some way to cope. Armed with people, activities or moments that bring our soul joy ensures we always take the exit to optimism.
Here we are full circle. What makes YOU happy!! I look forward to hearing what those activities are. It's nice to know we are not alone in life and Happy HeartBeats provides a hypothetical journal of activities leading us to innate happiness. Comment on the blog to share your activities in life that bring you happiness. It's getting back to the basics in a hectic world. Isn't it so neat that the world is a community built on happy experiences shared with each other? I look forward to hearing from you this week. Also if it's difficult to leave a comment, email me at hemkerjulie@gmail.com to share your happy activities. Let's shake things up!
My Friend Walks Her Dogs and Shares Her and Their Happy HeartBeats to Riley Kids!
Thank you for sharing your compassion and motivating others to get involved!!
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