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.

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!

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?

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. 

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!!

What is "Normal" Anway?

Thinking back on the past week so much has happened! There is one thing I keep thinking about...what is "normal?"  There is no real "normal" or we would all be the same. I've contimplated living this life as a very, very proud Riley Kid and how everything always seemed "normal" and ordinary.  Now suddenly it appears to others it's not so ordinary and hopefully inspires and gives hope.  That truly humbles me. 

Honestly my family and I never had round table talks about what was going on surgery, after surgery, after surgery, all the time missed from school, prescious time away from my siblings etc. We just made it through day by day as does everyone. What was "normal" for us was survival.

Happy HeartBeats has allowed me the opportunity to blog, which has sparked conversations with my family.  We are re-discovering one another in such a different light. My sister and I have started talking about what we all experienced.  It's great that my parents always enstilled confidence, in my siblings, that I would be okay to minimize their stress.  Now as I've gotten older and continue to hit "speed bumps" which knock me down, my siblings worry more (because they uderstand more), but they always know I'll get back up again.  I always made it through some really tedious surgeries but with the expertise of skilled Riley surgeons and their loving care.

 Last week's guest blogger, my Mom, was fantastic.  Her words are so  heart warming.  To hear her story and what my parents were doing , to maintain "balance" within our family unit to ensure none of us experienced hard ship is amazing.  My parents are even more heroes.  Like wise, my Mom hears what I've experienced now, in this blog and learns more about me.  It's bringing us even closer.  My Mom and I have a unique and very close relationship.  She was my rock and is my hero.  

Life for my twin brother Charlie and I was amazing. We played each day until sun down. We enjoyed running and engaging in creative play, going on "adventures" in the creek behind our house.  With Charlie, I was never different.  If the rocks weren't close enough for me to get across the creek, he innately placed extras for me to step on to cross without falling.  He still calls to check on me and he will always have my back!

Looking back, our family life was so ordinary.  We had a pool and all the kids hung out at our house.  It was so fun. I rode dirt bikes with the guys as I was the only girl our age in the neighborhood.  I was a classic tom boy.  I got more dirty than Charlie did and we wrestled and played so hard. In the summer, my brother, sister and I rode our bikes to swim team in the morning and then back home to do chores, then play, then back to swim team.  In the winterwe did swim team and weekend meets.  We were all three competitive swimmers.  This was great since it's what kept me walking and strong. I do remember swimming in the next level up because I was a really fast for my age group.  We would all step on our diving blocks, check each other out and all the girls would look at me as if to say, "Oh she's so tiny, there's no way she'll win."  I loved this because I knew that yes, I was very tiny but very fast.  So winning was a little lesson to not judge by appearences. 

In the hospital, I missed many days of school.  They had teachers, so if you could get out of bed you had to go to "school" on the floor.  The teacher taught what was sent from each child's school. I never had tudors.  School was my outlet. I studied and always excelled in education. It was my "thing."  I always wanted to be accomplished and well read like the doctors treating me.  Perhaps, I dreamed, I could help someone else one day like these doctors, residents, nurses etc. were doing for me.

Then there were all my doctor's appointments.  When I'd have my annual Urology exams my "token", if you will, was the huge syringe they used to inject the dye into my arm for the X-Ray study of my kidneys.   This was always exciting for me because I just thought about the distance those syringes got in family water fights.  So I made it through the painful tests, each year, thinking of who I was going to nail with water.  I still cannot be trusted near a water source.  My husband has learned this a couple times and always believes me when I say, "Okay, I'm done, let me just put down the hose."  Bam, I nail him in the face with full on water from the hose and since I can't run I get nailed but I LOVE water.  It's so fun. Our dog gets excited and we are all belly laughing! Laughter is the best outlet.

So...talking about the surgeries and what it was like isn't as easy as one would think.  Perhaps it's an acceptance of my Sacral Agenesis and owning, "I've been through a bit in my life."  Acceptance is an odd thing.  What I'm learning is that it's not admitting defeat because I have limitations.  Everyone has some kind of limitations.  What I do know is that I don't ever want to be considered "normal."  It's our differences that make relationships and life richer.

I am thankful for this life however ordinary or extraordinary it is.  Like I've said, my medical journey continues.  I have some chllenges right now, a Cerebral Spinal Fluid Leak and a Urology complication (not nearly as fun as the panty cake but hey maybe we'll have a party just cause)!  That's the way my family is. Celebrate everything you can since each moment is a gift, even when it's so hard to see the light at all.  For me, looking back on what I have over come gives me strength to get through current challenges.

Thank you Happy HeartBeats for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of a movement enstilling happiness and hope in others.  Happy HeartBeats inspires me to continue finding joy each day and sharing it with Riley Urology Kids (oh yea, that's me)!  As the number increases in the Happy HeartBeats Counter™ for Riley Urology Kids each day, it brings me hope and strength, even now at 37!  Continue counting your Happy HeartBeats for the countless families facing medical challenges and for me.  You ARE making a difference for so many families.  Thank you!!  Upload your Happy HeartBeats at http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp.  Continue making financial donations to Riley Urology, whatever your heart tells you, at http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp.

When you see a Riley Kid, you see a smile of strength, fortitude and hope!  It inspires.  Be the reason one more of us smiles :)  Your happiness means so much to us as well!  Enjoy engaging in positive, happy activity so we can share our positivity with others.

Give us all the chance to grow up and experience this:

June 3, 2000 Happies Day of my Life!

Thank You Riley for always taking care of me and getting me to this day and beyond!!

From A Mother's Eyes...

I would like to introduce myself to you…I am Charlotte Schild, Mom to Julie Hemker. This is the first time I have EVER written a blog entry. Julie invited me to be her guest blogger this week and of course I PROUDLY accepted. 

Being the parent of a precious child born with many physical challenges catches any parent off guard…in my case I was doubly caught off guard. My OB doctor NEVER suspected that I was pregnant with twins, as in the early 70's, ultrasounds weren't routinely done.  It was not until delivery I will ever forget those words spoken by my OB…" Oh my God! There is another one in there!" Life became a little more complicated and certainly challenging!!

Yes, Julie and her precious twin brother were quickly examined by the professionals and then wrapped /swaddled and placed in my arms - one on each side. It was at that moment that I fell in love with both of them. I had no idea any physical abnormalities could be present with my babies because this was the moment all parents eagerly await…holding their child for the first time. My point is that I didn’t meet a birth defect or abnormality…I was holding two precious creations!!!

Julie and her twin brother, Charlie, also had an older sibling, Terra, to add an extra spark in our family. Certainly keeping up with two siblings provided Julie with built-in playmates and an innate perception of not being different. Even with casts on her legs to correct her bilateral club feet Julie was able to walk around furniture with two artificially stable legs!! Keeping up with her brother/sister was a playful and at times a game of survival !!

There were a lot of MD appointments, worry, tears, financial constraints, challenges but we tried to keep the family unit as balanced as possible. If Charlie and Terra were on their little tricycles then Julie was on her wheeled circular arm propelled bike. Swimming was an activity made available to Julie through the Easter Seals Center where she received water therapy and developed her love of water. Again all three children were able to play together - Julie relying on her upper body strength to propel her through the water and her siblings kicking up a storm. Nothing seemed different at that time.

As Julie grew, more medical/surgical interventions were necessary and Riley Hospital became a place where doctors, nurses, therapists, cleaning and dietary staff, teachers, other parents - even the parking attendants - became an integral part of our lives. We never knew what lay ahead but trusted in the skillful surgeons to continue to improve Julie’s life.

In regards to Riley Urology, the dept was small with a few examination rooms, a restroom and a waiting area. Within that small space however the most loving, skillful and compassionate doctors and nurses worked together to help our kids. There was a sense of community amongst us - the nervous and anxious parents comforting our babies and children.

I saw miracles occur specifically with my daughter, Julie. Through several tedious and complicated surgeries , Julie finally transitioned into her very first pair of panties!!! We, as a family, joyfully celebrated that event with yes, a Panty Cake!  A perfect time for celebration!

It was through the endless hours the Urology doctors and nurses worked with such brilliance and wisdom that our kid’s lives have changed.

Remember…this is my first blog ever and in order to keep my reader’s interest peaked I would like to remain as an ongoing guest blogger - sharing my experiences as being the parent of a Riley child. That Riley child is now an adult woman, happily married to a wonderful young man. Julie continues to face physical challenges every day with that same innate determination and strength she had as a child.

Again…Julie is not a physical liability…she is an empowered strong woman wanting to help others!!!

Please make a monetary donation to the Urology Department of Riley Hospital at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/HappyJulieHemker/juliehemkersfundraisingpage. There may be another little girl out there who could be standing behind a Panty Cake with a smile on her face -celebrating a life change she will never forget.

Julie at her "Panty Party" 

I will never forget the extra sparkle in Julie's smile that day! Thank you Riley Urology!

Stay tuned, more to come….

　

Happy HeartBeats Why and How?

So, What are Happy HeartBeats?

A means for you to experience and engage with life in a positive way.  It decreases anxiety, leaving YOU happier and healthier.  Increase your quality of life. It's simple and free!

Activities for Happy HeartBeats:
*  Walking
*  Play Board Games
*  Family Night
*  Watch Your Favorite Movie
*  Listen to Music
*  Meditate
*  Pray
*  Eat Healthy
*  Walking your dog, take care of a baby (any activities caring for others you double your Happy HeartBeats because you are responsible for someone else's happiness!)
*  Enjoy the night sky
*  Enjoy the sunrise with cup of coffee
*  Hold hands with someone you love
*  Kiss in the rain
*  Whatever activity makes YOU happy and feel positive

Enjoy those activities that make you feel like you are in another world.  Scientific data supports that over time your heart beat will regulate to a more consistent pulse, and you will naturally find yourself doing those activities with repetition, inherently enjoying the activites which may have once seemed forced.  Happiness starts with YOU!  Once you experience joy that makes your soul dance with excitement and delight you will want to share that with others in need.

How Does Happy HeartBeats Work?

Estimate how many times your heart beats per minute.  For simplicity sake, let's say that your heart beats 100x/min x 60 min ( of activity) = 6,000 Happy HeartBeats.  How exciting, you just did an hour of activity that benefits you directly.  Endorphins are released in your brain and you feel, well, happy!  Now click on http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp where you login in the upper right hand corner (where the red banner is) and it says, "Are you a member yet?"  and "Login." You do not enter any personal data at all.  Just enter the Username and Password.

Username:  on
Password:   tap

This gives you access to the Happy HeartBeats Counter for Riley Kids Urology.  Here is where your Happy HeartBeats from doing a positive activity can help someone else.  Enter the number you "earned" and deposit it into the "bank" of Happy HeartBeats for Riley Kids Urology.  This number indicates how many positive activities were completed to share happiness and well being with those who need it most - our kids. 

Why Riley Urology?

Riley Hospital for Children has a World Renowned Urology Department.  It is the single most efficiently and effectively run clinic at the hospital and is serving as a model for all other clinics hospital wide.  Show them how much EVERYONE cares by sharing your daily Happy HeartBeats. The clinic over flowing with compassionate care givers and immense medical expertise needs our help to save kids.  "They" say, you can tell a lot about a society by how they treat their children.  Let's go down in history as a society who cares deeply, from the heart, for our kids.  Connect emotionally through sharing your Happy HeartBeats to show the kids, families, and medical staff they are not forgotten. Share your love to uplift those facing major battles every minute.  Riley Urology changes and saves lives.  Let's hold their hands and help them continue to do what they do.

Remember it's simple go to http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp The Happy HeartBeats Counter ™ for Riley Kids Urology.  Log in at the top in the red banner where it says, "Are you a Member?" and  "Login."  Click Login.

Username:  on
Password:   tap

Start today and donate 10000 Happy HeartBeats each day to empower those who need you! You make the difference.

What if I want to do more in conjuction with my Happy HeartBeats?

To continue building State of the Art treatments in Pediatric Urology including Oncology donate now at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/HappyJulieHemker/juliehemkersfundraisingpage.  With a compassionate heart filled, giving of any level helps Riley Urology obtain goals to increase their scope of treatments and expand research to develop new life saving procedures. 

So many lives have been changed and saved because of Riley Urology including my own life.  Riley Urology needs the emotional support from all of us and financial support to continue to soar as the Best!!

From Pampers to Panties

Hi!  I am Julie, proud to be a Riley Kid!  I was born with Complete Sacral Agenesis, a rare congenital neural tube birth defect where I am missing my entire sacrum and L5 of the spinal column.  This disorder manifests itself globally, impacting Urological, Neurological, Orthopedic function and more. Because I lack the nerve intervention from the waist down, I was incontinent until age 7.  Riley has always been an innovative leader in medicine and The Urology department is no exception.  At age 7, they implanted a new, at the time device, the Artificial Urinary Sphincter to control my bladder.  It required a couple surgeries to implant and I was the youngest during those early years to receive one.  It was wonderful.  I was dry!!!  I was able to wear "undies" like everyone else!!  We even had a "Panty Party" with a cake made in the shape of “undies” and I was so proud!  Over the years to follow it was replaced and several times and finally removed about 5 years ago.

Also I had a bladder augmentation when I was 13.  This is a reconstructive surgery where they used my intestines to enlarge my bladder so I could have normal bladder capacity since I was my bladder never developed beyond infant size. Again my life was changed completely!  I also have a neurogenic bladder where I live with painful spasms and pay close attention to completely empty so that my kidneys stay healthy while Riley Urology monitors this situation to keep me healthy.

Without Riley Urology's medical expertise, support and love I would not be the woman I am today. Countless other children would not have stories to tell because of treatment received from the Riley Urology team.  Riley Urology changes lives and gives freedom to children and their families. Thank you for holding me in your hand as you do each child you see! Sacral Agenesis has other medical implications. I grew up at Riley, having over 40 surgeries. My commitment to Riley is life-long as is my medical journey. Knowing what I have survived at Riley and also seeing the realities of life at a young age gives me the courage, strength and positivity to take on every challenge as an opportunity!

Be a part of the Riley family by supporting Riley Urology with a donation as well as uploading Happy HeartBeats to the Riley Urology Happy HeartBeats Counter™.  Riley Urology needs your help to continue saving our children. Share your financial donations at: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/HappyJulieHemker/juliehemkersfundraisingpage. Remember to share your Happy HeartBeats of compassion at: http://www.gtwyh.org/rileyurology/grouphome.asp.  Every Riley Kid needs to know they are loved by many.  Seeing the number climb as you engage in happy, healthy activities and sharing those Happy HeartBeats with us, empowers us to tackle the next obstacle knowing we have a "bank" of positive thoughts to energize us for each subsequent challenge.  It's a life long battle as is your happiness.  Sharing that happiness with Riley Urology Kids is a win/win where you become happier as do the kids with whom you share your Happy HeartBeats.

From Pampers to Panties thanks to Riley Urology!

Me smiling at my very own "Panty Party!" Thanks Mom, you always know what to do and say!

Emotional Disaster Relief

What is the Organization, Happy HeartBeats Counter™ anyway? Does it sound conceptual or like dreamers with a nice idea? I'll tell you what WE are. We provide the only digital outlet for the world to gather their Happy HeartBeats while engaging in positive activity and uploading them to our many different counters. "Why," you say?

Let's look at this past week for the mid section of the country. Devastating tornadoes ripped across our heart land destroying everything in their paths.  One of the largest storm of tornadoes in the history with 95 confirmed tornado touchdowns has left countless survivors with with tattered lives, loved ones lost and extreme loss of happiness especially the children.

Now, let's look at how a Happy HeartBeats Counter™ has meaning. Combined with efforts through The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, WISH TV8 and many more, Happy HeartBeats offers emotional support to the survivors rebuilding their lives. When they see the number of HeartBeats increasing daily their sense of hope rises. Financial donations are obvious, right?!!  The thousands of people on the front lines handing out food, water and tooth paste, setting up shelters, providing counseling to the survivors also need our love and support to get an emotional boost from around the world. Now taking that hour bike ride, meditating, reading a book, walking your dog and estimating those Happy HeartBeats, uploading them to the Happy HeartBeats Counter™ has purpose and value.

Our journey has many different paths as does life. Let's take "The Road Less Travelled" and be the positive change people need. Upload your Happy HeartBeats of compassion to tornado survivors now.  Each day share 10,000 Happy HeartBeats.  As in any tragedy, the immediate response is generous and overwhelming. Let's continue to support our neighbors who have lost everything. As we sit in our homes, watching T.V., planning meals for the week, finishing the chores, take one minute to share your Happy HeartBeats to those who are sleeping in shelters with only the clothes on their back.  They need US. 

We still feel a yearning to give more, share our empathy and concern.They need a huge group hug.  Hugs say what words cannot. It's another way to give to our friends in need.  Upload your Happy HeartBeats at http://www.gtwyh.org/tornadosurvivors/grouphome.asp  to show how much your care and let the survivors and volunteers know that we are not going anywhere. Let's stay together until the happiness to all returns. We are the Emotional Disaster Relief effort.  Combined with support from schools, congregations, businesses, corporate staff, and caring people like you let's start with tens of thousands of Happy HeartBeats on behalf of the tornado survivors and watch the number grow.

Follow #JuliesTornadoHug on Twitter.