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.

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. 

A Smile Lights Up A Room

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

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.

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.



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 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."

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!

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. 

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!

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.

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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.

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.

Happy Mother's Day

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.