CHRISTMAS DAY - 2007

While there is time, Lord, May I use it well,

Tis gone in a moment,

One can never tell Which day is our last one,

With so much to do, All must be in order,

When summoned by You.

 

While there is time, Lord, And life is my own,

Let me bring gladness To someone alone.

Renew a small hope, Rekindle a dream,

For shadows are never As dark as they seem.

 

While there is time, Lord, Let me not waste

The chances You give me, I cannot replace.

Lend me Your wisdom, That I may learn

To give of myself, Nor ask a return.

 

Let me be gentle, Keep my words kind,

In spite of the worries, Crossing my mind.

And when at long last, Life's sun starts to set,

Let me have never

A cause to regret.

Grace E. Easley

 

WHILE THERE IS TIME...

I have some wonderful memories of our family celebration this year.  I did my best to make it a happy one for all and I enjoyed all the work of shopping and wrapping to give it all too !

 

Next year will be different though, I say.  But as I reflect this Christmas Day, who knows if I or they will be here next year.  The only time we are ever sure of is now.  I'm here now .  They are there now. 

 

LET ME BRING GLADNESS

LET ME BE GENTLE

LET ME HAVE CAUSE NEVER TO REGRET

 

These words are my prayer...as I grow older

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Words written from my heart to yours,

Pam (mostly known as 'MA')

 

 

Lovely graphics by:

DS#6

@littlerainey.com

 

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_3

Reflections and more....

START WITH YOURSELF

Author Unknown

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But, it too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

The above words are said to be written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the crypts of Westminster Abbey in London, England.

Didn’t we all have dreams that went unfulfilled and didn’t we all say words that we’d eat later on.

I remember saying my children would never do that….and they did. My husband and I were going to travel the countryside when he retired…and he died way before retirement came.

It’s good to make plans and to try to do the best we can, but if God has other plans, they will happen for sure.

The thing we don’t see in the here and now is the results of those plans he has for us. As I go along day to day I do try to make it the best I can, trying always to be flexible when the unexpected comes along.

I think ‘What surprises will there be today? The good Lord only knows.

In the news this week I read the following article:

'First' Baby Boomer Seeks Social Security Benefits The Nation's "FIRST" baby boomer applied for Social Security benefits Monday (October 15, 2007), part of an expected avalanche of applications from the post-World War II war generation. An estimated 10,000 people a day will become eligible for Social Security benefits over the next two decades

I still have a little way to go before the SS starts for me. I could have retired at the age of 60 with the Widow’s benefits I’d get from my husband but the great cost of health insurance keeps me working.

There are many days however, that I think I really don’t need that insurance after all. I’m healthy and never use it anyway. This is something I’m weighing over in my mind. I would love to quit working, but I’d never want to be a burden to my family, so I keep on going off to work each day.

Maturity means being emotionally and mentally healthy. It is that time when you know when to say yes, when to say no, and when to say WHOOPEE!

Hopefully I’ll be saying the big WHOPPEE soon.

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam (Mostly known as ‘Ma”)

 

 

 

graphics by:  www.sherylsgraphics.com

 

 

 

 

Tags: maturity, whoppee

ENTHUSIASM AND ADVICE

Time cannot be halted

In its swift and endless flight

For age is sure to follow youth

Like day comes after night.

Helen Steiner Rice

Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.

Psalm 71:9 NIV

My still young soul is having problems with my rapidly aging body again. It seems that just when I have it all together, I find I’m not at all together.

It seems to me that if we all can remember to just love then we will be living the way we were meant to live.

If we all can remember to just love then we will be doing what God wants us to do.

 If we all can remember to just love then it will not matter how many times we forget to dust or buy a loaf of bread.

It is what we are here for. It is what we are made for.

When we lose track of the "why" behind the "what" of each day. We don't have a way of prioritizing and ordering our task lists and our life's goals. We become buried under an avalanche of "to do's" and appointments without a reason or purpose for the whole burdensome schedule

For quite a few years now I’ve learned to put my trust in God for what is needed in my life. The tragic death of my DDH left me without much of anything. I had children to support and raise and I had a very low paying job. The wonderful thing is that God has always provided.

In coming to know Him better, we will find Him gently nudging us, revealing new insights to us, and opening doors of opportunity for us.  Being rooted in faith gave me the strength needed to heal and recover from the adversities I faced I constantly look for ways to lift my self up when ever I feel down. But the devotionals, articles, and even books by my favorite authors -- are only supplemental

Believe that you deserve to be happy right now. Do not defer happiness a moment longer. Find joy in what you do every day

Let's appreciate our blessings and treasure them -- those that come to us, big and small, verbal and non-verbal. Let's not forget to thank those who blessed us with these treasures and let's share these same kinds of treasures with others

They say that women who know and practice their beliefs are more comfortable with who they are and the purpose for their lives.The more defined your values and ideals are the more committed you’ll be to living up to them. I’m hoping that as I grow older, I’ll be able live up to those principals more and more.

Some people are working backstage,

some are playing in the orchestra,

some are on-stage singing,

some are in the audience as critics

and some are there to applaud.

Know who and where you are.

Author Unknown

Just because it has taken a long time, or because you’ve tried and failed, don’t give up on those dreams. Every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God not only put it there, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass.

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

 Pam (mostly known as MA)

 

 

graphics by:  www.untilthengraphics.com

 

With the Good Lord's Help

Yesterday is a cancelled cheque.

Tomorrow is a promissory note.

Today is the only cash you have, so spend it wisely.

Kay Lyons

Each day is a small fragment of a lifetime. We can't return to the past except within our memories. We don't know what the future holds for any of us. The only time we can spend is today and the only time we can touch is right now. It might seem an oversimplification but so many are either stuck in the past or immersed in what the future might bring.

It would seem that today is sometimes forgotten! The best starting point is to see today as God's gift to us. We are invited to use all that's been given to us to enrich our lives, physically, emotionally and spiritually. If we can give all three of these an honest go, then we are indeed living life to its fullest. We are also doing what God wants each of us to do.

Thought For Today by Fr.James McSweeney

I love the reflections of Fr. McSweeny. He always blesses my morning with some very wise thoughts. I try to dwell on all this is uplifting and encouraging and rarely watch TV or the News programs because so much bad is promoted in them. I choose to center in on the good news and that is rarely found on TV.

In order to ‘Bloom Where I am Planted’ I try to share my joy of each day and my belief in God with others each morning. Sometimes I think my efforts are in vain, but with the good Lord’s help every now and then I’m rewarded by someone that has been helped with some of the words I share each day.

 In this journal I hope to help someone that, like my self, is aging and wondering what this new stage of our lives may bring. Finding my self in a completely different set of circumstances than I’ve ever known before is challenging and I can only hope to do whatever is sent my way each day and to be able to thank our dear Lord for it.

A person is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.

John Barrymore (1882 - 1942)

We smile at the jokes: "You know you're getting older when you and your teeth don't sleep together" or "You look like your driver's license picture" or "Your knees buckle, but your belt won't." However there are many who allow the years to wear them down until they are searching for something, but have no hope for the future.

Keep your sense of humor and laugh at the jokes, even if they're all too true. It may take you two or three tries to get out of that chair, but with positive faith, you can stay younger than springtime in your soul.

Some people grow up and spread cheer. Others merely grow and spread.

Lord, help me to be an encourager and to be ever grateful for this life you have given me.

Written from my heart to yours,

Pam (mostly known as MA)

BALANCE AND TIDBITS

A BALANCED LIFE

My life has been balanced with pleasures and trials,

I've had many teardrops and thousands of smiles.

I've soared to the moon and I've plunged to the sand,

My life has been balanced by God's loving hand.

I've had many friendships I've had a few foes,

In the life of a Christian that's the way that it goes.

Should I just accept only good from God's hands?

No, I must endure whatever He plans.

But I can be sure and you can be, too,

All things work for best as God deals with you.

Author Unknown

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I gathered a bit of this and that this week.  Things all with a postive message for us as we grow older....

 

When the time comes for us to let go of the creations of our middle lives (our families etc.) , we are like a tree in autumn dropping leaves as we release our past attachments and preparing for a new phase of growth.

The children move on, and careers shift or end. The lines on our faces, the stretch marks, and the gray hairs are beautiful testaments to the fullness of our experience.

 In the winter of our lives, we become stripped down to our essence like a tree. We may become more radiant than ever at this stage, because our inner light shines

Sometimes it is difficult to do but I like to think about the quote; "Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive" by Elbert Hubbard He actually nails it right there. It is a good idea to dwell on that adage now and then when you find yourself getting all worked up about the future or feeling regret about what could have been. Does it really matter?

As they say, "You have to see the funny side of it otherwise it gets you down". Those who enjoy long, fruitful lives often feel that they have a reason to live and a purpose that they are meant to fulfill.

This is different for every person, because each of us is unique Begin with what brings you joy and helps you to feel a part of the whole. Know that it is never too late to begin doing what you love and to cultivate listening more to your inner wisdom than to external shoulds

Learning to flow with life is essential for your well-being. No matter how healthfully you eat or how much you exercise, if you are chronically stressed your body and your mind will suffer, and your enjoyment of life will be dramatically dimin­ished Your mind plays a critical role in not only your mental health, but in your physical well-being.

There are many ways to nourish a positive attitude, including consciously cultivating gratitude. Feed your spirit daily in simple ways such as spending time in nature, being with family and friends whom you enjoy, and meditation. Discover what feels good to you, and do it every day.

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential.

Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do

 Pope John Paul XXIII

Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself, or from holding certain views which others find inadmissible.

C G Jung - Memories, Dreams, Reflections. - Retrospect.

The Wonder Years . . .

When we wonder how we got this old and why we didn't save for a facelift!

 

Keep smiling!

The luscious plum forgot to . . .

and it became a wrinkled prune!

 

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam ( mostly known as MA)

A FEW THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

 

Our years, our lines, our scars are part of who we are. They should be a matter of comfort and pride and even our joy. Happiness eludes us when we feel embarrassed, guilty, or even shy about any part of who we are.

I am pushing 64 I have lived 63 years of happiness.

I have survived 63 years of challenges.

I have experienced 63 ears of personal growth I have learned so many life lessons from 63 trips around the sun. (I have much more to learn, so God, please let me live another 20!)

I am aging gracefully.

I have thrived, mostly, during 63 years. And I am proud of every one of those years.

Many of us have a deep unease about our age and our aging -- an unease that can hold back our self-esteem and our happiness.

Let nothing disturb thee;

Let nothing dismay thee;

All thing pass;

God never changes

Patience attains

All that it strives for.

He who has God

Finds he lacks nothing:

God alone suffices.

Saint Teresa of Avila

Being healthy is important, but in times when we may be facing diminishing mental, emotional, psychological capacity, it’s important to have hobbies and activities that make you happy.

It’s also important to carry as little emotional burden as possible .

O God, calm my anxious heart. Silence the voices that clamor for me to judge between people, as though I could. Give me an accepting spirit that honors Christ.

 Amen.

I’m trying to deal with my issues as they come up and let go as soon as possible. Resolve my hurt, if not with the other person, then at least in my own heart and be grateful it’s not worse.

How to stay young:

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay “them.”

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s.

 4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

How can we be sure that everything will turn out right from the cradle to the grave, insuring that we make it into the afterlife?

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, “Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea,” (Matthew 18:1-6).

 

Words truly wirtten from my heart to yours,

Pam (mostly known as MA)

 

 

 

www/utilthengraphics.com

 

NOT DEAD YET, GRAVITY, POSSIBILITIES AND SEASONS

An older couple is lying in bed one morning, having just awakened from a good night's sleep. He takes her hand and she responds, "Don't touch me."

"Why not?" he asks. She answers back, "Because I'm dead." The husband says, "What are you talking about? We're both lying here in bed together and talking to one another."

She says, "No, I'm definitely dead." He insists, "You're not dead. What in the world makes you think you're dead?"

"Because I woke up this morning and nothing hurts."

Author Unknown

I’ve had one of those weeks when my old body just didn’t want to get up and go. Every morning I’d wonder why I wasn’t with it, where did my energy go? Finally Friday morning on my way to work, I noticed I was truly awake and feeling great. Whatever had me so down the first part of the week was gone. What a relief. The smallest task that earlier was just to much for me all of the sudden seemed very easy.

Every person on this planet is constantly under the influence of a powerful limiting force called gravity. Gravity makes difficult the lifting and movement of massive objects. It makes our feet tired and actually causes us to become shorter as we age.

Although gravity is a powerful limitation, we would not want to be without it. As fun as it might appear to fly in space and frolic free of gravity, the absence of gravitational force yields its own set of very difficult problems. With no gravity, you'd have to tie down all of your furniture, food crumbs would migrate to every corner of your house, your computer's mouse would wander off, and you'd never be able to fill your bathtub for a warm, relaxing soak.

Gravity, as limiting as it is, also makes many things possible, including the very existence and stability of the planet. So it is with every limitation we face. We can never hope to be free of limitations, nor would we want to be. Many ofthe things which appear to limit us in some ways, actually support us in other ways. Every great thing that has ever been accomplished, has been done by people with limitations.

Rather than wishing for a life free of limitations, let your limitations give you strength

Ralph Marston

I’ve noticed that I’ve been using my age as an excuse for what I don’t do. Limiting my self to things that I know I can do well and forgetting about learning new things. Challenges are put on the back shelf and not thought about again. I really don’t want to grow stale and behind the times. I used to welcome new tasks and loved learning new things. Now I find it very hard to find a new interest. It can’t be that there is nothing new that I would enjoy??. I must not be looking in the right places.

Possibilities

Life's filled with possibilities that challenge us each day To take a chance, try something new see things a different way And its thru these special moments that we learn to change and grow To explore the special gift of who we are and what we know For its not until we try that we find out what we can do So don't wait until Tomorrow to discover something New

Author Unknown

If you're not in your winter yet... let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! For remember that scripture?... our life is but a vapor, it vanishes away... So, do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! Life is God's gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to God. Make it a fantastic one

Words truly written  from my heart to yours…

Pam ( mostly known as MA)

AS WE MATURE...

Autumn to winter, winter to spring,

Spring into summer, summer into fall--

So rolls the changing year, and so we change;

Motion so swift, we know not that we move.

Dinah Mulock Craik

 

WORDS TO LIVE BY AS WE MATURE:

One of life's mysteries is how a two-pound box of candy can make a person gain five pounds.

Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.

Life not only begins at forty, it begins to show.

Amazing! You just hang something in your closet for a while, and it shrinks two sizes.

It is bad to suppress laughter; it goes back down and spreads to your hips.

Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but she can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake.

If at first you don't succeed, see if the loser gets anything.

Stress reducer: Put a bag on your head. Mark it "Closed for remodeling." . . . . caution - leave air holes.

I am beginning to believe that all the WORDS above are to be believed. Life never ceases to amaze me. We can choose to bogged down by it or to accept it and move on. I’m all for moving on to better and brighter days for sure.

 

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

Mark Twain

In my heart I’m still the same romantic girl that I was 40 years ago The dreams and hopes that I had then were fulfilled and I’m so thankful for them, but I haven’t given up, I still have the belief that life is good and that we do have a purpose each day. I always anticipate joy every morning as a new day begins.

 

God gave us memories, that we might have June roses in the December of our lives. 

 James Barrie

I am very careful when choosing the memories I think about. There were so many good ones that it’s not so hard to pick and choose which I want to remember. Of course I had some bad times, but they have been left behind where they belong. I will not drag them up from the depths and relive them over and over. Why would I want to dwell on misery…it’s done and overwith. Thank the good Lord.

"The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions."

There are exceptions to every rule. The rules my parents lived by are not always the rules I have lived by. My house was never renowned for being a show place, it was only known to be a home. House work is never done, as we allknow, things keep needing to replaced and repaired. Old things wear out and new things take their place. Rules are made to be broken, if we have the wisdom to be aware of the time to do so.

You can't turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again.

Bonnie Prudden

That’s what I do each and every day. I wind up this old body and go again, I often need a little oiling and TLC. I try to be good to my self and do only the things that are important. I’ve discovered that my parts and pieces are wearing out and if I don’t treat them gently, they are not going to last . Many demands are placed upon me that often stretch my limits and often I thank the good Lord for the strength He alone provides…Physically, mentally and spiritually.

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam ( otherwise known as MA)

 

CELEBRATING TODAY

Often when struggling to make some major change in life, whether elected or enforced, some remark that if they truly had faith, or really were mature, they would be able to do this so much better. ‘Better’ almost always meant quicker, if not instantly.

Yet when our Scriptures present the Almighty One creating, they make it clear that he does not do so in the blink of an eye. Creating takes time. Even the Lord had to take time or give time to put a world together

Maturing In Wisdom & Grace

As the years have gone by I’ve realized that yes, all of my prayers have been answered. They haven’t been the answers I’ve expected. They’ve surprised me over and over, but they have been answered and in God’s own time

Time is swift, it races by;

Opportunities are born and die…

Still you wait and will not try—

A bird with wings who dares not rise and fly

A.A. Milne

 No, you can not sit on your fanny and expect things to happen. With the good Lord’s grace I’ve perservered and never given up. Getting up to greet each day and still be filled with the wonder of it is a blessing

TIME MANAGEMENT

Something will master and something will serve. Either you run the day or the day runs you; either you run the business or the business runs you.

Learn how to separate the majors and the minors. A lot of people don’t do well simply because they major in minor things.

Don’t mistake movement for achievement. It’s easy to get faked out by being busy. The question is: Busy doing what? Days are expensive.

When you spend a day you have one less day to spend. So make sure you spend each one wisely. Sometimes you need to stay in touch but be out of reach.

Time is our most valuable asset, yet we tend to waste it, kill it, and spend it rather than invest it. We can no more afford to spend major time on minor things than we can to spend minor time on major things.

Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time. Never begin the day until it is finished on paper.

Learn how to say no. Don’t let your mouth overload your back.

Time is the best-kept secret of the rich.

Jim Rohn

If nothing else I’ve learned to value time…it goes way to fast and if I get an offer to celebrate with some one…no matter if it’s only to celebrate the fact that we’ve made it through another day, I’ll gladly party with them.

American President Woodrow Wilson once pointed out that "a man’s rootage is more important than his leafage." What others see are the leaves, the outside. What they can’t see are the roots, the values and principles that ground a person.

 Character is grown from a good system of roots.… People of character live from the inside out. Their convictions guide their actions. Their principles govern their lives. People of character have both the strength and grace to give their best to the world.

To their enemy they give forgiveness. To an outsider, understanding. To a friend, their heart. To their children, a good example. To their mates, faithfulness. To their parents, respect. To themselves, gentleness. To all people, kindness. Strong roots produce a strong character. And a strong character is needed to give one’s best to life.

When the tree’s roots are well tended, the leaves will be full and healthy.

Steve Goodie

I’ve got some very strong roots. I’m rooted in faith and love. When nothing else can help, my faith does. When no one else can give me love, my Lord does. I never feel alone or useless as I know that God has a plan and I’m part of it.

Men are like wine - some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.

Pope John XXIII

First old man: 'You want to go for a walk?'

Second old man: 'Isn't it windy?'

First old man: 'No, it's Thursday.'

Second old man: 'Me, too. Let's go get a soda.'

Im ending with a little humor for you today, we must remember to laugh it is a blessing for the soul

Words truly written from my heart to yours…

MA

 

 

graphics by: 

  www.creativeladiesministries.com

 

Remembering...and perservering

Pray Until Something Happens

Age is something that is of life long interest to us all. Whether we are counting the day until we will be old enough for something or thinking about the days we may or may not have left, we are interested in age.

Mary’s 12 year old daughter asked her, "Mom, do you have a baby picture of yourself? I need it for a school project." She gave her one without thinking to ask what the project was.

A few days later Mary was in her daughter’s classroom for a parent-teacher meeting when she noticed her face pinned to a mural the students had created. The title of their project was "The oldest thing in my house.”

No matter where you are and what you face, remember your God and celebrate your faith in him through song. No matter what has you in its grip, remember that the Father's grip is stronger and that he will carry you home.

Committing to change is one thing, actually changing is entirely something else We must realize that it is up to ourselves to stay motivated. Now is not the time to quit we must ‘go the extra mile’ if we are to keep the flame alive in order to accomplish our plans.

When we think of a princess , we tend to think of little girls, but there is a princess inside each and every one of us. We need to turn back the clock sometimes and remember that little girl that still lives deep inside of us. Remember how she would look in the mirror and dream of so many wonderful things? We can still be that little princess and we still are the strong independent and joyful persons we once were but somehow lost our way.

And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

Esther was a beautiful young maiden in a foreign land who found herself chosen to be the wife of King Xerxes, a powerful and sometimes cruel monarch. There came a time when the king planned to kill all of Esther's people and her uncle pled with her to speak with the king about this. He told her that it was possible that she had been placed where she was for "such a time as this."

When we trust God and keep our eyes open and our spirits high, we can recognize and take advantage of that opportunity.

Faith leads us beyond ourselves. It leads us directly to God.

Pope John Paul II

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam (other wise known as MA)

Tags: faith, princess,

 

MY AFFLICTION

Thought I'd let my doctor check me

Cause I didn't feel quite right. . .

All those aches and pains annoyed me

And I couldn't sleep at night.

He could find no real disorder

But he wouldn't let it rest

What with Medicare and Blue Cross,

We would do a couple tests.

To the hospital he sent me

Though I didn't feel that bad,

He arranged for them to give me

Every test that could be had.

I was fluoroscoped and cystoscoped,

My aging frame displayed

Stripped, on an ice cold table,

While my gizzards were x-rayed.

I was checked for worms and parasites,

For fungus and the crud,

While they pierced me with long needles

Taking samples of my blood.

Doctors came to check me over,

Probed and pushed and poked around,

And to make sure I was living

They then wired me for sound.

They have finally concluded

(Their results have filled a page)

What I have will someday kill me;

My affliction is OLD AGE.

Author Unknown

Dear Ones,

I don't have medicare yet, but I thought this verse was appropriate as surely as we live we will all get old and die one day.

The 4th of July I sat down and went through all my Dad’s important papers for the meeting my sisters and I had with his lawyer the following day . I really disliked that job. Then if that wasn’t bad enough, I had to make a list of all the questions I need to ask.

We now have a house to sell along with all it’s contents, but before we can do that, we have to go through everything and make sure to remove all the personal items. Years of accumulated memories will be gone over again and again I know all this is going to be difficult to say the least. It is a task that will not be over for awhile yet.

The two important things I did learn were that you are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and that the most difficult part of any endeavor is taking the first step, making the first decision.

Robyn Davidson

Since I’m working full time, my sisters are doing a lot of the work. I spent this past Sunday afternoon there at Dad’s but had to quit so I could get home and ready for a new work week once more.

I hope to be able to take some extra days off so I can be of more help, but this is also our busiest season at work and if I do take off, I’ll really be putting a load on myself at work too.

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.

Peter Marshall

As I’m getting older the things I do have slowed down considerably, but we just have to make the most of what we have. Age does have benefits but sometimes they don’t out way the energy we had when we were younger..

We have the guidance of memory that often routes us around trouble. We are coming to terms with our limits, and mainly celebrate what we can do.

We like ourselves more than we expected. We are getting better at trusting our own tastes and preferences. We appreciate the free dom to indulge in our interests, new and old. And a grateful heart lets us take pleasure where we find it.

Words truly written from from my heart to yours,

Pam