Hard Lesson

March 2012, was the beginning of a very hard lesson.  My mother is fighting stage 4 lung cancer and the doctors say it is a matter of months. 

Have I mentioned, this lesson is a hard lesson! 

You always, always know everyone born is going to die one day, but it just isn't something you want to happen.

Here is your lesson...I hope!

If your grandparents, parents or siblings are still alive, spend time with them.  Talk about the family history, what was special about their childhood, what movies they like, or even just sit in the room with them.   This is the harder time in your life, but one of the most rewarding times too. 

Don't be a baby and say "I'm mad at them... they always criticize me... I have a game to go to... they'll be there next weekend" such EXCUSES will come back to simmer during those lovely "pity party" days in the future.  If you are truthful with yourself you are just trying to justify not taking your precious time out of your precious schedule to include someone you should honor.  Yep, there might be times when you don’t ‘love’ your family much, but you are to honor them.

Put on your big girl or boy panties and go see those people that you love, respect, and possibly disappoint you - even if they tell you things like “you must have gained weight since the last time I saw you” (yes, my grandmother said that… a lot - even when I lost weight! haha).  OH, don’t be sad for me, I have precious memories of her too - like teaching all us grandkids (boys too) how to make pies and count back change.  She was a practical woman you see.

My mom, well, she is teaching me how to go out being faithful to God.  She is teaching 2 Bible study classes a week AND teaching a one-on-one class with her cousin while taking pain meds and using oxygen.  Time with those she loves - sharing the one she loves the most.  Mom has it right! 

So this hard lesson is one EACH OF US WILL FACE personally and thru others.  ARE YOU READY?

One last thought - let people know they mean something to you while they are alive, not in a casket.  Send that card or arrangement of flowers while they can understand that they have an impact on another person's life.  It won't hurt you and it will thrill them!

More another day -
Tess

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Thanksgiving week -

We adults frequently complicate simple concepts.  For example; What are you Thankful for?  We analyze and try to determine the politically correct answer, or the answer that gets us the most "good guy" high fives.  Children keep it simple - when asking three kids Sunday what they were thankful for the answers were simple - my family; baseball; that I have a house to live in and am not living on the street.  My heart broke at the last response because that little girl is just 6 1/2 years young and even knows about such a life. 

Take the time this week to maybe not identify everything you are thankful for - but the things you do have... a job, a roof over your head, an invitation to dinner, $1 in your pocket, gas and electric bills, children to help you laugh or play a game with you.

Silouette Cameo give away!

Get over to Tatertots & Jello and sign up to win one of the NEW Silouettes - it is the cameo and has a 12" feed slot!  whoop!

Game day!

Yes, it is once again the weekend and we have games everywhere for every age! 

Living in Oklahoma we have the college games that demand our attention (no pro football here).  OU, OSU, and TU - GO TEAMS!


What excitement around here this week with OU and Texas in battle - anticipation - snide remarks - colors flying - all over kids running up and down a field.

I am writing this and listening to the song "I could Sing of your Love forever" and, well, there is no comparison of celebrating a football game and celebrating God.  Football is a game for a few hours here on earth and God is forever in heaven.  People, I encourage you to get excited about God - then you celebrate forever!

Have a great weekend all!

How embarresed I am!

I should really pay attention to my blog - BIG life lesson - time slips away...one blink and a huge amount is just, well, gone. 


How can we prevent the loss of time?  Simple - Car Pa Diem ~ Seize the day ! My pastor's sermon this coming week is this....
        You have one week to live...what will you do?


I am a cancer survivor and that question has entered my mind several times.  What will I do?  I will take the time to smell the roses ~ twirl in the middle of the yard ~ run in the rain and let my hair go flat ~ have my granddaughter over even when I think I can't possibly handle the stress; One day I will not have stress any longer.

Obviously, I've forgotten how easily you can neglect something that was once important to you ~ something you had great plans for ~ something that was going to be that story line when you left this mortal earthly ball. 

May my intentions be put back in action soon!  Ha Ha - there's a "ready & waiting" failure statement if I ever wrote one.

Do stop and ask yourself - does this really need me to stress out over the situation?  Do I really have to "take care of" that thing? 


Go bake a cookie and then eat it!

Until the next time...

Really!

I pulled up my blog today and was in shock at the amount of time that has slipped by since I last said hello!   Almost a whole month has slipped past.   In my defense ... we did have two holidays and I was down sick for a week... but still ~ wow!

So, here's a life lesson - time moves on even when we do not. 

The things I worried about last month I can't remember this month.

The sun shines even behind clouds or when you are sleeping at noon.

Spend ten minutes every day choosing one thing to do that will simplify your life.

Send a friendly greeting to one person every day.

Until next post -
Tess