The Miracle of Life

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Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born. I loved you. Before you were here an hour, I would die for you. This is the Miracle of Life.~author unknown

There is no greater love than the love we feel for our children. No one said that being a parent would be easy, there are so many challenges and there is no perfect manual to prepare you for the bumps along the way.  But in the end when you watch your children take that leap into the world, the one that tells you they no longer need you but simply love you and then in that perfect moment you think,
"What a journey. I wouldn't change a single tear, not a smile, a scraped knee, or breathless moment."

"Sometimes in the Winds of Change, we find our True Direction."

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sandralise_photography/7753437120/

~Author Unknown

As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself.  I've become my own friend.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it, if I choose to read, or play, on the computer, until 4 AM, or sleep until noon?  I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful.  But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken.  How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car?  But, broken hearts are what give us strength, and understanding, and compassion.  A heart never broken, is pristine, and sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I know I am sometimes forgetful.  But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, I eventually remember the important things.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.  So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old.  It has set me free.  I like the person I have become.  I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.  And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

~especially if it's apple pie which happens to be my favorite~

A True Love Story Never Ends

http://virtualfunzone.com/touching-love-story-unfortunately-without-happy-ending.html

Some people live together for a life time yet they don't live at all while others share a brief moment filled with more life than a lifetime can hold.

The Burden of a Tear Hangs from My Eye

http://www.123rf.com/photo_12892983_a-fallen-angel-or-child-angel-who-is-sad.html

Every child is a burning light, a gift from above. They do not belong to us, they belong to God entrusted to the world for safe keeping. We love them, nurture them, teach them, share incredible moments and our hearts are filled with the promise of many tomorrows. 

When God calls them home earlier than expected the light dims across the universe and we are left with the burden of tears hanging from our eyes.

Home for the Holidays!

http://www.scenicreflections.com/media/401927/snow_cottage_Wallpaper/

The was once a man who married a woman and they lived in this house.
Life was simple.
The house welcomed three children, extraordinary love, laughter,
tears, anger, joy and hope.
It held hockey bags, dance shoes, costumes, soccer equipment, suitcases, backpacks,
 and one happy dog.
 The time for high school came and went, universities were selected and graduations attended.
And the house grew quite again.
There was the man who married the woman and they were, once again, alone in the house.
When the soft snow of December came,bringing Christmas to their door, the house was again expanded  to  hold three children plus more, filled with love, laughter, family and three happy dogs.

Merry Christmas

Life is Either a Daring Adventure or Nothing!

 Whistler BC, breathtaking!

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. 

 Helen Keller http://www.brainyquote.com

Rescue Me!

You never soar so high as when you stoop down to help a child or an animal-Jewish Proverb

Have you ever wondered who your most dedicated friend is, the one who never judges you, who stands by you no matter what, who comforts you when you are sick, who lifts your spirit when you are sad, the one that greets you at the door after a long day at work. 

A few weeks ago, as we walked through the campus of Union College, we spotted this tiny little dog trotting alongside his owner. It was a bitter day but he was undaunted by the weather conditions as he frolicked in the remaining autumn leaves. He was so tiny we lost sight of him a few times. 

He eventually made his way to where we were standing. Liana bent over and scooped him up. Once he was nestled in her arms he began to lick her face. He was skin and bones, shaking as much from the cold as he was from the excitement of being held. 

"I rescued him from the shelter," his owner said. "They found him in an abandoned home, weighing only two pounds. His fur was gone. But he's much better now." 

Tears welled in our eyes. How could anyone do that? Sadly, these incidents happen everyday. Why not drop them off at shelter instead of abandoning them, without food, a home, and someone to love them. 

How do dogs trust people after being so mistreated?
You would think that they would be reluctant to be near humans.

Dogs are the teachers of  unconditional love.
People stand to learn so much from them..

There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays

The single most amazing thing about the holiday season is that it brings family and friends together. For a short time we all take a break from the madness of life and we celebrate our blessings.

Happy Holidays wherever you may be!

How Many People Would Sit Beside you on this Snow Covered Bench?

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=romantic+winter

When I looked at this photograph it made me feel lonely. The snow covered tree, the path devoid of footsteps, no birds, squirrels or people and I thought of this.

 If I asked you to sit on this bench and invite three people to sit beside you who would you pick? Then, I would narrow your choices by telling you that it had to be three people that you wished you had shared more time with, three people who you argued with, three people who made you think "what if...", three people who you forgot to say I loved you to. How full would your bench be? 

 I suppose the message would be to fill your bench with no regrets!

 Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice well. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regrets. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is. 

Mary Ann Radmacher