What I Love About Being A Grandmother
I love baking with the Grandchildren! I Love doing art projects, I love collecting leaves! I Love taking walks! I love sunsets! I LOVE the ocean!! Ilove snow! I love reading a good book! I love soaking in a jacuzzi! I love rainy days! I love holidays! I love the smell of Fall! I love seeing my Grandchildren grow! I love life!
The Beaded Bracelet
Around my stethoscope hangs a small dull beaded bracelet. It has been there for six years. I was given the bracelet by a little girl who lost her battle with cancer. Whenever I look at the dull beads I am reminded of Alexanne, and what she brought into my life.
I cared for Alexanne over a two year period of time. I saw her loose a kidney, have her leg amputated, and held the bucket when she threw up after her chemotherapy. I was there for her blood transfusions, I was there when she stood looking out of the window when her white blood cell count made us place her in isolation. I was there during it all. I was there when she finally couldn’t fight anymore, and took off the bracelet and told me take care of it. I was there when she died, and I was the one who took the red balloons from her room and released them, as the rising sun streaked the sky in pinks and golds. I stood there and watched the balloons as they drifted higher and higher until I couldn’t see them anymore. I thought of how Alexanne told me she was going to be in charge of the snow, because she wanted everyone to be able to lay in the snow and make snow angels.
the last night of her life I curled up on the bed with her, and told the unresponsive girl in my lap, the story of Cinderella. I knew that this was Alexanne’s favorite story, and this night I read it, knowing would probably be the last time she would heard it from me. I told about the wicked step sisters tearing her gown, and how they laughed as they went off to the Ball. I told of the fairy godmother who created a coach from a pumpkin and coachmen from mice.Then I told Alexanne that the fairy godmother touched Cinderella’s dress and it turned into a beautiful blue gown with matching blue shoes.
I paused the story as a weak nudge and a tiny whisper came from Alexanne. I leaned in and a little voice said, “The dress is red.” Iforgot that Alexanne’s favorite color was red. Then, a little voice brought tears to my eyes as she whispered, “Wear a red dress and shoes when you say goodbye.” Those were the last words little Alexanne spoke. Six hours later she was gone.
Alexanne’s life was short. she was diagnosed when she was five, just before school started. She died when she was one week before her seventh birthday. But this little girl packed every second with laughter, and jokes, and even when the bad days came, and there were plenty of bad days, she got through them.
The beads on her bracelet marked the good days, they marked the the bone biopsy, they marked the transfusions, the marked when her blood count was high enough that she could play in the day room with the other kids, and the last black bead mark when her cancer had metastasized to her brain.
Alexanne and her family drew strength from one another. They faced the experiences they were given, and became stronger. The people who were touched by the chance to care for Alexanne were blessed far more than the heartache they felt at her loss. She made us all a little better, and certainly showed us that even a little child can teach us the way to live life to its fullness.
I told the other nurses Alexanne’a request for red dresses and shoes to be worn to her funeral. As it turned out of the more than 1000 people who came to say their goodbyes to Alexanne, there were many red outfits on. Instead of flowers, the front of the chapel was fill with red balloons.
After we left the chapel we went into a feild at the back of the church, and about 3000 red balloons floated slowly up, up,up. Even as the last reds faded out of sight, we stood there. Finally, we walked away in silence, each of us pondering our own mortality, and committed to live our lives alittle bit better.
Six years later the bead bracelet is still with me. It reminds be to strive to be the best that I can be. It reminds me that when things seem to drag me down, there is always hope for a brighter day. It reminds me that it is what is within that makes us great. And it reminds me that I can do what ever is placed before me.
I just thought you’d like something that shows you what is REALLY important in life. Think about it folks. Until later…Colleen
Bye Bye American Pie
Like a lot of Americans I had hoped that maybe there really could be a change in the course our government seemed to be locked upon. I work hard. I pay my taxes. I have seen my retirement shrink. I have driven on roads that need the potholes repaired. I have waited greater than six hours in emergency rooms that are packed. I have picked up kids from schools that are over crowded, with decreasing academic scores, that are rated lower than some third world countries.
I am shocked by the total control that the new administration wants to achieve over America. I am reminded of the stories my Father used to tell me about Germany and how Hitler gained his control over one of the most intellectual, enlightened social structures.
Hitler campaigned on all fronts, vowing that with him at the helm, there wouldn’t be unemployment. He appealed to the liberal, the independent, and the conservative. His theme was social control of all the government agencies. He wanted roads that were the best in Europe, jobs for all, free education, assessable medicine, and prosperity for the nation. Of course the scape goat was the Fat Cat with money, who by the way, was a dirty little Jew who was keeping some worthy Aryan son or daughter out of a job, or worming their way into the university.
Hitler appealed to the young, he appealed to the dissatisfied. He won the hearts of the media, and they were mesmerized with his message of hope and change, and a better Germany. He surrounded himself with like minded followers. He named his media and financial, and economic czars, and once he was given the scepter of power he quickly struck. If you were not for his programs you were against him personally. His policies changed from open dialog, to brown shirts storming into businesses and at times people disappearing. Dissenters were portrayed by the media as trouble makers. They quickly went from calling them names and ridiculing them, to closing their business, and confiscating their goods. They filled the schools with teachers who taught only approved propaganda. Children were taught that it was their duty to be the ears and eyes of the Fuhrer. They were taught to watch, and listen, and report.
I understand now a little bit of what the German people must have felt like when they realized that all the rhetoric and fine speeches of change were set aside, and were only a front for a power hungry, sly Charlotan. I understand how you can become swept up in the rhetoric, and parades, and the euphoria, and add your voice to the “Heil Hitler”.
One thing that the new administration, and the liberal socialists have over looked is this; unlike Germany, Americans are not going to follow their Fuhrer into ruin. Obama may have won an election, but the all hail the chief can quickly turn to throw the socialist out. All the good ole boys know eventually the voice of the people will be heard.
American anger is growing over the tax burden they are carrying for illegals. The anger and concern are broad based. The media portrays people with concerns about illegal aliens, concerns about crowded schools, concerns about higher tax burdens, concerns about lost jobs, concerns about a socialistic approach to life, as ignorant, bigoted, narrow minded, gun toting, rabble- rouser’s who don’t represent America. This is not true.
When Obama was campaigning, the liberals that packed the Townhall meetings and shouted down the Republicans were labeled “Grass Roots Americans” wanting a change. What has changed? Nothing. People don’t want their freedoms curtailed. They don’t want Obama Care. They can recognize that this administration is giving the propaganda czar more money than Hitler ever gave Goebbels to convince the German nation of how much they needed Hitler’s leadership.
I’m just another voice out there stating that just as the big bad wolf fooled the little pigs for a while, but his sheepskin eventually doesn’t hide what’s underneath. Think about that for a while. Until later…Colleen
From Moth To Butterfly
I have to say that I am a big fan of Susan Boyle. I find her entire story fascinating. The circumstances of her life, and her meteoric shot to fame serves as a reminder of the greatness that exists in ordinary people.
I am sure many have seen Susan’s signature frizzy mop of graying curls, and thick dark browns and heard of the millions of emails telling her not to change anything! I have see the Harper’s Bazaar photos of her and I have to say, Susan you rock. You look FABULOUS!!!!! The before and after pictures themselves tell the story.
Many times our looks and appearance are a direct result of where we live, what we live in, and certainly our financial situation. Susan now has the means to live in an environment that is nurturing, yet one that will provide her with any direction, and coaching she may need as she maneuvers through her fame. The financial rewards she will receive will insure that her public, that loves and adores her, will have many years of new recordings, and concerts to looks forward to.
So I say, you continue soaking up all the positive experiences you can Susan. Get a massage, and manicure, a pedicure, and show the world the fantastic clothes they offer you. Use the makeup team, and shop, and do all the things you never had the chance to do. You are a great reminder to all of us, that life is full of surprises! Think about it, folks… Colleen
-
Recent Comments
Nancy Nield on The Beaded Bracelet Lisa on Why We Can’t Judge a Diamond B… Rachael on No Woman Should Ignore Her… Allen Taylor on No Woman Should Ignore Her… colleeninthekitchen on Yipee It’s The Week… -
Flickr Photos
More Photos
