The Easter Story according to Colin

On the way to church last Sunday morning I asked Colin to tell me the Easter story.

Big sigh, as though "I can't believe she doesn't know this story," and then he tells me.

Well, Nana, there were these bad guys who were mean to Jesus. They put a rope around his head and another one around his feet. They put thorns on his head and they nailed him to a cross and kilt him. Then they put large stones around him.

Oh no, I say.

But Nana!! it's ok cause He's ALIVE!! He's my friend!

Cherry Blossom season

The angels beside the Tidal Basin.

Sara and Colin in the midst of the blossoms.

Dylan

Sunset at the Tidal Basin, with the Jefferson Memorial

in the background.

Me and my new roommate Janice. (More on Janice later but

definitely a Godsequence that we found each other.)

Mother's

Mother holding me at 2 weeks old

It's not Mother's Day yet. It's not even my Mother's birthday. But lately I've been missing my Mother a lot. She died almost 4.5 years ago so why the profound loss as though it was 4.5 minutes ago?

Lots of reasons. One of my goals has been to clear more of the clutter from my house. It was depriving me of much needed space for my #1 priority--my grandson's; it was producing lots of guilt for not having done it; and it was just always hanging over me. So in the process of going through mine and my parent's stuff, I had lots of wonderful memories come flooding back.

Amongst my great finds, stuck in a random book, I found a poem my Mother had written after the death of her Mother. She titled it simply:

Mama

Grief is like a wave
that washes over you.
It strangles and it crushes
and leaves you feeling blue.

You pick yourself up
and struggle on, wondering all the while
will the ache and emptiness you feel
ever be totally gone?

When will the memories be dear ones?
To cherish for as long as you live
When you can think with a smile or a chuckle
for the good things her life still gives.

I'm also missing Mother's support. I desperately need to have a healthier life style and loose weight (more on that in a future post). As I was brainstorming yesterday with a friend, how I was successful in doing this in the past, I realized that my Mother was a huge factor. I was using the Weight Watcher program and every time I weighed in, I would report back to Mother and no matter what the report she praised my efforts. And, everytime she saw me, which was often, she would declare I looked "thinner every time I see you." I lost 40 lbs. in 1999, 25 in time for my 50th birthday and she insisted on taking me out to buy me a new "birthday suit" to show off my successful weight loss.

A dear friend, Imogene, from my church died suddenly last week from a brain aneurism. I visited with her daughter, Jean, for a long time last night at the funeral home. This afternoon is the funeral. Jean and her Mother were very close too so I felt her pain and relived mine.

The same friend I was brain storming about weight loss with yesterday, is remembering her Mother's birthday today, having lost her a year ago. Another friend is finding treasures of her Mother as she clears out her house in the process of moving. Another friend is caring for her Mother, who has Alzheimer's, in her home while having her own health issues. Yet another friend has both parents on Hospice, has her own major health issues, and yet is treasuring each day with them. On and on the list goes.

Our Mother's are God's gift to us. Through them we learn strength in the face of crisis; unconditional love when we make mistakes; and if we're lucky, the joy of a very special friendship. Thank you God for the precious gift of my Mother.

Getting to know Alice

I first got to know my friend Alice on the Alzheimer's message board back in 2005 when we were both caring for a parent with Alzheimer's. We bonded immediately, primarily because we share a strong faith that no matter what is going on in our lives, God is by our side, guiding and directing; supporting us; and sending His earthly angels to care for us.

Secondly we are both cancer survivors from multiple occasions so we spoke the same language. So, in spite of life's challenges and heartaches (both of us having since lost our parents), we knew that our faith would get us through the current crisis.

Alice had to place her dear, sweet Mama in a nursing home when she went through chemo in 2005 and just didn't have the physical strength to care for her. It was during that time that we began to take our relationship a step closer with phone calls and emails. I told her I would set my cell phone alarm to play Amazing Grace at noon, my time, everyday and that I would stop and pray for her at that time. She found great comfort in that knowledge and it brought us even closer together.


Last year, spring of 2008, I decided it was past time for Alice and I to meet in person so I included a day-long visit with her in my trip to Texas. This picture was taken at the Wildseed Farms, where we could enjoy our mutual love of flowers and butterflies! We had a grand day and promised to keep in touch, which we did.

After much arm twisting and insistance, Alice came to visit. I had continued to pray for her daily and by now I had introduced my grandson to the idea that when Nana's phone played that certain song, we would stop whatever we were doing and pray for Alice. Here's a picture Alice took while she was visiting of just such an occassion. We had walked down to the nearby creek and while Colin threw stones in the creek, Alice marveled at the fall colors.

We had a great time during her visit. We did some sightseeing and playing with grandchildren. We enjoyed long talks and she grew to love and be loved by my church family. Here she is in the midst of the Bishop's Garden at the Washington National Cathedral, one of our favorite places.

Now Alice has an uphill fight against cancer again. After consultation at M.D. Anderson, it has been decided that she will begin chemo, again, on Tues., March 24, to try and shrink her numerous tumors. After each round, she will be reevaluated at M.D. Anderson with the anticipation of surgery this summer.

Please join me in praying for Alice, a woman of strong faith, a celebrator of life, a wonderful friend and a very special lady.

Advisory council

A friend of mine recently had a dilemma. Decisions are frequently difficult, especially when you live alone and have no one to brainstorm with. So instead of fretting about it she emailed her "advisory council" as I have nicknamed us. There are 5 of us (including her) from around the country so she knew she could get a variety of suggestions.

She presented the background, the dilemma and asked our advice. Within 24 hrs. she heard from all of us, who, not surprisingly, pretty much gave her the same advice but in different words, and from that she gained much--peace as to her decision; support; and hopefully a little less feeling alone.

But, on her part it took courage to be vulnerable and trust in us to be there for her and accept whatever decision she made.

God did not stop with the creation of Adam. He went on to create Eve and from there we have the human race. Seems pretty clear to me that He intends us to create all sorts of "advisory councils." I know I couldn't function without mine and I'm so glad my friend realized the value of hers.

Snowy day

We did indeed get a beautiful snowfall. To some, it was a very modest snow, but to my TX and CA friends, it was significant.

It snowed all night and a bit today, creating a fairy land all around me. As for me, I stayed safe, sound and warm inside my house, enjoying the magnificence of God's creation and in the peace and quiet of the day.

The Washington, DC area is expecting significant snowfall tonight. That means grocery stores are crowded and hardware stores are full of last minute shovel and salt shoppers.

I on the other hand am looking forward to it. Having grown up in this area, I still remember the excitement of a snow day off from school. They would never make the school closing announcement the night before. I had to set my alarm for 0-dark-thirty and wait in eager anticipation for the list to be read.

But it was worth it when I finally heard "Arlington County public schools will be closed today." Yippee! Turn the radio off, roll over and enjoy some sweet slumber.

I remember one time during high school (that would be mid-60's) that school was cancelled for a whole week. Daddy, the ever prepared and resourceful Marine, never let snow keep him in. He managed to stock up on hot dogs, chips, drinks, marshmallows and lots of other snacks because my basement was the youth HQ. Kids would walk to my house, plop in front of the fireplace, and then plot our next sledding adventure, only to repeat the process only this time we came back to the best smelling hot dogs and hot chocolate and cookies or brownies, courtesy of Mother, I've ever smelled!

So, I look forward to the world (well, at least my part of the world) standing still for a day, while the snow plows do their job. I will sit by the fire and enjoy the beauty of a fresh fallen snow and reminisce. Then I will get my grand kids over here (they live 3 houses away!!!) and cook hot dogs and drink hot chocolate together.

Oh wait! I don't have any hot dogs!! Gotta go join the crazy shoppers to get my hot dogs!

Celebrating Pistol

My brother, Charles Lane, nicknamed "Pistol" by our Daddy when he was a child, turns 56 today. He is a very special "young" man. He was brain-damaged at birth (due to dr. neglect) and suffered spinal meningitis at 12 days old. His mentallity is about a 2 yr. old.

When he was 7, we placed him in the Denton (TX) State School system, and he continues to live under that umbrella but now he is with a foster family. Godsequence alert! Before my Mother was pregnant with him, my Daddy, who was a member of the TX legislature, wrote the legislation that created this wonderful facility.

He's won all kinds of medals through Special Olympics, works part-time for the local Goodwill and adores his family, especially his great-nephews. I bring him home at Christmas, which necessitates me flying to Dallas, renting a car to pick him up in Denton and flying back home with him. I repeat this process when I return him.

One of our activities when he's home is always bowling as he is a Gold Medal winner. Here he is teaching Colin how to bowl. He had his foster Mom order all of us bowling shirts with our name on it.

Colin loves his Uncle Pistol and they entertain each other for hours, enjoying the same movies and television shows.

Pistol was very excited to meet his newest grand-nephew this Christmas, Dylan. They spent lots of time on the floor together, talking their own special language.

He is so loving and friendly. When I visit him in Denton and go places with him, everybody knows Pistol. He always introduces me as his "cookie sister," because I regularly bake chocolate chip cookies and ship them to him. It's Colin's job to add M&M's to the top of each cookie.

We are so grateful for Pistol who brings us unconditional love and joy. Happy Birthday Pistol!

Godsequence

The word Godsequence came to me as a gift from God a few years ago. I use the word a lot and share it as often as possible so I thought this was a good venue to share.

I believe that there are no coincidences, small world experiences or ironies in life. They are all Godsequences.

If you are a believer in God; if you ask Him for guidance and wisdom; if you trust that He will give you guidance and wisdom; if you are open to Him; then what others think of as a "coincidence," is actually a direct result of God working in your life--thus, a Godsequence.

And, the great thing about this word, is the more you use it, the more you will experience Godsequences. I believe using the word is a form of worship; a thanksgiving or praise. And God loves to be thanked so He bestows more and more Godsequences in your life.

Here's just a couple of illustrations in my life. On my last flight I was reading a book on Jerusalem as I was considering making a trip to the Holy Lands. At the time the news was full of the coverage of the violence and unrest in Gaza. Among my considerations for the trip was my safety. My seatmate travels a lot in his business and was going to Jerusalem the next month and offered to email me with his experience. My seatmate was a Godsequence.

In 2007 I started planning a trip to Ireland and started researching renting a house over there. At the same time I got to know someone (we took our grandchildren to a music class) who had a cousin who not only was from and lived in Ireland but worked for....the Irish Tourism Board. She found me the perfect house. A Godsequence!

I could go on and on with small and large examples but I'd rather you try it! I promise, the more you use the word, the more you will experience Godsequences.

"My" angel boys

"My" angel boys bring me great joy. On occassion they both spend the night with me to allow their Mother (my angel girl) some much needed time with friends and some rest. Last night was such a night.

They were perfect! Not only did they sleep through the night, but when I woke up about 7:20a to silence, I ran into Dylan's room for fear something was wrong, only to find him peacefully sleeping. Colin was sound asleep in my bed.

So then it was time to get them dressed for church. Their Mother had sent matching outfits for them. And I really did plan on taking pictures of them after they were dressed but by then I was running late and Dylan was loosing patience. But before I got them dressed, I caught these pictures in their "matching" outfits.

A huge success

Friday, February 13 was a huge success. (See "A Valentine Banquet for The Greatest Generation" below). The seniors at our church have never felt so loved. People who have been members for over 50 years said it was the nicest event they had ever been to at our church. Others said they could have paid $100 at a restaurant and not had nearly as nice an evening.

Our Pastor had bought enough red roses to personally deliver one to each and every senior, much to their delight! Lots of red that night.

Our youth served, monitored by several adults and did an excellent job. Below is a picture of a couple, the husband of the two will not be here next year. His cancer is in his bones and it's spreading everywhere. He called me the next morning and lavished praise on our efforts and reminded me that he used to be my deacon and he was very proud of me. ;-}

In the background is the piano with lots of silver and glass candlesticks; one of a dozen ficus trees embraced with little white lights; and torch lights--all to provide soft lighting and illiminate the need for the usual bright lights.

The singers were superb. Below is my good friend Judi, who sang Always, much to the delight of the audience. And Shirley Temple's appearance (no photo yet) brought the house down.


The usual critical, complaining people had nothing but compliments and appreciation to share with all of us. It will be an event to remember....until next year when we try to improve on it and make it another special night for our oft forgotten seniors. I am so honored to have played a small part in making it happen.

Mother, the torch singer

Sara Jane Armstrong Rutherford went to the University of Texas from a small farming community in south Texas in 1944, at the age of 17. She quickly acclimated and always said that in spite of the tragedies of WWII, it was a fun time to be at college, especially one with several military bases near-by.

She loved to dance and had a gorgeous voice. Back then, there were lots of dance clubs where the university girls and military guys matched up and danced the evening way. She assured me it was always safe because they stayed in large groups, never going off in pairs with “strange men.” She must have sung along to the songs of the Big Bands at her table because soon after frequenting these dance clubs, she was asked by management to sing along with the band and became the most popular torch singer, as they were known back then. If Sara Jane was singing, the house was full.

I grew up enjoying her voice and later singing along with her, accompanied by our player piano. We had all the songs from the 40’s and we would sit for hours singing together, much to the delight of my Daddy. So, as I prepare for this Valentine’s Banquet, Mother is constantly on my mind and close to my heart. I am remembering her gorgeous voice and love of singing. One of the songs that a friend is singing at the banquet is Always, a song Mother was always asked to sing at weddings and one we used to sing together. I already know I will shed a few tears when I hear that song, but I will always treasure sweet, sweet memories of her voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jZhrUZ_gk4&feature=related

A Valentine Banquet for the Greatest Generation

I am having a wonderful time putting together a Valentine Banquet for our seniors at my church. Tonight several of us gathered to prepare some of the decorations ahead of time. Our children have created bookmarks, which we laminated and put ribbons through holes. Our youth will be serving a seated dinner for 155. And over 60 volunteers will be at the church parts of Friday afternoon and evening to create an evening to remember.

Valet parking and coat check is being provided and they will be ushered onto a red carpet. Their first stop is a large room, decorated and full of appetizers with Big Band music playing in the background. (All the CD’s came from Mother’s and Daddy’s collection.) Gradually the seniors will be escorted to a separate area to have their picture taken. At the end of the evening, their picture will be awaiting them to take home in a lovely frame.

A first class meal will be served followed by great entertainment. Some of our best singers are going to be using wireless mics, working the room and singing the oldies—Unforgettable, Red Roses for a Blue Lady, Sentimental Journey and lots more. And our very own Shirley Temple will be on hand to sing some of her favorites including, On the Good Ship Lollipop.

I am working hard and enjoying every minute of it. Isn’t it fun to do something for others, especially our seniors who so appreciate some attention? I’ll post pictures in a few days.

And so it begins….

Being an author is like being in charge of your

own personal insane asylum. ~Graycie Harmon

I have thought about starting a blog for the past several months but several fears held me back. First, I didn’t want to be a copycat of those friends of mine who I had long admired for taking the time to put their thoughts out there for us to read. But then I realized what better way to compliment them but to start my own blog.

Then I worried that once I started one, would I have time to continue to post and material to post. But then I realized that not only do I have lots of life experiences to draw from but I am at a point in my life where I think I have the drive to post often enough.

I fretted about whether people reading my blog would be interested at all in what I write. But then I realized that people seem to be interested in what I have to say so why not what I have to write.

But, most importantly, it dawned on me that this blog is for me. It is a place for me to pontificate, share dreams, reveal past experiences, and just be. And, if others are enriched or even slightly entertained, so much the better.

And, so it begins…….