The Journey!

In 2016 I began a journey that is on going.  It hasn't given me much time to devote to my blog, and I am pretty sure because of this I probably have dropped off the grid, I rarely talk about personal things, because my daily life  couldn't possibly be of much interest to others?  My only reason for doing so now, is to reassure those that may read this, that there is hope and many blessings that come from the things in life we cannot control.

During a routine physical examination in December of 2015 it was discovered that I had a Right Atrial Myxoma in my heart. This is usually a benign tumor that attaches itself inside and to the heart wall and continues to grow until the heart can no longer function. What a surprise this was--My heart is healthy and I do not have any arterial or heart disease. Of course the only option is to remove this alien thing that that is moving each time my heart beats.  We made plans to do so, A cardiologist friend recommended a heart Surgeon who is very familiar with this diagnosis. Within a month of my surgery date, alas, different symptoms emerged that signaled another diagnosis. This would change our immediate plans

I must say when your Gynecologist  says to you, "I am sorry but you have Stage 3 endometrial cancer", there isn't much of a reply to that one,  while you sit there trying to digest this and wonder --now what?.  This meant that very few options were available for me because of the heart. It was one of those "Damned if you do, Damned if you don't" moments.

Now the journey began of visits with a wonderful Oncologist and Radiologist. I am fortunate that we have great medical care in our area. I now had 4 physicians who were working together to find a solution to this double "Whammy"!  It was decided, because of the heart tumor, which was growing in size, to give me 34 radiation treatments.  I went every day until I was finished and then had to wait for the pet scan. Now my energy level was diminishing because of the tumor. I am by nature a very optimistic person and truthfully I didn't spend a lot of time thinking very much about this. I tried to continue doing every thing as I normally as I had been doing. It soon became apparent that I would not be able to continue this way. My husband and I discussed fully all  the ramifications of surgery, because you see I am 80 years old!  Would this worth it at my age? I had so many questions, anesthesia, heart lung machine--how would all of this affect my general health and brain? Would I be the same person?  Somewhere along the line I just had to learn to trust that it would be alright.

I have always been a busy and productive person and I am told that I am very young for my age, that is not ego speaking, that is all of my Doctors who convinced me that I could do this and recover. When the Pet scan came back with  the best report one could ask for,   Remission!!!!! We deiced to have the heart surgery as soon as possible. The next step was open heart surgery, which took place Nov 3, 2016.   Physically this was not the easiest thing I have ever done. I had not been a patient in a hospital in 52 years. My working days as a nurse were certainly different than the sophisticated care of today.
 I could not have asked for better care anywhere, but what I really discovered were the "Blessings"!  I never knew how many loved us both, the prayers that were lifted up for us, the meals that have been delivered, the offers to clean the house, the visits , cards and phone calls.  My etsy teams kept in close contact with Jim. I have met some wonderful and caring people along the way and made new friends!  Because of something I could not control I have learned to be patient and to appreciate more each day, those around me.  Our faith is very strong, and while we knew that we had the best medical science possible, and as wonderful as it is,  it doesn't always have the answer, so we turned it over to God! He is the great physician and always has the answer!

So far my Heart surgery appears to be a success, and each day I am stronger. I choose not to dwell on the negatives but to  cherish every day that I am given . I am told that my positive attitude was 90% of my recovery.  The people around me made it possible  for me to go forward and not look back. My only reason for writing this blog has been to share this journey with others who are going through similar circumstances and to say,\enjoy the people who love you, don't dwell on things you cannot change, When you don't feel well, tell yourself that tomorrow will be better.Take one day at a time and praise  God for every blessing!

I wish for everyone who may read this  a wonderful holiday season and may 2017 be the best year we can all hope for.      Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

                   

        What is "Truth" and What does it Mean to You ?

If you were to ask anyone today, : What is "Truth”? How many people that you know would say, “ Why it is the foundation of everything we do—it is Biblical! This past Sunday my Pastor gave an excellent sermon on the subject of truth. A Sermon which was thought provoking and encouraged me to think more deeply about this word “Truth” which we use on a daily level. How often we have heard A Mother say “ now tell me the truth” or what is the truth of this situation, the Truth will set you free! What does this really mean? Intellectually are we basing truth on just facts?

In the Bible the book of John 18—37: 38, the Roman Emperor Pontius Pilate, who was a non believer, asked Jesus before his Crucifixion, “What is the Truth”. 2000 years later we still are asking ourselves what is the “Truth” Sadly in this century  we have developed a cynicism about “Truth”. We listen to the leaders of our country and those who want to be leaders, we hear the words of those who teach our children, and we hear those educated men and women who are part of our Judicial system, supposedly fighting for Justice and Truth, and we ask ourselves, “Who is telling the Truth”? Can we accept the truth and are we willing to hear the truth? Do we have the capability to recognize it? We know that facts can be changed and adapted. As our world has become more secular, Truth” has been abused. We humans have managed to distort and manipulate the truth for personal gain, greed, and avoidance of things we cannot face. There was a time when the integrity and honesty of a person and the way they lived their life among others was a measure of their “Truth”.

I have ambled through this life for quite a long time and I have had to cope with and recognize many truths. Some I would like to have ignored, but I have discovered there are no Negotiations with “Truth”.I am not a learned Theologian, I am just a humble Christian and believer. When Jesus becomes the center of your life you realize that he is the “Truth” and the Way” and as believers in him we accept and must return to the Biblical origins of “Truth and accept that as the ultimate “Truth”.

There is a wonderful song” The Air I breathe” by Marie Bennett. I would urge anyone, who can, to listen to it. It will bring you to tears because the Lyrics will tell you a “Truth”.

I make no excuses for my beliefs or for being A follower of Christ. I am aware that not everyone agrees with me. I do not intellectualize my beliefs, it is simply a matter of Faith and knowing my cheering section is the Ultimate “Truth”!

A Small Book with A Mighty Message "The Lovers"

The page has once again turned to another year  and it was then I realized I had really neglected my blog writing for 2015--here we are at 2016 and I am going to try to make my presence known, Now you understand this is not a resolution, I am not good at those, but perhaps setting a goal ?  Not sure, but did want to share this story.

Approximately 2 years ago, My Niece, who brings much joy to my life, called and said that she would be coming to our area with a friend and could we make some time to spend with them. My niece who is a Professor of English, a writer and an editor lives in New York City, so any reason for a visit is welcomed. Mr. Dude and I were curious because it all sounded very mysterious. We did know that the Friend was an award winning photographer also from New York who was now living in France.

Hugs all around later, we were introduced to Lauren Fleishman, who was delightful. It was then that we were told that Lauren was writing a book about marriage that lasted 50 years or more and since our Golden day had been  awhile ago, would we consent to being interviewed and having some pictures taken. Yikes, if I had known that I would have had my hair done or at least put something decent on!!! As  the afternoon moved on, tons of film being used and much talking and laughter, we realized this might never happen, there were 100s of people to interview all over the world.  More hugs all around and the delightful and fun day came to an end.  Frankly Mr. Dude and I forgot all about it.

In the Fall of 2015 My Sweet Niece and her husband came for another visit, and she told us then that  Mr Dude and I had made the"cut", we would be in the book and the Editor would be and was working already, Jeanne Lambert, my Niece! Now I ask you, How cool is that ! The book is titled "The Lovers"

 The story is a poignant tale of long and enduring love. When Lauren's Grandfather died it was her task to care for his belongings. In that process she found Love letters sent to her Grandmother by her Grandfather while he served in the second world War. This book, which includes 50 couples who have been married over 50 years was the finished product  inspired by these letters. The couple shone Above on the cover are the Rubensteins from Brooklyn New York and they were married in 1942.  That is a loving union of 74 years.

While we are thrilled to have been included in  this mighty book of love, reading the stories of others, made us feel like the young ones in the crowd. I loved reading every interview and viewing the photographs of each couple

So many wonderful stories. I can't even imagine the joy of the Author being able to meet these people. The East Indian couple Married in 1925, who sit together for their photo with great smiles. The husband says, " I only want to make her laugh because laughter makes you  live longer and because I love her I want to make her laugh another 80 years"! How wonderful is that?

We share the pages with the Astronaut Jim Lovell and his wife, who were married in 1952. They never dreamed what the future held for them.

In 1948 when the social rules were very different than today, A bi-racial couple married in England  and tell the tale of the difficulties they endured , yet they persevered and have written a vivid story of the struggles of an interracial marriage at that time.

There is the arranged marriage that grew into love, A Russian couple who immigrated  after meeting in a Czechoslovakian hospital. An African American couple who tell us how it was during the days of segregation  I could go on and on with the inspiring stories, but I want you to find and read this book for yourselves. Perhaps it will make you understand what a real love story is and how, if it is true, it lasts through the trials that life has in store for all of us. The early days are relatively easy--the exciting, lustful times of awareness and really getting to know each other. It is the days later when illness comes, or tragedy appears that is the true test. The people that Lauren Fleishman has portrayed in this book have stood that test with Grace!  Mr. Dude and I feel honored to have been included with these remarkable people.At the time of this writing we have been married 55 years and still going strong--do you think it will last?

 Mr. Dude and I wish to thank Lauren Fleishman for this wonderful book and our inclusion in it. I also would like to thank my Niece Jeanne Lambert for introducing us  to Lauren and her fine editing. Bless you both!

 Full lives, and when all is said and done, empty chairs together tell the story of an enduring Love

HE is the Potter and We are the Clay

In Jeremiah  18 1-10 We read about the Potter's house, but today Miracles still occur every day when we, Listen and Obey the call of God's direction.This is such a story.
 Recently I re-connected with someone I knew years ago from our small Methodist church. When this church was absorbed by a much larger church, we all went our separate ways and lost touch with many of our old church friends.By accident, but some have said, it was not an accident it was meant to be, I met an old friend in an unlikely place, the election polls. Barbara was actually a transfer to our working team and had never worked this precinct before. What a provident day that turned out to be!

Ten years ago Barbara and her husband George, a retired psychiatric nurse joined a small  Disciples of Christ Church in Clearwater,  Florida. This church has only 230 people as members, but what this small band of devoted people have accomplished is mind boggling.!

Barbara and George have a mission and a Passion that "no one should go hungry", for over 10 years they followed that direction, funding with their own monies, by feeding the homeless on the street in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is a long story of many successes and I imagine some failures. Even Barbara's devastating diagnosis of MS did not change their plans.Many times the plan was interrupted when health issues interfered but these are mighty warriors who refuse to be deterred. Barb had been asked to give a talk about what she was doing  to a group of woman from other churches who were instrumental in starting similar projects in their community. This time of sharing was a time of inspiration and the rest is the beginning of a collaboration of Barbara's passion and her Pastors devotion to doing work for Jesus. As Pastor Donna said to me, this is not about us as individuals this is about Jesus!  Amen to that!

Pastor Donna Oberkreser is a remarkable leader of her church,. When presented with an idea that follows the Church's doctrine and goals she finds a way to make it happen. Through her networking contacts she was able to connect Barbara and George Bridgeman to "Feeding America Tampa Bay" . Feeding America is the largest relief organization in the country and currently provides food to feed 400,000- people in the W. central Florida area.  The donations come from all local grocery stores, Publix, Winn Dixie, Panera bread, CVS drug stores and too many more for me to continue mentioning. When the idea of a neighborhood food pantry was presented to the planning committee of the church  they were on board  and were willing to provide funds from their resources within the church to fund this program. Barbara was elected outreach chairman and  "Feeding the Neighbors" was born. February 2013 and the first give away day took place. The only advertising was a sign in the front yard of the church.  37 people came to receive that day and there were 10 volunters..

It sounds so easy, but behind the scene there were many hands helping and participating in this. All health standards must be met and they are stringent. Picking up the food is no easy task. Barbara has a budget, but I know for a  fact there are times she adds to that when needed. Planning meetings, reports  and sacrifice of personal time. She is a natural leader and that entails, spreading the word, soliciting help from every source , while still participating in other ministries. Food is purchased, church donations, clothing donations, and household donations now have become part of this program.

Today this outreach "Feeding the Neighbors" gives food one Saturday a month to over 100 people with a total of approximately 350 family members. Last month there were 35 volunteers including 3 children. What a wonderful vehicle to show and teach our children what it is to love and help others. Many of the volunteers are not even members of this church, but they also see the needs and have the passion to follow God's direction and who could ever refuse Barbara when asked to answer that call-- not me!

 How sad that this is even necessary, but in this Tampa Bay community the churches have put their servant's  hearts together and are feeding God's children!  Mr. Dude and I are so blessed to be able to participate in this program and it has led to so many other missions that we hope will enrich the lives of others. There are so many stories we hear as people come through the line to choose freely what they want and need. We do not choose for them, they fill their own boxes and we are often asked to pray on the spot. Amazing how quickly this takes place, Volunteers instantly come to pray for those who ask, the other people waiting seem to find solace in this as well. It is a magical thing that takes place! 

In this new Year 2015, it is with great sadness that I report that the needs of the homeless and hungry are growing in larger numbers almost daily. On the plus side I can also report that God's people are reporting for duty and answering the call . We are the clay being formed daily by the Master potter.  We must always remember why we are participating in the care of others and who it is really for. We, who follow Jesus and his teachings know that is what is commanded of us, and we are blessed in turn. I would tell anyone Volunteer just once and you will be Hooked! I have met some extraordinary people, a gentleman over 90, cancer survivors, people who them selves have been homeless at one time, nurses who have other missions vital to veterans,  business men and women who are away most of a week, but come faithfully on Saturday, and some who have the very same needs as the ones they are helping. The door is always open for those who want to help. This is in part, the story of only one mission of the Central Christian Church of Clearwater Florida, If you look you will find a place you can serve in your community!  Thank you for listening to my heart today.

The Meyer Lemon Harvest

February 1st is upon us and I am still wondering when January did a.disappearing act. Where was I when this happened?  It just disappeared in a cloud It had some earth shattering events for some. My Niece's Hubby turned 50. As I told him the first 49 years were just a rehearsal for the next chapter.  If I remember correctly 50 was a pretty good year for me
.
In January  I lost a dear cousin in Sweden, a sweet gentle woman, but my Mother will celebrate 99 years in February. The exchange of these things, is our own Soap Opera of life, " As the World turns".

The land of Sunshine wasn't so sunny for awhile, in fact we had some record low temperatures, but complaining about it would only elicit raised eyebrows and a few snickers from those living in states that had  30 or 40 inches or more of snow. I remember those days myself. I am from New England and then lived outside of New York for many years. It took us awhile to get  through to us, that there were warmer places to live.Here we are!

Some years ago we stopped for gas, on one of our vacation trips, just outside of the Florida border. While Mr. Dude was paying the gas bill I was buying fresh vegetables at the stand outside . Loving most plant life I spotted a sweet little tree in a 5 gal. pot. It is so long ago now I don't remember the price but it must have been nominal. Of course no one told me that I might actually not be alive by the time this "thing in the black pot" would grow mature enough to bear fruit!  The tag said Meyer lemon.--hmmm!

Now we all have heard Martha of cooking guru fame and several others extol the virtues of the Meyer lemon. How bad could this be?  Patiently I waited, and waited and waited!  The first year we saw the possibility of fruit, someone with a fruit appetite ate them all--we suspected fruit rats, alright go for it was my theory and I abandoned the idea of ever having fruit.

Yesterday I was checking the backyard to see just how much work needed to be accomplished, after winter. How much effort would it take to bring  it back to a reasonable and clean garden space. Lo and behold  we had lemons hanging down to the ground.  Mr. Dude grabbed a basket and this is what he brought into the house,

Some of the single lemons are as big as a small grapefruit.

The Meyer lemon tree had more faith than I did in its abilities.  This is just another lesson in this life, be patient, and trust that eventually things will turn out the way you have planned,. Once again I am reminded God is in control, I am not, but if I listen and follow his direction, his gifts will show themselves to me.

Now let me see, what shall I do, make a lemon pie? That is my son's favorite. He always wanted a Lemon Meringue pie for his birthday instead of a cake.  I will juice and put in the freezer for summer lemonade,
I will make candied lemon rind, and I will share with my friends. 

Thank you for tuning in and taking the time to read my wanderings.