What A Difference A Summer Vacation Makes

I am thankful for the warm memories of past "summer" vacations:

In 2003 my family made a trip to Maryland to visit my sister. It was our first family vacation since the late 1960's or early 1970's. While I have many, many wonderful memories of this trip; one of my favorite memories is of the "Boardwalk" in Ocean City, Maryland. We stayed at a little hotel on the beach and while the weather wasn't the greatest, we had a GREAT time. The sand sculptures were MAGNIFICENT; the ocean was FREEZING and salty; the love and togetherness was PRICELESS. As you can imagine coordinating the trip was a challenge, but it was well worth every effort. I look forward to our next family vacation!

What A Difference Music Makes

I am thankful for the inspiration of music and the gift of hearing

Can you imagine what it must be like to be deaf, or experience a significant hearing loss? There are two people who have shed light on this and shared their experiences with me. A co-worker of mine has a step son who is deaf. She has taken sign language courses, but more often than not struggles to communicate with him. Another friend of mine has a husband who, over the course of the past year or two, has had a significant hearing loss in both ears. He wears hearing aides, but still does not hear much. Thinking of these people I am reminded how lucky I am to hear VERY well. I love music, and realize what a big part of my life it has become. A day without song is a long one. Three songs come to mind today: "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" by the Bee Gees, "Come A Little Bit Closer" by Dierks Bentley, and "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. My heart is starting to mend, I've been able to come a little closer, and I really can only imagine! Thank you God for blessing me...

What A Difference A Pearl of A Girl Makes

I am SO thankful for Mackenzie!

For a long time I was angry with God for taking Kathy, and leaving Mackenzie without a mom, Mark without a wife, and leaving me without a "best friend". When Kathy was so, so sick I'd wake up in the middle of the night and think I'd had a bad dream that she was going to die. When fully awake I'd realize it hadn't been a dream... it was a real life NIGHTMARE. Later, after she did die, I'd wake up in the middle of the night and think "I should call Kathy and tell her..." only to fully wake and realize I had been dreaming and could never call Kathy again. She will be dead 5 years this October; during this past year I have finally put my anger aside and made peace with God.

It is hard to find the words to explain how special Mackenzie is to me. In her own very touching way she brings me closer to Kathy. Her clear voice lifted in song, her quick smile, her kind/compassionate words, and hugs and kisses remind me that Kathy will live on forever. I find myself smiling up to the heavenly skies, knowing that I will always be "best friends" with Mackenzie.

What A Difference It Makes When You Have To Say Good Bye To A Friend

I am thankful for time spent with a dear friend

July 2006 brought much sadness as I said my final good bye to my dear friend Ann-Marie. She opened a new chapter in her life by packing up her husband, two sons, and moving to Oregon. Pictured left to right are Cathy, me, Ann-Marie, Kathy, and Ginger. We shed no tears this last day, the tears had been shed throughout most of June after she made her announcement to me of her decision, sharing the news of her planned departure. What an inspiration Ann-Marie is to me. Her love and support over the past years have challenged me to become a better and stronger person. Although there are now many miles between us, we are closer than ever.

What A Difference Wilmars Makes

When I began my employment with Wilmar Chocolates in February of 1998, little did I know the significance this would have on my life. There have been few "constants" for me during the past 10 years. Wilmars is one of those few constants! Not only has Wilmars helped me survive, the owners have given me a sense of "being". They continue to give me the opportunity to pursue my creativity, and god given talents. I am convinced this family owned business thrives as a result of how they treat their employees. Thank you Lisa, Liz, and Paul for making such a difference!

What A Difference Old Fashioned Communication Makes

I am thankful for the warm memories that handwritten notes bring me:

I recently came across two letters written to me by my mother in July of 1965, while my sister and I were at "Camp Tekawitha" for a week. I was 11 years old and homesick; the two letters I received that week cheered me up beyond belief. Seeing her handwriting, and the very special messages she wrote, are a treasure to me. In this fast paced world of technology don't forget to take the time to leave tangible visuals. Don't get me wrong, email is a wonderful vehicle for communication. However it can never replace a hand written letter or card! Thanks mom, for continuing to give me little handwritten notes... even today as an adult I treasure them.

What A Difference A Sister Makes

I am thankful for the inspiration of my sister who runs half marathons at the ripe age of 54

Last week my sister sent me an email with a link to a video on youtube.com. The video is about a father, Dick Hoyt, who participates in marathons/triathalons strictly for the benefit of his disabled son, Rick. This story touched my heart; today I registered for the Fox Cities Marathon 5k run/walk. It is my intention to run the 5k on Sept. 23rd and give thanks for my ability to participate as a completely healthy individual. My sister intends to fly in from Maryland to participate in the half marathon. Maybe next year I'll join her in the half marathon and we can run TOGETHER...

What A Difference A Year Makes

My sole journey began in March 2005; I most frequently think of this as my "soul" journey.

Losing a sense of who I was during the previous 6 years forced me to step back, before being able to take any steps forward. I was caught up in "doing" and not "being". During this sojourn I found myself repeatedly counting my blessings, most often for the constant support of family and friends. I dedicate this blog to those who continue to bless my life each and every day. This will be my "Personal Gratitude Journal"...

My biggest life lessons have come during the in-between waiting parts, waiting for direction. By placing my trust in God, and his orchestrated plan, I am following my path day by day. What a wonderful journey I am on!

I am thankful for the inspiration of others who push me towards opening new doors: A new and exciting venture has been placed before me and I plan on seizing the challenge of trying to become a mentor. I hope to have the opportunity of becoming a positive influence on the life of a less fortunate young female. It only seems fitting that I share the strength that God gave me to endure difficult situations, by helping someone else do the same. Stay tuned!