What A Difference Halloween Makes

I love Halloween; it's always been my favorite "Holiday". More than likely it is because I have a severe sweet tooth, however the decorations and colors of this event do intrigue me and draw me in. Black cats, orange pumpkins, the dark of night contrasted with the glow of purple, white, yellow, and orange lights. It is a fun time of year when you can play pranks on people without them getting too agitated!

I am thankful for those who are creative and take the time to "BOO" others...

What A Difference Deanna Favre Makes!

Deanna Favre recently published a book titled "Don't bet against me! Beating the odds against breast cancer and in life". No, I've never had breast cancer but I do know several women who have had this tragic illness impact their lives, or lives of loved ones. The morning of Saturday, October 13th, I was one of many hundred people in line at the "Family Christian Store" in Appleton Wisconsin. I'm not one who usually waits in line for much of anything, however I made the decision quite easily to wait in line for Deanna Favre to personally sign a copy of her book... for me.
She was only there from 10 a.m. to noon, and only signing books for the first 300 people in line. I got there by 9 a.m. to hopefully make sure I'd be one of the 300; I was number 125! The line moved very slowly; Deanna was taking time to personalize the books with special notes for those battling breast cancer, or breast cancer survivors. While waiting in line I struck up conversations with those around me and found out it is a small world indeed. The 3 hours I was there in line reminded me that patience truely is a virtue, and God brings messages to us in unexpected ways. The time invested was well worth it. Deanna spoke kind words of encouragement to me as she signed books which I will lovingly be "gifting" to others.
I am thankful for the wonderful opportunity to meet Deanna Favre, I was able to personally thank her for all she does for others!

What a difference the love of a BROTHER makes!

Without the watchful eye of my brother I'm not sure I would have tolerated my surgery and hospital stay. When coming out of surgery/recovery I was blessed to have my mom (Clara), brother (Jeff), his significant other (Gail), and my good friend (Sue) there to validate I had indeed made it through. The surgery was late in the day and took longer than expected so these valiant troopers spent hours waiting... and waiting. A good many of the days (and nights) post surgery are hazy to me and blend together. I do remember many a morning (or upon my waking) that my brother was in my room, peacefully watching me or just sitting there reading something. I remember many evenings he was the last one there, again, to tuck me in and kiss me good night. When I couldn't talk, he spoke to me or encouraged me with a tender smile. On one of the occasions when I actually was able to carry on a conversation, late at night, we talked about my dad. We reminisced about how ill he had been at the end of his life, and what a good patient he had been during his many illnesses and hospitalizations. I was really trying to be a good patient, modeling myself after the patient I had watched my dad be. I confessed to my brother that I hoped my dad was looking down upon me and hoped he was proud of my efforts.

I am thankful for the gift of a compassionate, giving brother. I LOVE him very much.