Thought of the Day - 10/31/09

Allow even the smallest bit of encouragement to be the thing that keeps you afloat.

Thought of the Day - 10/29/09

Where there is great love there are always miracles.
~~ Willa Cather ~~

Thought of the Day - 10/28/09

You can be proud of being a bit wiser than certain people -- but if you get too cocky about it, you're sure to end up making a fool of yourself.

Thought of the Day - 10/27/09

Single but fine when we go out to dine,
Your always there with us so we don't make quite a fuss!
~~ Cassandra, 8, written for her mother (me) on 10/17/09 ~~

Thought of the Day - 10/26/09

People respect other people who can keep it real.

Just Do It

It was probably a busy mom who handed Nike that successful line of advertising, "Just do it." It wouldn't surprise me if she'd thought of it while racing between the grocery shopping and picking up her kids, before heading home to knock out the second half of her sixteen-hour day. We busy moms don't waste a single minute moping or calculating how hard it will be -- we just do it. I believe most families have little awareness of how much Mom really puts into handling the details of their lives. If you need to get something done -- and done right and in record time -- go hand it to a busy mother.

Thought of the Day - 11/2/09

Cancer is the worst thing that you will ever need to explain to your children. Telling them the news of your own impending death is plainly not right. You shudder internally. It shakes you to your core. It helps to read up on what the experts recommend, but in the end, you, the parent, must rely on your intuition, strength, and faith to see it through. Even then, it will be a horribly painful experience, one which there is no way out of, one that you must go through. Like all storms, it must be faced directly, and headed straight for, lest it chase you down. This conversation is not a storm you can outrun.

Taken from Hope Journal written while dealing with cancer, 2003-2004.

Thought of the Day - 10/30/09

Hope is a powerful thing.

Between Me and the River

Between Me and the River
Living Beyond Cancer: A Memoir
by Carrie Host

"I do have a future, and the picture of that future is made up of a multitude of tiny dots called 'right now.'"
~~ Carrie Host ~~

"Carrie knows that the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness takes a split second to change your life, as well as the lives f your partner, partners, children, and all who love you. Packed with inspiration, advice, comfort, and hope Between Me and the Rive is Carrie's candid and uplifting memoir of how she found the strength and fortitude to triumph over a rare form of cancer, and craft a new and meaningful life."

When I got this book I was really nervous because I have dealt with cancer personally. (I had cervical cancer. My father, my aunt, my grandmother, my godson, and more had cancer.) I was afraid I would cry throughout the whole book. Yes, there were times that I needed the Kleenex. There were many more times where I sat there nodding my head up and down, totally understanding and connecting with Carrie. The book is poignant and tender, honest and insightful.

This is a beautiful, compassionate story about a woman who is supported by friendships, love of family, and dedication of doctors. This powerful, thought-provoking book stays with you.

Excellent book!

Rating (1, lowest; 5 highest): 5+

Thought of the Day - 10/25/09

The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.