Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to go to a seminar entitled, "Monetize Your Message" that Fabienne Fredrickson of Client Attraction.Com put on. I've been following her for about a year and a half and love all the nuggets she gives about running a business. What I love about her is that she is real, honest, humble, and full of integrity.
Fabienne put on a great seminar and it has been a dream of mine to not only meet her, but take advantage of one of her programs. The dream of meeting her in person came true this week, however, taking advantage of one of her programs is still in the horizon. The reason and the reality is that it costs money and it's not yet in my budget.
One of the things that she spoke about is her struggles in business and because of her honesty, it truly gave me hope. Contrary to what some may believe that just because you are in business, it doesn't mean that it comes easy, without work, or without struggles. As much as I love what I do, there have been several things that have happened that hurt. I'm not one to share these things often, but after listening to Fabienne, I feel that by sharing them, there will be someone that will benefit. At least, that is my hope. She shared her heart and it was not only a benefit, but a blessing to me. Thank you, Fabienne.
One of the hardest things for me to hear is that "You do insurance - wow, you must be loaded". This comment or anything like this really takes me off guard. First of all, my husband and I aren't loaded and even if we were, it isn't something that should even be brought up. For me personally, I work to put some of the money that is made back into the business every month. Many months, this isn't possible and I can look at my account seeing less than $10.00 there and wonder how I will get through until the next week. Does this affect me? Yes it does. Do I sometimes feel sorry for myself? You bet. Can I do something about it? Yes, and I do every single day. I get up, brush myself off, and find a way to provide peace of mind to another client. Is it hard? It can be if I let myself think about it too long. That's the reality.
About a year ago, I received a referral for a business with seven employees. They had reached out to me to find out if I could come with options for their employees for health, dental, and supplemental insurance plans. I collected all their information, put together a wide range of options, set up an appointment, and met with the owners of the business to go through everything. The meeting lasted for two and half hours. At the end of the appointment when they had made their decision, one of the owners told me how much he appreciated the work and knowledge I brought to the table. He went on to tell me that he had never seen any agent be so well prepared. They currently had a plan in place that was due to expire in six weeks from the time of the appointment. We set up another appointment to close on everything in two weeks. Three days later at almost 9:00 at night, my cell phone rang. I heard the phone ring, however, unless I know it is family calling at that time of night, I don't answer the phone because this is my family time. Yes, business owners do need family time. After listening to the message the next morning which by the way was from the business owner that complimented my presentation, I was floored. In the message, he thanked me for giving his business plenty of information to know where to get their benefits, but they already had an agent and wouldn't need my services. My heart sank as I thought about how this business had used my services to get what they wanted all while knowing that they never intended to move forward. Did this bother me? I can honestly say that this was probably one of the hardest things I had to overcome. Did I learn from it? You bet in more ways than one. Did I brush myself off and move forward to help others? I had to because I couldn't let one bad apple get in the way of helping others that wanted and needed the help. The reality is that there are far more people that are honest and would never even dream of using someone. The reality is focusing on the people that are honest far outweighs this one company that felt it necessary to use my services.
With any profession, there are people that do a great job and there are some that don't have a good reputation. One of the things that I work each day to provide is trust. There have been people that have said, "Oh, you sell insurance. I don't trust anyone that sells insurance - how can you be trusted?" This can come from people that don't even know me. This is where it has helped me to read over testimonials, read past e-mails from clients that thank me, and put my focus on all the good that comes from helping others secure adequate insurance coverage. The reality is that there are bad salespeople. The reality is that I feel for people that have been hurt by anyone in sales. The reality is that I am human and sensitive. For some reason, people believe that just because you own a business means that you can take anything including verbal bashing. The reality is that I do sell insurance, however, I do so in a way that provides as much education and consultating as possible so that people can make informed decisions that are best for their companies and families.
Even with all of this, I love what I do. I have learned that I must keep going. I have learned that without my help and guidance, many people would suffer. I have learned that owning a business and being my own boss has it's rewards. I have learned that I have many hats and know my strengths. I have learned that there are many types of businesses out there and all of them have struggles. I have learned that business owners have fears, but do it anyways. I have learned that other business owners want to help you because they know what you go through each day and have come to be some of my best friends. I have learned that it pays to be honest and trustworthy and I wouldn't run my business any other way. That's the reality.
Balanced Care is in the business of providing peace of mind to businesses, individuals, and seniors with their health and life insurance needs. My hope with this blog is for you to get to know me and the reasons behind why protecting you is so important.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
It's The Little Things That Matter
Very often, when tragedy hits anyone and especially if several things happen within a short time frame, we as humans can't wait to get through it and see a light at the end of the tunnel. At the end of 2012, I wish I could tell you how many times people would say to me, "I bet you can't wait for 2012 to be over". Truth be told, I wanted to see a light at the end of the tunnel and I wanted all the pain of losing both my Mother and Father-in-law to not hurt anymore, however, I really didn't want the year to end. The reason was because I was getting further away from losing them and afraid of not feeling pain. As strange as that sounds, I was truly afraid that I would forget them, forget what they looked like, and forget the love that filled my heart from knowing them. With this said, I wasn't looking forward to the end of the year as so many thought I might; I was actually dreading it. Questions filled my mind such as, "Do I have to stop talking about them or "Do I have to stop loving them? I don't know if we ever get questions like these answered here on earth, but I can tell you that the fact that it was painful to me meant that I didn't want to be without their love. The fact that it was painful meant I cherished every moment that I had with them and always will. Both of them are deeply missed and it's all-right to miss them and still feel their love. And I do.
Cherishing moments now has become even more special now. As hard as 2012 was, we also had incredibly beautiful moments. I continue to remember all the little things about them and continue to create lots more little things today.
Andrew and Christina were married in June of last year. It was such a happy day and hearing them pour their hearts out to one another as they read their vows brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. Watching them smile and laugh all day long was a great example of how it's the little things that matter the most. Their wedding was simple and elegant, yet one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have witnessed.
As my husband and I watched Andrew and Christina get married and now watch them as they have started their lives, it's exciting to hear the plans they have together. It's the little things like seeing them discuss and share some of their goals, watching them cook together in their home, and hearing them on the other end of the phone call just to say, "I love you."
Michael has had many changes this past year and we couldn't be happier for him. He has met a very special young woman, Courtney. He also has shared the love he has in his heart with her daughter, Rosslyn. Both Courtney and Rosslyn hold a special place in our hearts and have brought even more joy to our family. Last week-end, Rosslyn celebrated her 1st birthday. They had a party for her at a local place called, "Twice The Fun". John and I went a little late so she could enjoy her little friends and play for awhile. When we arrived, the door was shut for the room all the guests were in. Rosslyn was sitting in her new chair with Mama helping her open gifts. When John and I walked in, she saw us and immediately reacted. She smiled and held up her arms as she wanted us to come to her. I will forever remember that moment for the rest of my life. My husband was truly glowing from ear to ear. It was just a little thing and it meant the world to both of us.
Cherishing moments now has become even more special now. As hard as 2012 was, we also had incredibly beautiful moments. I continue to remember all the little things about them and continue to create lots more little things today.
Andrew and Christina were married in June of last year. It was such a happy day and hearing them pour their hearts out to one another as they read their vows brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart. Watching them smile and laugh all day long was a great example of how it's the little things that matter the most. Their wedding was simple and elegant, yet one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have witnessed.
As my husband and I watched Andrew and Christina get married and now watch them as they have started their lives, it's exciting to hear the plans they have together. It's the little things like seeing them discuss and share some of their goals, watching them cook together in their home, and hearing them on the other end of the phone call just to say, "I love you."
Michael has had many changes this past year and we couldn't be happier for him. He has met a very special young woman, Courtney. He also has shared the love he has in his heart with her daughter, Rosslyn. Both Courtney and Rosslyn hold a special place in our hearts and have brought even more joy to our family. Last week-end, Rosslyn celebrated her 1st birthday. They had a party for her at a local place called, "Twice The Fun". John and I went a little late so she could enjoy her little friends and play for awhile. When we arrived, the door was shut for the room all the guests were in. Rosslyn was sitting in her new chair with Mama helping her open gifts. When John and I walked in, she saw us and immediately reacted. She smiled and held up her arms as she wanted us to come to her. I will forever remember that moment for the rest of my life. My husband was truly glowing from ear to ear. It was just a little thing and it meant the world to both of us.
Each day as I awake and am blessed to spend another day with my husband, I continue to thank God. We don't have a large home, a lot of money in the bank, or big cars, but we have more love in our hearts for one another every day. I still get excited to hear his voice on the other end of the phone letting me know he's on his way home. I still get excited to hear him say, "Hi baby". I still greet him at the door when he gets home with a kiss and a long hug. It's always going to be the little things we remember the most.
Monday, February 4, 2013
February is National Heart Disease Awareness Month
When you think of February, one of the first things that normally comes up is Valentine's Day and love. As much as I am a hopeless romantic and love Valentine's Day, it's also National Heart Disease Awareness Month. There is nothing romantic about heart disease and I hope that if I can share just a little information and provide some extra protection for you, a goal will be reached.
Heart Disease is one of the leading causes of death among men and women. In fact, it will take the lives of more women this year than breast cancer. It's also important to share with you that symptoms are different in men and women. Men will normally have chest pain, left arm pain radiating down the arm, indigestion, and even jaw pain. For women, symptoms can include unusual fatigue, sleep disturbance, a feeling of severe indigestion or reflux that can actually make you short of breath, cold sweats and nausea with or without feeling dizzy.
There are ways you can protect yourself against this disease. The American Heart Association calls these Life's Simple Seven. Here they are:
1. Get active and stay active.
2. Control your cholesterol. Keep your cholesterol in normal levels, most importantly, keep LDL (or bad cholesterol levels) at 100mg/dl or less.
3. Eat better.
4. Manage blood pressure. 120/80 and below for healthy individuals is what is recommended by
The American Heart Association.
5. Reduce blood sugar levels. If you are a diabetic, keep your blood sugar levels within normal
limits, generally 70-100 mg/dl.
6. Stop smoking.
7. Lose weight. Maintain a BMI within a normal weight, 18.5 - 24.9.
Balanced Care also wants you to realize that these are all things that your physician can help you to control. By having your yearly physical exams (if you have health insurance, health care reform has included a yearly exam for prevention of disease and does so without any additional cost), you are taking the necessary steps to make sure that you are protecting your heart and your health.
So many people rely on you each day - Your children, your spouse, your parents, your employer, your co-workers, and even your closest friends. And while you are busy focusing on them, Balanced Care is focusing on you.
Heart Disease is one of the leading causes of death among men and women. In fact, it will take the lives of more women this year than breast cancer. It's also important to share with you that symptoms are different in men and women. Men will normally have chest pain, left arm pain radiating down the arm, indigestion, and even jaw pain. For women, symptoms can include unusual fatigue, sleep disturbance, a feeling of severe indigestion or reflux that can actually make you short of breath, cold sweats and nausea with or without feeling dizzy.
There are ways you can protect yourself against this disease. The American Heart Association calls these Life's Simple Seven. Here they are:
1. Get active and stay active.
2. Control your cholesterol. Keep your cholesterol in normal levels, most importantly, keep LDL (or bad cholesterol levels) at 100mg/dl or less.
3. Eat better.
4. Manage blood pressure. 120/80 and below for healthy individuals is what is recommended by
The American Heart Association.
5. Reduce blood sugar levels. If you are a diabetic, keep your blood sugar levels within normal
limits, generally 70-100 mg/dl.
6. Stop smoking.
7. Lose weight. Maintain a BMI within a normal weight, 18.5 - 24.9.
Balanced Care also wants you to realize that these are all things that your physician can help you to control. By having your yearly physical exams (if you have health insurance, health care reform has included a yearly exam for prevention of disease and does so without any additional cost), you are taking the necessary steps to make sure that you are protecting your heart and your health.
So many people rely on you each day - Your children, your spouse, your parents, your employer, your co-workers, and even your closest friends. And while you are busy focusing on them, Balanced Care is focusing on you.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Pay It Forward
In the fall, I began to take part in something called a Goal Achievement Circle. It's a group of like minded individuals who get together once a month to share goals, share what they have achieved, talk about challenges during the month, and share ideas to keep you on track towards achieving the goals you desire.
During the month of November, we were encouraged to keep a gratitude list of what we were grateful for. We were also encouraged to do random acts of kindness during the holiday season and for me personally, this was something that I couldn't wait to do. Personally, I did things such as paying for a cup of coffee to the next person in line, paying a toll for the person behind me, letting someone go before me in the grocery line, and just offering a smile to perfect strangers. When I did these random acts of kindness, I also made sure to keep it a secret if I possibly could. I made sure that the cashier didn't let the person behind me know that it was me paying for the coffee. To be truthful, paying for the coffee was minimal; watching people smile and share their excitement over a free cup of coffee was worth it's weight in gold.
In December, I had the blessing of witnessing the true reason for the season. At a Business After Hours with the Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce, we had a Chamber Raffle with the prize being $500.00 worth of oil or $250.00 in cash. A Chamber member won and immediately wanted the prize to go to a local family who was in need. It turns out that a Chamber member's son who has a young family was recently in a car accident. The accident would involve several surgeries, months of rehab, leave him unable to work, and because of this, the family had some financial stress. The oil was donated to this family and it really touched my heart. This man didn't know this family, didn't think twice about it, he just did it. It was something that both professionally and personally, I would love to be able to do without a blink of an eyelash.
As a business owner who frequently receives referrals from many business owners, it is in my nature to try to give back if I possibly can to the ones who continually give. As much as I would love to do this, the reality is that it's just about impossible. Personally, several home and car insurance agents in the area continually give me referrals for health insurance and I pass their names along to people who are looking for the types of insurance they offer. The hard part is that it isn't unusual for me to receive one or two referrals a month from five different agents. It would be quite impossible for me to refer all of them. I can thank them and do so, but never feel that it is enough. I've also thought about telling them all the good that came from their referral, however, I have to follow privacy laws.
With this said, I wanted to try to do something both professionally and personally that would allow me to do random acts of kindness or "paying it forward" while being mindful of the reality of my business. Then I saw this on a Facebook status: Pay It Forward in 2013 - The first five people to comment on this post will receive something from me sometime this year (a card, a baked good, something that makes me think of you). There won't be a warning and it will happen whenever the mood strikes me. What is the catch? You must make the same offer in your Facebook status. Let's keep paying it forward and spread the happy."
I loved the idea and will be posting this on both my personal page and business page (Balanced Care Health and Supplemental Insurance) this week. My goal is to obviously pay it forward and do random acts of kindness on a regular basis, however, it's also to share with you all the good things that people do on a regular basis. It's also my hope to share more business pages, more testimonials for businesses, and just continual good news about all the good that both people and businesses do in their community.
For myself, it gets very depressing to continually see bad news. As someone that works with people each day, I believe that most of us need to read good news more often. I also believe that as a business owner, it gives me great encouragement if someone has taken the time to go out of their way to write a testimonial or share a referral.
I hope that you will join me in my effort of "paying it forward" in 2013 and look forward to reading and sharing all the good news that comes as a result of reading one small post on Facebook. Let's Pay it forward together and share our business, our good news, and all those random acts of kindness.
During the month of November, we were encouraged to keep a gratitude list of what we were grateful for. We were also encouraged to do random acts of kindness during the holiday season and for me personally, this was something that I couldn't wait to do. Personally, I did things such as paying for a cup of coffee to the next person in line, paying a toll for the person behind me, letting someone go before me in the grocery line, and just offering a smile to perfect strangers. When I did these random acts of kindness, I also made sure to keep it a secret if I possibly could. I made sure that the cashier didn't let the person behind me know that it was me paying for the coffee. To be truthful, paying for the coffee was minimal; watching people smile and share their excitement over a free cup of coffee was worth it's weight in gold.
In December, I had the blessing of witnessing the true reason for the season. At a Business After Hours with the Greater Barrington Chamber of Commerce, we had a Chamber Raffle with the prize being $500.00 worth of oil or $250.00 in cash. A Chamber member won and immediately wanted the prize to go to a local family who was in need. It turns out that a Chamber member's son who has a young family was recently in a car accident. The accident would involve several surgeries, months of rehab, leave him unable to work, and because of this, the family had some financial stress. The oil was donated to this family and it really touched my heart. This man didn't know this family, didn't think twice about it, he just did it. It was something that both professionally and personally, I would love to be able to do without a blink of an eyelash.
As a business owner who frequently receives referrals from many business owners, it is in my nature to try to give back if I possibly can to the ones who continually give. As much as I would love to do this, the reality is that it's just about impossible. Personally, several home and car insurance agents in the area continually give me referrals for health insurance and I pass their names along to people who are looking for the types of insurance they offer. The hard part is that it isn't unusual for me to receive one or two referrals a month from five different agents. It would be quite impossible for me to refer all of them. I can thank them and do so, but never feel that it is enough. I've also thought about telling them all the good that came from their referral, however, I have to follow privacy laws.
With this said, I wanted to try to do something both professionally and personally that would allow me to do random acts of kindness or "paying it forward" while being mindful of the reality of my business. Then I saw this on a Facebook status: Pay It Forward in 2013 - The first five people to comment on this post will receive something from me sometime this year (a card, a baked good, something that makes me think of you). There won't be a warning and it will happen whenever the mood strikes me. What is the catch? You must make the same offer in your Facebook status. Let's keep paying it forward and spread the happy."
I loved the idea and will be posting this on both my personal page and business page (Balanced Care Health and Supplemental Insurance) this week. My goal is to obviously pay it forward and do random acts of kindness on a regular basis, however, it's also to share with you all the good things that people do on a regular basis. It's also my hope to share more business pages, more testimonials for businesses, and just continual good news about all the good that both people and businesses do in their community.
For myself, it gets very depressing to continually see bad news. As someone that works with people each day, I believe that most of us need to read good news more often. I also believe that as a business owner, it gives me great encouragement if someone has taken the time to go out of their way to write a testimonial or share a referral.
I hope that you will join me in my effort of "paying it forward" in 2013 and look forward to reading and sharing all the good news that comes as a result of reading one small post on Facebook. Let's Pay it forward together and share our business, our good news, and all those random acts of kindness.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Celebration
I've been wanting to write this blog post for the month of December and could never seem to find the right words. It's difficult to find all the words that go along with heartbreak while at the same time finding words to be grateful. So, let me try .....
It has to do with 2012. It has been a difficult year, but at the same time, it's been a joyful year. The word that keeps coming to mind is celebration and as hard as I have fought writing about celebration, it really is one that fits.
As you know, January of 2012 started off with the loss of my beautiful Mother. No words can possibly desribe how much she is missed. You only have one mother and I was blessed with a very good one; one that wasn't perfect, but one that was perfect to me. When my sisters and I were planning her funeral service, I remember talking with the Pastor who did her service and he made sure to tell us that he wanted to make sure it was something that she would have loved. It was a "celebration" of her, what she meant to us, to her grandchildren, her brothers and sisters, and her friends. As I have grieved deeply this year, it recently came to me that the reason for the pain was because I missed "celebrating" her. I missed having a cup of tea with her, missed our long conversations, missed her getting excited over Dancing With The Stars, and missed our Friday evenings together. I also realized, however, that she is having a cup of tea in heaven, she is having the very best conversations, she is always dancing, and she is continually celebrating while she has Jesus in her presence.
February began another hurdle with John's Father being admitted into the hospital. After several strokes and him getting weaker and weaker, it was becoming more evident that staying at home with his wife caring for him was becoming dangerous for both of them. A few months later, he was admitted into a long term care facility. For the last seven years, we have had the blessing of watching John's mother care for her husband with every ounce of love that she had. When he was admitted into long term care, she would still visit each night. She walked in and his face lit up. After the nurses would put him into his wheelchair, she would walk him down to the dining room, feed him, clean him up, spend several hours with him, and make sure he was comfortable in bed before she left. She had celebrated fifty seven years of marriage with him and was still celebrating their life together no matter what the circumstances were.
Our next celebration occured when Andrew and Christina were married on June 30th in Islesford, Maine. Family and friends gathered and witnessed one of the most beautiful island weddings I have ever seen. I know that I am biased, but really it was. They wrote their own vows to which their wasn't a dry eye in the room. They poured their hearts into the day and it was pure evidence of a love that was deep and respectful of one another. The food was amazing, John and I had some time to ourselves, and our son was happy. It was a reason to celebrate.
Another celebration occured in August when my nephew returned home from Afghanistan unharmed and safe and sound. He returned home to his wife and met his two month old son for the first time. I still thank God.
And the celebrations continued with an engagement, a birth of another grandchild, and the beginning of a new and special relationship with our oldest son, Michael. He met a young woman, Courtney, who has a special little baby girl, Rosslyn. They met when Rosslyn was just six months old. Both of them have become very important to not only Michael's life, but to ours as well. I can't tell you how many times I wished my mother could have met both of them. She would have loved them too. Just as I start to feel sorry for myself, something inside of me always brings to back to reality. God knew what he was doing when he sent these girls into our lives. Just when I feel like I can barely celebrate another minute, I'll see them. Rosslyn has a smile that truly lights up a room. She just started walking and reaching up to you. She also just started blowing kisses. How can I not possibly celebrate her precious life?
November hit us hard with another hospitalization of John's father, Amy and Cody's wedding, and the loss of John's father all within a two week period. Amy and Cody's wedding was on a Saturday and earlier that week, John's father was not able to swallow. We knew the day was getting close to say good-bye, but on the day of her wedding, he ate breakfast. To me, he was telling us to enjoy the day and making sure Amy and Cody had a beautiful day. So they did and so did we.
Three days later, he passed away. John's family put together a beautiful collection of pictures, his siblings (he had seven out of ten that were still alive) came from Canada, and we celebrated his life as he was laid to rest. A sign that his daughter, Claire made read, "It's difficult to forget one who gave us so much to remember." He was an amazing man - He loved God, he loved his wife, he loved his family, and we loved him back. He gave us all a reason to celebrate and always will.
There is a reason that it took me awhile to put all of this into the right words. As 2012 rapidly comes to a close and we look towards 2013, I pray you will take the time to celebrate. Celebrate life, celebrate one another, and celebrate every moment you have here on earth. With 2012 just about behind our family, we still celebrate the joys and heartbreak that the year brought us. For without the heartache, we would never know joy and all the reasons we have to celebrate.
It has to do with 2012. It has been a difficult year, but at the same time, it's been a joyful year. The word that keeps coming to mind is celebration and as hard as I have fought writing about celebration, it really is one that fits.
As you know, January of 2012 started off with the loss of my beautiful Mother. No words can possibly desribe how much she is missed. You only have one mother and I was blessed with a very good one; one that wasn't perfect, but one that was perfect to me. When my sisters and I were planning her funeral service, I remember talking with the Pastor who did her service and he made sure to tell us that he wanted to make sure it was something that she would have loved. It was a "celebration" of her, what she meant to us, to her grandchildren, her brothers and sisters, and her friends. As I have grieved deeply this year, it recently came to me that the reason for the pain was because I missed "celebrating" her. I missed having a cup of tea with her, missed our long conversations, missed her getting excited over Dancing With The Stars, and missed our Friday evenings together. I also realized, however, that she is having a cup of tea in heaven, she is having the very best conversations, she is always dancing, and she is continually celebrating while she has Jesus in her presence.
February began another hurdle with John's Father being admitted into the hospital. After several strokes and him getting weaker and weaker, it was becoming more evident that staying at home with his wife caring for him was becoming dangerous for both of them. A few months later, he was admitted into a long term care facility. For the last seven years, we have had the blessing of watching John's mother care for her husband with every ounce of love that she had. When he was admitted into long term care, she would still visit each night. She walked in and his face lit up. After the nurses would put him into his wheelchair, she would walk him down to the dining room, feed him, clean him up, spend several hours with him, and make sure he was comfortable in bed before she left. She had celebrated fifty seven years of marriage with him and was still celebrating their life together no matter what the circumstances were.
Our next celebration occured when Andrew and Christina were married on June 30th in Islesford, Maine. Family and friends gathered and witnessed one of the most beautiful island weddings I have ever seen. I know that I am biased, but really it was. They wrote their own vows to which their wasn't a dry eye in the room. They poured their hearts into the day and it was pure evidence of a love that was deep and respectful of one another. The food was amazing, John and I had some time to ourselves, and our son was happy. It was a reason to celebrate.
Another celebration occured in August when my nephew returned home from Afghanistan unharmed and safe and sound. He returned home to his wife and met his two month old son for the first time. I still thank God.
And the celebrations continued with an engagement, a birth of another grandchild, and the beginning of a new and special relationship with our oldest son, Michael. He met a young woman, Courtney, who has a special little baby girl, Rosslyn. They met when Rosslyn was just six months old. Both of them have become very important to not only Michael's life, but to ours as well. I can't tell you how many times I wished my mother could have met both of them. She would have loved them too. Just as I start to feel sorry for myself, something inside of me always brings to back to reality. God knew what he was doing when he sent these girls into our lives. Just when I feel like I can barely celebrate another minute, I'll see them. Rosslyn has a smile that truly lights up a room. She just started walking and reaching up to you. She also just started blowing kisses. How can I not possibly celebrate her precious life?
November hit us hard with another hospitalization of John's father, Amy and Cody's wedding, and the loss of John's father all within a two week period. Amy and Cody's wedding was on a Saturday and earlier that week, John's father was not able to swallow. We knew the day was getting close to say good-bye, but on the day of her wedding, he ate breakfast. To me, he was telling us to enjoy the day and making sure Amy and Cody had a beautiful day. So they did and so did we.
Three days later, he passed away. John's family put together a beautiful collection of pictures, his siblings (he had seven out of ten that were still alive) came from Canada, and we celebrated his life as he was laid to rest. A sign that his daughter, Claire made read, "It's difficult to forget one who gave us so much to remember." He was an amazing man - He loved God, he loved his wife, he loved his family, and we loved him back. He gave us all a reason to celebrate and always will.
There is a reason that it took me awhile to put all of this into the right words. As 2012 rapidly comes to a close and we look towards 2013, I pray you will take the time to celebrate. Celebrate life, celebrate one another, and celebrate every moment you have here on earth. With 2012 just about behind our family, we still celebrate the joys and heartbreak that the year brought us. For without the heartache, we would never know joy and all the reasons we have to celebrate.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Their light
After last Friday's terrible tragedy in Connecticut, it has left many people including myself feeling incredibly helpless. My first instinct was to just pray and so that's what I did. It did give me some comfort knowing that others were doing the same and when President Obama actually read from scripture when he addressed the people in the city of Newtown, it was my hope that all of us would receive some peace in the midst of such darkness.
Late Saturday evening, a dear friend of mine shared with me that she had lit a candle and placed it outside to shine into heaven in rememberance of those lost in the tragedy. I looked around my home and had the candle that was given to me when I went to All Souls Day service in our church on November 2nd in rememberance of my sweet Mother. Now, I have to tell you that I have been lighting the candle just about every evening as I made dinner and cleaned the kitchen to have her spirit with me. These candles are suppose to burn approximately twenty four hours.
I lit the candle and placed it on our side stairs, said a prayer, asked God to spread his arms around these people, and then closed my eyes and thought of my Mother holding the children that were lost in her arms. She so loved children.
Twenty four hours later the candle was still brightly shining. This is through wind, snow, and rain. I never had to relight it.
Late last night, the candle went out. Three days and forty eight hours after it was suppose to go out, it went out. And, then I thought, our family has lost three people this year. My Mother, SallyAnn's Mother, and my Father-in-Law. Three people; three days. In the midst of a tragedy when I personally needed some peace and light, God gave it to me yet again.
I couldn't imagine the pain and anguish the families in Connecticut were going through and felt all I could do is offer a few prayers. As I brought the candle in from outside after it went out, I felt "Their light will forever shine in heaven" in my heart. All of them - the three from our family and the twenty six that were lost. In this midst of this terrible darkness, there was light.
Late Saturday evening, a dear friend of mine shared with me that she had lit a candle and placed it outside to shine into heaven in rememberance of those lost in the tragedy. I looked around my home and had the candle that was given to me when I went to All Souls Day service in our church on November 2nd in rememberance of my sweet Mother. Now, I have to tell you that I have been lighting the candle just about every evening as I made dinner and cleaned the kitchen to have her spirit with me. These candles are suppose to burn approximately twenty four hours.
I lit the candle and placed it on our side stairs, said a prayer, asked God to spread his arms around these people, and then closed my eyes and thought of my Mother holding the children that were lost in her arms. She so loved children.
Twenty four hours later the candle was still brightly shining. This is through wind, snow, and rain. I never had to relight it.
Late last night, the candle went out. Three days and forty eight hours after it was suppose to go out, it went out. And, then I thought, our family has lost three people this year. My Mother, SallyAnn's Mother, and my Father-in-Law. Three people; three days. In the midst of a tragedy when I personally needed some peace and light, God gave it to me yet again.
I couldn't imagine the pain and anguish the families in Connecticut were going through and felt all I could do is offer a few prayers. As I brought the candle in from outside after it went out, I felt "Their light will forever shine in heaven" in my heart. All of them - the three from our family and the twenty six that were lost. In this midst of this terrible darkness, there was light.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Christmas in Heaven
2012 has been a hard year with loss. January brought the death of my sweet mother, Joyce Savory. In August, my sister-in-law, SallyAnn lost her mother and last month, we lost my Father-in-Law, Claude Trepanier. My Mother-in-Law found this and I felt it was worthwhile to share. It's called Christmas in Heaven.
I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below.
With tiny lights, lke heaven't stars
Reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular.
Please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here.
For I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring.
For it si beyond description
To hear an angel sing.
I know how much you miss me.
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away.
We are really not apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones.
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift
From my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory
of my undying love.
For after all "Love" is a gift
More precious than pure gold,
It was always more important
In the stories that Jesus told.
So please love and help each other
As my father said to do.
For I cannot count the blessings
Of the love he has for you.
So please have a Merry Christmas
And wipe away that tear.
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
I can't tell you of the splendo
Of the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas
With our Savior, face to face.
I'll ask him to lift your spirit
As I tell him of your love.
So then pray for one another
As your lift your eyes above.
So please let your heart be joyful
And left your spirits sing
For I am spending Christmas in Heaven
And I am walking with the King!!
I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below.
With tiny lights, lke heaven't stars
Reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular.
Please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here.
For I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring.
For it si beyond description
To hear an angel sing.
I know how much you miss me.
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away.
We are really not apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones.
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
I send you each a special gift
From my heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory
of my undying love.
For after all "Love" is a gift
More precious than pure gold,
It was always more important
In the stories that Jesus told.
So please love and help each other
As my father said to do.
For I cannot count the blessings
Of the love he has for you.
So please have a Merry Christmas
And wipe away that tear.
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.
I can't tell you of the splendo
Of the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas
With our Savior, face to face.
I'll ask him to lift your spirit
As I tell him of your love.
So then pray for one another
As your lift your eyes above.
So please let your heart be joyful
And left your spirits sing
For I am spending Christmas in Heaven
And I am walking with the King!!
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