Another Day , Another Dollar

I've always lived two lives , the one at work and the one at home . Since my cancer , these two worlds have been colliding , playing havoc with my heart . I just can't be these two people any longer .

Whether we are at work or play , the world is full of critics . There is always someone who thinks they can do your job better , think smarter or act quicker on a deal . No matter how perfect of a review a person has , it always ends with  " there's  room for improvement in ....." 

I've often wondered how people could  last 25 years in one company without losing their mind . Since this year marks my 18th with my company , I think I'll be finding out soon enough . How does a person stay fresh without the feel of burnout ?

I wish I knew . What I have seen is that people tend to become stone faced blocking their hearts from all emotions . I don't want to lose my compassion for people and their lives . I care for them and want to solve and improve their work life .

So far , I've been able to maintain my sanity and not lose my self respect , but sometimes , the weight on my shoulders is just too much and I allow it to affect me . I don't know how to become indifferent . The two worlds collide and I feel .

When those times occur  , I begin thinking that maybe , I'm not cut out for the corporate world . I can't be a mannequin falling behind everyone else in perfect unison . I have to speak up , I have to defend , I have to change things and that's where the problem begins . . . . I have to be me .

So what do I do ? I retreat , regroup and refresh myself . I get up , take a deep breath and start all over again . Another day , another dollar .

Have a Blessed day everyone .

In The Name Of God

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
( Proverbs 18:10)

That was me this morning . When I walked outside and saw a raging storm and flooding streets , I saw God's power . As I drove in it , all I could do is pray . I prayed and called out His name all the way home .

When I arrived safely an hour later  and opened up my daily bible verse ( see above ) , I've realized how true it is . I can't recall a time in my life where I haven't called out in prayer to God . Whether it was a physical health need or thankfulness or a prayer request , He has always been a part of me . My relationship with Christ has become more private , endearing and loving as I age .

I wish all of my relationships were that fulfilling . People will hurt you and abandon you , but only He can love you unconditionally . When He cast out Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden , even though He was angry and disappointed , He still provided clothing for them . He didn't leave them nor stop loving them .

I wish everyone could see and feel His love . Just think how their lives would change . How comforted they would be in times of turmoil . So why is it so difficult to surrender to His love ? Why is it so hard to believe ? That saddens me .

The love and care that God represents is available to everyone . Are you ready to open your heart to love ? All you have to say is yes and call out to Him by name .

Have a Blessed day everyone .

Stillness Of The Morning

One of my childhood memories happens to be of waking early to the clip-clopping of the horses hooves upon the cobblestone street in my hometown of Niedzieliska , Poland . My grandmother downstairs in the kitchen churning fresh butter for the day . The memory so fresh in my mind as if it happened yesterday instead of thirty-odd years ago .

There is something so comforting and so relaxing about waking early in the morn when the sky is still dark with night . No human life is seen outside nor any car is heard driving away . Where the only sound is the chirping of the birds welcoming the new day .
There is a cool breeze swaying the curtains of an open window  before the heat of the day begins .

Only in the summer can we enjoy moments like these  . Moments where we sit reclined in our favorite chair sipping our coffee waiting for the world to stir from it's slumber . A world that looks so calm , so serene , so unlike itself . A world filled with God's beauty .

I love these private moments where I feel like I'm alone with my God . A time where I don't have to share Him with anyone else . We sit and sip that first cup of the day , that coffee that tastes so delicious , unlike anything we've had before . A quiet moment where nothing else matters except the exchange of an open heart to her Master .

Would you come sit with us ?

Have a Blessed day everyone .

My Treasures

I have a treasure . It does not consist of a bank load of money . My chest is not full of jewelry . I do not own a huge and beautiful house that is filled with expensive furniture .

My treasure lies within the arms of grandchildren , who freely wrap them around me . Grandchildren who look at me with love in their eyes . Grandchildren who want to know me .

My treasure is a red Durango with God sitting behind the wheel . There is no other reason why it starts when you turn the key . A red Durango that has carried my belongings as I traveled the road of life .

My treasure is my crocheting hook that offers comfort to me  as well as others . It was learned in childhood , brought out from  illness and used for good .

My treasure are letters that can form words . These words tell a story of my life with cancer . You can see these stories on a blog  where they are  used as an expression of my innermost  emotions .

My treasure are the people with whom I come in contact with everyday . The people who share my laughter , my tears and my pain . The people I know and the ones I've yet to meet .

My treasure is a Son that has died on the Cross for me so I can spend my eternity in Heaven with Him . He has saved my soul .
What is your treasure ?

Have a Blessed day everyone .

The Brave Choice

"I wouldn't call it the brave choice. I actually think it’s the most fearful choice you can make when confronting anything with cancer," she said in the last question of an interview with The Washington Blade writer Joey DiGielmo.
Etheridge added that she believes cancer is triggered as much from mental and physical health as it is by genetics. "Plenty of people have the gene mutation but it never comes to cancer, so I would say to anybody faced with that, that choice is way down the line on the spectrum of what you can do and to really consider the advancements we’ve made in things like nutrition and stress levels.
"I've been cancer-free for nine years now and looking back, I completely understand why I got cancer. There was so much acidity in everything," she said. "I really encourage people to go a lot longer and further before coming to that conclusion."

I wasn't upset about the " Brave " comment made by Etheridge . Bravery is a little bit like beauty , everyone has their own idea of what that happens to be . What did make my blood boil was her comment about the causes of cancer .

Everyone is an expert on the  causes of cancer and yet , here we are with no cure .

 I believe the reason she made that comment had to do with the fact of her being in remission for nine years . God Bless ! I'm happy for her , but not everyone can say the same . The longer you are in remission , the more secure you feel in thinking you have that cancer licked . I know many people whose cancer has come back years later .

Some of us aren't that lucky . Believe me , it's not because we are not taking good care of our bodies . If anything , we are aware of every ache , rash or bump . We see our doctor regularly . How often do you non-cancer people see yours ?

Nor is it because we are stressed out . Stress does add to every illness , but in my case , I have become happier . Time is a blessing and I definitely don't want to waste it in anger or needless stress .  Cancer changes our quality of life for the better , especially our mental state .

I have been told by a New Age friend that I must have had a lot of anger in my life to get cancer .

I have been told that if I eat more broccoli , or beets or that special vegetable that grows in a special land will keep my cancer away .

I have been given the address of Monks that live in the mountains of Europe that make a tea that will erase all cancer tumors .

I have been given a  vial of Greek oil blessed by the high priests that will heal me if applied directly to the area of where my cancer has grown .

I have been told that the reason I'm not cured is because I don't believe enough . My faith is obviously not strong . I shouldn't even say that word " cancer " , because I'm inviting it to stay .

Should I go on ? I can keep going , I have plenty more where that came from . Again , we have no cure for cancer , even with all these " special treatments " , but I'll make sure to let my oncologist know .

When I went through my genetic testing , I asked the doctor why or how I got cancer . She replied that if they knew the how or why , we would have the cure .

At my last chemo session , I asked my oncologist if I could drink wine . She replied :
" Drink wine ,  have a margarita , heck , drink a beer . Live your life " .

Quite honestly , I'm not even looking for the cure . If it happens , hey , great . If not , well I'm too busy trying to live this life of mine with a glass of wine in my hand .

Have a Blessed day everyone .

Around The Place

Life has certainly seemed brighter in the last few days . I've been around long enough to know that moments like these are fleeting . We need to enjoy these moments before they disappear . Life is a series of mountains with plenty of ups and downs . Right now , it's up .

Yes , life is brighter . My last chemo treatment ( for now ) will be next week . Although I'm tired , my body is recovering nicely and I'm looking forward to being in remission . Remission instills a renewed energy boost within me . Like a kid housebound , when the door opens to the outside , we run out to explore . There are no limits . That's what remission feels like to me .

My bedroom is coming together quite nicely . That huge file cabinet has been taken out to the trash by two big strong males , Tony and Junior . God Bless real friends . The biggest change ? I feel comfortable in my room .

There have been challenges which were overcome . Emily baked and decorated a birthday cake for a friend , bakery worthy . Having struggled with decorating cakes professionally it was quite an accomplishment for her . This just proves that with a little practice and hard work , anything is possible .

My crocheting has taken on a frenzied state , producing eight finished blankets and five in the making . Last week , a box arrived in the mail with a donation of yarn . A couple of days later , a card for Joann's Fabrics . God provides and my fingers are willing .

Children's Ministry has taken a break for the summer which allows some rest . I'm looking forward to being a pew warmer for a couple of weeks .

We have some family visitors from Florida , whose company we have been enjoying . First , some bowling and game night , then a picnic with a hike in the woods .

Summer is finally here , might as well enjoy it . Have a Blessed day everyone .

That Hot Flash Woman

Six years ago , I had a hysterectomy which resulted in an instant menopausal state . I was fine until my first chemo two months later . Of all the symptoms of menopause , weight gain and hot flashes are prominent in me .

Hot flashes : what can I say . . . I can't remember the last time I was cold . I'm hot all the time , breaking into a sweat at the slightest physical exertion . I don't have a blanket or comforter on my bed , but use a sheet instead .

In the wintertime , I wear halter tops and shorts around the place . Emily gets shivers just looking at me . There are times I have to turn on the ceiling fan to cool off .

I can deal with all of that , but the red side burns on my face is just too much . I'm 48 years old and I look like I'm a pre-teen with her first crush . When I take steroids , my face becomes even redder .

My  desk fan at work is always on which infuriates my co-workers . They're bundled up with layers and I'm fanning myself . Their comment to me : " You know it's wintertime , right " ?  Duh !

My weight : If I have another good wisher offering me weight loss advice , I can promise you , I'll end up on the news . What is it with people and weight ? Why can't they leave us fat people alone ? Maybe , we're happy being fat .

" You know , Lottie , you've been gaining weight " . Really ? I haven't noticed my clothes not fitting . Like I'm not aware of that fact .
" You need to watch what your eating . Eat more fruit and veggies . Watch your portions . Drink your water " .
I don't know how I survived without these people all these years . What do they think I have been doing for six years ! What does dressing taste like ? I surely can't remember .

And now for my favorite ....... when they see me eat a cookie or a slice of cake or anything sweet .
" Do you know how many calories there are in that " ?

At that point , I turn beet red and this time , it has nothing to do with my hot flashes !

Have a Blessed day everyone and stay cool .

A Family Outing

As I crawled into bed this morning , I knew I never wanted to leave it . Tired and achy from working the weekend overtime , the last thing I wanted is to go bowling with the kids .

My great-niece and nephew from Florida  were visiting and we promised them a family outing bowling style  . At this point , everyone was excited . Teams were formed and named  . There were " The Knockouts "  ( Destiny , Emily ) and " The Fala's " ( Myself , Faith ) . My nephew Ashton 's score would be split in  half between the two teams .

Tired , I might be , but the show must go on . Once we got there , I had a blast !

Bowling turned into a spaghetti dinner , picnic style in our living room . After dinner , a game of LIFE , what else ?!

 

Did I get any sleep ? Makes absolutely no difference , because what mattered most was the fun time we all had with each other . Making beautiful memories . . . isn't that what it's all about ?

In case you were wondering who won , here are the final results .

Have A Blessed day everyone .

A Bittersweet Victory

When the cancer returned this time around , I made a decision not to fight it , but start learning how to live with it . My main goal was to be able to work and not look like a cancer victim . I wanted to walk among others blending into the scenery .

Unfortunately , the victory is a bittersweet one . I think I've achieved this goal a little too well .

Take work , for instance . Sometimes , I believe that my superiors have forgotten that I have an illness . This is a huge compliment regarding my capabilities in performing my duties . Still , I feel they have no idea what it takes to achieve that on my part .

Isn't this really what I've wanted all along ? Then why am I complaining ? On those particularly challenging days when your body isn't cooperating , there is a teeny weeny part inside of you desiring sympathy . None is offered .

It takes everything out of me to be able to work during treatment . I try to maintain a normal lifestyle , yet I wonder , just how long I'll be able to do so . The last thing I want to do is to make chemo look easy , because it isn't .

It's not just work , there is volunteering , social activities and everyday chores . I know I am extremely lucky in not having small children to take care of or a husband . There is no way I'd be able to do all of this while raising a family , too .

My next goal ? Trying to keep on maintaining this lifestyle without hurting my body , because my body really hurts .
Have A Blessed day everyone .

The Long Winding Road

People dream of winning the lottery or retiring early , I dream of traveling the States . I would love to spend the summer traveling in an R.V. enjoying the beautiful scenery . My traveling companion ? My mom .

My mom is the perfect person to take traveling . She comes prepared with a basket of goodies in case one gets thirsty or hungry , ready to pull out that sandwich or pour that cup of coffee . It makes no difference if it's only an overnighter , she still carries enough luggage for a weeks stay .

You want to read a magazine ? She readily pulls out the latest issue of a Polish magazine translating if needed . Your button fell off ? It's raining ? A toll suddenly appears ? Don't worry , mom has everything you need right in that luggage .

I love taking her on trips because her attitude is always cheerful , even when we get lost . As long as we have gas in the car and there is a stretch of road in front of us  , what does it matter  ? She gets to spend time with her daughter . Who wouldn't love that kind of positive energy with them ?

She keeps us entertained with stories of the past , never running out of things to say . When you start getting a little tired and need to pull over for a quick rest , she faithfully watches over you while you nap .

This Sunday is Father's Day and  even though I've restored my relationship with father , it's always been my mom who has been there for me . I hope I have the opportunity to take a road trip with her across the states . Happy Father's Day Mom ! I love you .

Have a Blessed day everyone .

The Game Of Life

The game of Life sits atop our shelf in the living room . Whenever , I make a comment to Emily of having a quiet night in , she instantly reaches for that board game . She loves board games , card games , any kind of games . Not exactly what I had in mind when I said a quiet evening .

Everytime we play , it's a different result . Either we end up wealthy with lots of kids or poor with none . It makes no difference how many times we play , the game of life is never the same .

That's just how real life happens to be . No matter how much you try to plan , it doesn't always turn out quite the way you expected .
We all start off the same way , by coming into this world , and yet our lives are so very different from that point on .

What makes the difference ? Choices . First ,  these choices are made by the people who raise us and then by us . How we start out in life really makes a difference . I , for instance , have made many bad choices earlier on that have affected how my life has turned out so far . Have I learned from them ? You betcha !

When my children became adults  , all I wanted is for them to start life better than when I did . This way , when they messed up or made a wrong turn  in life , it's much easier to get back on track .

Now , back to that game of Life . Roll that dice and let's see where it will take us this time . Have a Blessed day everyone .

Double-Stuffed Oreos

Sometimes , a girl needs to throw out  her diet and healthy living . Sometimes , eating double-stuffed oreos , couple of glasses of red wine , followed by a bag of chips is all a girl needs to say the heck with it !

There are days when we're too lazy , too tired and too fed up , to take a shower or wear any makeup . Days where we sit upon our arse in mix-matched clothes that should have been in the dumpster .
The doorbells buzzes  , they'll leave eventually . The phone rings , leave a message . We turn off all communications with the rest of the world . No facebook , no e-mails  , this is a  no trespassing zone .

Instead , we 'll sit and watch sappy Lifetime movies where we can cheer on the long suffering heroine and boo the evil villain .  We can get happy , sad or angry or  shed a couple of tears  . Yeah , it doesn't get any better than  this .

We know that tomorrow , we'll have to put on our best smile and continue living .. . . . but that's tomorrow . Sometimes , we just need a double-stuffed oreo .

Have a Blessed day everyone .

A Total Blank

These past couple of days , I have been home recuperating from a treatment . Nothing new there . It happens every three weeks . What is new is how productive I have been during this time . I'm not doing anything strenuous , just crocheting .

Deep down inside , I know what's behind all this renewed energy , even with chemo . My mind has been preoccupied with all that's been going on , leaving my mind a total blank concerning other things .

This blog , for instance , has been one of those things . Lately , it seems , I sit down and stare at the blank screen with a blank head . Forming words , thoughts or ideas has become a real struggle .

That's why crocheting is the answer for now . It always has been my relaxer and that's where I need to be .

Have a Blessed day everyone .

How Many Times .....

I didn't plan on going to Church today . My plans were merely to sit at home , crocheting quietly in my room . Nothing more , nothing less .

At seven in the morning the call came from one of the teachers , she couldn't  make it in this Sunday . When the second message came , I knew all my plans would go on hold and I needed to go in .

Lately , being quiet is all I strive for , looking for peace in my everyday life . I want to sit in my room , with the door closed , surrounded by things I love to do . Any issues with others to be left outside  my building where it cannot touch me .

People disappoint . How am  I to deal with others jealousy ? Jealousy turns into envy , then anger and vindictiveness . How am I to deal when others do their best to hurt you ? How many times can one turn the other cheek ?

I have been sitting quietly , saying nothing , listening to my devotions , waiting upon the Lord . Waiting for this to go away . Waiting for Him to resolve this issue . Waiting . . .

I've  extended my hand in friendship and it was accepted . I extended my hand , again , to the other and it was declined . . . . actually it was slammed shut . I feel defeated , deflated and ready to give up .

Last night , I sat up majority of the night crocheting blankets for the homeless . With each stitch , I thought of them and their struggles . How many times have they felt defeat ? How many times have they wanted to give up ? How many times have they turned their cheek ? How many times has anyone extended a hand in friendship to them ?

How many times . . . . ?

A Friendly Conversation

Whenever I have  a chemotherapy session at the clinic , I get many offers from friends to come along . People care and it's very evident in their actions and their words .

The truth is I like going alone . I think of it as my alone time , almost like a spa treatment . I bring with me my bag of goodies  and entertainment items . Sometimes after a particularly difficult week at work , I look forward to my chemo .

Having cancer for six years now  is actually an advantage , because I have gone through so much that I feel completely at ease with my situation . We have become friends .

The day itself is really spent visiting my friends . My doctor and nurses are awesome and we play catch up with each other's lives . My doctor measures my progress on whether I crochet or not . Yes , I'm known for my crocheting and that seems to be the topic when I'm there . Everyone keeps popping in asking , " What are you working on now ? "

So what is the plan regarding my treatment ? Well , we will finish the last one in three weeks and have another Petscan done to see what is happening inside . Then we can decide what to do next based on the results .

Honestly , I don't really care . It makes no difference to me either way . I have made peace with my diagnosis a long time ago . I want to enjoy whatever time I have here on earth . I also made a decision to keep working as long as I can . I am very tired , but I have no small children or husband to take care of , so it's all workable .

For now , I just want to keep on living ! Have a Blessed day everyone .

Time For Changes

Sitting on my daybed , looking  around my bedroom  , I let out  a deep ,  weary sigh . Half the room is spotless and the other half a total chaos , piled high with clothes , knick knacks and just stuff .

I have decided to change out my bedroom . Ever since , we have moved in here , I haven't been able to feel at peace in this room . Something is not right here . I have rearranged this room  numerous times and I'm still not happy here . I think it might be because this room doesn't look like a bedroom , but an office . 

Finally made the decision to get rid of the office size filing cabinet . I have pushed it  out into the hallway where it is currently blocking all traffic . How am I going to take this huge thing out to the trash ?  It's moments like these that I wish I was married .
Although , many of married friends have told me it means absolutely nothing , but that's another blog .

 Truth be told , my room isn't the only place where I have been feeling out of joint  . When things fall apart and the devil knocks at our door , chaos occurs  and feelings of negativity invade .
Everywhere I go I feel awkward , like I don't belong . This feeling has affected all areas of my life . Something is just not right and my universe is out of whack .

This rearrangement of furniture in my room is one way to put things where they really belong . That fit that I'm missing . That serenity that I want to feel . At least , it will make me think everything is back to normal .

 I know , that I'm being attacked and the feeling will pass , but for now , I need to make sure I do everything I can to stay the path .
Have a Blessed day everyone .

 

The World Is Mine

I'm sure that all of you have noticed how somber I have been feeling by the types of blogs I have been posting . Sometimes , life just crumbles all around us and we cannot stop it . When it rains , it really pours !

Last night , I received this poem from a lady that I really admire . It made me realize that no matter how badly things may seem , they're never as bad as they can truly be . I hope that makes sense to you , because it does to me .



THE WORLD IS MINE - Author Unknown

Today, upon a bus, I saw a very beautiful woman And wished I were as beautiful.
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and used a crutch. But as she passed, she passed a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I have two legs; the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy. The lad who sold it had such charm.
I talked with him, he seemed so glad. If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me, "I thank you, you've been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you. You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I have two eyes; the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street, I saw a child I knew.
He stood and watched the others play, but he did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said, "Why don't you join them dear?"
He looked ahead without a word. I forgot, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I have two ears; the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I'd like to know,
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine. I’ve been blessed indeed, the world is mine

 

Have a Blessed day everyone .

The Blanket Of Many Colors

What can a person make with a basket of colored remnants of yarn ? None of them matching in styles or textures , just an assortment of leftovers . No one likes leftovers , right ?

I'm talking about the yarn I bought at the estate sale months ago while looking for my couch . This yarn is awesome looking , unlike any that I have seen . This yarn looks expensive . The problem ? Not enough of it , only remnants .

 Emily has always shown an interest in serving the homeless , sharing her desire to go out and minister to them in some way . I thought that maybe , I could make some blankets for her to distribute to them .

In doing so , I have discovered how much I missed crocheting blankets .  Blankets happen to be what  I first started making when I learned the actual craft .

Now , looking down into the pile of yarn , I've realized that I don't really have enough . I've thought of the country song by Dolly Parton ( A Coat Of Many Colors ) and had an idea to do the same , but with a blanket . Maybe , it wouldn't look too bad .

As I the blanket unfolded , so did an array of color . It looked warm and bright as if bringing a ray of sunshine into their dismal , grey life , offering hope . I couldn't stop thinking of the person who would receive this blanket . I hoped it provided warmth and love on a very cold day .

I thought of all the work that would go into making many blankets for the homeless . Of all the yarn that I would need and really don't have . Again , I come before you asking for any leftover yarn you may have or see in a garage sale . If anyone would like to donate some yarn for the homeless , please e-mail me at lottiekrol@yahoo.com for the address . Right now , I have about six made and four in the process of being made .

And the finished blanket of many colors . . ..

Have a Blessed day everyone .

Those Were The Days

My children are grown and if you're like me , you reminisce of when they were small . You remember all the good times you've shared together . I really miss the quality conversations where secrets were confided and future plans were discussed . My presence was in demand and no one could lend an ear better than mom .

Now that my son is married , the dynamics have certainly changed . The time I used to spend with him , has been replaced with Aubrey . I love my daughter-in-law and we have  a very special relationship which only deepens as time goes on . Yet , there are moments when I miss that one on one that Joe and I used to have .

In the news , the other day , was a death announcement for Jean Stapleton . Immediately , I received a text from my son , bringing back memories of his youth . When Joey was small , he absolutely loved Archie and Edith Bunker . Since the show was on late at night , I would tape it for him to watch the next day .

He used to imitate Edith Bunker singing " Those Were The Days " and when it was time for the part where her voice would hit that high pitch . . . . . well , Emily and I would laugh so hard , it would actually bring tears to your eyes . He was that good .

All day long , I'm back in the 90's raising my children , humming that song . I could hear Joey singing . . . .

Boy the way Glenn Miller Played
Songs that made the Hit Parade
Guys like us we had it made
Those were the days.

And you knew who you were then
Girls were girl and men were men
Mister, we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again

Didn't need no Welfare state
Everybody pulled his weight
Gee our old LaSalle Ran great

THOSE WERE THE DAYS!    

Have a Blessed day everyone .

That Weak Spot

I could hear the birds singing , sending a signal that morning is coming . It's been a long , thoughtful night . Sleep came hard . The devil knows our weak spot and tries everything to steal our Joy .

Sometimes , we have so much weighing on our hearts and minds that we can't think straight for all that  clutter . We have prayed and prayed unceasingly for so long , all words have left us . That's alright , God can read our mind .

 Breathe in , breathe out  and get up to face our day . We can spend too  much time over - analyzing , over - strategizing our situation . The fact is , the situation will never be resolved the way we want it to be . We need to wait and let God handle it the way He wants things to turn out .

Letting go is probably the best thing we can do . Shaking hands with our adversary , our pain , facing our situation head on and saying goodbye to it . All the grief  and anger  and hurt that was caused from it , started to overtake our being . Yes , letting go is the best thing we can do .

No , it didn't quite turn out the way we wanted it to . I do know , it couldn't go on any longer . A decision had to be made and acted upon . We have to humble ourselves and acknowledge our part in the situation .  That vulnerable , weak spot needs to heal . A life needs to be lived and not engulfed in hurt and despair . All of which , can only lead to hatred .

Breathe in , breathe out and listen to the birds singing . Listen and hear God speak within the beauty around us . There is serenity and grace out there for us , we just need to reach for it .

Have a Blessed day everyone .

The Longest Week

                 
Everyday , I would prepare for the nightly
work night to commence .
I would shower and dress
and pack my lunch , too .

As the hour hand drew near
my shoulders would droop
a frown would appear
followed by a moan or two
" Oh no , it's almost here ! "

The drive was way too short
each block bringing us closer
to that dreaded destination
no one wants to enter  

But wait ! A raindrop !
 Two more appeared
Then lightening and thunder !
Surely the lights will go out over there ...

With a smile on our face
we hurry off to work
Come on traffic signals , turn green !
I need to be the first one there
hoping to hear the good news

As I approach nearer and nearer
I see lights out everywhere !
Traffic lights blinking
 on and off , on and off
Yes , there is a glimmer of hope yet !

Pulling into the parking lot
my heart sinks in despair
to find that Avon is still there
all covered in bright lights
no darkness anywhere !

Off inside I go and work
my nine hours long
watching the clock
" sigh "
another night
" sigh "
another dollar
will the night ever end ?

Have a Blessed day everyone .