Celebrating one of the strongest women I know...

This weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in something I've never participated in before- a 90th birthday. Not just any 90th birthday, but my "nanny's" 90th (my father's mother.) I was overwhelmed with emotion all weekend, none of which began flooding through me until I slowed down long enough to no longer push them out. Feelings from sadness, to gratitude, to deep respect, to awe. Why would I be sad on such an occasion? Excuse me while I Am rigorously honest here. I am sad for my Nanny. I am happy for her that she is 90 (and looks like the Queen of England, but younger!) but sad at the situations in her life right now. And sad for the life she has had to endure, but deeply respectful of all she has overcome. I am sad that Parkinson's disease is stealing her motor skills and that this tough leader of our family now has to rely on assistance. I'm amazed she still lives on her own but I know she has to get depressed. I am sad her son (my father) refused to show up for her birthday. She began to cry when I told her he loves her and is just that way. I have never seen her cry. Ever. I am sad for myself that I have to even explain this to her. I am sad I do not spend as much time with her as we did when we were younger.
I need to get to the blessings now :) I am truly blessed to have both grandmothers living and that I was able to have them and my mother and aunts and uncles in the same room. That hasn't happened in quite some time. I am grateful for all my nanny has taught me and that she finally starting saying "I love you" a few years ago. I wasn't sure for a long time. I am grateful for the things she taught me that I didn't think I wanted to know.. How to behave in church, how to be a lady, what questions you don't ask, what topics are not too be discussed, how to set a dining room table, and how to survive life... You just survive. No matter what. The last part leads into why I have such a deep respect for Nanny. Without going into more detail than she would wish, this woman has endured more tragedy and heartache than ten lifetimes should bring. She has raised 5 children nearly alone and put up with too much from most of them :) her family has endured tragedy and she puts aside her own sadness to be there for them. She is going through more medical problems than I could imagine and refuses to completely give up her independence. Most importantly, she keeps the family together even after 90 years of life. I'd be tired! But she makes calls and makes sure people know when to be where and just keeps it all together. Amazing. I am so blessed to have her as my matriarch. I know most of my friends hear me discuss my other Gma (grandma) so its due time I give props to nanny.
PS... Excuse any typos, written on my iPhone :)

Blogworthy news..Assumptions, Forgiveness, and Compassion...

So I am finally back on track (for now) with this week's news in review. I had to take today to write because some of the stories of the past couple of weeks are just infuriating, frustrating, and absurd. Thankfully, there are two stories which offset the anger and sadness I felt from reading the first two. Enjoy.... And feel free to add your own commentary..

This first story was from the 9/11. I had the priveledge of flying from Denver to Tampa that day; the good news was the flights were not full, lines were not long, and every flight ran on time. The not so fun part was the heightened security and the racial profiling that followed. I noticed at Denver airport, there were many people pulled aside and tested for explosive residue on their hands. To my surprise, there were only white males being tested (that I saw.) Then when I got home, I found this story
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44501310/
Absurd! A house wife is handcuffed for simply having the wrong color skin and sitting in the wrong seat at the wrong time. This is just infuriating. I feel sad for her and all the individuals who have encountered this type of treatment since 9/11/01. It is sad for our country. Most of our country has remained united since that tragic day, but what about those individuals who are part of our country but do not share an American heritage? Do they deserve fear?

The next story is equally absurd and has been circulating for a while, but because his execution date is fast approaching, I think it is important to raise awareness! If you have not heard of Troy Davis, he was convicted of killing a police officer in Georgia and sentenced to death in 1991. Since his trial and sentencing, several witnesses have stepped forward and say they were pressured to give the police Troy's name (one was 16 years old at the time of interrogation), and many have pointed the finger at another suspect. Yet, he is still set to be executed. I will spare the length of the story, as you can visit it on many sites and sign the petition at change.org or amnesty.uk (or Below)
Free Troy Davis

After these two stories, I must switch to a more positive side of the news. My most inspirational and uplifting blogworthy news this week is an article about a dear friend of mine, Agnes Furey. (I am late, I know... the story was published 9/3) It's her story, one of forgiving the unthinkable. Any commentary I add will fall far short of what this story deserves, so I will just say this.... YOU MUST READ IT! (see below) I have not been so touched by one article in my entire life. I am unsure if it is because I know this woman and my heart hurts for her past, or if it is because of how difficult forgiveness is for me personally... and I have never had to imagine forgiving someone for something this terrible... Either way, it is a must read. God bless you, "Miss" Agnes, I am eternally grateful to you for your friendship, compassion, and example of forgiveness...

Forgiving a Terrible Thing...

If the above doesn't work, click here for another version...

Finally, it would be remiss of me to post this week without any remembrance of 9/11, aside from the absurdity of the housewife who was handcuffed on the ten year anniversary. It is with great pride of my hometown, and my friend Aaron's dad, Jack Levine that I post the following story. It moved me to tears, and left me pondering the many, many lives and stories that must have been changed forever on 9/11/01. Whether directly or indirectly, I feel our country gained a little more unity that day, and compassion for our brothers and sisters. At least this is the case with the following 9/11 story... God bless you, Jack Levine, and to Keith and his family- bless you, wherever you are...

9/11 memory stirs compassion

These things I know are true...

There will always be those who are unkind, be kind to them anyway...
People may not appreciate you for what you do, do good deeds anyway...
Your thoughtfulness may not be reciprocated, appreciate those who surround you anyway...
There will always be those who take advantage of your generosity, be helpful anyway...
Because it isn't about the recognition or the reciprocation,
It's about doing what you love, loving what you do, giving with a smile, having a grateful attitude...
Remember these things always...
Love with your whole heart,
Be Kind,
Smile...
Give of yourself,
Send a thank you note,
Write a poem,
Share a blessing,
Half a sorrow,
Apologize genuinely... 
For we never know when today is our last, do not take for granted that "there's always tomorrow..."

Just my thoughts today... since I haven't written in a while. FLY

Back to Blogging... with a heart full of Gratitude

Wow, I am a slacker. I had a feeling that may happen once the semester got underway. In my defense, I was down with the Floridian plague last week, and am still battling some of the respiratory issues that come with that. For those of you who are unfamiliar with such a plague, it typically hits around the end of summer/early fall and consists of an overall feeling of death, marked by a throat which is more fiery than the devil's inferno, more sluggishness than a bear in dire need of hibernation, and just plain ole "ick." All of which made me want to cry. Instead, I laid in bed and tried not to die. And prayed I would get better by this past weekend, as I had big plans.... A conference in Tampa followed by a flight to Denver!! I did not make the conference, but I am happy to say I am in Colorado :) Finally. After more than a year of no "real" vacation, I have a whole week of adventure, friends, and relaxation in beautiful Colorado.
So far, my throat still burns, but no sluggishness, fever, or death. I have managed to see some amazing sights, and crossed rock climbing off my bucket list today. I am so in love with this state, as I knew I would be once I got out west. People are so laid back, the atmosphere is beautiful. The weather is breath taking (the altitude is literally breath taking), and there is so much to do and see here. I always had a hunch I didn't belong in Florida forever and I really know that now. What I do not know is when or where I will leave Florida, or if I will just be a nomad... a girl can dream, right?
There is much more to write about, but I must be responsible and take some time to catch up on reading materials for my courses. The beauty of this semester is I can take my classes anywhere, as I have a full course load online. The downside of this semester is I must spend a lot more time reading and studying and organizing than I would in the traditional classroom setting.
It is what it is, and today "it" is beautiful. One thing I realized tonight is I took traveling for granted for a long time. I also take for granted the fact that I have the ability to be in graduate school. Many people do not have these opportunities. When I remember this, I always come back to gratitude. May all be well, friends. Be grateful. And as always, remember to Fly