A mother's work---

A mother's work is never done--packing lunches, preparing breakfast, and the retrival of wash from the dryer from the night before.

A mother's work is never done--pet walking, feeding and play time. 

A mother's work is never done--we joke about the little things that for a moment make us want to scream. All we can do is laugh.

A mother's work is never done--we know the milk in the glass will end up on the floor.

A mother's work is never done--we try to fix the forgotten cupcakes, lunch, or homework.

A mother's work is never done--we teach you that some things just don't matter.

A mother's work is never done--we run you to pratice, to the dentist, from teeth to the head, and tell you to relax when we are a moment late.

A mother's work is never done--we wipe away the tears from falls--of physical injury and love of the pets we've lost, the girl that broke your heart and all of lifes ups and downs.

A mother's work is never done--because in a moment that mother is a grandmother and a grandmother's work is never done.

Life Lessons: Just when we beleive our work as mother's is done; we become grandmothers.

Back...

The loss of a parent at any age is devastating. I've been there. There are no words that can take away the emptiness...no magic potion to drink to help you forget. Remembering the fun times does not ease the hurt; the sorrow comes rushing back--

Two close friends have recently lost their fathers. As if the loss of a parent wasn't enough, the families are at odds--one over a business; the other over the location of the remains. It is hard for me to understand why, at such an already difficult time, families would not make amends. No decisions over the business or location of ashes can bring their father back--

I was fortunate to have a strong, stable family when my dad died. My brother and I had come to terms with my dad's death long before the day he died. Perhaps it was from living with us in the last year or so of his life, the stories he shared, or that he had shown us he was at peace with God's will to call him back--

There was no disagreeing. Things did not matter. We only had each other. Dad would have not wanted to see us disagree over possessions. Instead we agreed unconsciously to always have each others back--

Throughout my time as a nurse, I've had the opportunity to care for patients at the end of life.  I've seen some really great family stories. One patient was nearing death, he was surrounded by his wife and children in a king size bed the night before he died in his own home. The memories of sharing that time with them come rushing back--

Another patient had struggled with the relationship between him and his son. When it was clear that he would not make it through but a few days, he shared with me that he wanted to talk to his son but that his wife would never call him. I asked if we could all talk together and he agreed. The wife did refuse to call but provided me the phone number. Before I made the call we talked about what could happen. He could not come to see his dad or he could come and they could put years of pain behind them. When I called, the son was not home. He would not come when he called back--

So many will tell you that time will help you forget. I don't want to forget. I want the pain to be there. If it doesn't hurt--it lessen the bond between father and child. I still wish I could have him back--

So to those that read--if your father is still in your life--strengthen the bond. When they are gone I want you to feel the hurt. It is a sign that they have played and important part in your life. If they are not close, mend the relationship and make the journey back--

One last request, you will see your father again. Our Heavenly Father has told us so. When you come face to face with your father--ensure that he will be proud of what you have accomplished, how you have cared for your family, and contributed to society. Make him proud to welcome you back--

Life Lessons: In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you...I will come again and receive you unto myself. John 14 (2)

For Your Convenience...Say What you Mean!

It's funny how some things just catch your eye...a sexy looking man, kids playing, or some event unfolding. Then there is the dumb stuff-- take the elevator sign posted today on my way into work. It read, "Elevator Servicing in Progress...For your Safety and CONVENIENCE do not use."

I had to laugh because in one way I believe that my higher power was telling me to utilize the stairs to remind me of the New Year's resolution to take the weight off...But seriously, if the elevator is out of service, shouldn't it say for your INCONVENIENCE and safety -- Take the stairs?

My son told me about a business deal gone bad -- apparently a company was profiting from the sale of a particular brand of cereal. They wanted to market the same cereal in another country. The advertising executive that created the box design utilized an on-line translation service. The cereal did not sell. The advertising executive said that more advertising was needed so the company invested more money but still no sale. When they talked with country locals about why it was not selling they asked if the company had looked at the box -- The name of the cereal as translated, "Burnt Farmer". Is it a wonder it didn't sell?

Then there is email and text communication -- how many times have you written something and sent by email or text only to have the person respond very differently from how you intended -- too often we don't say what we really mean!

It's true in many of our relationships that we don't mean what we say -- how many times have you told your kids, "I'm not doing that again!" to only turn around and do the same thing, again! If your a parent and have been for any period of time and your kids are old enough, you may have heard the blood curdling scream, "I hate you!" as the door slams shut. Do they really hate you?

In my last relationship, things were going great we were moving forward, making plans and one night as we said good-night, the words, "I love you!" were spontaneously uttered. That one I meant! But as the relationship began it's downward spiral I would find myself saying the words, "I love you." but no meaning was behind them -- they were just words.

We have the ability to communicate clearly -- we have the ability to allow our words to translate our emotions. Be kind to one another. Speak what you feel and mean it. Once the words leave your lips they have been set free for all to hear -- the printed message for all to read.

Lesson Learned:  Say What You Mean...Mean What You Say!