Marion, Indiana

I am behind on my blogging, this much I know.
I have been busy living life and just haven't had time to sit and blog. Not that I don't like blogging ~ I do...and I love reading other blogs...I just decided to take a moments break and be with family.

But I will try and catch up over the next couple of days.

Last week we went to Marion, Indiana for the NAIA outdoor track nationals.
We arrived on Wednesday ~ It was nice when we landed, but as we drove it got more ominous looking....
We arrived in Gas City, Indiana, checked in to our hotel then went to look around town. The pictures are a little dark due to the weather.

Gas City is a quiet little town. Very, mid America, country living. It is quaint and the people were very friendly.

Michelle really wanted to buy a bike that was for sale at a flea market....but it would have cost us more to ship it home then it would have been worth!

Loved the patriotic feel to the town. Our little home for the next few days.The lobby is so comfortable. We keep running in to other parents of athletes here and it is fun just to talk and relax. They always have yummy, crisp apples on the coffee table.

As for the weather ~ it is wild here. Crazy mid-west thunder storms and tornado warnings. The staff are wonderful in dealing with all of us out of towners. We were told to come downstairs if they alerted us...Michelle wouldn't even sleep in her clothes or unpack...she wanted to be ready to run if she needed to. She also made a little video documenting our adventure (in between the electricity going on and off - HA!).

Yes, I was hungry (we hadn't eaten all day)- but I was more nervous that we wouldn't make it back to the hotel. We actually did stop at at KFC to hunker down and eat. I figured we were safe with other people and could go in the freezer if we needed to.

Be sure to watch all the way to the end to see the awesome lightening strike!

Things finally calmed down and we were able to get to sleep. Interesting start to our vacation - thats for sure :)

Debbie

One Year

One year ago, I met a family who had been told that their little girl would most likely not survive her birth. They prepared a birth plan and I encouraged them to bond as much as they could.

They had not wanted professional photography so I took pictures for them with my own camera. I wanted to be sure they had some memories even though they felt they didn't want any at the time.

The day of the baby's birth came.

She did not die that day.

She did not die the next day.

In fact, she went home on hospice care.

This was a total surprise to the family. They had not prepared to bring a baby home. They had a really awesome church family that helped them get set up.

Their baby did well. Hospice care was eventually cancelled.

Today, I went to a birthday party to celebrate the one year birthday of a special baby girl. Not only has she lived, but she has thrived and grown.

Yes, she does have some medical challenges but she is happy and active.

Her grandma tells me she, "has a mind of her own"....she needs a little direction for her strong personality :)

And I can't believe how happy the mother is.

She is a total different person than the one I met last year. She is vibrant and enjoying her little girl for all that her little girl is. She and her husband are awesome parents - the perfect ones for this little girl.

How exciting it has been to see a different ending. What a great reminder that we don't know the ultimate outcome...only God does. And He has a great plan for this little girl. I'm looking forward to watching her grow.

Happy One Year Birthday sweet girl!!

Debbie

Senior Dinner

Erika had her senior dinner tonight.

How can it be possible that she is graduating from college already? It seems like yesterday that we were preparing for high school graduation and she was trying to figure out where she was going to go to college. She eventually chose Biola University and that has been one of the best decisions that she has ever made.

She has made awesome friends.

She has grown as a person.

She has had a great running career ... and the team went from a team that had no name to a nationally ranked team under the direction of Coach Zimmerman.

She has received a solid education.

She has earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Bible (all students at Biola get a Bible minor for they need to take extra Bible classses)

She already has a job offer coaching.

The dinner was one of the few senior events that she is attending. It was so fun to see all of her senior friends...even though it is a bit sad / bittersweet to think that this stage is over. I know those friendships will last for her ~ it is just going to be in a different format.

We were able to socialize and spend time with some great young adults.

Erika will be missing graduation though - as she is headed to her final national competition. She will be running the 4x800 at the NAIA competition in Marion, Indiana. She is actually more excited for nationals and doesn't seem to be bothered that she won't be 'walking' nor wearing that hat and gown. She gets the degree. And she gets to run.

After graduation, she plans to travel a bit this summer, move in to a different house with more of her friends, then start working. I think she is still planning to go to grad school in the spring also. What ever she does, I know she will do it well.

My, sweet, little Erika ~ I am so proud of you! Graduating as a 'scholar athlete' and pursing all of your dreams. You have worked hard and deserve every bit of happiness that comes your way. I am so happy God gave you to me to be my little girl and that I have been able to watch you grow in to a woman with a purpose. You are awesome and I love you a ton!

See you in Indiana next week at nationals!!

Love, Mom

Teen Mom Blogs

Melinda Moore recently featured my blog on her new web site.

She did a good post of the top 50 Teen Mom Blogs.

I don't often post about teen moms - though I do attend their deliveries!

Check out her site by clicking above for lots of other blogs that do deal with teen mothers.

And thanks, Melinda for featuring / linking my blog in your post.

Debbie

Wordless Wednesday

Nurses Day

Today is Nurse's Day.
I have been a nurse for 25 years. My graduation photo from nursing school...notice the 80's hair.

Yes, I was young, yes, I was skinny and yes, I was scared to death that I was going to harm someone.....
25 years - that's a long time, a quarter of a century, a life time for some. In fact some of the new grads that are starting to work with us could be my children. There have even been a couple that have mentioned that I started working the year they were born. Sure makes me feel old!
But, I would do it again in a heart beat. Being a nurse is just part of who I am.


I didn't go in to nursing for the fame. I didn't go in to nursing for the money. I didn't go in to nursing just for something to do. I became a nurse because I had hoped to make a difference. I wanted to be able to use the 'caring' gifts that God gave me. I wanted to do something that was exciting and that I didn't dread getting up every day for. I think on the most part that I have done that and more. I have the best co-workers that are more like family than just friends. I have made wonderful friends that have originally been my patients. I have touched lives and I actually still like my job. Hopefully I will be able to continue this for the next 25 years. Ok ~ maybe not for that long...but for awhile still any ways.


My hospital celebrates nurses week. One of the ceremonies that I like the best is the "Blessing of the Hands". It is a special ceremony where the nurses get their hands blessed by one of our chaplains - a little prayer is said and our hands are anointed with a special oil. It is a great reminder of how our work is special - even sacred.


We also have an awards dinner. Awards are handed out for nursing excellence, one for a tech / secretary, a new nurse, and a friend of nursing. Our hospital also has four values that are written in to the mission statement. The values are excellence, dignity, service and justice. Each year, they also give out an award for these (not necessarily a nurse, but for anyone in the hospital who exemplifies one of these values). A year ago - I one won a Values in Action Award for Dignity. I thought I would share the video that was made back then...it sure was a good feeling to win that award. And the front row parking that came with it was pretty nice too :)

To all of my nurse friends - Happy nurses Day! I know how hard you work and what a difference you make!

When I think about all the patients and their loved ones that I have worked with over the years, I know most of them don't remember me nor I them. But I do know that I gave a little piece of myself to each of them and they to me and those threads make up the beautiful tapestry in my mind that is my career in nursing. ~Donna Wilk Cardillo, A Daybook for Beginning Nurses.

Debbie

Happy Mother's Day

I am one of the lucky ones...I have a wonderful mother! I know that others are not so lucky and I thank God for the mother that He gave to me.

She is:

pretty,

energetic (always on the go),

friendly (and has many friends),

frugal (in a good way - taught me to coupon shop),

loving,

kind,

a good cook,

giving (of her time and talents),

taught us children right from wrong,

forgiving (when we messed up),

a wife of 50+ years,

a Christian,

a mom,

a grandma,

and a great- grandma.

Who can find a virtuous woman? She is far more precious than jewels...

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.

Her sons rise up and call her blessed.

He husband also praises her:

Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

~Proverbs 31:10, 25-30

My brother was the first to make her a mother:

Then there were two of us children.

I love my mother and want to thank her for all that she has done for us. For her sacrifice and willingness to always find a way. She is a great mother and she is mine. Only 3 other people in this world can lay claim to that - and we are all so fortunate!

There are times when only a Mother's love
Can understand our tears,
And soothe our disappointments
And calm away our fears.

There are times when only a Mother's love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we have dreamed about
Suddenly is real.

There are times when only a Mother's love
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us, the confidence
We need from day to day.

Mother, thank you for your heart, faith and hope
And all your steadfast love
You were fashioned by the Angels
And sent from God above...

Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God will give you. Exodus 20:12

Mom - I didn't actually get to spend mother's day with you today since you are in Ohio, but I know you are having a wonderful time and we will see you when you get home. Thanks for teaching me how to be a good mother. How to raise my children with firmness and love. How to be a friend and mentor. How to love and forgive. And how to keep going even when I may feel like giving up. You are a wonderful example of what a mom should be like. I only hope I have done as good of a job that you have...

I love you Mom!!

Debbie

For some it isn't so Happy

Tomorrow is Mother's Day.

A day set apart to honor our mother's and to celebrate our own motherhood.

It is intended to be a special day.

But for some it is not so special or happy.

There are those who have not had a good mother image. A mom that was abusive or neglectful. How do you honor a mother that was not there for you? How do you forgive and become a better mother your self?

There are those who have recently lost their mother's and this is can be a sad day of loss and a wish for what once was.

Women who want to be mother's and can't conceive.

Mom's who have lost babies or young children....it is hard to celebrate when your heart is breaking. I try to send cards to my patients who have lost babies throughout the year. A card to say I remember their special child. A card to say you are a mom, even if your little one is no longer here...but I know it is difficult for them to celebrate. This is one of those holidays that sort of smacks you in the face. It is tough to stand up let alone see and hear everyone else having a "happy mother's day".

If you know someone who has recently had a loss be sure to call them, send them a card, recognize that they are hurting. You may think that you will cause them pain by bringing up their lost loved one~ but trust me, they are already thinking of them and sometimes it just helps to know that some one else remembers too.

Debbie