Weathering A Storm of Childhood illnesses
Ode to Friendship

There is the desperation that sets in and gnaws at ones very soul when a child becomes ill and a parent is unable to find an immediate solution. Every mother blames themselves for not having taken nursing or first aid courses - knowing simple facts can make the difference between an increase in pain and alleviating symptoms. With all the technology at ones fingertips today there is nothing that can compete with the comfort, knowledge and kindness of a good friend.

God has gifted me with several amazing people in my life; and one of note appears, for all intents and purposes, as a rather ordinary today's woman. When one becomes better acquainted with Cindy, it is apparent that ordinary is not an applicable term.
Wonder woman is more like it.

I stand in awe of her for several reasons; she can whip up what-ever craft project needed by school or church within what seems like minutes and in multiples that boggle the mind, she organizes projects with ease (including costumes for school plays from desgin to completion up to a wedding dress - in her spare time). The scope of any given project does not matter - she shows great humor and patience with everyone around her who just "doesn't get it" - whatever that "it" might be. She juggles the responsibilities of a family, including extended members and household pets, in the same manner. Cindy works as a nurse on the night shift, pediatric care and obstetric, so that her children always have a parent present. She is the first person I call when I need general medical advice, because I know it will be sound, sensible and that is what is needed. (There are, of course, other occasions) What I find most remarkable is what she considers the "little things".

This weekend, my child was very ill, I called Cindy while waiting for a callback from the pediatrician office - She gave me some clues and told me to call her later. Of course, all of the very sensible items she suggested I was out of, with a few exceptions. My child did not want me to leave (nor did I) to go to the grocery store. We would make due, and wait out the illness with suggestions given by the pediatrician. Cindy arrived at my home around 5 pm., with a care package containing all of the items one should have in their home in a situation (tips will be listed below). One would think that someone so perfect, so wonder-woman-like would be stuffy and full of themselves (see Martha Stewart), not so. Intelligent, charming, witty - the kind of person you want to just chat with, have tea with, call your friend.

Care package for individuals with 24 hour stomach virus and/or food poisoning:
fruit juice, dry cereal (life), apple sauce, chicken soup, dry crackers, note for a friend that has no idea these should be pantry staples. Ginger ale can be added to the list - stir out the bubbles.

God has blessed me with many acquaintances in my life and few friends. My father once told me that in a lifetime one would be lucky if there were able to count their true friends on one finger of one hand. You know who you are; my friends, and i love and cherish you for the special talents you have to make the world a better place.

The Beach

I lay upon hot sand
grains, silky, golden,
my feet, my toes burrow deeper in sublime comfort
Gulls, swooping, crying against the bright sky
the constant, rythmic crash of waves upon the shore
combines to create natures symphony
eyes closed
peace washes over me

lyrical
water for the soul
the vision of the past summer held closely in my heart
i feel, see and taste
surreal snapshots of the mind
quenching the black thirst
brought on by the harsh winter demons
cold, snow, ice
appear endless
the sinking, heartless winter exorcised
by a simple summer photograph

The Anniversary

It seems like only yesterday
The day I pledged my soul to you.
Such a cold, bright February morn
My infatuation with a veil;
Placed strategically over my face
To hide the anticipation and fear
I felt must be so evident

Anticipation for a new life, a new beginning
Two souls now one.
The excitement of love and friendship
Merged before God, family and friends
Calling all to behold who we had become
One force, united, unbreakable through eternity.

Fear of losing the identity of oneself
The control of individual destiny
To one another
Fear also that perhaps my choice in you
Was blinded by love
Your choice more practiced and practical
Foolish fears after all.

We encourage one another
To be who we are individually
To complement the total sum of
Our love and friendship.
I would not exchange one moment
Of our marriage, good or bad
Indeed, If allowed, I would follow the same path
Over and over
Though eternity.