Blog Archives - On the Wing of an Angel

OOPS

6/30/2011

I did a very foolish thing last night…..In my hurrying to put something on my wall calendar, I pulled up a chair and proceeded to stand on it. But, there was just oooooooooooonnnnnnnneeeeeeeee little problem……the chair was on wheels. Have u ever started in on something only to have a nagging "this is a bad choice" ringing in your head? Obviously I haven't learned to listen to that little thing we call intuition or common sense. Of course, and I'm sure you have this figured out, I fell and cracked my head so hard that a gynormous goose egg popped right out. Luckily I did not lose consciousness, become dizzy or nauseated. But talk about an OUCH!!! With ice the swelling finally subsided, and the aftermath is a pretty sore head. BUT… this could have been so much worse.
This morning before Jim went out, he very nicely said "Now what do we need to change?" Heck if I knew…..so, he explained it to me. "No more standing on moving chairs." It should only be that simple. But then again, what happened to my common sense?
Moral of the story: "Haste makes waste and hectic happenings"

Happy 12th Birthday, Jimmy!!!!

6/29/2011

Twelve years ago today our first grandchild was born. I can still see him with a full head of black hair! And I wonder where all the years have gone….those who read my blog know that is pretty standard for me……time escapes me. This past year was his first year in the junior high….and he thrived. Jimmy is a deeply sensitive child and so very loving. Other words which describe him are: bright, fun and funny, talented, "techy," dependable, responsible…..and on and on. (betcha could never guess I'm a grandma in love.) Jimmy, you have made a difference in the world since you arrived…..and there's so much more to come!

Book Review

6/27/2011

I just finished reading a wonderful book....Heaven is for Real....by Todd Burpo. It is a true story of a little 3 year old boy, Colton Burpo, who experiences heaven for three minutes during an emergency surgery.
Weeks after his miraculous recovery Colton told his parents that he left his body during the surgery, describing exactly what was taking place during the surgery. He told his parents that the angels sang to him during this time. He talked about visiting heaven and meeting long departed family members. He describes Jesus , the angels, and talks of how much God loves us all. With childlike innocence Colton says "Nobody is old and nobody wears glasses in heaven."

After reading this book, eternity will take on new meaning and give you an opportunity to see and believe through the eyes of a child. For those of us who have lost loved ones, "Heaven ...." offers the promise of hope for the time when we will reunite with those we love and yearn for.

Saint Francis

6/26/2011

A neighbor who lives three houses away from us is a widow. During the June 21 evening storm , an enormous tree in her back yard was hit. The tree is only about 2 feet from the house, and at its base is a statue of Saint Francis facing the house. When daybroke we walked over to her home to survey the damage. The giant tree had split in half .... part of the tree had fallen to the right side and part to the left... and the rest fell over the entire backyard. Her home was virtually untouched....and the statue of St Francis facing the house was also untouched. There it sat, arms outstretched toward the house, a sign of protection, and a clear indication that miracles do happen.

Power-less

6/23/2011

I use the term power-less as somewhat of a play on words. At about 9 pm on June 21 a tornado touched down in Mt Prospect. The winds lasted about 10 minutes, followed by a short burst of rain. And, as you can imagine, we "lost power." Our neighborhood looked like (and still does!) a war zone. But miraculously no one was hurt. Enormous trees were completely uprooted. Huge limbs had snapped off trees, taking down power lines and fences. The tops of some trees were cut off. It looked like a giant dinosaur came along and ate the tops of the trees.
It is a frightening thing when control is taken from us. During these past days without electricity, we have been very aware of the vulnerability caused by this power-lessness. But I have been thinking about how many other times we feel powerless in our lives...the death of a loved one, sudden illness, loss of a job, lost relationships...to name a few. What coping mechanisms do we use? Do we look to a higher power to help us? Does prayer offer solace and comfort, serenity?
I wish you peace during those moments of uncertainty...and someone to walk with you, to guide you. Be gentle with yourself......

Happy Birthday …..

6/21/2011

….to me ;) Yes, indeed, I was born on the first day of summer and (as my mom told me) the loooooongest day of the year . I have been blessed with so many calls, cards, emails, gifts from people. I know I am loved and appreciated.

I share this birthday with a wonderful woman who taught all of our children in the 4th grade. Her name is Emily, and she is an awesome lady. She was one of the finest teachers the kids ever had and exudes warmth, energy, wit, humor and a deep regard for children. So, to Emily, I say " We're glad you were born."

Hug a birthday person today.

Happy Father's Day

6/19/2011

Today is the one day a year [which is ALWAYS either ON my birthday or very near to it …. ; ) ] when we pay tribute to fathers. But the word "father" includes so many men who have played important roles in our lives, such as Dads, Grandfathers, sons, uncles, godfathers, brothers (some brothers are indeed fatherly)…. to name a few.

I am so very grateful for my husband, Jim. He is a wonderful father and an exceptional grandpa/papa, and, of course, an awesome husband. He loves unconditionally and takes great pride in his children and grandchildren. He would do anything for them. Our son, Scott, is also a wonderful father to his four little ones. Our son in law, Chad, is another great example of a father to his three little ones.

It takes something special to be a father….it's not just a matter of "fathering" children, but rather, being a role model for them, nurturing them, teaching them. This role of daddy has so much responsibility, and a true father takes on that responsibility without questioning all that it entails. He can be the best teacher his children will ever know.
As wonderful a day as this is, it can also be bittersweet. For fathers who have lost children, today is heartbreaking. I think it is worse yet if the child who died was their only child. Today I am thinking of two men who have lost sons in the past few months. Both have other children, but no child can replace another. For these friends of ours and so many others who have buried a child, my heart aches. If you know anyone like this, please be especially gentle with them today. They need all the prayers and support you can offer.

As we sat in mass this morning, i noticed three women in front of us. One was their mom while the other two were her daughters. Thruout the mass tears ran down their faces. Clearly, they have lost their husband and father. I prayed that together the three of them would support one another and tell wonderful stories about him.

For those of you who have lost your dad recently, I hold you close in my heart.
God Bless you all

And this would be WHO????

6/18/2011

This picture is a classic of our oldest son, Jim, who also happens to be a Jesuit priest! No, I'm not kidding. This particular photo was just taken at his sister's house in Appleton where he is visiting. Our three Appleton grandchildren are soooooooooooo excited that he is there. And as you can see from the picture (actually it was 4 year old Ally who chose this get up.....but, understand, he'd have chosen the same thing)he is pretty comfortable in the getup. He has the reputation with his nieces and nephews as being Craaaaaazy Uncle Jim. BUT, they also know that he loves them, respects them, thoroughly enjoys being with them, and that they have his undivided attention. They know, too, that Uncle Jim will always be there for them, no matter what the situation.
Jim you are such a free spirit....
Any of you know anyone like this? If so, spend a few minutes thinking about them and rejoicing in the joy they bring to your life.

The healing power of pets......

6/17/2011

Thank you, Lord, for the sunshine! I awoke this morning, opened the shades and was pleasantly "blinded by the light" (hmmm, I know there's a song with that phrase).

I had a special "mission" today. Several weeks ago a very dear friend suffered a stroke. This once totally independent woman has lost that total independence. There are decisions she must make....so difficult when her life has been turned upside down. And so I began the journey to see her. My hope was to bring her outside in the sunshine, a breath of fresh air. When I arrived at the extended care facility she is in, I was more than pleasantly surprised to see her outside with her son and one of her granddaughters AND her beloved dog, Cassie. And my friend was SMILING, cuddling with her dog. It has been weeks since she saw Cassie, cuddled her, touched her soft silky fur. It was one of the sweetest scenes to see them reunited.

Studies have shown that pets offer tremendous healing....blood pressure, pulse rate, respirations lower and a calm ensues when one "connects" with a pet. Many hospitgals now offer "pet therapy" where trained dogs are brought into hospital rooms offering a gentle presence to the patient. And in that momentary connection, healing is enhanced.

Our own sweet little Maverick has listened to my deepest secrets (cocking his head as if he Really Understands!), comforted me with his little kisses, made me laugh with his silly antics, warmed me when I am cold, alerted me when a stranger lurks (the stranger being a squirrel or rabbit), loved me unconditionally, taken me for walks (riiiiiiiiiight).
What a blessing!

Ally.....

6/15/2011

ALLY
Lover of Life