Salvation through the Birth of Our Lord

 

 

My husband Ernie shared with me some beautiful words and thoughts from The Year of Faith: A bible study for Catholics. For Saint Paul, this love ushers us into a new life: "We were buried...with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life": (Rom 6;4). Pope Benedict XVI says further that "Through faith, this new life shapes the whole of human existence according to the radical new reality of the Resurrection, To the extent that he freely cooperates man's thoughts and affections, mentality and conduct are slowly purified and transformed, on a journey that is never completely finished in this life." 

 

It's almost Christmas. This year it just crept up on me. It has been a difficult time for my family these last few weeks. My brother Jimmy continues to battle stage four cancer and my beloved brother-in law Jeff passed away unexpectedly almost two weeks ago.

 

As I reflect on Jeff's life I am blown away by the depth of love his family had for him. I marvel at my in-laws, they have such strength and faith. My mother-in-law in particular has unshakable faith. She continues to be a wonderful teacher to her children and grandchildren. I remember the first time I met her, I was taken aback because I had never met such a strong woman. This lovely woman who loves her children fiercely laid her son to rest, something no parent wants to do. She did it with such grace and faith I am in complete admiration of her.

 

We will always remember those that have left us to be in the kingdom with Our Lord. We will remember their character and all of the things that we found so unique and special about them. For my brother Jeff, I will remember how happy and loving he was. He gave the tightest hugs and cared so deeply for all those he loved. Even though his journey on earth is over, it continues in the next life. As Saint Paul and Pope Benedict  XVI stated:  He has been purified and transformed and is walking in the newness of life.

 

So, getting back to Christmas....Life doesn't stop as we await the celebration of the birth of our Lord. Remember our Savior and how he came into the world as a most innocent and helpless baby. We humans have many difficulties to face in life, but reflecting on the birth of Jesus reminds us of his coming to bring us salvation. Jesus suffered, conquered death, and gave us hope for eternal life with Him. There is no greater gift than that.

 

I am praying for love and joy for everyone as we celebrate the birth of Our Glorious Lord Jesus Christ!

An Obligation to be Happy

"The Lord saved me from death; He stopped my tears and kept me from defeat.  So, I walked in the presence of the Lord in the world of the living.  I kept on believing, even when I said, "I am completely afflicted." ... How can I repay the Lord for all the great good done for me?  I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. "             - Psalms 116: 8-13

Intro by Ernie:

As most of you know, Father Mark Link S.J. is one of our favorite authors of spiritual daily meditation books.  GG and I often reflect on these messages to assist us and guide us through each day, and use what we read and learn to find God in every experience we share.  Father Link tells a story of the Faith Dynamic through the example of Abraham, in the Old Testament.  God tested Abraham and his test was highlighted in three separate but equal points.

First, you need to have a loving trust in God.  Abraham struggled that God asked him to sacrifice his son he loved deeply, his son to whom he will have all of his descendants;

Second, faith involves constant struggle.  As in Abraham's mind, when he thinks his faith is solid, its shaken to the core when he reflects on God's command to sacrifice his son.   Abraham does discover through this process that there is no such thing as "getting the faith," and never having difficulties, no guarantee;

Third, faith involves dark times.  Faith is like the sun - sometimes it shines brightly in the sky, sometimes it vanishes behind a cloud, although temporarily.  The "agony" of such a faith "blackout" is illustrated in the story called "The Devils Advocate" by Morris West.  One of the story's characters says of Gods disappearance:

I groped for God and could not find him.  I prayed to God unknown and God did not answer.  I wept at night for the loss of God...then one day God was there again...I had never understood till this moment the meaning of the words 'gift of faith.'

When faith seems to 'black out' and God becomes silent, it helps to remember the following words that were found after World War II on a cellar wall in a bombed-out house in Germany:

I believe in the sun

even when its not shining;

I believe in love

even when I feel it not;

I believe in God

even when he is silent.

Message from GG:

I'm thinking back to this time last year; I was feeling pretty sick and had no energy. I remember right after Christmas being in Breckenridge with my family and walking down the street. I could barely walk a block without feeling totally winded. I was frustrated with my doctors for not being able to solve my mystery illness. I had been back and forth to two doctors for almost three months with no definitive answer as to why I couldn't get better. After returning to Denver from Breckenridge, my son and husband took me to the emergency room where I was admitted and diagnosed with leukemia.

I remember how exhausted I was during Advent last year. Trying to finish out the semester at school and preparing for Christmas was quite challenging. The Lord blessed me with the grace to do all I had to do.

I put on a smile and forced myself to be my best, even though I would collapse into bed each night so tired and concerned over what was wrong with me. While finding out that I had leukemia was not anything I wanted to hear, I at least felt relieved that I finally had a diagnoses.

I have looked forward to celebrating the Advent season so much this year. Although being in the mountains last year was so difficult, I am also looking forward to getting up there this year with my family to celebrate my new life.

I have learned that life doesn't stop bringing changes and challenges, and that this year like every year, will not bring a perfect joyful Christmas. I am praying extra prayers for those that are going through difficulties and facing suffering. I am especially holding up in prayer my brother Jimmy and brother-in-law Jeff, as they  are battling life threatening conditions.

I guess it's time to search deeply for the true meaning of the Christmas season and to pray that Our Lord bring peace to our hearts. I am feeling so thankful to be alive and to be so blessed. I will continue to smile even when I don't quite feel like it and I know that it will help me to be joyful with others. As Dennis Prager, a radio personality with wonderful Judeo-Christian values proclaims every week "We have an obligation to those in our lives to be happy." I truly believe that.

Turkey With a Slice of Thanks

Thanksgiving 8000 Calorie Poem

May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
- Anonymous

 

Remember those turkey pictures we made as kids. You would put your hand down on a piece of paper and draw around each finger. The thumb was the turkey head. I loved Thanksgiving as a kid and still do. It was the only day all year that we would have  such a feast with turkey and all of the fixins. We always ate so simply and never had dessert with meals. I would so look forward to the pumpkin pie, and If I was really lucky I would get the drumstick. It was a prize in family with so many children. The day that I graduated to the grown up table was pretty exciting. In such a large family it took many years to get to the grown up table. It was really a matter of my older siblings getting married and then spending the holiday with their in-laws. 

What does the Thanksgiving Day holiday mean to you? Apparently to many retailers it means the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. To some it means a chance to eat an incredible meal and then watch football. To me it means the one day each year that we gather together with loved ones to celebrate all of the blessings in life. It’s a time to be joyful and share the love that we have with family and friends. I also love the eating part too!  

I am so thankful for so much this year. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband and beautiful amazing children. I am so thankful for all of my family and friends. They have all been so loving and supportive of me as I have battled leukemia this year. The Lord has blessed me with faith and joy each day. He has blessed me with healing and a chance to know Him better. This Thanksgiving Day I will gather with loved ones and have a deeper love and appreciation for all of God’s blessings. I pray that I will never take my blessings for granted and that I will love and serve the Lord as He wills me to.  I pray that you and your loved ones have a Thanksgiving Day filled with joy, love, and lots of great food!

Favorite Thanksgiving Quotes

       Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action. W.J. Cameron

       What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal. Albert Pine.

       We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. Frederick Keonig.

       If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily. Gerald Good.

       What a wonderful life I've had. I only wish I'd realized it sooner. Colette

       Do not wait for the day of judgement, it takes place every day. Albert Camus

       Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. Edward Sandford Martin

       If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. Meister Eckhart

Suffering

“If you learn from your own suffering, and really come to understand the lesson you were taught, you might be able to help someone else who’s now in the phase you may have just completed. Maybe that’s what it’s all about after all…..”  -Unknown

Suffering will enter into each of our lives. There is no way to get out of this life without suffering or watching someone you love suffer. There is great grace to be gained through suffering. That’s hard to swallow for some but I know it true from the experiences it in my own life with leukemia. I learned so much about grace and faith watching my parents suffer at the end of their lives, and now am watching my brother go through a very difficult time battling esophageal cancer. He too is teaching me how faith can help to overcome fear and give you courage to face such a horrible disease.

 While at Presbyterian Saint Luke's for my transplant last March, I was next to a 21 year old young man, Tyler; he that is still at PSL. He and his loved ones have gone through incredibly difficult times. He is an amazing and strong  young man. At the beginning of his illness he was 200 pounds and is now 128 pounds. He is still suffering through so much each day. Yet he and his family are so courageous and have such strength and faith! They have shown me how much we can get through with faith, hope, and love.

I remember when I was younger I never gave a thought about how difficult life could be. As I have aged it has become such a normal part of life. At one time it would have frightened me but it doesn’t anymore. The challenge is to accept and grow spiritually from life’s experiences and to help others while they are going through difficulties. The irony is you don’t often realize how blessed you are until you go through adversity. Suddenly or hopefully you realize that your time on earth is very short and stop wasting it. God has a plan for us that includes serving him and not our own selfish wants. The things that used to make you happy, the very temporal unimportant things that you thought were so important, really aren’t.

I was thinking of how Lance Armstrong came back from one of the worst cases of cancer, and went on to win the Tour De France. I don’t care what he did that might have enhanced his performance; he survived the most brutal of cancer treatments, and came back from the brink of death. That aside, I wonder if you asked him today what is really important to him, would it be all of those victories he achieved?

So often people think wealth, their appearance, fitness, or temporary achievements are the most important things in their lives. I feel sorry for them because those things are so insignificant. I hope that we will strive to serve the Lord, helping our brothers and sisters, and helping to bring souls to our Lord. Don’t wait until you face death to see what’s important.

There is not a day that goes by that I don’t reflect on the sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ. I draw great strength and love knowing that he endured that suffering for me. I know that he will get me and you through anything we face.  I know that I have received so much love, guidance, and help from so many. I only hope that I can give it back to others.

When you are facing difficulties, reflect on the story of Job in the Old Testament of the Bible. Satan destroyed his life; took everything away from him, and caused him great physical suffering. In Job 22,  his response was “Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb and naked shall I go back there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” In all this Job did not sin, nor did he charge God with wrong.

Please continue to pray for all those that are suffering especially my brother Jimmy and Tyler. 

Fall in Colorado...Experience God's Wonder

Ernie told me of the story he read from one of his favorite prayer books by Fr. Mark Link, S.J.  Many years ago, a story was published called, "Taking a Walk with My Grandson," by Amelia Dahl.  It was written in dialogue form and it went something like this:

 

Ricky: Grandma, Why do trees take off their clothes in the fall?

Grandma:  Because they're worn out and must be turned in for new ones.

Ricky:  Where do they get new ones?

Grandma:  From the ground, where Mother Nature is busy preparing a new spring wardrobe for them.

Ricky:  Ever notice that how the sky looks like an upside-down lake?

Grandma:  And the little white clouds look like sailboats, don't they?

Ricky:  I wonder where they're sailing to.

Grandma:  Maybe to a cloud meeting.

Ricky:  What do the do there?

Grandma:  Probably decide if the Earth needs more rain.

Ricky:  Gee, God thinks of everything, doesn't he Grandma?

 

Ricky's Grandma is a beautiful example of someone who has kept her childlike wonder.  To wonder means to see things as a child does, the newness of His great gifts to us - to be able to see and feel God in and through others!  

 

A few weeks ago Ernie and I took a drive on Guenella Pass. Although I have lived in Denver, so close to the hills for 28 years, I had never taken this drive in autumn. So often my Hubby would say lets take a drive in the hills and I always seem to find other things to do that are more pressing. Big mistake. I have learned that sometimes you just need to put the everyday things of a busy life aside.  Sometimes we just need to get away from the city and be in the glory of God's great earth.



Guanella Pass

I was awed by the beauty of the changing colors of the forest. The aspens shimmering like gold coins in the wind. The brilliance of the golden leaves. We sat near a stream and just listened to the wind. It was so peaceful and brought to light God's awesomeness. I even saw my first moose that day. There was a male and a baby near the lake going toward Georgetown. I was so excited to see something I had never seen in our beautiful state. I am astounded that God created this most beautiful and amazing earth and all that it contains. We humans don't have even the slightest idea of the immensity of God's power to create.

Ernie and I were seeing such a small part of the mountain range. Even when you start to think about how small and insignificant it seems in the scheme of the universe, it was awesome! We all need to put aside our smart phones and things that distract us from finding time to be at peace. So try to take a look around more often and appreciate the magnificence of God. It doesn't have to be anything as big as the mountains, or the ocean. You will find Him in your husband, your family, or a precious baby. I could go on and on because God's magnificence is everywhere.  Experience God's wonderment through a child's eyes!

Please continue to pray for the protection of the unborn, for they are God's greatest creation.

Joy in life!

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

1 Peter 1:6  In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials.

My hubby, Ernie, and I read a story earlier about joy. Funny, but I stumbled upon another story on how we can have joy in our lives everyday, no matter what. Suddenly a light went off in my head, and I understood that I have always had joy in my life, even more so since I was diagnosed with leukemia. The kind of joy that I feel is a more soulful and satisfying than anything that I have ever felt before. That doesn't mean that I don't sometimes feel sad or that I don't worry.

The story that Tim Keller tells equates how a tree and it's deep roots represents joy. Even in a draught that evergreen tree that is suffering will send it's roots deeper as it needs to. That depth that the tree seeks is the same that we seek when we are suffering in life. Even in it's suffering that tree will survive and remain green and tall and beautiful. At times of deep suffering in our lives we like the tree need to seek something deeper and that can only come from our faith and love from God.
When we seek our Lord we find joy as He upholds us.

Being diagnosed with a life threatening illness like leukemia and having to undergo cancer treatment can be a very frightening thing. I have to admit I wasn't close to being joyful when I was diagnosed, but I never let fear get the best of me. I immediately placed myself in our Lord's hands and trusted Him. Sending my faith roots deeper gave me comfort and peace and allowed me to never be depressed. Even during what are called "the dog days of chemo" these are the days when you don't even have the energy to get out of bed. I always found joy in every day and in all my experiences. Even as the nurses would administer my chemo treatments, I would find joy in their presence and caring and especially in all of the love of those around me. I'm so grateful to be so blessed.

We can all experience joy in our faith and all that God's promises. It can fill us and satisfy us no matter what we face. I pray that you all find that deep and satisfying joy.

Hope and Inspiration



Team gg at Light the Night for LLS

The LLS Light the Night walk was a wonderful event. Some walked with survivors and some walked in memory of loved ones lost. My daughter Ashley said that she found herself in tears when she saw all of the young children wearing survivor t-shirts,and  again when we had the survivor parade.

Who wouldn't be emotionally touched when we see children that we know have gone through cancer treatment. The parade of survivors made her tear up because she saw the lives that are being saved through treatment. Though many have lost their lives to blood cancer there is always hope for healing and a cure. Seeing the parade of lights through the park was such a beautiful sight and represented the hope to find a cure.

My Hubby just read me a story about a young man, Naval Academy Grad and Navy SEAL, Justin Legg. He was diagnosed in 2006 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was also diagnosed with Philadelphia Chromosome, an abnormality in his genes that caused cancerous cells to duplicate 80 times faster than in other patients. This meant that he would need a bone marrow transplant. This young man was to take an incredible journey and his training as a Navy SEAL would give him the attitude he needed to face what was in front of him.  He would face GVHD (graft vs. host disease) and then in 2010 his lungs would collapse and he would receive a life saving double lung transplant. Justin, being of such strength went on to complete a half marathon eight months later and then completed a second one just last month. His motto is "Do something to improve yourself each day, stretch yourself a little bit father than the day before."

I have been wanting to sleep more lately and have felt a bit lazy. I like to blame it on my low hematocrit count and menopause. I really think that it is easy to get into a pattern of behavior. We all need to push ourselves beyond our comfort level. It seems like everytime I need inspiration, the Good Lord gives it to me. Justin's story gives me inspiration and I hope that it gives you inspiration too.

A Fresh Take

I have had a CaringBridge site since January 2012. My kids set it up to provide updates on my progress and support after I was diagnosed with leukemia, and had a long stay in the hospital ahead of me. I spent five weeks in the hospital receiving chemo that would put me in remission. Several weeks later, I entered Presbyterian-Saint Lukes for a bone marrow stem cell transplant. CaringBridge is a wonderful site that allowed us to keep all of our family and friends abreast of my progress. We have posted all of our CaringBridge posts on this site if you would like to get a sense of our journey over the last nine months. To put it in a nutshell my transplant went well, I am doing very well, and still in remission. I believe that God has more for me to do in this life and is making me stronger and stronger every day.

I decided that I wanted to migrate over to a blog. I think that Ernie, my amazing husband, and I wanted to have a place to share more deeply and personally with you. For the next few weeks I will continue to post updates on my health and the progress in my recovery on CaringBridge. Although we will keep my Caringbridge site active, Ernie and I will be posting regularly on this new blog.

Why the name "Faith Bigger Than Fear?" My and my family's faith is so strong and so sure that it has overcome any fear than we have ever faced. That has really been demonstrated over the course of my treatment for leukemia. I have total trust in Our Lord and my faith has got me through every time in my life when I started out fearful. Fear can cripple people. The only thing that can overcome that fear is believing. You must have faith and love and that will overcome fear everytime. God has blessed me and my family and done amazing things in my life.

I pray that our words, which are rooted in God, help strengthen your faith, hope and love. 

Drawing Strength from Deep Down

"They are like tree, planted by the rivers of water, that yields its fruit in season; its leaves never wither; whatever they do prospers." - Psalms 1:3

 

So says the Psalmist, the upright person, as a well-watered, fruitful tree, endowed with strong beauty. My Hubby read recently an old mid-west story. This story centered on a "Tree of Mystery", which stood on a farm in Indiana. It was distinctive and stood apart. When surrounding trees stood with withered leaves, this mysterious tree had leaves that were green and flourishing. This tree occupied a position upon a hilltop. People came from all over to see it. Kids loved to play under its massive

branches.

 

The time came for a new highway to be built, sealing the fate of this tree. The hill had to be leveled off and the tree cut down. It seemed that history and tradition lost, as the tree was cut down. This is when the secret of the mysterious tree was revealed. Deep down in that hill was a never failing spring of cool, clear water. The grand tree pushed its roots deep into the moist soil for constant nourishment.

This story is a parable of the people who through faith have deep springs of the Spirit of which to draw. No matter how severe the seasons of the soul, they sand up against the storms. They have tapped the inner reservoir of faith, strength and comfort. Such people as these are like trees planted by the rivers of water.

 

I took my picture with the senior class at JFK High School this week. It was wonderful to see the kids. I was one of their class sponsors and have been working with them since they were freshman. They have grown so much. Like I do with my prayers for my own children, I will continue to hope and pray that each one of them are like the mysterious tree, finding the faith and strength to stand up against the storms of life!

 

I miss seeing all of our students and taking part in all of the school activities. Right now they are building their float for homecoming. You all might remember what fun homecoming was in your high school days, and how much you enjoyed it. It is so cool to be able to share in their excitement and just an absolute blessing to be around kids. I really miss that.

 

We want to thank everyone that has donated to Team GG; raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You are all so awesome and own a part of the fight to cure blood cancer and improve the lives of blood cancer patients! If you missed my post and would like to make a donation please use the link below to access our team's fundraising page. No amount is too small !

 

http://pages.lightthenight.org/rm/DenverL12/TeamGG

 

Update: I had my seventh bone marrow biopsy a little over a week ago. When I called the nurse to find out my general results she said they were "very pretty!" Everything looks good. Thanks to all of your prayers and to our glorious Lord for his healing. Also, my blood counts are still improving. Although, my hematocrit is still in the low range it is still going up. The doc has also decreased the steriod that I am on to once a day every other day. I am feeling well and am filled with faith and hope.

 

I know that I asked for prayers for my brother Jimmy. He has been diagnosed with esophegeal cancer. The brain tumors were a result to the cancer spreading upwards. He had brain surgery and is doing well in his recovery. He will begin chemo and radiation treatment soon. Please continue to pray for him.

 

Thank you for all of your love and prayers! I will continue to pray for all of you.

 

Love and God Bless, gg

 

Update and This and That

"If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through His Spirit that dwells in you." - Romans 8:11

 

Update: I am sitting here thinking about how wonderful I have been feeling. Even though my hematocrit is still in the low range it has continued to improve and I have more energy than I have had in the longest time.

 

Making sure I exercise five or six days a week has given me stamina and strength. I remember a couple of months ago tryinng to get something out of the bottom shelf of a cabinet. I squatted down but was unable to pick myself back up. Now I can do the deepest squats with no trouble at all! Even pushing myself up out of bed a few months ago was a little difficult, not so anymore! I pray that I never take for granted the incredible physical abilities that The Lord has blessed me with.

September 8th marks six months since my bone marrow transplant. It is hard to believe that it has gone by that quickly. I will be getting a six month bone marrow biopsy on Tuesday. I will, of course, let you know what the results are when we get them back.

 

Other Stuff: The highlight of the week: Our son Josh "Tito" was able to make a flight into Buckley Air Force Base late Friday and left this morning. It was a brief visit and we treasured every moment. It was quite a thrill to watch the two F-18's fly in and then to watch them take off this morning. I couldn't be more proud of my son! Seeing him is always such a blessing.

 

Thank you to all of you that have prayed for Tyler Parkins. I told you about him in an earlier post. He was featured in a Channel 9 News story this past Sunday, that profiled Woody Roseland, another young man battling cancer. Woody is an amazing young man that has the most incredible sense of humor. You can find his video "Sh_t Cancer Patients Say," on You Tube. Pretty entertaining, especially for those of us that have gone through cancer treatment. I thought that you might like to see the young man that you are praying for and it's a really touching story. Please continue to keep Tyler and Woody (Woody's cancer has returned) in your prayers. Click on the link below to view the 9 News story.

http://www.9news.com/rss/story.aspx?storyid=286906

 

I need to ask you all to pray for my brother Jimmy too. He is my second oldest brother and was diagnosed with a brain tumor just two days ago. He underwent surgery today and we are waiting for the pathology reports. He is a man of faith and quite a physically strong man as well. He is a marathon runner and works out daily. I know that the Lord will be beside him during this difficult time.

 

You all continue to amaze me with you love and compassion. I know that I would not be where I am in my recovery without all of your prayers and support. I love you all and you will be forever in my prayers. Let us all pray for all cancer patients and for those battling serious illnesses.

Love and God Bless, gg

Lazy Days of Summer Winding Down

“Teachers are given one of the most life changing jobs in the world; that of shaping, molding, and imparting knowlege to lives. It is a great and wonderful opportunity! I do hope as teachers we have been able to make great and lasting impacts in our students’ lives. Each day I ask God to help me to make a positive difference in the lives of those He has entrusted in my care.” - Unknown

I can hardly believe that September is a week away. For me, September signals that Fall is around the corner, and kids are back to school. Take yourself back to your childhood for a bit - Remember going shopping for new school clothes? The best thing was getting new school shoes, I wanted to sleep in mine! Going school supply shopping was equally exciting, we never needed much. Remember buying a new box of crayons, Big Chief Tablets or Pee-Chee’s? Nothing fancy. As a mom, I always enjoyed taking my kids school supply shopping too, I loved sharing in their excitement of a new school year.

This is the first time in many years that I will not be going back to school to teach. It is an adjustment, although teaching on the fourth floor in an un-airconditioned building was killer last year. I am missing all of the excitment, and chaos of starting a new school year. It is a lot like what a student experiences. These last several years I was blessed to be able to have those same feelings that I did when I was a student. I think those experiences and working with high school students always made me feel such joy and made me feel young at heart.

I am going to miss the students and staff so much this year, they have a special place in my heart. I am also going to miss Homecoming and building the float with my Senior Class Student Council students and of course, being the wife of a former football coach, I will miss the Football games and surrounding excitement! I will also miss all of the actvities my students will be doing this year! I hope that everyone at JFK High School has a blessed and wonderful year! You will all be in my prayers.

Update: My hair is growing - my hubby likes to rub it, he says it is like a baby’s newborn head of hair! My baldness is hardly there anymore. My eyelashes are also on the way back, luckily I never completely lost all my eyebrows. My energy level continues to improve, along with my muscle strength - I even find the energy and strength to workout on my new Total Gym - Chuck Norris and Christy Brinkley would be proud! Like I posted last week, my counts (hematocrit) made a jump and my platelet count as well - Thanks to our good Lord, and all of your prayers and Masses you have had said for me!

Love and God Bless, gg

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Love of Family & Update on gg

“You must remember, family is often of blood, but it doesn’t depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you can be your family.” - Trenton Lee Stewart

Sometimes in life those who become family do not begin that way, in the beginning they may be strangers. But just like St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians; “So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). We are called with great measure to bring those strangers in and love them as if they were blood, and they become our own. Let us respond to this call to do as the Lord wills us to; to build these relationships with others just as Ruth did with the strangers surrounding her, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).

I continue to be so amazed at the love my family has for me. They are a true reflection of Our Lord. They continue to do His works. They gathered together last weekend to throw me a surprise birthday party, and surprise me they did! I am usually don’t like to bring attention to myself for my birthdays, so they really put me on the spot. It was a great time and I can’t tell you how much fun I had. My beautiful little sister Gina was the instigator, and she pulled it off without me having a clue. My thanks to the rest of my dear family and friends for all pitching in to bring things together. They are all so wonderful and I couldn’t love them more!

The love of family is something that is often overlooked or unappreciated. I would just like to remind you to love your family like there’s no tomorrow. Even when some seem unloveable, love them anyway - that’s what we do when we are family, the Lord always blesses us when we do. Let us remember as St. Paul reminds us we are members of God’s family. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

Update: There was a mixup with my appointment last week and so I don’t go to the clinic until Tuesday. It’s been three weeks since my last appointment and at that time I had a lower hematocrit count. That resulted in reduced oxygen and more difficulty exercising. This past week I have felt a definite improvement. If my counts are not up I will be very surprised. I am back to walking longer distances much more comfortably. I have an appointment on Tuesday and will find out what my counts are looking like. I will keep you posted!

I would like to ask you to please pray for Tyler Parkins; a 21 year old bone marrow transplant patient
that was in the room next to me at PSL. He has been in the hospital for about eight months. He has actually had two transplants because his first one was not successful. He has had many set backs and is currently in critical condition. Please hold up our brother Tyler and his loved ones in prayer.

Yours in Christ, gg

Light the Night with Faith, Hope & Love

“So faith, hope and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” - 1 Corinthians 13:13
My Hubby and I were talking the other night about faith, hope and love. Everyone has hopes, its like a sprinkle of water. Just as water bubbles over from a mountain spring, so our thoughts and plans bubble over from the spring of hope. Usually hope is colored by the things that happen in our lives, good and not so good.


Faith helps us realize our hopes - without faith, our hopes are mere thoughts and dreams. To trust God and to see through the eye of faith gives us realization that our hopes are the elixer that will guide us through the storm. Faith will keep the fires of victory burning in our hearts - without faith, we are lost.


Darwin Gass wrote years ago that “both our hopes and faith are bonded with love. Without love, we become tired, unhappy; with love we become stronger, happier people. Love of those things for which we hope, love for God, love for justice, love for our cause, will carry us through.” If we are to see the beautiful dawn tomorrow, we must be loyal to the tasks and obligations of today. Faith, Hope and Love are our guideposts on our roads through life. It is with our continued Faith, Hope and bonding Love, that you will assist us with the following:

• Did you know that there are over 1 million Americans living with blood cancer right now?

• Someone is diagnosed every four minutes and every ten minutes someone dies from blood cancer;

• Leukemia is the number one cause of cancer deaths in children under the age of 21;

My family is committed to helping raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). It is through the great works and research of the LLS that many people are being successfully treated. We can pray that one day it will result in a 100% cure rate!

Ernie, our girls and I are going to participate in the Leukemia & Lymphoma “Light the Night Walk” in September. We are asking one simple request: If you are able to make a donation, it would be so deeply appreciated. No amount that you donate is too small. Its very easy - You can click on the following link to make a donation. The minimum we need to raise is $100 for each team member, we hope to that we will surpass that! It is with your help that we will accomplish this goal.

After arriving onto the site, click on which team member you wish to assist (bottom-right of page). You will be able to make a donation from there.

http://pages.lightthenight.org/rm/DenverL12/TeamGG

A Summer Day & Update

“Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character , and proven character hope, and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out into out hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5: 3-5

This past week we went to my family’s 4th of July celebration in Pueblo. I hadn’t been there in over six months, and it was very emotional for me. Independence Day is one of the biggest holidays that our family celebrates. So many of our family members have served in the military and we have a great love for our country.

The 4th of July is an all day event, with water fights for the kids, tons of food, and lots of love. My brother Ruben and his beautiful wife Connie, the keepers of the family, always graciously host the big family get together’s. This year my brother asked us to write a story that we could share.
In the midst of the summer heat I started thinking about what my summer days were like as a kid. I’d like to share my little story with you. I hope that this helps you to recall some of your favorites childhood summer memories.

Glo Remembers A Summer Day

“Can you remember that perfect carefree summer day in childhood? I remember waking up on any summer day when still moist from sweat from the hot summer night. There was no air conditioning in the house, and I don’t even recall a fan. Now coming from such a large family we sometimes shared a bed which made it that much warmer at night. If you had the luxury of being able to sleep on a bunk bed you would cling to the metal on the bed to try to keep cool. Of course that only lasted briefly.
Back to the summer day… Mama always made sure we ate three meals a day. In between those meals was when the joys of summer took place. There was never a lack of things to do, we would never have said to our parents “I’m bored!” We manufactured our own fun, and there was never a lack of imagination.

I remember playing with my sisters. We played everything from jumprope, hopscotch and jacks, house, and paperdolls. We made mudpies in bottle caps and later on when my sister Anna got an Easy Bake Oven we saved our money and bought Jiffy cake mixes and made real cakes. That was one of the coolest things ever. We would sell them and then walk back to the store to buy more cake mixes. We rode our bikes in 100 heat and never complained about it. When we could escape the heat for the Bessemer Park Swimming Pool that was a treat!

Everyday the snow cone man would come by and we would wish that we had enough money to buy one. You can’t imagine how thrilling it was when my brother Dan became a snow cone man! Now the ice cream man, he was pretty much out of reach. Rarely would we get to have something from the ice cream man but when we did it was the highlight of the day.

I remember when Daddy would take us to Runyan Lake, in the early morning. If we were lucky he would take us to Liz’s café for pancakes. Mmmmmmmmmm! Daddy had us collect rocks, the rocks that you can find in the front of their house along the curb.

There was so much to do all summer long. To most kids today with their video games and electronic devices, I only wish they could experience one summer day like the ones we had in our family.”
Update: I am doing well, but for the past few weeks have been tired and it’s been more difficult to exercise. My platelet counts have improved a lot but my hematocrit count has consistently been on the borderline of needing a transfusion. The low count means I don’t have as much oxygen in my blood cells circulating therefore, the fatigue. I was given the choice to have a transfusion, which would help me to feel better. Since I have been functioning with the low hematocrit cell levels it was recommended to me that I let my own marrow continue to work to improve its own cell production. I continue to let Our Lord lead me and pray that those red cells come marching in!

Yours in Christ, gg

Freedom and Faith

“Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you and help you and uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
O. James Sowell wrote some time ago that, “Personal courage is the positive result of an inward reflection of God. The fullness of our lives depends on the level of faith in the power of God to see us through. In life’s darkest moments, in the darkest moments in our history, God has always spoken to those who were in tune with his infinite will.”

This is as true today, as it was over 200 years ago. The wicked ways of some humans may claim the battle today, but tomorrow belongs to those who believe. With God on your side, His spirit is anxious to dwell within you. A courageous life is one that knows and accepts God’s presence, and gives Him absolute right of way everyday. This was the courage that our great country’s Founding Fathers relied upon; this is the courage that my Bride exudes everyday.
We have so much to be thankful for on our anniversary marking 236 years of freedom from tyranny. In keeping with strong faith and belief in God, marking our celebration of independence - we remember that we remain a nation that can freely choose, and has freely chose the kinds of leaders embodied on Mount Rushmore. As William Bennett wrote: “Mount Rushmore…is not a tribute to the leaders etched into the Black Hills…it is a tribute to the people who chose them time and time again, just when they are most needed.”
The following is an eloquent writing by one of our most outstanding American Heroes to ever defend our freedom; Vice-Admiral James Stockdale, from June 29, 1980:

“Our Declaration of Independence of 204 years ago this week remains one of the most stirring documents in history, signaling a commitment to bear the responsibilities of protecting a way of life. After our bitter struggle for independence, brave and earnest men stepped forward to write our Constitution and formally frame the reasons for which we had fought that unpopular war against the British. No one had to remind our Founding Fathers of the cost. Fifty-six of them knowingly laid their lives, liberty and honor on the line when they signed that Declaration of Independence. And they paid their dues. In the ensuing war, nine were killed in action, five died as prisoners of war, 12 had their homes burned, several lost sons, one man’s wife died in prison, and 17 (including Thomas Jefferson) went broke. The legacy of these men was summed up very simply by Tom Paine: “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”
 This nation has come a long way since the drafting of the Constitution, and the milestones are littered with human sacrifice. We’ve fought wars around the globe in freedom’s name and have paid a terrible price for our most fundamental national belief. Today, there are men and women who may lay down their lives for this country and the freedom for which it stands.
 We all bear the painful cost of freedom. As we formally celebrate the commitment to break from England and to protect our natural rights, let’s hug to our breast our freedom-our most precious national treasure-knowing that it, like a child, is imperfect and demanding but undeniably good. Let’s keep our centuries-old habit of protecting that child of America, that freedom. She’s getting more rare and precious every day.”

My Bride has had strong faith in God and utmost courage through the past 6 months. She continues to model a faithful, loving, and courageous life. She is now seeing the Doctor once every two weeks (from 3 times a week), and he is allowing her little more freedom - even recently allowing a surprise visit with our son and daughter-in-law. Her chemistry is where it is expected to be, as her body continues to accept her new stem-cells and produce more red cells, white cells and platelets. As a family, our faith drives our courage, in all aspects of our lives, thanks to God!

AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM

What Does it Take to be a Bone Marrow Donor?

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.” -Corinthians 6: 19-20

Ernie and I read of a story about a woman who has one foot in the shower and one foot out. “This is a good picture of my life,” she thought. “I want to choose God, but I keep one foot in and one foot out.” After a pause, she said “I choose God!” Then she stepped into the shower. “That was a real baptism!” she said later.

I am so thankful that God blessed me with ten siblings, all of whom were willing to “step in with both feet” to become a donor for me. My oncologist/transplant doctor wanted me to have a male donor; there are less complications with a male sibling. I was blessed to have four perfect matches out of my seven brothers. I didn’t realize how blessed I was until I started seeing stories in the news about blood cancer patients who die because they can’t find matches for them. Even more disturbing were stories about patients who had matches, but the donors backed out of the transplant opportunity.

Children and young people are dying because donors can’t be found, or they back out (one foot in). Donors are often times talked out of it by people that don’t even undrstand the process involved. I’m not saying it’s a walk in the park, but it certainly isn’t as difficult as many many think, and you may save someones life.

Donors are asked to donate stem cells. In my brother’s case, he took shots for three days prior to the donation. These shots helped him to increase his stem cell producation. On the day of my transplant, he had stem cells removed (just like donating blood), for about three and a half hours. They were then infused into my bloodstream similar to a blood transfusion. After entering the bloodstream, the cells travel to the bone marrow, where they develop into mature red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (this process is called engraftment.) When the donor lives in another state or country, the entire process takes place in their home town and the stem cells are flown to the patient.

After the transplant my, brother Bobby said he felt like he had a mild case of the flu for a few days. He is my Hero, although he tells me I am his Hero. If you could save someone’s life be donating your stem cells would you?

Please click on the link below for a real-life story which illustrates how the lack of donors & willing participants can lead to tragic outcomes:

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/11/08/l-i-woman-dies-after-marrow-donors-refuse-to-show/

Yours in Christ, gg

Happy Fathers Day & Update on GG

“Children are a blessing from God…Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward…Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” -Psalm 127:3,5

“No man can possibly know what life means, what the world means, until he has a child and loves it - and then the whole universe changes and nothing will ever again seem exactly as it seemed before.” - Lafcadio Hearn

Thank you so much for all of your loving guestbook entries. I love reading your messages and updates! Angie - have a wonderful summer; be your best, love and miss you!

Happy Fathers Day to all of you men with children and those of you wonderful men that have taken on father roles in your life. The world and our children are so blessed to have you! There is much to celebrate on Fathers Day.

I was so blessed to have had a solid father figure; a God loving man that provided for our family through hard work at a steel mill. My Daddy was born in 1918; He lived through many difficult times including the Great Depression. He was a quiet man and a strong man of faith. He had a great love for our Blessed Mother. He taught me that actions speak louder than words, to be honest, and to do the right thing. You could not find a more decent man. He cared deeply for the common man and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

As an adult, I always felt some distance between my Dad and I. We never had deep conversations, and I wish we would have. I just think he wasn’t comfortable expressing his feelings, as is the trait of many men of that generation. I always adored my Dad as most girls do, so this has always caused an ache in my heart.

What I do know, is that my Dad loved all of his children and wanted the best for them. I also have wonderful memories of my childhood with my Dad. When I was a little girl, I remember waking up and finding him reading the newspaper in the kitchen. He would say “Good morning Buttercup.” I would sit on his lap and he would read the “funny papers” to me, in character of course. Just holding his hand when we went somewhere would make me feel safe and so happy. I loved to hand him tools when he was working on a project. I will never forget the little play house he built for us in the backyard; it looked just like a real house. My sisters and I had so much fun in that house. Oh boy,
those are good memories! I love and miss my Dad. I am so grateful to God that he gave me such a good man for a father. I am also very blessed to still have a wonderful Father-in-Law. I wish him a very happy Father’s Day!

Let me say to my incredible husband, you have been an amazing loving father to our children! I adore you and thank God for you every day.

This quote from Pam Brown reminds me so much of Ernie and the kind of father he was and is:

“Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventureres, storytellers, singers of songs.”

I’m sure our kids remember his rousing bedtime versions of - “There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea” and “ol Dan Tucker.” I can still remember the first time he held each of them after they were born. The love he felt was for them was that special overwhelming love that is heavenly. I know that he only loves them more now and that there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to help or protect them.
His love is a reflection of our Father’s love for each of us.

I hope that you all spend some time with your fathers if you can and take some time to recall your special memories with your Dads - love and appreciate all that they have done for you. Let us all give thanks and praise for Our Father in heaven. He loves us all unconditionally and will never abandon us!

GG Update: I was reading with my Hubby about living in the moment. We all have seen signs at places which say that you have to be “Present to Win” - whether at a raffle, or other games of chance. This is also true about our lives; only when we live in the present we can claim the prize of a fulfilling life. Moving forward through this cancer battle, I got a lesson in living in the present. You concentrate on what is happening with your body, along with simple activities like sitting up from a chair, walking up the stairs, taking a shower, reading a good story, all seem tough at times. Life is so precious that little things can bring tears to my eyes. As I walk this road to recovery with our Lord and Mother (and all of you), I take with me gratitude for the intensity of feeling and deep thanksgiving for life!

Being present to win requires letting go of the baggage of the past- the hurts, anger, losses, and grief. Being present to win requires surrendering to God worry and anxiety of the future, and welcoming with open arms the gifts and joys as well as the sorrow and pains of the moment - it takes every ounce of faith to cherish every moment in our lives. Today marks the 100th day since transplant, a milestone. Last week, I had my 6th bone marrow biopsy - at our weekly check-up yesterday, the results came back; for the second time since transplant - no sign of leukemia - and I am off the daily IV infusions - Praise God.

Love and God Bless, gg

Faith, Hope & Love

“Faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest of these is love” - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Family-

Ernie and I love to read about St. Paul. While he was on his third journey (Acts 19:1-20), he learned that the community in Corinth (a seaport in Greece), had become divided, as members began identifying themselves with different religious leaders. Thus, this quote from his letter to the Corinthians, written in about 56 AD, opens with a plea for Christian unity. My family has demonstrated Christian unity and it is such a shining example of united faith, hope and love!

I have been thinking about how much I love my family, family is something that not to be taken for granted. I am amazed at how much my family has loved and supported me, but also how much they support each other. As an exampIe, I was unable to go to my nephew’s wedding in Pueblo two weeks ago, however my girls were able to go. My brother Ruben and his wife Connie along with the help of other family members provided the wedding feast. The next weekend they cooked for another nephew’s graduation! You can also find them cooking for church dinners or making the most amazing lady fingers for events, yes, I said that delicate, yummy traditional Italian cookie lady fingers! Now, my brother Ruben is an amazing cook, people in town think he is a caterer. He could definitely cater if he wanted; however he has a full time job already. He and Connie so lovingly give this gift to others. They are two of the most generous people you could ever meet! I think that we don’t recognize how special family is sometimes and I just want to say my brothers and sisters make me so proud – they have shown love, caring, and concern with their visits and spiritual and corporal works of mercy – my Mom and Dad would be so proud!

You - my Caringbridge Community are part of my family too, taking the time to follow me on this site means the world to me. I am so grateful for you and I don’t want you to forget that. Your messages, love, prayers, and generosity have been such a blessing to me and my family and I am so thankful to The Lord for you!

I am now 87 days out from my bone marrow transplant. I’m getting close to the magic number of 100 where I won’t need to have someone with me 24/7. Although I will still be limited in what I can do and where I can go, this will ease the burden that this has placed on my two girls and Ernie. Although, I know that they will tell you it’s not been a burden but a blessing to be with me. I am the one that is blessed!

My doctor is very happy with how things are progressing. Although initially I had some GVHD (graft vs host disease) in my digestive system, it is under control now- thanks to the Prednisone! I try to walk 2 miles a day and do other exercises as well to improve my muscle strength. It’s absolutely amazing how much muscle and strength, especially in my legs, that I’ve lost, I have chicken legs now! My doctor says that the Prednisone has contributed to the muscle weakness and that it will improve in time. I’m so thankful to my wonderful husband who is so supportive and doesn’t let me slack when it comes to walking every day.

My doc has cut my visits to once a week now, instead of two (originally 3), and they weaned my off the Prednisone this week! My family is pretty excited about that. Maybe, I will see my cheekbones again someday! It’s so funny to wake up and look in the mirror some days, that bald woman with the bloated face is me. My girls actually say they love my cheeks, they think they’re cute - I wish I saw what they see. I am still getting a three hour intravenous magnesium infusion every day, which is the next thing we are working on weaning me off. If my stomach can tolerate magnesium in pill-form, I will be able to stop taking the infusions.

Next Thursday, I will get another bone marrow biopsy to make sure the leukemia is still in remission, we will keep you posted. Until then, I surrender my life to God each day and let Him take me where He will; where He takes me is always good!

Yours in Christ, gg

Strength for Service - Memorial Day 2012

“Bear your share of hardship along with me, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” -2 Timothy 2:3

St. Paul, in his letter to the younger Timothy, was written as Paul was a prisoner in Rome. Some parts of this letter reflects that Paul is exhorting Timothy to stand tall; to be steadfast in firmness and faith through all obstacles, and to protect the community and rely on the power of the word of God.

Christians are sometimes compared to a soldier, sometimes an athlete - both are symbols of strength and vigor. St. Paul warns us that we must “wrestle,” “run the straight race,” “put on the whole armor of God,” “fight the good fight of faith.”

I have read recently from one of our prayer books that sometimes nothing is more harder in life than just to endure. There are two types of strength; the strength of the wind that sways the mighty oak, and the strength of the oak that withstands the power of the wind. The strength of the locomtive that pulls the heavy train across the bridge, and the strength of the bridge that holds up the weight of the train. One is an active strength, the other passive; one is the power to keep going, the other the power to keep still; one the strength by which we overcome, the other the strength by which we endure.
I have seen all of these types of strength by my Bride over the past 5 months, and continue to be inspired by her. I have also seen these strengths in the many men and women who honorably volunteer to serve in our military. It is with all of this in mind, that we want to honor and thank all those brave service men and women throughout our great country’s history and implore you to keep everyone of them (and their families), past and present in your thankful hearts, minds and prayers.
The following poems are some of my favorites, and endure in many hearts. I have posted them to share, through the generosity of a good coaching friend - Hugh Wyatt:

Young Fellow My Lad - by Robert Service

“Where are you going, Young Fellow My Lad, On this glittering morn of May?”
“I’m going to join the Colours, Dad; They’re looking for men, they say.”
“But you’re only a boy, Young Fellow My Lad; You aren’t obliged to go.”
“I’m seventeen and a quarter, Dad, And ever so strong, you know.”
“So you’re off to France, Young Fellow My Lad, And you’re looking so fit and bright.”
“I’m terribly sorry to leave you, Dad, But I feel that I’m doing right.”
“God bless you and keep you, Young Fellow My Lad, You’re all of my life, you know.” “Don’t worry. I’ll soon be back, dear Dad, And I’m awfully proud to go.”

“Why don’t you write, Young Fellow My Lad? I watch for the post each day;
And I miss you so, and I’m awfully sad, And it’s months since you went away.
And I’ve had the fire in the parlour lit, And I’m keeping it burning bright
Till my boy comes home; and here I sit Into the quiet night.”
“What is the matter, Young Fellow My Lad? No letter again to-day.
Why did the postman look so sad, And sigh as he turned away?
I hear them tell that we’ve gained new ground, But a terrible price we’ve paid:
God grant, my boy, that you’re safe and sound; But oh I’m afraid, afraid.”
“They’ve told me the truth, Young Fellow My Lad: You’ll never come back again:
(OH GOD! THE DREAMS AND THE DREAMS I’VE HAD, AND THE HOPES I’VE NURSED IN VAIN!)
For you passed in the night, Young Fellow My Lad, And you proved in the cruel test
Of the screaming shell and the battle hell That my boy was one of the best.
“So you’ll live, you’ll live, Young Fellow My Lad, In the gleam of the evening star,
In the wood-note wild and the laugh of the child, In all sweet things that are.
And you’ll never die, my wonderful boy, While life is noble and true;
For all our beauty and hope and joy We will owe to our lads like you.”

This last poem could be titled Forever Young

“If you are able
Save a place for them inside of you,
And save one backward glance
When you are leaving for places
They can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them,
Though you may or may not always have.
Take what they have left
And what they have taught you with their dying,
And keep it with your own.

And in that time when men feel safe
To call the war insane,
Take one moment to embrace these gentle heroes
You left behind.”

by Major Michael D. O’Donnell…
shortly before being killed in action in Vietnam, 1970
AD MAIOREM DEI GLORIAM

Congratulations JFK Graduates!

I’m praying for many blessings to you all! Congratulations to the John F. Kennedy Commander graduates! I am so proud of all your accomplishments and am excited about your future. My hats off to the fine staff at JKF; you are amazing! I have seen how hard you worked to help our kids succeed - Your commitment to excellence has made the difference in our student’s lives; You all deserve a congratulations and thanks for all you do.

As you JFK graduates leave, know that you will be missed. I also want to congratulate and send all my love to my niece and nephew; Stephanie and Braxton on their graduations! Continued success in your future, in what you choose to do. I will continue to pray for God’s blessings for you all!

I want to close with an appropriate poetic reflection on life by my husbands favorite writer of prose - Grantland Rice. His prescription was to cultivate a steady and robust uphill personal attitude. For even if life’s problems at times seem insurmountable, what is always within a person’s control is one’s general attitude:

“The Measure of a Man”

This is the measure of a man - I hold -
to love with honor and to lose with grace;
to fight with courage, stalwart, strong and bold,
And, smiling, looking misfortune in the face.
To fear no man, nor shrink from any right.
Not care an atom what the world may say,
So long as deep within his inmost sight,
The ground looks clean whereon he makes his way.
To live with faith where no doubt shall avail,
Refuse no friend or brother ready aid-
And when, at last, he meets the endless Trail,
To go with death, unbowed and unafraid.”

Yours in Christ,
Mrs. Martinez

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

“Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple; and there were flashes of lightning, voices, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” - Revelation 11:19-12:1

Mothers are a gift from God! We all have our Moms on our minds today and hopefully you are able to make today extra special for her. Although I miss my Mama, I know that she is watching over me. I also happen to be blessed with a beautiful mother-in-law whom I love dearly. Let’s remember to give thanks that our moms chose to give us life, nurture us, and do their best teaching us to become mothers ourselves.

Being a mother has been the biggest blessing in my life. From the time I held my firstborn, I was so in love. The feelings of love for each of my children are equally as special. I am so grateful to be the mom of Joshua, Ash, and Lo. They are the greatest gifts that God has given me. I can’t leave out my lovely daughter Brittany, “Tito’s” wife - she is such a blessing to us.

Those of us that are mothers, know that it isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s downright difficult, that is an understatement! Somehow God always gives us the grace we need. Honestly, my children have brought me so much more joy and happiness than challenges. They have grown into such amazing wonderful adults!

Almost every woman that I know has taken on a mother’s role or chosen to love our children in a motherly way. I have seen many a friend or family member provide needed mothering skills and love to children that aren’t their own; how awesome you are!!

So, to all of you mothers and beautiful women that have chosen to help care for or love a child out of the pure love of your heart - You are all doing God’s work! I pray that you have a blessed Mother’s Day!

Your’s in Christ, gg

Our Lord gave us the Mother of the world, the Blessed Virgin Mary! She is always there for us.