Tag Archives: family matters

“Life is like a box of chocolates”………

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Watching ‘Forrest Gump’ at the theater, when I heard my title in the movie, I giggled. At the time I was a mere 28 years old and didn’t think past which movie I’d like to see next weekend, or what clothes I’ll wear to work tomorrow, or what to cook for supper that night. I didn’t think about the deep, complex meaning those few words can truly hold.

It wasn’t a good four years later that my marriage ended. I moved back to my hometown and back into the house I grew-up in. I had a second chance at life and I wanted to get it right this time.

There were many things about myself that I wanted to do differently, so I got busy and found myself. In that time, I felt like a piece of chocolate in that box that was different in so many ways, but at the same time you could interpret the meaning a a box full of choices. In that box, I found the changes I felt I needed to make and threw myself in head first.

My work ethic grew. I threw myself out there and made my job my number one priority. It kept me busy and kept my head in a good place. I also ventured away from positions I was familiar with and tried something new. The big suprise was I was good at it and found a new love in the nursing field. I job-jumped for a few months, until I settled into the field of geriatrics, where I stayed until my forced retirement.

*In high school, a couple of friends and I made a list of things we wanted to accomplish in life. My main thing on my list was owning my own business by the age of 40. I did it! It felt so good the day we opened our door to patients. We won an award for our service, but then it felt just as bad to close the doors, when we had to. But we had an incredible six years!*

At age 28, watching ‘Forrest Gump’ , I would have never dreamed I would actually meet my soul-mate and have him propose on my 38th birthday. He’s my soul-mate. My first husband was a good man, we just went in different directions. I’m the person I am today, partly because of my time with him, but Barry is the man I was meant to be with. I am the woman I am today, totally because the love and support of my sweet husband!

As I threw myself into my new job, I forgot about all the other important things in my life. I missed my oldest sisters kids grew up, the next thing I knew they were graduating high school and my baby sister was about to have a second baby and her oldest was starting school. It was time to slow down and make time for me.

I guess what I am trying to say in all this babble is that “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get” (movie quote: Forrest Gump, 1994)……but it’s your choice, the box is full. Life is too short, make your choices count!

The “New” Barry is at it again!

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Barry went to Kroger alone this afternoon. While at the store, he was to pick up items to make fresh salsa for tomorrow night.

My adorable, little husband gets a bunch of fresh cilantro  and a sprig falls off as he bags it. Instead of tossing it in the garbage, he puts it behind his ear and continues his shopping. He said he had everyone pointing at him and giggling like school kids.

He said the clerk checking him out, asked between giggles, if he was aware he had something behind his ear?

He smiled, stated, “Why, yes ma’am, I do. I’m hoping my wife will mistake it for mistletoe.” and walked out with his purchase. He said he looked back and she was laughing uncontrollably.

My husband minus his filter, you gotta love him!

Daily Prompt: Quote Me

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Do you have a favorite quote that you return to again and again? What is it, and why does it move you?

-Follow your bliss!-Joseph Campbell http://www.jcf.org/new/index.php

I have always taken this one to mean ‘follow what you love’. You cannot be happy in life, if you do not enjoy what you do. When my niece and nephews would ask me questions about what to do with their lives, I’ve told them to figure out what they love and go for it. If they choose right, they’ll shine. If not, keep looking until they find what makes them happy. One nephew is a pastor, this choice suits him perfectly. His twin brother is an artist and professional ballroom dancer, he has been showing his creative side since he was five years old. Their sister, is the perfect mother, wife and homemaker. She plans to homeschool her kids, which will be a breeze for her. My sister did a fabulous job with her kids. Of course, my brother-in-law is included in this praise.

-The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.-Joseph Campbell http://www.jcf.org/new/index.php

I continue with this quote with my younger nephews, who are still young enough to be figuring out who they are and what they want to be. They are both sweet, loving boys; but with totally different personsalities. I’m enjoying watching them grow into handsome young men and I encourage them to be themselves regularly. They will eventually figure out who they are and where they are headed in life. My younger sister is doing a wonderful job with her boys. She is a great mom with many challenges, but they are getting there. Of course, my brother-in-law is included in this praise.

I attempt to apply this one to myself daily. I learned early in life that I am a caregiver. I went to nursing school and worked for over 25 years before we had to close our business. I continue to be a caring, loving individual I have always been. I receive phone calls for medical advice regularly and do my best to give accurate, fabulous advice because I wouldn’t want to steer anyone in the wrong direction.

Even though I may not be actively working, I take care of my mother, my husband and myself daily. Sometimes it isn’t easy to be, the one person in the house, with the best memory. Making all the decisions can be a bit tedious at times. Barry has been in management for over 30 years, he isn’t the easiest person in the world to take being told what to do or how to do something. I am trying every avenue I know to figure out how to work with Barry. I don’t want to argue with him daily when he retires. I have to remember that Barry is only being who he is and that is his priviledge!

To believe or not to believe…..

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‘New Years Superstitions’: I’ve never considered myself superstitious, but my sweet hubby insists every year that I adhere to one he grew up with. His mom and dad would NEVER wash laundry on New Years Day.

I believe it goes something like this: “If you wash your clothes on New Year’s Day, you will be washing a member of your family away.” 

You can read about others at the link I have provided. Several of them sound kind of silly. If you tried to do everything they suggest, you’d have one incredibly busy midnight hour at the beginning of every year. http://www.snopes.com/holidays/newyears/beliefs.asp

In my opinion, this one is kinda creepy, but Barry says that both his mother and father were adamant about observing this superstition. Honestly, I hate doing laundry. I’m not gonna argue when Barry tells me not to.

That Midnight Kiss, starting the New year off the right way…….

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Every girl watches romantic movies about “New Years Eve” and how the night is supposed to end.

You should find your special someone when the clock is striking midnight, look deeply into each others eyes, your lips meet with that knock you out of your socks, blow you away, bend you backwards over backwards with that electric kiss that makes you feel like your insides are melting.

That is what the movie kisses are like. If you are lucky and find that someone special, maybe you will experience one of those kisses someday.

The decimal moments you will always remember those special moments.Then you grow up! There will come a day when you tuck those memories away and start making new ones with the love of your life.

Barry and I were apart last New Years, but we were together in our hearts. This year, he told me he was sleepy. He said if he fell asleep to wake him up at midnight for the know as he owes me from last year, plus this years.

We may be older, but we still try to make it special. We played catch up from years past and I loved the fact that he remembered. Barry and I keep it interesting, even when it is just the little things,Sometimes that is what is the most important. Have a blessed wonderful New Year, all! Goodnight!

Letting things go…..

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Can anyone out there tell me how to do this?

The bible says to give it to God and not to worry.

There are certain things in life that are radically difficult to just put aside and not worry about.

  • Friends, eh, you learn who your true friends are when times get tough.
  • Family will always be family, no matter how much worry they cause, they are family. You love them anyway.
  • A brain tumor diagnosis, a stroke, cancer diagnosis, any life threatening illness that could lead to a major life change…

How do you not worry about things like that?

I do my best to give things to God, but I feel like I struggle daily with this issue. I pray and ask the Lord to strengthen my will and give me the knowledge I need to be able to understand how and be able to turn things totally over to him.

Hopefully the stronger my faith and knowledge about Christ and the bible, will help me find the peace I feel like I am looking for. My support system worries as much as I do.

God, help Barry and I figure out how to give it all over to you. We are your students……

Why?

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When I first had brain surgery, my family and friends were incredibly supportive, until I started getting better and it was becoming obvious that I was disabled.

Most of my family has been behind me through everything. Others have had trouble dealing with the “New Me”.  I had trouble dealing with it for a while. I think I cried for 2 years at some part after the surgery.

Slowly, one by one “so-called friends” quit calling. My family changed slower. Mom, God bless her, still looks at me today as if it will be the last time she ever sees me. We have had a few rough moments, but she is still hanging in there with me.

Another relative has chosen to act like I don’t exist. I wish I could figure out how to settle this with them, but nothing seems to work. They claim there attitude toward me has not changed, when it so obviously has.

They do not call like they used too, when I call they act annoyed and are extremely short on the phone, When we are around each other, they are snappy and act annoyed when they cannot understand my voice, something I cannot help.

I am just at a loss. Everyone else is absolutely wonderful, and to my knowledge, other than have brain surgery, I’ve done nothing.

I know I am not the one with the problem and I pray for them regularly. Am I asking for the right things when I pray? Am I praying correctly? Should I approach this person and talk it out or pray with them?

What is it that makes people do this? I’m still me. The old me is in this body screaming to get out. I hate the way I am. But I can’t do anything about it. I just do not know.

To my family that has been fabulous, THANK YOU! I love all of you, dearly! Even the one having trouble. We are family. To my husband, my love, my soul-mate, DOUBLE THANK YOU WITH KISSES ON TOP! I would not be here if it weren’t for you!!!!!!