In the Arms of an Angel

In the Arms of an Angel

Recently this picture I have had for quite a few years, and was drawn by a friend all in one sitting with only a gold pen, fell to the ground and the glass broke. I decided to take it home from my office to find another frame for it. When these situations happen, sometimes it is a message for us to pay attention and observe what the meaning may be.

The original print I have contains only gold ink, with a little white and black as the background. The other day I decided to scan it into my computer to send to a friend before I frame it again. I was surprised to see the beautiful colors of pink and green had been added to the picture.

The pink and green reflect the heart colors. When we open (or break through to) our crystalline oscillator (HEART) located in the center of our chest, we perhaps will view all of life from a new perspective.

May these upcoming holidays/holy days encase all of you in the Arms of an Angel and may your inner most heart desires be lifted and carried to the highest potential and fulfillment.

Blessings,

Kristie

MY THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS

MY THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS

Twenty months ago, one of many influential women came into my life. This one particular woman, was one of my "mentor moms" through my MOPS program in West Bend. She also had gone through a divorce when her children were young. She told me she found that keeping a "Gratitude or Thanksgiving Journal" was what got her through some of her loneliest and darkest days during that time. I have to admit, I was very good at keeping my own Gratitude journal for awhile and like most things as other things came up, it began to collect dust in my bureau drawer. But, even though I don't always write down my blessings, I have been intentional that when I pray I start off with my blessings, praising God for the the Thanksgiving in my life before moving on to the the "heavy" stuff!

The reason I tell you this, at the end of last week I was throwing myself one big "pity party." I mean it, I was really stuck in "why me" mode and really questioning where God is in all of this trial I feel I have faced in the past 20 months. I went to church on Sunday and one of the pastors was telling a story about Jesus healing a man's son, Jesus asked the man, "Do you Believe". The man replied, "I DO believe Jesus -- just help me with the Unbelieving part of me." The pastor then asked, "Have you ever felt like that?"

I wanted to literally leap onto my chair and shout out "YES!!!!! -- Help me with the unbelieving part of me that I am struggling with!" You see, I feel like I have given my life over and over again to Jesus-- I mean I really believe he is driving my "life bus" and I am just a passenger going along for the ride. So, this question really struck me. Because here I am totally knowing all things happen for a reason, God has a PLAN for me. And, I believe this! What I am not believing is this awesome, faithful, every powerful God will heal my eye. I am doubting and not believing this will happen. I don't think he can do it!

Monday morning, we wake up to the first snowfall of the year. A beautiful snowfall, covering all the tree branches. A perfectly light yet slightly perfect "packing" snow. I was greeted to the snowfall with shrieks of delight and call of, "Mommy it snowed. Let's go play -- we can wear our new boots, snow jackets, pants, hats, and mittens." We were outside in our full "snow gear" by 8:30 a.m. We shoveled, we went sledding, we pulled out all our summer riding toys to see if they would work in the snow, we made snowballs and our first snowman of the season (with broccoli eyes and mouth...because I was totally unprepared and didn't have a proper carrot nose!) We played outside until 10:30 a.m. until every one was starving.

You know what? I believe God made that snow just for me. I mean it. It was a very special blessing -- a reminder blessing. I was able to be home for the first snow fall of the season and enjoy it with my children. They were so excited -- I wish I had it on video. Their shrieks of delight and them tromping in the snow was priceless. A gift from God. If I hadn't had my surgery, I would have gone to work this Monday morning, I would have seen the snow as something to shovel before I could leave in the morning...not a beautiful 2 hours with my kids. I felt like He was telling me, "I am watching out for you. I will provide. Just keep counting your blessings."

Blessings, small or grand they are a beautiful thing. They are all special and they are all ordained by our Maker. I am wishing everyone a very special and Blessed Thanksgiving. I know on our darkest or even average days, to see the blessings is hard. But, as my mom recently reminded me after she shared with me a worry she has ever since my surgeries is, everyday we "wake up" to have one more day on this Earth with our loved ones is a blessing. So, we all have at least one per day. And, I know we won't have to look much harder to find at least one or two more.

Mine everyday are Anna and William. And, the gift of God's love and his son Jesus. So, everyday I have at least four. I am going to write and pray these first -- even on my "unbelieving" days and then pray that He continues to help me through those "unbelieving" moments.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and your families.

Love, Claudine

(Now that was one beautiful Thanksgiving Message)!!!!!

Thank you Claudine! A while back I saw a cute YouTube video entitled, "The Gratitude Dance."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9z2ELaBVJY

I thought you and the twins might have fun doing this jig!

Big hug to all of you.

Auntie

Froedtert Follow Up Appointments

Froedtert Follow Up Appointments

Thank you everyone for your calls and emails this week regarding my first follow up doctor appointments. It really makes my days that much easier knowing I have all of you thinking and praying for me. My mom and I went to Froedtert on Wednesday for two follow up doctor appointments. The first doctor I saw was my Vascular Surgeon. He repaired the artery in my right leg after the neurosurgery. The neurosurgeons did all their work by going through this artery in my leg into my brain, but the closure wasn't successful. I was left with a weakened pulse in my leg, so they repaired it to ensure blood flow was good throughout this artery since this artery is my main blood flow to my brain now. He brought good news and bad news. The good news is as of now everything looks good. The not so good news is I guess the artery was pretty damaged and they ended up repairing only what was necessary at the time. He anticipates due to the amount of damage, I could have future complications since I am so young. So, I have ALREADY started praying that God protects me from further complications. I am suppose to watch for cramping in my leg, numbness, tingling or my leg/foot feeling cold. I have to return in 3 months for a follow up appointment, but other than that he was happy with my recovery.

The second doctor appointment was with the Trauma Surgeon. This is the team of doctors I saw after I was re-admitted to the hospital after I couldn't stop vomiting and began to dehydrate. They thought I had ruptured my appendix and had colitis. So, my third surgery was to remove my appendix, but when they went in they found nothing wrong with it, so they left it in. At the appointment on Wednesday I found out all other tests came back negative as well, so I don't have colitis. I am glad about that because from what I read could cause lots of future problems along with a strict diet. The doctors and I discussed me being admitted a second time was probably an after affect from the anesthesia from the first two surgeries and all the other heavy duty drugs I was on in the hospital. I don't have to return to see this team of doctors again, so that is good news.

On December 2nd, we will return to Froedtert to meet with the neurosurgeon team. I will make sure to let you all know ho w this appointment goes. This appointment will probably cause me a bit more anxiety. I am anxious about my eye recovery and also they will better determine when I could return to work in some capacity. I just ask for your prayers around this appointment.

Thank you again for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers.

Love, Claudine

Note from Claudine

One day at a time is an appropriate title for this blog. Yesterday and today, I ventured out to test my driving skills with one eye. I am taking it slow -- not going far and testing out my peripheral and depth perception with one eye. I am finding it truly amazing how our bodies are made and how one eye slowly begins to accommodate for the other eye. When this all began, my right eye (the good eye) was extremely light sensitive (especially florescent lighting), tired easily and ached alot. Over the past 2 weeks, I am no longer light sensitive, florescent lighting is becoming easier to handle for longer periods of time (which is good news for when I must return to work) and my eye doesn't tire as quickly.

As my Aunt reminded me, one step at a time. Yes. It is the small things I am becoming truly grateful for. Yesterday, my first test at driving -- I went to Target -- 3 miles from my home. I made it and was even able to do some Christmas shopping. Today, I drove Anna and William to preschool by myself. Tonight I drove them to and from their evening Awana Cubbies class at church. I found night driving a bit more challenging and tiring to my eye. But, yes one step and day at a time.

In sharing the news with my Aunt, she found this prayer. I'd like to share it and I continue to ask for prayers for my eye. My Aunt also said that for nerves to rejuvenate themselves it can take 180 days. My doctors had told me this same thing and once they rejuvenate themselves the healing can begin. So this prayer will be one I say often over the days and upcoming months...

Dear God,

Resanctify my body,
that it might be blessed.
Pour forth Your spirit
into my flesh.
May every cell receive new life,
and my physical self be healed and whole.
Amen

A prayer for the many decades of our lives! Sleep well!

Love, Claudine

Anna & William's First Preschool Picture

Three Surgeries in 2 weeks--The Healing Power of Jesus.

Three Surgeries in 2 weeks--The Healing Power of Jesus.

I hadn't heard this out loud until my Mom said it to the Elders today at church. We asked them to pray for us today. I don't think I had taken the time to process this whole ordeal until this morning. And, the impact it has had on my parents, especially.

Today, I attended church for the first time since this all began. I had my first surgery 3 weeks ago today -- the big surgery, the neurosurgery to stop the bleeding into my brain. At this service, by no coincidence, this was a Faith and Healing service, that happens 4x a year at Appleton Alliance. It gives attendees a chance to be prayed for by the Elders anytime during the service. In the past, I have always been hesitant to take part in this...sort of felt like why are my needs larger than others...or why do I need others to pray for private matters??? But, I understand now, the power of prayer and when one or more gather in the prayer the amazing power it can have.

What struck me as me and my parents went back to meet the Elders, is at least 5 people recognized me and said they were praying for me (I have no idea who they are). Why I found this amazing is, when I joined Appleton Alliance I began praying to God to connect me within the church. It is a big church, thousands attend and it takes 900 volunteers in the child care alone each year to make it run. After being part of a smaller (and missing like crazy!), easily connectable church in West Bend, Kettlebrook, I wanted that same feeling at Appleton Alliance. I thought I'd find this connection through volunteering, or a Mom's group or a bible study. But, as I walked through the halls today so many people smiled at me, so many hugged me and told me they were happy to see me up and walking, all of Anna and William's teachers hugged me. The entire office prays for me and keeps an email update on my situation. Talk about getting connected! I feel so blessed. I know as I recover God has great plans for me in a ministry and testimony at Appleton Alliance.

As we gathered with three of the church Elders to pray, we found out the following Elders would be praying (look at God's awesomeness to put these 3 men into our lives to pray for me): Our youth pastor, is a young father so he was a great prayer for how I am feeling as a mom who "can't do it all right now." His father suffered a brain aneurism last year and he told us statistically his father and I should not be here today. So, he prayed from his heart knowing the MIRACLE it is that I am even alive. The second pastor, he was going blind and now his sight is restored. He prayed at the power of a healing God as well as the gifts and talents of amazing surgeons. He prayed knowing first hand my frustration that my left eye still won't open and I have only one eye to function from. The third Elder, prayed and anointed me through the healing power of Jesus. He reminded me of God's timing, of God's healing hand and of God's Will versus my own. They all prayed that God's will be done with my eye but we are asking for a full healing in God's timing. He knows when I am ready to be done resting.

I hope my Dad doesn't mind me sharing this, but it moved me so. My Dad then prayed in Thanksgiving to God for saving my life. During the 9 hour neurosurgery (which was originally thought would only take 3 hours until they found out the severity of my condition) my parents spent the entire time in the chapel praying. They had heard from the doctors the severity of my condition and the repair that would be needed. They were told I could die. They were told my eye nerves would be compromised to save my life. My Dad told me he prayed and prayed that my life would be spared. That the rest we could get through as a family. He thanked God for the skillful hands of the surgeons at Froedert in Milwaukee and their patience and tenaciousness that gets them through such a tedious surgery.

My mom had told me that during my nearly 2 weeks in the hospital and through my other 2 surgeries, at least 3 times she prayed out loud to Jesus to spare my life. She said at three different times it seemed I wouldn't pull through. I know during my last hospital stay with the pain so bad, I prayed out loud that if Jesus wanted to take me, he could. I remember being so tired and in so much pain I just wanted to die. But, Jesus did spare me. That day I cried out, my Mom and Dad brought Anna and William's preschool picture to the hospital and showed it to me--there 1st school pictures!!!!!! And, a card from their pre-school class wishing me well. The power of their faces, (they are just the first of goofy school pictures...but SO precious to a Mom!) was a healing moment in and of itself.

Today, as we went to church Anna and William sang "Jingle Bell's at the top of their lungs (yes, we are beginning Christmas celebration earlier around our household this year...since it is all of our favorite time of the year) and shook their pretend "sleigh bells" all seemed right in the world. One eye or two eyes.

Many of you have asked what in particular you can pray for me, I'd ask that you pray for my eye. For a recovery and for HIS Will to be done on HIS timing.

I'd also ask that you pray for my Grandma, a week in the hospital is a long time. And, that she continues healing without surgery if possible, and that her spirits stay strong.

I'd also ask that you pray for my parents. The trauma of the two weeks of me being in the hospital, undergoing 3 surgeries and all the emotional outpouring they did during that time --- I would think would take it's toll. Those two weeks were a blur to me and I can't imagine what they felt to hear that I might die. Thank you Jesus for saving my life. I pray that our family continues to stay harmonious and strong during a very difficult journey. Love to you all. And, thank you again for your continuous support. The calls, the emails, the cards, the flowers and the meals that are delivered every other night are such a blessing.

Love, Claudine

Quick Note

A quick note to let you know that the days are looking up. Jean and Steve slept in their own home for the first time last night while Claudine and the twins stayed by themself. That is a big accomplishment towards reaching those goals! Today I believe all of them were then going to be transported back to Jean and Steve's so the twins could partake in some Fall yard and garden weeding and pruning. Claudine has appointments on Wednesday back at Froedtert Hospital with the specialists. I suppose these appointments will continue for some time.

Our mom is still in the hospital with diverticulitis, but we are hoping and praying the infection will clear up and no surgery will be needed. In a couple of days they will do their third CAT scan to see how she is progressing. Today's physical therapy went better and she sounded better.

Thanks to all who are looking after Claudine and the family, and those assisting with mom.

a New Day Dawns

A New Day Dawns


A BLESSING

May the light of your soul guide you.

May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.

May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.

May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.

May your work never weary you.

May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement.

May you be present in what you do.

May you never become lost in the bland absences.

May the day never burden.

May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises.

May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.

May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.

May your soul calm, console and renew you.

Note from Claudine

My clock once again blinks 2:32 a.m.

I can't help but wonder, the work God is doing through me at this same time every morning. If I didn't know better I would think it is sure coincidence that every morning I awake at 2:32 a.m.

Tonight (or early this morning I guess) I turn to Psalm 106:1-2

Praise the LORD!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can list the glorious miracles of the LORD?
Who can ever praise him half enough?

I was looking for a prayer on endurance and God's love this evening. Tonight, I continue to lift up my cousin Betsy in prayer, my grandmother, Flip who has been in the hospital since Sunday that Jesus protect them. That He carry them through their health issues and continue to show his ever faithful love.

I also pray for my mom and dad, the constant 24 hour care-giving to me and my twins, plus the extra burden of my Dad returing to work and my Mom's, mom being in the hospital is really almost to much to bear for any one family. We KNOW and we TRUST, HE gives us nothing more than we can handle, but tonight I pray for God's endurance for my parents.

I continue to feel stronger everyday, so I continue to pray that I heal quickly, so at least I can send my parents home at night and for a few hours a day so they can get some rest and reprieve. I would ask that you do the same.

I also, want to thank everyone for the outpouring of flowers, cards, prayers and messages. It is through all of YOU and all your faith that keeps me going every day. I have never felt such an outpouring of love. All of your richness in knowing Jesus keeps my spirits strong knowing the amount of prayer that is being prayed on my behalf. "Through him, all things are possible." This I KNOW. This is BELIEVE. So, I know his miracles will continue to come.

Good night. Love & Blessings, Claudine

Mary Beth's Chicken Soup for the Soul

My sister raved about the chicken soup delivered and asked for the recipe to be posted, so tonight Mary Beth responded with this yummy concoction that is perfect for this time of the year. Thank you Mary Beth!

Chicken Soup

1 - Roasted Chicken from Sam's Club de-boned and cut up
include juices from chicken
1 large (49.5 oz.) can of 98% FF Chicken broth
1 medium onion diced or to taste
5 carrots chopped
4 stalks of celery chopped include some leaves
3 cups of water
2 tsp. beef bouillon chrystals
1 tsp. chicken bouillons chrystals
3/4 c of your choice; wild or brown rice, instant barley, noodles, dumplings or whatever you like. You may have to add more water depending on how thick or thin you like your soup.
1 bay leaf
pepper to taste

Simmer all until veggies are done. Enjoy!

2:36 - Note from Claudine

2:36 a.m. Wednesday.

Ahh, again my internal clock blinks and blinks.

In this morning time with God I turn to my chapter in the bible, I call my "life" song.
Jeremiah.

Jeremiah is about a prophet with an uncommon quality. Here is what my bible says,

"Endurance is not a common quality. Many people lack the long-term committment, caring and willingness that are vital with sticking to a task against considerable odds. But, Jeremiah was a prophet that ENDURED."

I first turned to Jeremiah 2:36: In this verse God talks not against working alliances or partnerships, but his desire for us to TRUST HIM alone for help. This brings my thoughts and prayers this morning to my cousin, Betsy. I heard she is not feeling well again, and with the ever present threat of her Lupas returning my heart is crying for our amazing Lord Jesus to protect her from becoming seriously ill again. As a mom of two young children, I can't imagine what she must go through every time she feels ill again. I am sure there is not fear, knowing Betsy and Ryan's faith....but I can't wonder if there is always that look at your life and if like me, the question I faced for the first time 2 weeks ago, I know Jesus is enough to sustain me and sitting at his right hand would be an honor, but do I love him ENOUGH to say goodbye to my earthly life and my earthly relationships. As a mom, I really struggle with this thought and the idea of Anna and William alone without their mommy.

The whole reason I turn to Jeremiah tonight is because I want you all to pray for Betsy. Please Jesus, allow her to continue under your watch and ENDURE against all odds. During the past 18-20 months, my life verse has been one that I have repeated pretty much daily. And, tonight I am going to spend the rest of my time with Jesus praying for Betsy. I'd ask you to do the same.

Jeremiah: 29:11-14.

"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seeek and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you and bring you back from captivity."

Blessings.
Love, Claudine

As I reflect on Claudine's message this morning, I am reminded of a prayer that is timeless and was pointed to a song on YouTube.......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugelQmDerfo

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

2:32 Claudine's Code

2:32 Claudine's Code

I did a quick blink and couldn't believe my eyes that a note from Claudine was waiting in my mailbox. She has asked me to post it and I must say, this was the HIGH LIGHT of my day! :-)

The saying, "Ye are the Light of the World" is streaming through.

Hi dear auntie,

I was having an alert moment, so thought I'd shoot off a note for the blog. I am not sure if my mom mentioned, but since the surgeries, it is like my mind is on rapid fire. I have a lot of energy (internally) and a lot of thoughts. The whole idea of being "reborn" has taken on a new meaning to me. It is not through works that you are saved and reserved a place in heaven, it is purely the grace of Jesus. Since the surgery, I have literally felt the Holy Spirit's energy coursing through my body and so many thoughts I'd like to share. But, as you wrote earlier that clocks seem to blink 10:10 when they need to be reset, my body seems to reset at about 2:32 a.m. every morning, and I awake with thoughts and unable to sleep. So, instead of getting frustrated, I am remembering my pregnancy days in which a wise friend of mine told me to use the sleepless times for prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit. So, that is what I am choosing to do.

Last night. 2:32 a.m. I opened my bible to Luke 2:32. This is the story of Jesus' birth and this verse is "A light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Jesus has been my light, literally I saw light and knew even when I prayed if it was my time to come home to heaven I would go. But, my light was given to me by my parents to fight, to remember what I had at home (they gave me Anna and William's preschool picture that had just been taken at school.) They told me it wasn't my time. My time is still on this Earth. I think I have some "light sharing" to do and I am excited as I regain strength to share it.

My parents through believing in Jesus Christ have secured their place in heaven, but good works are what Christ wants us to do while on Earth...not to get into the kingdom, but to live HIM out LOUD on this Earth. I thank my parents and Jesus for being my light. Their good works on this earth do not go unnoticed. Bless them and please continue to pray for them --- for strength and perseverance as they help me on this journey.

Love,

Claudine

Miracles of Life

I thought Anna and William might enjoy looking at their own picture if they are privy to viewing this blog! :-) Even though they are a little older now, their eyes are a reminder of innocence and a wonderful way to view life as seen through the lense of pure love.

"Love cures people - both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it."

Dr. Karl Menninger - Chicken Soup for the Soul

Speaking of chicken soup for the soul, I briefly spoke with Jean this morning and definitely the situation is looking better and better. The chicken soup delivered was an absolute hit and they were even rationing it to keep it around a lot longer......everyone loved it! :-) I believe Mary Beth must have poured her heart into the recipe. The bread was also a hit and Jean ran out this morning to get a few more loaves as the twins were enjoying it along with everyone else.

Claudine is off several of her medications and feels a whole lot better. Her appetite seems to be picking up. The twins were just going in to kiss mommy good night as she was about to take a nap, and so were they. I hope Jean you were able to rest during this time out period too!

(Mary Beth - Jean asks for the chicken soup recipe to be posted here, so if you would like to email the ingredients, I'll get right on it. Be sure to put in a dash of Mary Beth Love.....the secret ingredient!)

Trip Down Memory Lane

I'm refreshing Jean's memory! This is a picture of Claudine (the brunette) when she visited us in WA many years ago, along with her cousin Jessi. We are not sure how old Claudine was as there is no date on the picture, but it must be about 24 years ago. Perhaps Claudine will be able to fill us in on her age in this picture! Looks like we were in the process of remodeling, seems to be life's metaphor for changes.

Meal Support Calendar Now Ready - Contact Mary Beth

The meal support calender is ready to e-mail to all friends and neighbors interested in helping out... I'm still gathering email addresses for the distribution list. If you would like to help out...please email me at reburg@new.rr.com and include either Claudine's name or Meal Support in the subject line so I don't think it's SPAM and delete. I'll get you added to the list.

Thanks so much to all of the generous people who are supporting with food and/or monetary donations!

Mary Beth

Mary Beth and Group Photo

(Note from Mary Beth and a picture she would like posted so here it is! What a beautiful group!)

Hi Kristie,

Please add this photo if you can to your blog in my spot. It will be nice for my contacts to put a name and face together.

Thanks,

Mary Beth

Sunday Update

Like Sands through the Hourglass, these are the Days of our Lives.....

I just got off the phone with Jean and she said to say that Claudine is improving. :-) One of her favorite meals is mashed potatoes and roast beef in it's natural juices. Her diet is still pretty bland, but probably that is best until the stomach calms down a bit. As we all know who have been on medications, they often do not agree with the digestive tract. (There are wrist bands you can purchase at drugstores for nausea and motion sickness, one brand is Sea-Band http://www.sea-band.com/seaband.htm. When placed on the wrist, they work on the acupressure points to help alleviate these symptoms.)

If anyone wishes to send a note to Claudine you can use this address:
W5858 Sweet William Drive
Appleton, WI 54915

I have a cute picture of Claudine with my daughter that was taken quite a few years ago when Claudine made her first solo airplane trip out to WA. As soon as I figure out the scanner and smooth out its glitches, I hope to be able to post it. Modern technology is wonderful, but it too suffers from mental fatigue. I wonder if Bill Gates makes house calls? :-)

I am connecting with some of my sisters friends and must say this is really nice. Mary Beth it was fun to speak live in person with you. Some of the tv stations are reported to using holographic technology now, and my geographic distance from everyone makes me appear to be a hologram as well! Has anyone noticed that when you buy a new clock it is usually set to 10:10? I once read that it is a code for blinking on and off........our days are sometimes like that. So, I will do a quick 10:10, sign off but will soon blink back on when more updates appear.

I found an affirmation that may help when our blinking days get a little wild.....

"A am part of the perfect rhythm, and flow of life. All is in Divine right order."

Big hug and kisses to you Claudine

I heard through the grapevine that today Claudine was able to eat some solid food and it sounds like it even stayed down. Now that is good news! A note from sister......

"Dear Family and Friends,
Some of you have not heard our story of the last two weeks. Claudine has had three surgeries. We ask you for your prayers as she will have a long recovery. My sister has started a blog to keep our family and friends informed. And my friend Mary Beth is helping in many other ways. Today I am singing, "Our God is an Awesome God."
Love,
Jean

I'm singing with you and in fact, I found a video to share with others who may also want to sing along.

Our God is an Awesome God
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NK_rz-FTzw

Our mom also became ill this week. We ask that you also keep "Flip" in your good thoughts and prayers too.

Life certainly allows for a myriad of personal experiences, with each one giving us another opportunity to expand the love that we are.

If anyone has updates on Claudine, you can reach me at my email address, and I will include the information here.

Opening Night

Tonight we celebrate our love for you..........

This first post is dedicated to my niece Claudine and her beautiful twins Anna and William, who dance to the magical third year of their life. It has been quite an adventure for this family the past couple of weeks, after a serious medical emergency landed mama Claudine in the hospital. I have to say upfront that I live across the country, so what I relate may not be quite "ON POINT," but I promise to do my best relaying news of her recovery and their musings in future posts, as they arrive in some form on the communication highway.

As I reflect back in time, there is always one memory and picture that stands out. When I was around 19 my sister and husband took me in for a few months while I finished technical school. Claudine was just a toddler and what a cutie she was. Every night when I came home from school and work, there she was waiting for me at the door. She was always freshly bathed and dressed in her cute soft blue terry jammies. To be greeted by this special little one was heaven on earth. The aroma of a home cooked meal being kept warm for me in the oven was my sister's nightly ritual, and one that I will always be deeply grateful for.

Claudine would often join me then for our roundtable meetings in my bedroom. While I studied, she would color and we would have some great nightly chats. Some memories live on and I'm glad to have retained that particular one. As some of you may relate to, the AARP age days contain glitches and periodically our data base gets erased.

My sister's very good friend Mary Beth has added her Light to this situation, and a fund to help cover expenses until Claudine gets back on her feet and back to work has been established. As a parent, I'm sure we can all relate to what the family is going through.

A nickname I used to call Claudine was "Beans." Earlier this evening this tune streamed through.

"Beans beans the musical fruit,
the more you eat the more you toot,
the more you toot the better you feel,
so eat beans for every meal.

Perhaps that was Spirits Rx for you and a great way to release pent up energy! :-)

May the days to come arrive in a gentle fashion for you my sweet niece, and your body, mind and spirit be healed at lightning speed.