Random Acts of "Kindness"

CELL PHONE

October 26, 2013

Do your electronic devices have a mind of their own? I often think that mine do, or are receiving “help” from the other side. When my father passed over, he did not have ANY experience with computers. Because of Alzheimer’s, his memory had eroded to the point where he could not learn anything new. Evidently, on his passing, his well being and mental capacity were completely restored — QUICKLY. The day of his wake, computer problems intensified. My son, a computer programmer, said a bunch of “unseen helpers” were loose at his place of business, having a party. EVERYTHING — computers, printers were having fits. That night, my daughter’s fiancée was trying to work on his college paper at our house. Our computer misbehaved so badly that he gave up. While I was writing TO PAP, WITH LOVE — my printer often jammed and the computer edited my writing, taking out sentences and paragraphs.

Why am I mentioning these things? Purpose – I want to show that I am familiar with “help” from the other side. Recently my cell phone stopped ringing; only vibrating when a phone call came in. I didn’t notice the malfunction right away. In fact, almost three days passed before I became aware of the situation. Now I will admit that I don’t receive many cell phone calls. I was waiting for a return phone call on a repair to our trailer; phone near by so I would hear the ring, when I learned of the problem. We tried everything to fix it with no success. I phoned my children, told them of the problem and asked them to call their father’s phone. We were out in the country, far from a store carrying our cell phone provider. Meanwhile, I debated on the type of phone I wanted to get. My phone is a flip camera phone. It doesn’t have access to the computer or any of the new enhancements. I don’t even text, and I use my camera for pictures — not my phone. Would my phone still be available? Would I want a new smart phone? How much would our bill increase? Good questions — no easy answer.

We were expecting our first great grand-daughter. It was very important to me that we learned of the birth as soon as she was born. Those in my family with newer phones received a text message AND A PICTURE OF THE NEW PRINCESS when she was born. Thankfully they phoned me. The baby’s grandmother phoned about an hour later — but since we were talking rather than texting — I got more details. I won’t bore you.

Another week passed. We were still in the country. I still have a phone that did not ring but I could make calls. I was still undecided as to the phone I wanted to buy. Along came my BIRTHDAY. MY PHONE RANG TWICE — when two of my children called. And it still rings when a phone call comes in.

The weather is beautiful. We are staying another week. I still don’t know if I will replace my phone, or which new one I will choose.

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MANTRAS

October 19, 2013

I’m often pestered to meditate. Invitations come in many different ways. Sometimes it is on my calendar, through friends or strangers, on the internet. I keep trying to meditate — sometimes it works, often it doesn’t. I have journeyed with Oprah and Deepak Chopra through a 21 day meditation. Maybe that is where this invitation to meditate came from. I was invited by the mentors channel to join them for a 21 day chanting meditation.

Still trying — I joined. Their meditations were different — Deva Premal chanted different mantras each day. Although I enjoyed the chanting, it kept me grounded. Many, if not all were from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. I have a strong belief that there is one Supreme Being — many different ways to worship. Therefore Buddhist chants were welcome.

I don’t give up quickly. Although I wasn’t able to try each day — life interfered — I finished all 22 days. I will admit that I wasn’t happy with my inability to quiet, to meditate. Many of the chants were long. If I was able to chant along with Deva I might have had more success. I enjoyed her voice, I enjoyed the music. I enjoyed the message behind the mantras. For these reasons I kept returning.

During the time frame of these meditations, our government was considering the actions of Syria when nerve gas was used to kill their countrymen. By the time the meditations ended, Russia had intervened. The crisis was on standby. Then a meeting was set up with another Middle East country. Not necessarily peace, but a start.

I can’t help but wonder if the thousands who had gathered to chant, pray, meditate during this time frame had somehow influenced the outcome of these situations. I’ll never know but anything that helps to bring peace to our troubled world is welcome.

Sadly the meditations have not worked within our own government whose elected officials are not working for the good of the people. By the time this thought ramble is published hopefully our current financial crisis will be solved.

When we leave the camper next week, we will be only home a couple of days before we fly to Florida to meet our new great grand daughter. I try to write thought rambles to publish when we are traveling — with the constraints that it has to be “spirit influenced.” I was mystified this morning. I sent up a prayer for “help!” My prayer was answered. I just didn’t recognize the answer. I received the answer “Magic Prayer” through one of my print sources. I have to admit that I didn’t understand. Thankfully “Spirit” has patience with my inability. During a meditation I thought of the word mantra. This time — thankfully — I got the message.

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LUNCHEON

October 12, 2013

We used to see each other every week day. But it has been twenty years since the company we worked for closed. We no longer see each other regularly but we have remained friends. I ‘m the youngest of our group and usually the driver. The years have not been kind to my friends. One has battled cancer and walks with a walker. She recently celebrated her 88th birthday. Her daughter lives with her and her son is near by. She needs oxygen. The other, just two years younger, has Parkinson’s and severe arthritis and has moved into a senior housing complex.

This summer has been extremely busy for me — I’m gone more often than I’m home. Plans were made for the three of us to get together. The day was beautiful — blue skies, warm temperature. I would drive. No problem! Until I reached my friend’s house and saw a wheelchair sitting by the trunk of her car. I learned her ability to walk long distances has decreased and she needed the wheel chair. Her son showed me how to work her portable oxygen tank and how to set up her wheel chair. EXCEPT IT WAS TOO HEAVY FOR ME. I COULD NOT LIFT IT! Thankfully her son put it into the trunk for me. I prayed someone would be available to get it out.

The senior complex was a distance from my friend’s house but after wandering a little bit we found it. Ask and you shall receive — I found someone to get the wheelchair out of the car. Not only did Bill remove the chair from her trunk, he knew how to attach the leg supports and helped my friend out of the car along with her oxygen tank. ( I thanked him for his help and mentioned that he shared the same name as my father.)

SURPRISE — my other friend was in a wheel chair too. We were eating outside in a restaurant on the ground floor. Both of my friends needed to be transported downstairs. And one by one, I pushed. I also learned where the bathroom was and took my older friend twice. Since it is a senior complex, the bathroom was spacious enough for a wheelchair. Maneuvering it and her oxygen tank took a bit of doing but I was up to the challenge. Opening the door to the outside patio was also a challenge but I found people to help.

I was asked if I would take the resident up to her second floor apartment. Her apartment was lovely, very spacious. My older friend enjoyed her cup of coffee while I was gone. The lighter wheelchair was easier to push but it had trouble going over the threshold. When I returned to the ground floor, I learned the heavier wheel chair went over the threshold with no problems. And thankfully, Bill was available to collapse the wheelchair and put it back into the trunk.

Lunch was lovely — the food delicious and the company delightful. And a bonus. Our resident friend is Jewish and the day of our luncheon was the eve of Rosh Hashanah — Happy New year.

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POSITIVE MOVES

October 5, 2013

Where, oh where has the time gone? Just yesterday I had energy, was able to do the Sun Salutation in Yoga — my various body parts worked. Today, my knees prefer that I don’t kneel, getting down on the floor is interesting, getting up can sometimes be a challenge.

I’m facing another birthday. Each Fall I reflect on my life, the journey I have taken and the road ahead. Often the change of seasons and reflection on lost opportunities bring sadness. I try not to dwell on the mistakes, but focus on the accomplishments instead. I will admit that depending on the day, sometimes it is harder to do.

Since I have “friends in high places” I’m often reminded of the accomplishments of people much older than myself. Yesterday, a man of 101 was honored on television — his mind is strong, he just renewed his driver’s license. In my travels, I have heard other stories of men and woman over a hundred who are still living a quality life. It seems that new stories are popping up on a VERY, REGULAR basis. I’m trying to pay attention. I don’t know how long I will remain here on earth, but as long as I’m here, I would rather have a high quality life like the centurions. Some things are out of my control, but some things are still possible to improve on.

I admire Angela Lansbury as an actress. Recently I learned that she has written a book titled Positive Moves and has an exercise VCR available of the same name. Thanks to the internet, both are now in my possession. In fact, they were on our doorstep when we arrived home from our last camping trip. I have NEVER been a professionally trained dancer but I was able to do most of her exercises. Some easy stretches I have incorporated into my daily routine.

I’m often reminded that in order to live a healthy life I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT AND EXERCISE. All I can say is that I’m trying. One of my recurring messages is to meditate — to listen. I try, and I will continue to try — someday I might even hear. Until that time, I’m confidant that the important messages will get through.

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REMINDED

September 28, 2013

Time passes and facts slip from my memory. To be honest, I’ve begun to notice that I forget many things. Thinking that I’m going to remember is a laugh. When it comes to important things — I’d better make a note. Especially when it involves money. Maybe that is why I am writing this BLOG!

This past weekend I was reminded of the path that I have walked and how much I have learned. Like a toddler learning — once you learn to walk, and begin to run, you forget how hard walking was.

I was attending a woman’s retreat sponsored by my youngest daughter’s church. It was not Catholic, but since I believe there is ONE GOD, I am comfortable there. The woman sitting next to me admitted she was a hermit. She wouldn’t have talked to me except I started the conversation. She was a widow of 12 years, wanting to have a man in her life again. She wanted to walk with Jesus, down a narrow road. She mentioned that she had pulled back on her activities, letting others be in charge. She seemed lonely.

I was reminded of the years when Mother Mary was always in my face. I have written about our skirmish in my book JOURNEY WITH ME — QUEEN OF HEAVEN. I didn’t know what I was supposed to do — but I RESISTED. I knew she was the MOTHER OF GOD, very Holy — I knew I could not be like her. But then our church had an Advent service, preparing for Christmas. The emphasis was on the Mother Of God, the leader who prepared the service had been in Israel — walked Mary’s path when she went to visit her cousin at the age of 16. She brought Mary to life, emphasizing her courage and determination. I realized that I might be able to be like her — a little bit. I had been very shy, not speaking to anyone unless they talked to me first. It has been YEARS since I have been a hermit. But time has passed — I’ve FORGOTTEN.

The next day, the woman was in my path again. I shared a couple of stories with her, suggesting that Jesus didn’t walk a narrow road, He was out and about, mingling with the people. Hopefully my stories helped her.

The closing words of the service referenced the Queen Of Sheba and King Solomon. Another nudge — remember!

Around that time when I was writing my first book, I attended a book signing by Janice T. Connell for her book Queen Of Angel’s. She told a story in which Janice was in Israel, at the location of the Last Supper. In the floor below, the tomb of Solomon was housed. A tall woman was very reverent at the tomb, Janice wished she shared the woman’s reverence but she wanted to go upstairs and was impatient at the delay. Some time later, Janice met Mother Mary who asked her if she recognized her at King Solomon’s tomb. When Janice replied that she didn’t and wished she could have shared Mary’s reverence, Mary told her she wasn’t Catholic, she was Jewish.

When the retreat ended, out of 800 women, I saw the woman again as we were leaving.

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STUFF HAPPENS

September 21, 2013

I’m often warned to be careful. Whether the warning pertains to my driving, walking or cooking I try to pay attention. I didn’t receive a warning on Friday. As a matter of fact, I hadn’t been warned of a problem in a few days. Friday was a beautiful day. We had just returned from spending 10 days at the camper and as usual I was behind, out and about running errands. It was a beautiful day. Just a trifle hot.

Turning into the Aldi’s parking lot — my car and a bike collided. I put on the brakes as soon as I heard the scream. A young woman was laying on the ground, her bike knocked over. Where did she come from? I HAD NOT seen her. Evidently she was riding in a NEW bike lane, on a NEW bike in the blind spot of my mirror. I DID NOT SEE HER! She was upset, I was upset. The beautiful day had vanished in a heartbeat.

Two fire engines arrived, then an ambulance, then a police sergeant. Luckily proof of insurance was in the glove box of our car. A man had seen the accident from across the street. He told us that we collided at the same time. I know I had my turning directional on, and I had slowed down to make the right turn. I DID NOT KNOW that there was a bike lane. There was no one crossing the side walk, another car wasn’t leaving the driveway. Luckily, just her leg was scrapped but she was concerned that it was broken. Therefore the ambulance took her to the hospital. The sergeant told me to follow him to the hospital, asking if I had a lawyer. “Do I need one?” I asked. “Talk to your friends”, he told me. He had my drivers license and my insurance card, I had no choice but to follow him to the hospital.

I learned that he wasn’t able to write out an accident report. They were in the process of changing shifts when the accident happened and he was the only one available. I was unfamiliar with the hospital — parked my car on the third level of the parking garage and went in search of the emergency room. I think I was only at the hospital for a short time. The accident report showed the point of collision behind the REAR tire of the passenger side. The point of impact added to my belief that I hadn’t seen her.

Leaving the hospital, I COULDN’T FIND MY CAR! I walked up and down the levels of the garage many times. I didn’t want to call my husband to help me look for my car. His key ring had a car finder, mine didn’t. Luckily I finally found the car and continued my errands.

Arriving home, I called a friend and asked her if she knew of a lawyer in case I needed one. I shared the distressing news with the rest of my family. I tried to calm down.

Although I DID NOT SEE HER, I was involved in the accident. I could not relax! She phoned on Sunday with good news. NO BROKEN BONES, just bruised tissue. THANK YOU LORD! If it had to happen, at least she wasn’t severely injured. I’m wondering — Since I received NO WARNINGS — did this have to happen? Then the big question –WHY?

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WORRIED

September 14, 2013

Okay, I’ll admit it. I was concerned. The fuse that governs our bathroom lights and porch light at the camper was out AGAIN. Lately, it seemed that every time we arrived at the camper, the fuse had blown. Now it was out again. I asked my husband to look at it. He isn’t a licensed electrician but he knows enough about electric to solve some of our problems. He cleaned the fan behind the light in the ceiling. At my suggestion, he also grouted the outside outlet and light.

I was hoping that the problem was fixed. Lights came on with the flick of a switch for a few days, then, sadly the fuse blew again. I was currently reading a murder mystery in which an electrician was electrocuted, the book was delivered the day we were leaving for the camper. I’m sure reading that didn’t help my state of mind. Concerned that the problem with the fuse might cause a fire, I phoned John — he has the experience to fix most of the problems that we encounter. He didn’t answer his phone, so I left a message on his voice mail.

SURPRISE — it wasn’t a half hour later, John’s truck pulled into our driveway. He was in a dead zone at the camper and heard my message when his cell phone had service again. I explained our problem, and my husband told him what actions he had taken. Using various meters, John checked the circuits. The cause of the problem didn’t surface. While they were inside checking, I was outside. I also noticed an outdoor electrical extension plugged into the outlet outside the camper. The cover of the outlet was up. That might be the cause of our problems.

I learned that our electrical problem wouldn’t cause a fire. Once the fuse blew, no electric was flowing, it was safe. There were two options for repair, but neither seemed to be necessary. One was to pull the outside outlet and check the wiring. The second was to replace the fuse box, which would be expensive. We decided to wait and see if the problem came back.

Our youngest daughter was coming out to the camper with a couple of friends. We were going home, leaving the camper for them. We left notes, explaining how to turn the electric back on in the bathroom. Many fires have been caused by electrical problems — I was relieved to learn that our electric was safe. THANK YOU!

Our daughter didn’t have any problems with the electric during the weekend. THANK YOU!

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ROAD BLOCKS

September 7, 2013

Why is it that when things are running smoothly — pebbles, rocks or boulders spring up in our path? I was feeling fine, okay maybe a little tired. We had returned from Florida — I dealt with the mounds of clothes, stacks of mail and empty refrigerator. I had gone through the mail, unpacked and washed clothes, replenished supplies. Taking advantage of a weekend at home — blue skies and warm temperatures — I had wandered the garden where the world had gathered. It was so crowded, I asked if parking was still available. And happily learned it was. When I asked why the excitement, I learned a kite festival was in progress. Still trying to use time at home well, I scheduled a date with a friend.

ROADBLOCK — hopefully only a pebble — okay a larger stone. Preparing to meet my friend, I got up from our dining room chair. I don’t remember doing anything different. I don’t remember banging my foot, twisting my leg or doing anything stupid. PAIN — radiated — ankle, knee and hip. “What the —-?” If I was smart, I would have cancelled the date. But I didn’t listen to my body — two pain pills and out the door I went. Sadly pain increased then lessened then increased like waves in the ocean. Pain pills all day. Severity of the pain had my attention. Question — Doctor visit?

Shopping I listened to my body and found an AM /PM yoga DVD that I enjoyed with my daughter in Florida. I bought a yoga mat for my husband so he could join me.

Stopping for lunch, only one empty table that I reserved for my friend and I. A gentleman in an orange vest was headed for the same table. I invited him to share ours. We talked about the state of the world and shared some of our wisdom of preparing for retirement. When he mentioned that he depended on help from above I asked him why he was at the right place, the right time to share a table with us. I suggested he think about it. I wonder what he shared with his wife that night. Lunch with two, older, crazy ladies?

Still shopping, TWO — TWO strong, younger men passed by to help me load a carton of heavy cans of soda into my cart, and later — place them into my trunk for me. Normally I would have done that myself. At that point in time — just walking was a challenge.

I paid attention to my body. I enjoyed soaks in our old fashioned bath tub — in Epson salt water, something I had postponed — afraid I wouldn’t be able to get out. I did gentle stretching, I did yoga. I accompanied my husband to the Ford dealer for a recall. Their inspection revealed a couple of items that needed to be fixed for safety. We asked our mechanic to make the necessary repairs. The cost might influence a trip in the motor home that we had planned, but we didn’t get stranded on the highway. Plans for a hundred plus trip was in the works. My husband was planning to go to the camper over the weekend but changed his mind when I told him that I wasn’t sure I would be able to drive all the way out myself.

THANKFULLY — the pain has lessened, although, a week later I’m still feeling the effects. We are at the camper. I have access to a pool. I went swimming last night, I did yoga this morning.

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GOOD IDEA

August 31, 2013

When I learn something that I think will help others, I don’t keep it a secret — I like to share. I am so happy with the results of my Fast Metabolism diet that I have been like Johnny Apple Seed, sharing the information with friends whom I think would benefit. I’m especially happy since I have tried for many years to lose weight and it just hasn’t happened.

I hadn’t seen our neighbor at the campground all summer. She has had two battles with breast cancer and gained 12 extra pounds over the winter which is not making her happy. I shared the book with her — Fast Metabolism Diet — hopefully she will have the same success I’ve had.  It shouldn’t interfere with the medicine she is taking because the diet is natural food, no pills or powders added. The food is arranged according to a schedule to boost your metabolism.

I planned to share the information with two friends who were experiencing their own health issues. I had copies of the food which is allowed so they could check to see if the food was compatible to their tastes. Even though it would help my husband to lose a couple of pounds, he would not be able to follow the plan. Most of the vegetables allowed he doesn’t eat, nor wants too. The few vegetables that he likes are not on the plan. He is safe from my suggestions.

Often when I have a good idea to share, the people who could benefit from the idea appear in my path. I will admit that I’m not sharing this idea with just anyone, even if they could benefit. I’m not going up to strangers on the street. I have put on my own brakes — I have to already know the person or have been in a long enough conversation to be inspired to share.

Maybe it is my age, but the number of people I have shared with this week is approaching a dozen. I have to admit that I’m not sticking to the food guidelines as strictly as I have in the past. I see corn on the cob in my future — the early corn is ready. Spring rain encouraged good growth, mature kernels. At the same time, I like the food that I have been eating and if I either don’t regain the weight, or stop losing — I might continue to bend the rules a bit while still following most of the plan.

I hoped a Thesaurus was part of the computer program. NOPE! One word was appearing over and over in my thought ramble, there must be something else I can use! I couldn’t think! Putting some books away at the camper, something blocked their path. Investigating I found a Thesaurus hidden at the back of the shelf. THANK YOU! HELP is ALWAYS appreciated!

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TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITIONS

August 24, 2013

Home again — home again — for a minute. My husband and I took the opportunity to go to Mass to say THANK YOU — for our trip, for our family, for our life. The church bulletin had an article about the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, — a gift from the ancient Church of Jerusalem. “A legend among Orthodox Christians tell how all the disciples except for Thomas were present at Mary’s death and sat by her tomb for three days. On the third day, Thomas, who was teaching in India, saw Mary’s body rising to heaven. She greeted him as her friend. … Thomas, the one who expressed doubt at the resurrection of Christ, received a gift from Mary: the chance to proclaim resurrection faith to the disciples.”

WHY AM I SHARING THIS WITH YOU? Fair question — for a change — easy answer. In 1995, I spent the summer at our camper working on TO PAP, WITH LOVE, the story of our journey with my father through Alzheimer’s disease. It was on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, sitting outside before Mass, drinking a cup of coffee that I saw a black feather fall. The feather inspired my thought ramble FEATHERS, the fifth story in JOURNEY WITH ME. I planned to take another Creative Writing course in the Fall at our community college. If I said my writing DID NOT impress our instructor I would not be exaggerating in the slightest. In fact, he read everyone’s work and always put mine on the bottom of the stack — until later. I was surprised when a few weeks into the course he mailed me a note, complimenting me on FEATHERS.

When my father passed over, he gave me a gift — the knowledge that life continued on the other side. Like Thomas, I share my story with those who need it.

While we were in Florida, our family spent a day at Fernandina Beach. After lunch, we slowly wandered back to our cars. An author sat outside a book store signing her book. I stopped to chat and learned that her mother passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. Since I travel with stories in my mental pocket, I shared the story my father had given me.

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