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Exchange Doctors

Posted by eph21920 on October 22, 2018 in Connected, Doctor, Life

I talked with a friend today who had the opportunity to house a doctor from another county who was here as part of an exchange program. Several medical personnel come together to exchange ideas. My friend told us how much she had learned about the culture of the guest. She was from a small Asian island that is independent and self governing. The woman had a deep respect for people in authority and dressed in her elegant customary attire to show it. I thought about how this tiny island that you could drive through in one day with it’s own government and own customs still had ideas to share and contributions to make. It can seem like the world is in chaos and in a constant power struggle. Yet, there are people from all over the world coming together, despite politics, who are trying to make a positive impact. I found that to be very hopeful.

I Found God today in the hope of people from all over the world coming together to advance medical knowledge.

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Equine Therapy

Posted by eph21920 on October 21, 2018 in Connected, Creation, Life, Relationship, Youth

I talked with a teen today about her involvement in equine therapy. This program was made available to her and others who are currently living in foster homes. She told me how she first met her horse and started by learning how to take care of him. She groomed him, walked him, and eventually was able to ride him. She was excited to share pictures and videos with me. It was a beautiful thing to see how gentle the large animal was. Then I understood why the youth loved going. The horses they work with are mild mannered, calm, accepting. They don’t judge, don’t get angry. Yet they challenge the youth to learn new skills and to figure out how to communicate with them. Maybe most important is that they must have a trusting relationship. The horses trust that they youth will care for them properly and not hurt them. The youth must trust the large horse to listen to their commands and also to not hurt them. The girl who told me about “her horse” has a very difficult time of it. I was happy to see her passionate and so upbeat about the experience.

I Found God today in a youth’s experience with horses.

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Walk and Talk

Posted by eph21920 on October 20, 2018 in Birthday, Family, Grateful, Happiness

Today we had a little birthday party for my son with my parents and my sisters. It is always great to get together with everyone. It was a beautiful day, so after the meal and cheesecake I wanted to take a walk. Everyone was invited, but just my son and I went. That was my favorite part of the day. I really enjoyed the mom and son time just walking and talking. He makes me smile.

I Found God spending time with my son.

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Timpani

Posted by eph21920 on October 19, 2018 in Family, Humor, Life, Music, Past

My brother called tonight and gave us a little video tour of the house he just moved into. He started playing the drums when he was in high school and still has a full drum set as well as an electronic set. When we went to the symphony the other night, I thought of him as I watched the percussionists – particularly the woman playing the timpani. I am sure that my brother could play those instruments and told him that I thought he should. Suddenly, my mother said, “I just remembered! I used to play the timpani!” Evidently when she was in the high school band, she would play whatever instrument was needed. She played the clarinet for a while, but didn’t really like that. The band needed a french horn, so she played that next. Then one year they had no percussionist. So, my mom played those instruments including the timpani. She also played the xylophone in the marching band. We all had a good – appreciative – laugh. First, at my mom’s long term memory. Second, at her musical talent that continues to astound.

I Found God today again in amazement of my mother’s talents.

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Blessed Thrift Trip

Posted by eph21920 on October 18, 2018 in Answer, Baby, Life

Today I stopped by a thrift store to see if by chance they had a spring form pan since I promised my son I would try to make a cheesecake for his birthday this year. As luck would have it, there was one there that looked unused. It was a fraction of the price of a new one and it turned out to be even cheaper since that color “tag” was on sale. I was feeling pretty happy about my find as I stood in line. The woman in front of me was holding a new baby. One of the workers was chatting with her. She told her that she used to be a waitress for many years. While she was there, she got to know the regulars and see the babies and young children grow through the years. She said she was hoping to have the same experience here. But if not, she was able to see and enjoy lots of little ones – little blessings. She was so kind and encouraging to the young mother.

I Found God today in a blessed trip to the thrift store.

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A Wreck

Posted by eph21920 on October 17, 2018 in Car, Family, Grateful, Life, Problem, Stranger

Yesterday when we left the doctor’s office, we were all feeling quite good and upbeat from the encouraging words. It was late in the afternoon and the traffic was heavy, so I had to be very aware. As we came upon a particularly busy intersection, the light changed from green to yellow. There is always that split second of questioning should I stop or go? In this case, I decided to stop. Unfortunately, the car behind me didn’t. We felt the big bang and my mom started panicking as my dad got out of the car to see what happened. I told my mom to stay put and got out as well. I saw that the hood of the car behind me was crushed, the radiator was leaking, and our bumper was damaged. The young man who hit us was also assessing the damage. A woman who was in the car next to him was talking to him. I asked if he was alright. He said he was. I told him I was going to call the police and EMT’s to have my mom evaluated. As they arrived, so did the woman who was in the car next to the man. It turns out that she was his wife. They were returning home from the hospital as their daughter had a surgical procedure done on her ears. The daughter was in the mom’s car. After the EMT was done with my mom, we discussed going to the hospital. They found nothing wrong except her blood pressure was high – which was understandable. She got out of the car, walked around a little, and said she was feeling OK, so we opted not to make the hospital trip. When we got home, we were all exhausted. It was ironic that just minutes before the doctor said that every day we are alive is like icing on the cake. The accident was quite a reminder that you really don’t know what is going to happen at any time. This morning, thankfully, everyone felt fine. As I thought about what had happened, I was very grateful that no one was hurt. My frail mother was fine. She even went to exercise class today. I was also so grateful that the little girl was in her mother’s car instead of her dad’s. Of course, things can always be worse, which is what the young mother reminded her husband of.

I Found God today as no one was hurt in the car accident.

 

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Appreciate the Doctor

Posted by eph21920 on October 16, 2018 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Life

My parents had an appointment with their cardiologist today. He’s such an honest, straightforward, and entertaining person. Both my parents got a good checkup. He talked about the difference between treating someone in their 30’s and someone in their 80’s. He said for those who are older, they have already “won” and every new day is icing on the cake. He said my parents look great – especially my dad. And he encouraged them to stay active and maybe go on a trip. He said so much of aging is in your head. My parents and I left with a very positive attitude.

I Found God today in a doctor we appreciate.

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Caring for Kids

Posted by eph21920 on October 15, 2018 in Children, Generosity

One of the participants in my water aerobics class works at the YMCA. I found out today that she works with a group who is starting a respite program for children with autism. The goal is that the parents of autistic children would have a place to bring them for a few hours so they can have a little break. The staff members would have activities designed specifically for the children, so while they are there they would be receiving their own form of treatment. One of the other participants works in the school system with children who have special needs. The two of them exchanged notes and ideas. I was so impressed with their love and desire to care for the kids.

I Found God today in people who truly care for kids.

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Petite Suite

Posted by eph21920 on October 14, 2018 in Uncategorized

I went to the philharmonic symphony with my parents this afternoon. We heard the music that my mom found the other day. One of the pieces was Petite Suite by Debussy. I have heard my mom and her friend play that piece together on the piano and looked forward to listening to the orchestral arrangement. It was different for sure, but really made for an enjoyable experience. As we talked about it later, I realized again that music has been my mom’s whole life. She has heard the piece several times and listens with a discerning ear. I just enjoyed hearing the difference, yet similarities of the orchestra and my mom’s piano playing.

I Found God today listening to the orchestra play a piece that my mom plays on the piano.

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Young Entrepreneurs

Posted by eph21920 on October 13, 2018 in Answer, Connected, Family, Food

For the past week, I have been helping my sister get her toffee ready to bring to “Choctoberfest”. She brought her products to a chocolate festival in the spring and decided to participate in this one as well. It was a lot of work getting ready, but the day itself was a lot of fun. I was happy I was able to go. She sold a decent amount of toffee, cookies, and toffee dipped pretzels. I loved being a part of the side business my sister has created and seeing her success. We met and talked with a lot of people as you can imagine. I really enjoyed talking with the honey sellers whose booth was just behind ours. There were 4 guys and 1 girl all in their late 20’s. I got bits and pieces of their story as the day progressed. They all went to college together and got various jobs. Then they ended up in the same city. One of them had a degree in business. His mother had her own business making desserts. So, he combined the knowledge and started trying various ideas and recipes. His first try was toffee – ironically. After much trial and error, he ended up making different flavors of honey. The group of friends all decided to quit their jobs and go into business together. They seemed to do very well and were all very personable. I loved hearing their story and listening to the ideas they had. The day was energizing. There was such a positive energy as people encouraged one another, and enjoyed their and each other’s success.

I Found God today witnessing encouragement and success.

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