Lemonade--Thursday Thought

I have not read this book, The Coldest War, by James Brady, however, I think I need to put it on my list. It is a book about America's "forgotten war." The Korean War lasted just thirty-seven months, yet 54,246 Americans died in that time -- nearly as many as died in ten years in Vietnam. On the fiftieth anniversary of this devastating conflict, James Brady wrote the story of his life as a young marine lieutenant in Korea. It has rave reviews and sounds very compelling.

He has a few good quotes that float around one of them is this:

"When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. I have several stands around here."

I love that quote, I hope your lemonade stands are filled with sunshine.

Love and Survivial--What I Saw Wednesday

I saw a woman with type 4 terminal cancer who acts like she has something as incidental as allergies.

I saw her husband care for her and take up the slack in the home.

I heard him say, "you don't have to go," when I got up to leave and he made me feel like he meant it.

I saw the two grandchildren they are raising engage in the conversation like they were adults.

I saw the family together, while the grandchildren did their homework.

I saw a grandson who was a perfect gentlemen, walk me to my car and say "come again."

I heard this woman say, "My spiritual gift is denial." Sounds funny, but in her case, it is a true gift, she and her entire family talk freely about her illness, and then act every day as though it is not true. She will survive.

I left feeling uplifted.

Good Things Happen To Me

It’s not very fun to write about the good stuff, but I have to say that good things have been coming my way. Here are a few of them.

• The doctor who charged me $50 for a no-show when my car wouldn’t start took the charge off my account
• I wrecked my car and have been driving a rental--the rental company gave me a free upgrade
• We found a wonderful painter who is not overcharging me
• We found a carpet layer who is great and did not overcharge us
• We found a laborer who is strong and grateful to have work so we can afford him as well
• We have rented all of our rental property
• I did not get a lung infection this time when I had my recent allergy attack
• The dog is housebroken
• We found a great place to buy appliances new and used
• I love the classes I am teaching
• My grandchildren e-mail me every day
• We have money in the bank
• Tarzan and I really like each other
• Direct TV gave me Showtime free for 3 months
• I find life solutions in the Book of Mormon
• I have lost 6 pounds