Spring is here & new life is everywhere!

Today is a warm 24 c and the lawn mowers are humming steadily. The squirrels are running around wildly because the owner of the lot is mowing below "their condominium" of branches, holes, and nuts. I imagine they are deep into their little burrows with their little ones until this 'usual' interruption ceases and all will return to normal. The smell of the fresh cut grass is heady and memories of "once was" return to my heart, my soul, and my happiness. Through good times and bad, I always felt comfort with the smell of life.

The apple blossom brings me so many memories of where I grew up. The Okanagan is a place like no other. Everywhere you turn you will see miles of orchards. Apple, apricot, peaches, plums, & pears. We used to go to the farms and pick our own fresh tomatoes (still warm from the vine). We ate alnong the way because it was absolutely impossible not to bring up that juicy tomatoe to your mouth and bite into it as though it were an apple. We picked our own dills for pickles, zuchinni for relish, beets to pickle, jams to make. Summer holidays were very busy but we loved it.

We coordinated our family holidays and would meet at Mom & Dad's and begin our r&r by canning up to 8 hours a day for several days. We supplied ourselves with a years worth of preserves though. It was such an awesome treat for fall & winter. Those days are gone now but not in memory. The laughs, big meals, kids playing, and much love kept us closely knitted together.

The kids have all grown now and even though this tradition isn't followed as it had done for almost 15 years, I know that in my heart the families will NEVER forget those precious days. I know it brings me great comfort in knowing that I was a part of it.

I bring this to a close now as I listen to the still running lawn mower and I feel drawn to the outer doors to feel the sun upon my face. I hope your days are filled with sunshine and love as it is with mine,

Glady

Greetings on this 21 ST. day of January 2010!

The fall & winter of 2009 has been rather an unhealthy one for me but I am beginning to spring back into the moment of wellness...finally. I have come to accept the diagnosis of my illness and do the best I can to live as 'pain free' as I can.

Our Christmas was quiet, which is exactly how we like it. My son-in-law's Mother was in from Miami to celebrate his graduation from the 'school of culinary arts'. He won a scholorship and is now working in a wonderful restuarant downtown Vancouver. My daughter, her private chef, my son, & we two mothers enjoyed a Christmas cooked by Felix. it was awesome. For Christmas Day dinner we went to my sister & her hubby's home for a family gathering. There were 12 adults and 2 babies. What a wonderful dinner. The babies are beautiful.

I am -slowly- working on a book of true life experience short stories. At the same time I am also trying to keep up with requests for stories needed for "Chicken Soup for the Soul" and "Cup of Comfort". Anyone who can write can submit a story or poem or ten. I have been writing for years but I never shared it. Writing is a gift and a gift is meant to use and enjoy so why not share it? So many people in the world could benefit from your experience and bring hope, comfort, laughter...all the things that are sometimes hard to find in the modern world of media. I didn't realize what writing really meant to me until I shared it. I felt like I took my first breath.

Why not start this brand new year with your life experience stories that touch the heart of millions. You will be surprized how it may change you.

Any comments?

~ How I Came To Know Jesus~

I have had a request to write about my deliverance. I will do it happily as I travel down the road of rememberance through my words.

My life story has not been a happy one. There were struggles of every kind. When you grown up in that kind of dysfunction, you become dysfunctional. I had no idea that I was not living a good life, after all, it was almost just like my parent's lifestyle. It wasn't until after my second child that there were deep rumblings in my gut that I wasn't living on a proper scale. My former second husband's (father to my 2nd. child) family were this beautiful and loving family that were filled with laughter. They had fun together, like, going to a fancy resturant for New Years Eve, or dinner parties. I was so terrified because I had no idea whatsoever how to eat shrimp cocktail or cornish hens. The pastry of my Mother-in-law's pie was flaky and melted in your mouth, and I had never had a raisin pie before, now one of my favorites! My father-in-law was the turkey maker...'a man cooking!'...I had never heard of such a thing before. And what was this bushy green thing on my plate? It was the first time in 26 years of my life that I had ever tasted 'broccoli'. Over 15 years I was given the 'best life lessons' that I have ever learned. They taught me how to cook, bake, laugh deeply, entertain...need I go on!

I had been introduced to so many, many differences from where I came from and I took to it well...except I still had some problems. When my marriage failed, I was devastated. Not only had I failed another marriage but I had lost the kind of parents that I had never had. My Mother was gone during my marriage & my Dad died when I was 16. I really grieved for my in-laws and still do.

I went back to my old ways, using the 'poor me poor me' excuse. My 2 children were adults by then but I know that I had hurt them in many ways by my lifestyle. One day, during a hospital stay, I felt the true peace of God envelope me and there was not on ounce of fear in me. No anger, no questions, no anxiety...just peace & love. That moment changed me forever because I had 'seen' the work of God before but I had never felt it inside me. This may sound like a fairy tale to how I came to know Jesus...but there was more.

I was alone in my little home and I had been struggling with terrible thoughts & feelings until I could take it no more. I called a Reverand that I had met in passing and asked for help. We met at his church 10 minutes later. I don't know how I even drove there that night because I was so messed up! He led me to the Lord and I have never looked back.

This has been a changing turn in my life, and a beautiful one! I am a completely different person now and have been making friends with some talents that I had not desired to encourage before. I am able to communicate my feelings like I have never been able to do. It has given me a sense of 'soul freedom' and I was content.

I still have my challeges, BUT, I am no longer a 'lost broken soul'. Jesus walked through all my trials with me. Sure, He could have delivered me from everything, but I never would have learned the wisdoms that I would need in order to survive. I would not be who I am today had I not walked this life beginning to now.

" REBORN IN CHRIST

When I saw this little picture I fell in love with it. It immediately reminded me of my Mom years ago, when she was staying with my husband & I and our two children. She had been going through a very stressful time at that time and so she and her brother decided that they were going to go out and forget about the fears and hurts, and enjoy a few drinks.

She got home later than I expected. Here is the 'reversed role' memory.

~I was tossing and turning in bed while listening with one open ear for my Uncle's car to pull up. It felt like it was 4:00am but it was only midnight. I heard the car's motor driving up the street, pulling over to the curb and a car door slamming shut. My Uncle waited until his sister got to the door and then he left after she got inside.

I was standing at the top of the staircase railing awaiting for her to notice me. She worked on the door a little longer than usual because she was trying desperately not to make any noise. The door squeaked a little and she sucked in a breath and froze. Then she began to giggle. She must have been thinking what I was thinking at the same moment "Who was the Mom and child now?" I couldn't stand it anymore and I said in a very firm harsh whisper,

"Where have you been! Who were you with? Were you drinking!"

She almost leapt out of her skin and with that a breaking of wind! Well, we started to laugh. We both covered our mouths and headed downstairs to the basement suite where we could laugh without waking anyone. It was good for her to have that feeling again of revisiting her youth even though it was 'just memory". Memories can keep people going. If they are good memories I see it as 'fuel for the spirit'.

Why don't you share a good memory here or with a friend. Go back, listen, feel, remember the smells & sounds & laughter. Let it help you toward one of the greatest things in life...peace.

Bless you and thanks for coming in.

'Auntie'

I am removing face book site to here at my blog. I feel it is time for a change and more room to play with colors, etc. I hope that you will leave comments about the contents and maybe you could suggest what topic you would like to hear about.

Thank you and thank you so much for coming.

http://auntiecolumn.blogspot.com

My Easter Story

"A Blessed Happy Easter"

The flowers are beginning to bloom and the grass is getting greener. Oh how I love the song of the newly arrived robins. Nothing makes me smile more than watching those beautiful winged feathered friends hopping along the wet grass, leaning their little heads toward the ground and then plucking a fat meal from that very spot that he was listening to. Is that God or what!
The smells drifting into my nose send me immediately back into my past where things made me happy. In one moment I am living by the ocean, listening to the crashing of waves. Another smoothes the frown lines in my forehead as I remember the walks to the lake, The smell of coconut suntan oil and children laughing as they played in the water.
Today, I thanked God for my gift of smell.
I have been burning a candle in remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ and the sacrifice He made for us.

I would like to share with you

"My Easter Story"

It was the year 2000 and I had begun having heart palpitations and thumping. From being a high energy girl to lagging myself along as though my tail was tied to bricks, was very irritating. I worked 3 jobs plus I would help my friend with her catering business. I walked a great deal and played tennis. I owned my own little double wide trailer and had a lovely little yard to tend to. I chopped wood for my wood stove when I needed to and did voluntary cooking for seniors. I often was called to the hospital by my friend (she was the head nurse there) to ask if I would come and sit with the dying so that they wouldn't be alone. I was not afraid of this gift that God graced me with. I care gave to my mother as she fought cancer for 3 months and it just became natural to me.
One day, Hazel (the head nurse) said:
"We are going to have to get you a pager pretty soon , Glady"
We giggled.
My boss from the Seniors Center where I also worked (my home away from home) kidded me one day by saying:
"Pretty soon the patients are going to scream when they see the 'death angel' at their door!"
A lot of the dying and the families called me their angel so that is how that came about.
My health began to take a turn from active to sluggish and fuzzy brained. (Craig...don't you dare comment on that!)
I began experiencing fainting spells. My kids began to monitor the experiences and then one night when I was alone , I became very nauseas and a sharp pain seemed to stab me in my sternum and my jaw felt like it was frozen. I called my friend over and she took me to the hospital.
That began my 3 week stay in the hospital.
They didn't want to send me home because I would lose my spot for an angiogram.
They also did not want me to be alone.
I was feeling very, very sad this one day because I wanted to be with the church family as they went to the river and faced east at sunrise.
It was Easter-time.
I had been off of the heart monitor for a couple of days now and was able to walk up and down the halls myself. I was still very anemic so I had to be very careful.
On the eve of Easter morning, I told myself that I would get up and sit in the chair next to the window and pray as I watched the sun rise in the east.
I placed the chair in front of the window, placed my bible next to it and went to bed.
I felt so exhausted. I felt like I had run 40 miles!
The next thing I knew was hearing footsteps running around in my room and the Dr. ordering the nurse to hook me up to IV and back on came the monitor.
"Please, leave me alone. This is my time with the Lord. Just leave me and let me rest."
I thought I was verbalizing this but soon realized that I had absolutely no energy at all, even to say
"Go away."
The nurse tried 4 times to insert the IV (this was very painful but I couldn't move). She told the on call Dr. that my veins had collapsed and she couldn't get a vein.
It was then that I was able to verbally say very weakly,
"Trust God and He will guide it in"
It went in.
I might add that Jane was not a Christian and she told me a couple of months later that those words and the fact that it did go in smoothly had quite the impact on her.
Later, when I was able to talk to someone about the experience I explained to them how peaceful I felt. I felt surrounded by some sort of comfort blanket and I really wanted to shut my eyes. it was so peaceful.
I found out later that my blood pressure was clocked at 40/35 ! Just like a clock unwinding.
It was just not my time.

Jesus is always there for us...whether dying or living, healthy or sick.
He loves us so much. We can't even imagine the love God has for us. Even if you weigh His love, it is still not enough.

As we feast this Easter and remember why we celebrate this particular 3 days, may we give thanks for everything we have.
We can see the sunrise and sunset as they colorfully paint the sky.
We hear the robin sing in tune to the lark, and smile as we hear a baby's laugh.
What a blessing to smell the aroma of a baking ham, biscuits and pie.
I love to feel the contours of my kids' faces. I can't hold a new born baby long enough to ease the yearnings of my heart.
When I hear my voice rise in praise of Jesus, I become teary-eyed. Not because of the sound of my own voice but who I sing about.

"Thank you oh Lord for all that I have.
Thank you that I am able to show you how very much I love you.
Thank you for giving me the chance to live and share your words.
Father, I pray that if I ever disappoint you, You would show me the right path to walk.
Thank you Jesus for always walking besides me...
and carrying me through the tough times...Amen"

It's Almost Spring Again!

Here it is Spring of 2009. The winter of 2008 seemed to drag by slowly as each new found day brought an assortment of weather shades. Most of the time it was dreary and my fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis did not like the cold one bit, although walking in the snow was a beautiful trip back to my childhood. I remembered distinctly how the snow crunched underneath my brand new black patten shoes that were a size too small. I had never had new shoes before so I was willing to suffer because I felt like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz...except my shoes were black and flat and small.

The skies are clearing a little each day and the wind is still a bit chilly but the air smells so fresh and alive! This month we once again welcome the new arrival of buds, crocus, hyacinth & snowdrops. To follow will be much, much more of an array of colors that the good Lord has given us. Oh how I do appreciate this wonderful gift just for our pleasure.

The beginning of 2009 also brought us the new arrival of a beautiful gift of a new born child. My brother Randy is now a Grandfather. He is the youngest in the family and he beat us 'middle kids'! The little princess is so beautiful...but then so is Mommy. Her Daddy is big and strong and handsome. They have been truly blessed.

I have been writing up a storm for Chicken Soup Series and Cup of Comfort Series but I will not know for a while if they have made the grade. It has been difficult writing because of my condition and I can't stay at it too long but I keep plugging away. I shall post another story soon but just wanted to touch base and let you know that I am still alive and kicking seeing how I have not made an entry for quite some time. I am sorry for that as I do enjoy writing for you.

I want to thank those of you who visit and read. You are my encouragement,

Blessings,

Glady

Still Recovering

Hello friends,
It has been a while since my last post again but I had a lumpectomy by way of "fine wire biopsy" because of a suspicious lump in my left breast. I have survived cancer twice alreay so when there is "something suspicious" they remove it. I am grateful for that. My surgery was June 24 th. and I still to this day am very tender. She had to go quite deep so she said it would take a while.

I also have been having trouble with my heart again. Chest pain, chest pressure, jaw pain. I had this trouble back in 2002 but an Angiogram showed that it was stress related. I am in no doubt that this too is stress related but I am in good (God) hands. I am being set up for a stress test at the hospital and must carry around "nitro-spray"...just in case. I have already used the spray once and I pray that I won't have to again. Be that as it may, I am in God's good hands...0:)

So, with this I will leave you, briefly, until the weather cools because I do not fare well in the heat (nor does my brain). I will return to you with many, many more stories that will hopefully fill you with laughter, joy and love.

Bless you,
Glady

"I Am Still Here"

I just wanted to pop in to let you know that I am still making entries but at this time things are a bit crazy. I also have a face book site with more stories if you feel like browsing for a laugh. It is "Auntie's Column" on the face book pages. Once you go to face book from the internet and if you register you will be able to go in.

I shall return my beloved and faithful readers.

Spring Is Here Again

I have been involved with so many projects that I have not been faithful in my journaling. I was also reading through some comments about people who "blog" and I felt a little shy about returning because it is said that some people feel "bloggers" are 'vane people' with all the writing they do about themselves and their lives and who cares what happens to them anyway. I, in no way, mean to brag about my life. My only intention is in hopes that my writing would maybe touch the heart of even one person and open their eyes to how precious life really is. I love writing and I also find blogging a way to be in touch with people because of disabilities preventing me from venturing outside like I used too. Blogging also brought some beautiful attention to my little friend Kaylanna, the 5 year old girl with cancer.

I must sign off for now in hopes that you will leave me your comments on this subject.
Bless you...and goodnight,
Glady

Can You Help Me?

I am hoping someone passing by here will be able to give me some advice on how to add my blog to the web site so that it can be accessible to the Internet.
Could you please post advice.
Thanks kindly...0:) and remember, "a smile costs nothing but gives everything."
Glady

I'm Back! Thank You Dawn & Pastor Rogers

In

Memory

of

my Dad

March 17 th. 1919-June 25 th. 1970

Peter Harvey Wheeler

I only had my Dad for 16 years. A lot of those years were filled with heart ache because he had a drinking problem. His Father was overseas at war while my Grandmother was in her nineth month of pregnancy with my Dad. Grandpa Wytnick died overseas and my Grandmother's heart died with him. They were so in love. They also had a daughter whom I am named after. Charlie was a friend of my Grandpa Wytnick and he married my Grandmother because she couldn't be on her own with 2 small children. The marriage was okay but then she began having his babies and he took a dislke toward my Dad.

Polio struck my Dad when he was nine years old and his step-dad used to horse-whip my Dad because he was sluggish and not keeping up to his chores. Dad grew up a pretty bitter man. Now he had 2 sisters and 3 brothers. Dad left home and sought a living at sawmills and other odd jobs and then he met my Mother and they married.

Mom & Dad had three girls, my sister Doreen (10 yrs old) and Linda (9 yrs. old). I was 2 years old and do not remember anything. My sister fell ill with a brain tumor and died. This tragedy threw my parents into a tailspin of pain and sorrow. My first memory was at five-years-old when my Dad was very inebreated and he got me out of bed and sat me on the table in front of him and he would look at me and cry, "DOREEN! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DIE!" I resembled Doreen and he would torture himself during these times. I thought I had done something to Doreen, (whoever she was), and I turned to self anger over the years.

Our life was a mixture of ups and downs...mostly downs. Mom & Dad had three more children after me. They were all boys. Dad seemed to break inside. Mom was angry. She always kept her grief inside her and steamed off in anger when she was drinking. Other than that, she was quiet, very quiet.

My parents had been through so much. My Mom was the oldest daughter of 15 children and a lot was left on her shoulders. In those days you didn't seek help. It was a shame to even think of seeing a Dr. for grief.

My 16 th. birthday was 16 days away. This one afternoon, my Dad stopped by for a visit with me. (Mom and Dad had been separated for about 3 months). Mom walked into the room and they began to fight again...AGAIN! I was so tired of it. I was so sick of it. I loved them deeply and had always tried to get between them and make them happy so that they wouldn't fight. Sometimes it worked...sometimes it didn't.

I got between them and pushed them apart. I could feel my head swirling from the anger & frustration! Dad said

"You're on her side now! You wouldn't care if I killed myself!"

And I screamed out four words that haunted me for 27 years,

"You're not man enough!"

Dad drove into a bridge abutment that night and died the next morning at 6:00 am.

He had struggled all of his life. I often wonder, 'what would it have been like if he had not been horse-whipped'.

(my dad is 9 months old in this pic)

Once, me & my cousin, Marie, locked Dad in the little shed where he kept tools. He didn't say anything for the longest time and then out of this tiny little hole came a little old fashioned oil can...the one that is really little with a long spout on it for working on cars. Anyway, we finally set him free and we all laughed until we almost burst. It was a fond memory for me to see my Dad smile. When he smiled his sky blue eyes sparkled like crystal blue. He was a beautiful man. He was a St. Patrick's Day baby.

I am at peace now, Dad, knowing that you are yet once again celebrating another birthday in Heaven.

"Happy Birthday Dad"

your

loving daughter

Glady

Spring Has Sprung, The Grass Has Riz...

...and I feel like dancing!

Hello everyone! It has been a while since my last entry. A lot has been going on in my life that I am sure you don't want to hear about. Tell me please, is this blog boring to you? It would help me if you would comment on this.

I just want to know if I am in this blog by myself

I just don't want to go any further until I know that it is worth it, okay.

Bye for now and may we meet again!

Glady

"Lonely Valentine Ends On A Happy Note"

"Happy Valentines Day"

I know that it is a little bit early but I am here now and I am not certain when I will be back on. Valentines Day to singles can be a very difficult time. Watching husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, get all cozied up for a dinner out or see a husband buying a dozen red roses and a wife picking out that perfect card that says "I love you" in a special way. How wonderful for them. I love seeing them while they rush about, but there is a dull ache for the empty home I will return to and empty it will be when I arise on Valentine's Day. My daughter is the most thoughtful person I know. She bought me some wonderful stickers for my card making and my favorite chocolate marshmallows and put them in a little heart gift bag. I was so grateful. She will forever be my "most favorite Valentine" for as long as I live. I am not boo-hooing because I do not have a husband, but I am just sharing with you that Valentines Day is a "reminder" to single people that they are single.

Kaylanna is doing better. She will be finished her last proton treatment Feb. 26th. and will be flying home March 03/08. Finally, it will be finished. Please pray that the cancer will NOT return. So far, the proton radiation is preventing growth of the tumor where as the Chemotherapy was shrinking the tumor. Blessed be our little ones. There are so many children suffering in this world. Sometimes at night, during my prayers, I become so overwhelmed with the thought of so many children who are suffering terribly, let alone the other peoples of the world. Oh gosh...my heart just breaks with it.

On a lighter note, I would like to share a story that I found among my pile of saved funnies. I do not know who wrote it but I laughed so hard that I couldn't even see the words!

A resident of San Diego, was visiting her in-laws, and while there she went to the supermarket to pick up some groceries. Several people noticed her sitting in her car with the windows rolled up and with her eyes closed, with both hands behind the back of her head.

One customer who had been in the store for a while became concerned and walked over to her car. He noticed that Linda's eyes were now open, and she looked very strange. He asked her if she was okay, and Linda replied that she'd been shot in the back of the head and had been holding her brains in for over an hour.

The man called the paramedics, who broke into her car because she refused to remove her hands from her head. When they finally got in, they found that Linda had a wad of bread dough on the back of her head!

A Pillsbury biscuit cannister had exploded from the heat, making a loud noise like a gunshot, and the wad of dough shot out of the cannister and hit her in the back of the head! When she reached back to find out what it was, she felt the dough and thought it was her brains. She initially passed out, but quickly recovered and tried to hold her brains in for over an hour until someone noticed and came to her aid.

"I don't know about you, but this story cracks me up every single time I read it...and I have read it at least a dozen times!"

Oh how I love to laugh! I guess that is why I like to write about the hysterically funny experiences that have happened in my life. Sometimes I become serious but not often. I must sign off for now.

Until next time...

laugh hard...laugh long!

"So Many Things"

Hello everyone,

I am feeling overwhelmed as to what to do with this blog because it doesn't seem to be getting anywhere. It is not getting a lot of hits and I just don't know what to do to bring the numbers up. All I wanted to do was to share things with you from poetry to heart-felt experiences that (hopefully) will touch you and/or inspire you in some area in your life.

I will pray on this and see where it will bring me. I have enjoyed writing but if no one is reading then what is the sense??? It was said to me a few months ago that "why should anyone be interested in what you write, because it is not like you are well known or anything?" Please comment.

Blessings,
Glady

Meeting Kaylanna

WOW!...meeting this little darling yesterday made my year! I didn't expect her to be so petite and her voice is what you expect in "little girls voices", a little high and angelic. She allowed me to hug her and then she handed ME a gift! Imagine that...she has all of this battle of cancer behind her that she has endured and yet 8 more weeks left to be fed radiation through a tube that has been inserted into her tiny little chest. It is amazing how she and her Mommy & Granma have come through all of this so strongly and positively. I am in awe of her. God has a purpose for this little one. Many may be angry at God for allowing this to happen but God does not create illness in those He loves...but, He will use it to help others. He is with Kaylanna, I recognized Him in her eyes.

After we were well on our way of getting to know each other, Kaylanna pulled up her shirt to show me her "shunt" that is inserted just under her skin. "Touch it", she said in her teeny voice. It was hard and looked square. She then explained the shunt to me.

"See, they give me a poke in there and then it goes all the way up my neck and in my heart" She traced the hard tube with her baby pure fingers and there was not one hint of fear or anxiety. I choked back a sob. The lump in my throat was painful. If only I had even a thumbfull of all of the courage she has, I would be a better person for it.

Kaylanna, her Mommy Miran, and Granma Patty, are leaving Dec.29th. to Boston for a two month stay for radiation treatment. Her little bald head is just growing back now. It felt a bit rough as I gently ran my hand over it. I quickly asked God to be with her every moment, every day, every night. Please join me in praying that she will not endure any pain or nausea while receiving this foreign substance into her little body. Her tumor has shrunk 80% but we are claiming a miracle! Yes...a miracle. Her story will be heard by many and it will give those who are afraid, courage. Those who are weak, strong. And those who want to give up...hope.

Please, if you need encouragement today, visit Kaylanna's Face Book Group under "cutie Kaylanna".

Women Unite

http://www.christianwomenonline.net/Blogroll

""Christmas of Pain & Joy"

Most often we think of Christmas as a time of fun, laughter, giving, receiving, gaining weight because of temptation, family togetherness and to some recognizing that the Christ Child was born unto us. To others it can be a very painful time of year.

This December 25 th. my cousin lost her daughter a few years back. It naturally devastated the family and it affected those who didn't even know Kora-Lee.

She was just beginning her life and was happy and in love with Matt. It was evening and the lake was frozen over and many years had found this spot across the frozen waters a great place to hang out, build a big bonfire and feel good to be alive in this beautiful country. Kora & Matt were a bit late in leaving the trail of skidoos. The snow was coming down in silent big fat flakes and as they began their ride it was like a surreal vision of white. They slowly made their way along the well worn path around the lake when all of a sudden their skidoo plunged into icy waters. The gang of friends became worried when Matt & Kora did not show so they back- tracked only to find broken ice and tracks that came to an end in the snow.

The search went on in the freezing cold weather...no matter what. Many, many people showed up for the search besides S & R. The family almost lived on the lake in prayerful hopes of finding their little girl who had just begun her womanhood. Matts family were right alongside, bonding with the grief that encircled these two families.

39 days later they found Kora's body. Imagine pulling yor little girl from this icy grave. My heart still chokes when I think of this unimaginable pain and horror that they endured. On the 55 th. day they found Matt.

For my cousin, husband, oldest daughter & Kora's twin, Christmas Day is a painful memory of that part of their lives they wish they could forget. Matts family will also suffer all of their lives from these memories. Please remember dear people that what you have today we must cherish for we never know what tomorrow will bring. Live fully, givingly, sweetly, and happily. Give up all the junk that prevents you from being completely happy and healthy. Today is the day to begin the first day of the rest of your life!

It was made known to me by a friend about a sweet little four year old girl who practically lives next door to me. It is her Grandma & Grandpa's home and she is there a great deal of the time. She was diagnosed with a rare stomache cancer that's found in young children. She had become juandiced last January 07 so she was rushed off to Children's Hospital and treated and diagnosed. She began a barrage of tests, needles, many, many blood transfusions, stomach drains, feeding tubes & chemotherapy which caused this sweetheart to lose her baby fine hair...oh gosh...need I go on! I can't imagine how her Mom & Grandparents cope let alone this precious little angel. Our town has had many fundraising events because of the treatments she needs. The latest being a fundraiser for a trip to Boston for radiation because it is not available in Canada. Kaylanna & her mom Miran must stay for 8 weeks. They are joyful, even though Kaylanna must endure yet more rounds of tests and radiation, because Kaylanna's tumor is shrinking. I don't even know her but I am totally joyful over this latest news. You will find her on Face Book in "Groups".

So with each breath we take, with each hug we give and receive and each time we are with friends, family, or passers -by...be a ray of sunlight in their lives. Show them your goodness and inner beauty from within you. Let this Christmas be the best Christmas you have ever had. Not just from buying gifts but by giving of yourself in love.

I am praying that all sad memories can be put aside for awhile on Christmas Day and that we will all be grateful for our health...and our life.

If you find the spirit moving you to help Kaylanna & her Mom go to Boston please make a donation to

Kaylanna

The Bank of Montreal

224 th. & Lougheed Hwy.

Maple Ridge, BC

Christmas Memories

WOW...forty-two more days before Christmas Day! It is the time of year when people (at least most people) are filled with joy and excitement. Women are gathering their thoughts on paper to bring together an array of food upon the dining room table to feed her loved ones. Men are wondering what to buy the wife on Christmas Eve, and children...oh the children...they are what makes Christmas so excitiing. I remember when my kids were small and how my heart melted when I saw the belief shining in their eyes that Santa really did come! Those were beautiful days and are just a memory now. My kids are all grown up and things have really changed. The one thing that has not changed though is that they have not forgotten those days and that they see the importance of what being a family is.

Some people are not as fortunate as we are. The economy is at a low and it is difficult to get by on meager wages. Believe me...I know from experience. Some are not able to work, and some are alone. I never did like that word...alone. I wrote about it during the illness of my mother before she lost her battle to cancer after three long months. Later on, my children & I always tried to reach out to others, especially at that time of year. We would buy groceries and deliver them anonomously or donate money to a church. Some times there were places asking for a wrapped toy for a boy or girl. I remember well the meek Christmases we had as I grew up. One Christmas there were four wool socks hanging up with an orange and some candy inside. I was happy with it because it was something we didn't get often. Fresh fruit & candy were a real special treat. The socks were my Dad's. I recognized them from when my Mom would wash them by hand and hang them to dry. The smell of them were so clean and crisp from Mom freeze drying them and then bringing them in to thaw. I can still see myself in those days as though it were yesterday.

Later on in years we did get a present, but, I can't help thinking that right now someone is in need. The thought of Christmas coming is a sadness to them. Gosh...it breaks my heart to think that a child may go without. I wish I could save the world...but I can't. I can only pray that someone will outstretch their hand of friendship, kinship, and help someone they know who needs it, especially with Christmas coming.

What is your favorite Christmas holiday memory? Isn't it wonderful that we have been given this gift of memory so that we may remember wonderful times with family. I LOVE walking in the snow. I love the sound it makes as the snow crunches under my boots. I try looking into as many snowflakes as I can just to see if they are all different. I love the peaceful sound the white blanket brings. Christmas...how wonderful...how awesome!

Food! My comfort food for Christmas is mashed turnips, coleslaw, mashed potato, (my Mom's kind) & she always had pickled beets. For dessert there was always Lemon Pie, Apple Pie & Pumpkin Pie. This was much further down the road of my life. We would all pitch in and split the costs so that it wouldn't be so hard on Mom. My brothers were wonderful when it came to buying things for Mom. They loved her dearly. My sister & I would help Mom in the kitchen while all the little ones were running around our feet. The three of us would talk and laugh and whisper as we peeled, chopped & stuffed. How I miss those days. Since Mom has passed on it just isn't the same anymore. We have all gone our own ways and busy in our own lives.

I am already getting ready for my little Christmas time with my daughter, her husband and my son. A far cry from what I used to have with all of the energy, noise & constant loving chatter. My little family & I celebrate quietly. It gladdens my heart because now I have begun my own little family tradition...and we are happy with it. One gift, one meal, one dessert, and lots of laughs.

I used to have an appetizer party in rememberance of my Mom on her birthday which is December 15 th. Since my brother's suicide I couldn't host them anymore. My heart was and still is broken and I just didn't have the desire to continue this gathering anymore. Oddly enough, my brother's birthday is on December 16 th.! They also died 4 days apart but with 12 years between. This year I felt my heart change. I discussed it with my daughter and I decided that this year I was going to have a appetizer party. It wouldn't be as flamboyant as my previous parties were because of my strict budget but I will do what I can the best I can! My daughter is my "right hand girl" and she is helping me prepare everything. I used to be in catering, and cooking and baking were my first loves (so to speak). I used to put on candlelit dinner parties for 25 people without even one thought. Wow...have I ever lost my touch! My hands cause me a lot of grief with their arthritic pain and restrictions but I manage. Here is the menu that we have that is little cost, simple , and easy to make.

Super Nacho & Tortilla chips; The Keg Stuffed Mushrooms; Italian Deep Dish Zucchini Pie; Bacon wrapped mini corns; Vegetable Tray & Uncle Dan's Dill Dip.

Please email me some of your ideas for appies if you feel the spirit move you...0:) Sharing recipes is also a hobby of mine.

This menu is subject to change. I am a woman and we do tend to change our minds a lot. Right ladies...0:)Blessings to you all and get ready for "sharing, caring, & faring"

Glady

"I Can Smell Winter In The Air"

The days have shortened now as the weather cycle turns to a chilly evening air. Ice is being scraped off of car windows and the heat is being turned up to a comfortable level. How blessed we are that we have the safety of our homes, warm beds, and hot comforting food to eat. Every day I give thanks for these beautiful gifts. I long ago stopped worrying about the things I wanted and instead I am grateful for all I have.

I love winter. Most of my married life, we lived in places where the snow falls were blindingly deep. At one time, in Terrace British Columbia, the snow was five feet deep, so when the roads were plowed, it was like driving into a snow tunnel! The tires were silent on the white packed roads and it was a feeling of awesome and unexplainable peace. Walking in it as the snow fell in huge fluffy flakes was as though the heavens opened up a feather pillow and let loose the down filled stuffing. My children loved being out in it except for the fact that I bound them up so warmly and tightly that it was almost impossible for my four year old daughter to stand on her own while mummified in her "snow snoot" (as she called it in her little girl talk). Her brother got quite a laugh out of watching her fall backward after he would stand her up again. What beautiful memories. Our bodies may grow old but our lovely memories stay fresh and alive within our hearts.

How about you? Do you enjoy winter? Do you enjoy giving yourself a day where you need not do anything and crawl back into bed with a hot coffee or tea and a good book? It is nice and healthy to treat yourself to "a doing nothing day". Life is so short and we never seem to slow down because today's day and age won't allow it. But, we can take a second look at it from others who have suffered consequences from not slowing down. I have never been very healthy and so I do and must take time out but I know people who have been healthy, active, eating right, but on the go a great deal, and they have had heart attacks or other health problems. So, how about it...crawl into bed with a bean bag, hot drink of tea and a good book. We may be in for a long, cold winter, so stock up on "chicken soup" (either to read or to eat)and snuggle up.

Happy Resting & Reading,

Glady