The Circle Of Life

I had a post ready to post on Tuesday.  Just needed to do my... half-butt spell-grammar-re-read check before hitting "publish".  Got home from a long day at work realizing that early text to Kris was never returned as of 6pm.  And so, my ever-so-popular text to Jen..."Hey honey it's the vulture mama bird soaring up high in the sky haven't heard from my bird"- The reply, most common these days- "He's fishing, but should be heading in now"- 

He texted back.  Hey mama....I'm out here in San Diego, on the way in...don't feel good been sleepin' all day. 

I wanted to poop. 

I'd call him, going through the check list of "things" I check for. 

Vomiting?

Diarrhea?

Fever?

Chills?

Not much I could do, but pray.  His friend Eddy driving him home.  Saint. 

Not hearing back, so putting my phone on the charger at 11pm, to go back and check every two hours or so...until  I look down at 5:15am, and there was a missed call.  My text back, "Are you awake, if so, I am"

He called...

"Dad's picking me up right now, I have a fever we're on way to ER"-

Instantly I think. Fuck. I am sorry.  Please forgive me. It's just that first thought.  I instantly go to bad places you guys.  Bad, bad places.

I'd scurry around my house grabbing all the things that fill a mama's bag.  Blankets, wipies, fruit, cozy warm clothes...my journal of meds...

Praying like a mad woman.  Talking to God outloud as I pack, and sort my home for a day of extra warrior mode. Turn that light on, that one off, feed kitties, and out the door. 

The funny thing about prayer, and most especially my relationship with Jesus, is you never really know the plan.  You just pray about handing it to Him. I can scurry, and I can walk through the day doing the only thing I know, which is turn into a warrior mom.  Just like all the other momcologists out there.  You push, you wipe, you ask, you thank, you question, you sort, and you think.

As I stood in the front of ER in that early hour while the sun was trying to come up, I peeked into the ER room. NO ONE in there. Nurses smiling at me asking if they could help me. 

Oh, yes.  Yes you can.  My boy....27, lol, is on his way with his dad. He has a fever, post BMT, 9 months, so fevers are a big deal, can you get him right into a room asap...blah blah blah...extra nervous smiles tossed in.

This is where God steps in front. In my belief.

Of course! Do you need help bringing him in?

Empty room.

Nice nurses. 

Nice love.

Amazing doctor. 

Empty ER.  Can I say that again? EMPTY.

The crew of nurses were on.top.of.it. 

Blood draw, IV, heart monitors, you name it.  On it. 

I'd go down that long list of meds with the nurse, chatting about life as we do.  Does she have kids? How does she like working ER, and of course the range of questions you field as a parent, only because you feel her compassion about her job. Her asking us kinda the same questions.  What was his first symptoms,  how long, BMT questions, etc.  She being just as curious. Humanity.

It is amazing how quick you get to know people in the field you hold at the mercy of your child's life.  Even if he's twenty seven. I don't care. 

And keep in mind, my job is still to help them, help him. Us.  

First rounds of tests come back.  WBC at 2. 

You remember me explaining the WBC's.

They are your fighters.  When they were low 10 days ago at 4....he was given the flu shot.

I will forever be haunted by things that make me go hmmmmm.

This is one of them. 

They put a small dose of the virus into the body to build immunity.

Well when someone has NO immunity, what happens....

hmmmmm.

So last weekend while Bill and I were away (don't worry I have that post to publish) I talked about how all weekend staying busy was good for me.  I constantly have this little monster that sits on my shoulder.  At night that silly monster wakes up and haunts me.  It follows me around day in and day out. Praying helps, but human bodies do what human bodies do.  They worry.

While I was downstairs getting Kris food and Bill sat bedside the nurse came in to give first round of blood work results.  Something Bill is becoming familiar with, yet generally relies on me to sort, and deliver. 

When I came back to the room, the door was shut with "Neutropenic" written with a red sharpie across a plain ol' piece of paper like you would an "Out Of Service" sign.

My heart sank. 

I went to the nurses station doing my thing.  What's his platelets.  Hemoglobin? Reds? 

The first nurse staring at me with the whole...."you knowwww, your doctor can discuss this with you"

Soon, the look on my face would say..."REALLY"-  Seriously can you just tell me his platelets...?

They're really good.

Okay, good.

And so I 'd step back in that room. With this.

And positive words. 

And smiles.

And reassurance to Kris.

The doctor would come in to say he has a flu virus. We think.

Hmmmm.

Mama Warrior Bird

They'd continue to poke him, swab him, hydrate him. Monitor him.  Consult with doctors.  BMT team aware.

Something I thought was part of God walking the halls with and for me.  They reached our amazing doctor within 15 minutes. Which, you guys....

You guys.....

So....we're headed back to Sunset Kaiser Bone Marrow clinic today.  We get lots of new results.

Meds were taken down, (Gleevec on hold because it wipes out those white cells and affects marrow even more).  Two antirejection meds were also eliminated.

Adding Zpak, Tamiflu, and a yellow paint syrup (can't think of the name right now but it helps to prevent pneumonia) and a probiotic to help his gut through this next round of meds. 

He's trying to live life.  To move through his almost 10 months of a new chance in life. 

Every little bug will catch him.  It's all part of this new chapter. 

We never believed it would be easy.  We just pray that we keep our strength to get through all the days.

All the love and strength needed to push and fight.  And learn. And praise. And teach. And lecture.  And lean.  And give.

I wish you all a beautiful cooler and hopefully cuddly weekend.  My plans include "trying" to rally my birdies all together.  To break bread, and share smiles.  

Keep praying his counts are recovering. 

Off to HOLLYWOOD kids....only this star walk of fame will be in the form of white coats and hopefully good news. 

God is good!  He has your back Kris.  Even though it's hard to comprehend.  

I continue to look at all the little blessings.  Because when you walk through the valley of heartbreak, it's better to look at the little sweet things. 

Like empty ER's, good nurses and amazing doctors. 

You know the ones that look straight in your eyes, and offer love.

MOTHERHOOD.  Bring it!

Happy weekend friends...

This WARRIOR MAMA LISA

 

Hot Rods And Hot Air

For the last, well...... I think 12 years Bill and I have headed up to the lake for a hot rod, hot cars, and hot women, car show.  Just kidding on the hot women.  This time of year the clock strikes midnight and things take a turn.  Bathing suits, (well most of them...) and a channel filled with hot boats, turn into EZup awnings, and good ol' folk with the names of like Dotty, and Dick.  Or Jim and Nancy.  Or Betty and Bob.  Ice chests sit in the middle and you'll find a bunch of folks sitting in their circle shootin' the shit about life. About the days in which WE are currently in.  Working folks. Not quite in the "retired" club.   

Lake Havasu, in the season of October.....
It's called...

"Run To The Sun"

Our tradition.

 W.H.A.T. am I wearing!?!  Musta hit the maternity department at Walmart that morning.  Dang.

 Happy Anniversary Sean!

 Sorry Sean, had to.

 I think this is 2009?

Everything changes.  

The only thing that doesn't change is what we bring. And who we meet there. 

The temps start to fall.  The nights are cooler.  The mornings offer quiet moments sitting outside sippin our cup-o-jo.  Smiling at one another. More so this year because last year....well, we didn't make it. 

Every year they hand out these dorky plastic mugs.  Funny thing is, the older I get the more I've come to appreciate that dorky little mug.  Not so much for the vanity or looks of it, but more so for the year printed on the side. 

Because as you know in this life you appreciate making it through another day.  Another week. Or another year.  You learn to appreciate making that long trek up there.  Hauling a big ol' trailer with a classic truck inside. Wind strong this time of year in certain area.  Strong enough to make us both pucker.  

The tomboy in me comes out. And I stare intently in the mirror like I'm gonna be able to help the "sitch"-, when in reality...ain't nothin' I can do....but pucker up. 

I mentioned to the kids of our departure day, and of course I always have a tinge of guilt as though I should rally the nest back together, etc...

But then I mention the whole "lovers get-away", and they both hit reverse, fast.
[imagine a stick figure walking backward doing the michael jackson moon slide-LOL]

So pray for us as we venture across the desert to hug the friends we've made in all the years past.

Refreshing our souls just a little. 

Pray my birdies stay safe and that if any changes need to be made that God allows my strength and heart the will to handle it. 

My wish to you is another beautiful weekend with the things you love.  Like your kitties, or your doggies, or any kids left at home.  Or shoot, even that favorite blanket curled up on your bed reading your favorite book.  Or get reallll crazy and maybe bake a whole chicken like I did, and slice some oranges real thin underneath, and stuff that dude with some fresh rosemary....line the bottom with olive oil and seasoning....

Be thankful for this life you've been given.  Because you are so lucky to be here.  Even when the days seem hard.  You are so lucky.  So so lucky.

May you be blessed, 

This Mama Lisa 

Moments In The Valleys

You know years ago someone told me the moments in life such as life's trials and tribulations always seem to have peaks and valleys.  Something I've sorted in my life as.... chapters.  I look at each page, each sentence, each formed paragraph as a contribution to this chapter. In my life. In MY chapter book. Not sure I'd ever like to go back and read my book. But I certainly know I could surely offer some sound words of wisdom later in life to those willing to listen.  Most important, my family. If not my family, well maybe someone out there in this big wide webbed world will learn a little something about my chapters. 

That very family that I have worked hard to care for. To nurture.  To bring all the goodness a mom brings to her family. Or in my case, my birdies.  

Lately, I kind of wonder if they'd look back and see so much sadness.  Well, I'm quite sure they'd see this last chapter as a doozy. 

Last week as Kris made his way to labs, I of course praised [him/ them] on, simply because it was me that asked for these bi-weekly labs. And as per usual they get it done.  A normal new ritual for me, is to log-in.....the next day. I mean, why stalk those stinkers for a long night of WTF's, if the case may be. And so I wait until I'm surrounded by humans. Those very humans that have watched every letter and sentence be written in this chapter.  [work family]

Everything looked good to me (last Thursday), except for his WBC.  And if you wonder what those are- It's basically your cells to help fight.  Fight off infection.  Viruses...among many other things.  If you remember last year during "rounds" of chemo, his counts would wipe out, we'd mask up, glove up and hide from anything and everything. Often times if they wouldn't recover on their own, they'd give him "Neuprogen" injections to boost them (in fact, our donor had to endure a week straight of those injections leaving him feeling like he had the flu-sore body, etc. ----->forever my hero)  Soon they'd recover, and then boom, we go through another round.  Sometimes a fever would arise, and we'd deal with it.  But it was always those whites.  Those ever so important whites. 

The thing about transplant is, there's no recover shots.  There's nothing that can be given to him to boost them back, if they fall. It's trial and error. In my case it's walk in circles frantically trying to figure out why they dropped. 

When I checked his labs on Thursday morning platelets were at 146.  WBC 3, reds good, hemo good, blah blah blah.  There was one other area that looked wonky (turned out to be his kidney's) -  On Friday as we sat in her office she began her normal routine.  Reading down the list of this and that...as I sat quietly reviewing what I'd reviewed the day before. Only she reads deep.  Like the parts of his labs that get grey to me, yet so perfectly black and white.

She began to question if he's taking any supplements.  In their terms, a work out regime at home, or busy on the run schedule Jen replied they make shakes. (Work out protein weight gain type shakes) Innocently enough, these are so harmful to this new growing thriving body.  A nine month old blood inside, tainted with organs that have gone through lethal doses of radiation and chemotherapy.  Enough meds to build a little mountain on his table top.  He can't tolerate this stuff.

He's also been known to recently like Monster's (which according to him, they're the new healthy ones-insert that emoji with the eyes bugged out).  At times I still wrestle with the ignorance of what feels to be a 12 year old. He will TRY to argue.
I'm lucky enough to have a girlfriend-in-love (Jen) whom takes thee BEST care of him. Seriously that girl....

And so I let our doctor roll out her lecture to him in that 10X10 white room.  The four of us.  The mom sitting quietly. Taking in so much, and yet not letting much out.  I did request if she thought it was okay if he went on a trip to Panama next May.  A trip for Jens brother.  A wedding reception of sorts.  

She obliged.  First up though was to start some vaccinations.  Flu shot.  

That even started a fire under me.  Do you all remember Bill's bad experience with the flu shot a couple of years ago? so, yah. 

Her next recommendation was to continue the schedule of reducing meds (mainly anti-rejection).  So week by week, month by month they'll want to decrease the dose into his body.  This means two things.  Either his body accepts this, or it won't.  The outcome can be the donor cells will wake up, and start attacking any Kris cells left behind and a war starts.  The war can include these few things.  Severe rash on the entire body. Severe vomiting and or diarrhea. If that happens they'll adjust again, some more. 

My request to increase Gleevek (chemo to keep Philadelphia Chromosome away) was positively declined as she didn't know what made his whites drop as they did. 

She's also checking for Philadelphia chromosome itself. Something we hope and pray is gone forever.  The reason for transplant is the presence of this yucky mutated chromosome. The word alone makes me want to poop.

We left there, as always our trek to the car.  Light hearted, and full of love as always...mixed with that long drive home on a Friday at 3:30pm.  When I arrived home, it's not uncommon for me to literally drop everything and jump into the shower. I pray, I comb out knotted hair,and I pray some more. 

The weekend was pretty peaceful. Saturday I worked around the house. Adding cute Halloween decorations to my porch.  Setting out pictures of them as babies but not until I sat gazing into their little eyes.

Their costumes.  Putting out Kali's favorite pumpkin figurine. I even had some quick guilt of the many times I rushed Kris through trying to put together a costume, on the day of trick or treating... because I worked, and after picking them up from after-care, I'd arrive home overwhelmed yet still tried to put together a "scary bum" one year.  And to think about that now breaks my little heart.  He was so over loved and yet at times, I feel like I over rushed him.  And well because... parenting. It sure has a funny way of questioning all the choices we've made.  It sure has a way of twisting guilt into the pit of our guts.  Right?

Parenting.  What a word.  What a verb.  What a sport. What a job. What a heartbreaker.

Anyway, I am digressing.  

But probably just the same as I did over the weekend as I pretended that WBC wasn't an issue. That I'm not dangling from a thread from the sky.  That ignoring fear and praying for hope will get me through. 

That waiting for counts to come up, or the phone call about his Phil/Chrm. Or that everything is gonna in fact work out just fine.  We gathered Saturday afternoon with friends on the beach as they hosted their 23rd year of a volleyball tournament bringing together old college friends.  I mean, how amazing and sweet is that.  

On Sunday we celebrated Thom Dutton's 60th Birthday.  And our friends all gathered around a table listening to live "steel drum" music while sipping wine.

All along, this little monster sits on my shoulder.  Whispering in my ear.

Tossing and turning Sunday night, while praying for more Mercy.

BEGGING to hear me.  

Wondering why I research as I do.

That reading about the topics to help myself, at the same time scare the shit out of me.

And that just this morning I sat with my daily devotional in my hand and yet tears wouldn't stop falling.  Actually weeping as I called Bill. 

I could not pull it together.

I've been such a strong girl my entire life.  My.Entire.Life. 

And yet, I'm so weak now. 

My aunt called me on the way to work. It was freaky to see her name pop up in my car.  That moment that I thought, "okay Jesus, you're the man...." answering and falling yet again into a blubbery mess. 

Her words.

Give it to God sweety. 

Give it to God. 

And trust.

Pre-transplant December 2015

Eight Months post transplant. (taken last month, he's now 9 months)

No one said it would be easy. 

Not one person ever looked at me straight in the face and declared this life would be better and change for all the goodness involved.

I am a warrior.  I fear so many things, and yet bury fear for the sake of my son.  I will preach, nag and push in areas I know need my assistance. (if you see him trying to drink anything other than real juice or water, please slap it out of his hands, and call me. lol)

And yet, trusting that everything is in God's hand is harder than it sounds.  Or seems.

The normal desire to push and do all I can, and yet knowing deep deep deep down inside, I truly have no control at all.

What I do have control of is LOVE. 

And handing out all the LOVE, guidance, PEACE and time together as a family as I can.

My wish to you, is that you never have to witness what my eyes have witnessed.  That you hold tight to your birdies. Through good and bad. Remember there wasn't EVER a recipe written for parenting.  You might come home to a costume-less kid.  Or you might have lost your shit at them because..well, parenting. And life. And work.  And being normal.  We aren't perfect humans.  This life isn't perfect.

Thank you to my homegirls that rally me in texts'. 

My aunt who listened to me this morning whole heartedly and understands.

We never signed up for this chapter. I certainly the hell' didn't.  

And so at times I crumble.  At times I sit and stare off in the distance and think....why.

Why.

WHY.

But then I think maybe it's because God knew I could handle it.

And because my heart was always driven to just.... Love.

And be still. 

Until it's 2:30am, and I'm tossing and turning and stirring up them sheets. LOL

"For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you" Isaiah 41:13

Please keep Kris in your prayers, positive thoughts, juju's, vibes, circle of karma love, or whatever you have conjured up on your soul. And send them his way.

Or my way.  I certainly love all of you.

Because it's you that have helped me navigate this messy nest that at times feels like my twine is all jacked up.

Big love,

This Mama Lisa

Be The Match

Join --Be The Match--

Because of them.....

He's here.

Pray for us today as we head to visit our transplant doctor.  I can't wait to hug her sweet soul, with always reassuring love.

I hope you all have a sweet weekend...doing all the little things that make your heart full.  

This Warrior Mama Lisa

I Could Stare In Your Eyes Forever.

It's the perfect time to fluff some feathers now that I have a few NEW pictures in my arsenal.  

This guy.

You know how it goes in relationships.  Sometimes you love them so much.  

While other days, if I keep it real here, you just...."like" them.

Am I right? No?  Yes?

It's not often, but there are brief moments of eyes rollin' and attitudes flyin'.....from me.

Usually inherited from shark week. Of course once he figures it out, he's like...o.h   s.h.i.t.

He's a man of few words.  He's never one to strike a conversation "just because".  He's the observer in the crowd.  (unless he's had a cocktail, or three).

He has watched me cry more in the last year than ever. 

He's had to hold my hair while I puked, once.  Only because I didn't listen to him years ago and took the water he handed me in exchange for the chardonnay that would not stay out of my hand.  Weird.

He laughs right with me, and at times, cries with me. 

We can stare at one another across the room and know exactly what the other feels. 

Sometimes it's "you ready?" (to leave, keep your head outta the gutter)

He can fix anything.  And most always takes the long road.  I take the quickest short, he the longest. Which always entails, measurements, and details.  Details, details, details and DETAILS.  Sometimes I'm hesitant to ask for help because I know that frame I'm trying to hang will most definitely involve measures, levels, tapes, wall marks....And for me, I'm like "where's the masking tape"-

He is constantly working.  He will work 7 days a week if I let him. 

While away you'll find him in the garage, working on whatever he can to make perfect.

Maintenance is huge for him. Ace Hardware has a frequent visitor.  And our sprinkler valves, and self watering doo-dads are the best of the best.  Ain't no desert gonna take his hard work down. Ever. LOL

He's always willing to do whatever I want.  The only time he tells me no is if I'm tryin' to spend on stuff we don't need. And then the negotiations start.  And usually the steam settles, and I win.  kidding. 

He holds his ground that's for dang sure.  He's trying to ban me from Craigslist furniture. lame.

He takes vitamins like a pro.  And sometimes I have to hold my breath as I go in for a smooch because, woah. Totally kidding again, but haha, man.....

He's pissed off both kids in trial-in-error of his ways, and parenting, and vice versa.  But seems our paths have been paved to appreciate and love one another.  He walked into their lives with an over protective mom, and a clue-less guy himself.  But someway, and somehow...we've made this nest a nest.

I can remember the look on his face once while Kali was little and she asked him how long he was gonna stay.  My heart fell out. 

To think he's her true knight and shining Armour now. 

Crazy.

We've had yelling matches that end in me storming off.  Usually because one feels right, while the other feels misunderstood and under appreciated.  And it's most always because of business. 

We work hard, and we work through storms. 

You've picked up alot of messy pieces for me.  For us.

I still get butterflies from across the room while staring at him. 

I hope that never goes away.

He's taught Kris about money management and the true meaning of being "frugal".

I can remember him driving to the lake in his late teens and gathering dollars with a breakdown for gas from friends.  I was appalled.  And yet, Bill reminded me it's a way of learning to save.

I still laugh. 

He can make popcorn like a popcorn pro, (is there a pro? lol) and eat the entire bowl. 

When he watches tv, he's pretty into it.  Where as, I'm the opposite.  I can't sit still very long. 

And if I do, it's for Sunday Morning on Sunday morning.  Best show in all the land. 

We can hear Bad Company wherever we are, and our eyes will lock. We still try to dial the others number ol' skool and play it through the phone. 

He's not a reactor. In fact, I'd bet money if a building was on fire he'd look around gracefully grabbing all the important stuff, and I'd be across the street with pee streaming down my legs.

Hey, it's all about balance in a relationship, right?

He's a man of his word.  If you make plans with him you'd better stick to them.

He's loyal.  

Bill, I truly hope you know just how lucky you've made me feel.

It's always funny to boast on social media. Something I crack up about, because why must we share with the world when we can pick up the pen, and jot it directly, and privately.

I think you deserve the world to know. 

Just how much I adore you.

I hope you are with me for many more years.

Your Little Mama. Your silly side-kick.

Lisa Lynn

Bear with me when I post kissing pictures, you know we have no wedding, or plans to, so I pretend these are my wedding kissing shots.  And how bout' that olive-oil bun hair? niiiiiceeee

Also, what about that boob grab. boom.

Family Moments In Time.

As most of you probably know, we celebrated our littlest cousins wedding. 

10-7-2016

Havasu. 

Let me first start by saying... 

"Congrats Trevor & Jazmine Trabue"

We gathered at a place we call "our favorite place to be"

A place where we still grin ear-to-ear as we unload the truck.

It was a trip I'd been stalking on my calendar for weeks and weeks, months and months.

A chance to roll our little, but big family together. 

You guys....

To have time with aunts, uncles, cousins, and little cousins.

Dance floors, boat rides, beachy coves in the gorge on the lake, mixed with many many moments of laughter and smiles. So many smiles. 

Dogs chasing the kids, kids chasing dogs.  Switching up who rides in who's boat. 

Waving at one another as we'd pass.

Moments.

You can't buy this stuff.  You just work hard, and pray for the safety of making it all happen.

Never taking ANY moment for granted.

The days leading up to the wedding I felt like a kid crossing off the dates on my calendar. 

 So many pictures.  So many things to recap. So many paragraphs to this story.  

The days I will never ever forget.

 

I'm not thee most vain to post pictures of myself, but when I look at this picture I see happiness. (well, and doesn't my nose look small(er)------)I see a mom that has been a warrior and a worrier.  I see the magic of what pulling her birdies together in a nest looks like. Staring at this picture learning to love her.  To love her deep.  From every wrinkle. Every long night of never ending worry, and non-stop research.  The love in a mothers face when she sees her babes.  The first one to critique her own pictures.  Catching every flaw.  Hair, body, chin, and teeth.  All of it. What counts the most is who took this. Kris will stop me in my tracks to catch a shot.  Of mama.  That my friends....THAT is why I do what I do.  For all the rest of the days of my life. I will stalk you kids. jk

So many pictures of hugging, kisses, laughter, intimate stares between cousins and their spouses.  

But this one....I just can't stop lovin' on her. 

This little feller right here..is my winner.  My pick for oh-my-goodness-girl.....

Well, and this one...

 The little fur rock that has kept our family full of smiles too..

It seems entirely impossible that the weekend filled with so much goodness is now over.

I'm back at my desk.  Phones stuck to my ear.  Papers juggled in the air like a pizza maker from one side to the other.  Keyboard getting nailed by the hundreds of emails to return.  

Life.

Isn't it so?

Work hard, play harder.

And plan your wedding in Havasu.

I promise you won't be disappointed.  

Do it at the Nautical.  At 4:00pm.  In October. 

Gather those you love, and those that love you right back. 

Invite us.  I promise, we'll be there.  

Stay tuned for more pictures...

Like this...

Excuse me while I grab a tissue, those silly moments of weepies keep creepin' back...

Our life did NOT look like this last year. 

Thank you sweet Jesus. Thank you with all my blood.

And I'll toss in that ever so crazy phrase "Blessed"-

Happy Taco Tuesday!

Catcha on the flip side homies--

xo

Grateful, 

 Most always grateful for my rock,

I love you Bill.  

Will you marry me?  In Havasu?

LOL

This Mama Lisa

Amidst The Fog

It clearly woke me up this morning when I turned on the morning news and the first two silly topics were the bullshit from the Kardashian clan, and the ever so popular political circus.  It's like you can't hide from it. 

I sincerely watch the news for weather, and at this point {any earthquakes}-  I told you I'm petrified of them, right?  I turn into a creature when one strikes.  What family? What home? What animals?  I seriously lose my grip.  

Anyway....I've become a tad bit obsessed. Weather my priority. For my outfit, and my hair.  kidding. kinda

I got ta' thinkin....

Hero's. 

When the world is staring into the news feed at humans that don't deserve our time of day I thought I'd share my thoughts on WHO deserves the recognition. 

You know, the thankless jobs.  

Like the people I see every morning on the way to work walking with the adult disabled folks.  Holding their hands, smiling at one another.  Helping them cross a major intersection.  It's that same tall girl, with her five ducklings following her.  All challenged in one way or another.  My heart melts, every.single.time.  They all follow her with every intention.  With true hearts.  Always smiling. Challenged from the early days I'm sure, and yet now in the ripe ages of what seems to me, 25-40. All handicapped.  Holding hands. Watching her. 

Can you imagine her daily tasks with them?  Feeding? Bathroom breaks? Quarrels? Questions? Antics?

I can't erase what I witnessed last week.  She was crossing this major street in the morning rush hour. (South and Woodruff) One trailing behind was trying her best, but not quite up to speed....she turned, while holding her hands out...and holding the hands of another...and smiled so big, and gave her a "common you can do it" praise....and just like that...eyes met, the cross was made. As we all sat there waiting I thought, wow.

Her job. To love them wholly.  Completely.  

Patience. 

Guiding them through their day.

I wasn't tearing up or anything. LOL

Hero. 

What about our service men and women that are stretched across the desert living in dirt huts to keep us safe. Eating things we'd never think of here...hello lisa, whom loves her good food on a Friday night.

Eye opener....

Hero.

What about the volunteers at animal shelters, giving all the love those animals deserve.  

To think we have the Kardashians boasting about their million dollar ring to the world, and yet maybe helping an animal sanctuary would seem more necessary?  I've yet to see any one of those crazy b's show any sort of humanitarian efforts. EVER. To anything. Or anyone. 

Much less an animal.

What about the volunteers at the park and recreation departments in our local parks.  Giving out love to the after-school kids.  To the kids that need that extra time, and ear.  Or partner in a game of basketball. 

Some encouragement.  OR maybe help with homework.

What about the many many coaches that give up their evenings to coach a team. 

Hero.

Politics, and reality stars.....

Non hero's. 

I hope you witness beauty in the incredible people out there you guys...

Look around...

Even in the midst of the foggy political circus, and senseless media coverage.

Humans devoted to kindness.  And love.

It's truly what matters.

Happy Hump Day.

Keep handing out those smiles!

Lisa

Thriving. Living. Loving.

Our weekend was pretty uneventful. Except for Friday night.  Where we sat among the six-pack.  Dining on Russ' ever so popular--whateverhecooksissoamazing- Early night in, and early morning back up and at it.  We worked a little Saturday.
Soon enough there would be text messages rolling back and forth between us and our babies...

These next chapters include friends getting married...

And so it begins....3 weddings for them this month.

Look at them---

On the way to the first wedding....

Cheers to you!

 I guess we passed them on the Seal Beach Blvd exit....

I always think God sends Angels over us, because sometimes in midst of my constant worry.....I receive little reminders that "Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be Alright"-----

 Jason And Lauren Milnes-  May the goodness of marriage bless you for many years to come. As I mentioned to them, hold on tight, make date nights a priority, and learn to accept "for better and for worse"

 You guys.....look at them. LOOK AT MY BIRDIE! Jenny so gorgeous! 

While they were dancing the night away, my other sweet bird was up in the mountains of Big Bear with her sorority.  Bill recently asked what goes on in her "Retreat"-  It's bonding.  It's discussions. It's opening up in a room full of sorority sisters, about life.  About heartbreak.  Family.  Things. Bonding in philanthropy for Domestic violence awareness, prevention and education. It's about sitting in a cabin next to new girls, opening up about their deepest secrets.  Fears. Weakness. Learning, and proving that no matter what, their soul sister bond will be ingrained for not only this chapter, but many many more to come. Holding Symbols and Traditions a priority.  Not just through college. Interesting on this particular retreat they shared a cabin with a newer member. If you remember a few months back while at a meeting Kali experienced a sister fall down in a Gran-maul Seizure.  Something new that shook her to the core.  

Months later she'd be in a cabin with her.  Sitting full circle listening to her story.  Watching her take her meds.  Learning what to do in case of an episode...etc. 

We chatted yesterday about how wild things are placed in front of you.  

This sweet girl.  The ripe age of 19.  Suffering hard core seizures.  Her story so incredible. 

To know she has her sorority sisters surrounding her.  

LOVE.      

 I mean, you blink and they're grown women....
Alpha Chi Omega-  As it stands-  REAL. STRONG. WOMEN.   

How was your weekend? I roasted a chicken on Sunday, tossing sliced organic oranges underneath...stuffing the inside with fresh rosemary....talk about delish! The house smelt divine!

HaHa!  Big ol' chicken for two people..
left overs for dayzzzzz.....

Happy Tuesday....you've made it so far!

Love, Peace and Blessings-

Countdown to our cousins wedding this Friday lakeside at our favorite place...

Cousins, Dad's side...2013

A circle of family and friends ringing in the baby of this side of la familia.......finally tying the knot!

Love,

This Mama Lisa

I'm working on some table signs...

Can't wait Jaz and Trev!!

Countdown to gather around tables filled with family, my birdies, and lots and lots of LOVE!