Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

This morning, I received the following via email from diddy (know to everyone else as daddy).   I loved the message, and thought that today would be a perfect day to share it.  I hope it touches you the way it did me.

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80s arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On examining it I saw it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors and got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while! As she is a victim of Alzheimer’s disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised and asked him, ‘And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are?’
He smiled as he patted my hand and said, ‘She doesn’t know me but I still know who she is.’ I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm and thought, ‘That is the kind of love I want in my life.

True love is neither physical nor romantic’.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing who to thank.
The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
I hope you share this with someone you care about, I just did.
Life isn’t about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain.

The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called The Almighty God, you will make it to a place called Success.

My Gratitude List for April 12, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• Jesus, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in order for all of US to live.
• Time spent with friends.
• Marcel and his family enjoying Easter brunch.
• Orange-Cranberry Scones
• Leftovers, which means I won’t have to cook tomorrow.

For someone who was actually dreading turning the big 4-0 almost two years ago, I can attest to the fact that life really does begin at 40.  

That title is also the theme to the birthday bash that mom and diddy are throwing for my amazing brother, who will turn the big 4-0 himself in less than two months.

Since we’re here, and the party is there, Marcel and I won’t be able to make it, but you can be certain that we’ll be there in spirit, and even though I’m not going to be there, I’m doing what I can from here to help with the party preps, such as designing and ordering the invitations for mom-  something I actually need to work on this week, so I can get her seal of approval and send in the order.  

I also have several ideas up my sleeve to surprise my bro on his special day, surprises that will have to be carried out by mom and/or diddy, but I know they’ll do anything for me, their favorite daughter.  *smile*

Life really does begin at 40, in more ways than one.

My Gratitude List for April 8, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

• Finally finding a new tablecloth for Sunday’s Easter brunch.
• Marcel vacuuming for me today, while I took care of a few other things in house.
• Leftovers, which meant I didn’t have to cook today.
• “Home alone” time tonight.
• Those who ‘get it right’.

I realized a little earlier that I never have taken the time to write a little about each of my new sites, so that you can have an idea as to what each represents, although not exclusively.

I will have to try to get that done before sometime next week, plus, I was reminded recently about the Circle Journey book, which traveled around the world. I had completely forgotten about it, and the fact that I was suppose to send copies to everyone who participated that wanted a copy, so I’m going to share photos here, and see about getting copies out to everyone who still wants them. That’s so very unlike me, but it did happen, so all I can say is- I’m sorry.

In the meantime, I need to get busy in the kitchen, but I wanted to share a little something that I took last week, and since this place is called ‘Through the Tulips’, I thought it may be appropriate.

I also leave you with the question:  What’s YOUR favorite color tulip, or flower?

Oh, one thing before I go… Marcel and I have been discussing vacations, and while I’m really wanting to go to the Azores in September, a friend of his was telling him about Orlando vacations, and now he’s having the itch to go to Orlando.

If you know me, you know that I love and adore Orlando, but something tells me there is no comparison to the Azores. Looks like we are going to have to find a compromise somewhere.

I’ve been goofing off this morning, and since I am debating on whether to go to the next town over to the Wednesday market, AND because I haven’t eaten, I guess I should actually get a move on with things.

Easter Brunch is planned, and I’ll be sharing the menu a little later on in Simply Wizardres.

Right now, time to eat, get a work out in, a bath and decide where the day will take us.

Every year when spring rolls around, Marcel and I always buy season passes for a local garden that has the most beautiful and amazing flowers.   Personally, I wish it was open year round, but it’s only for two months out of the year. 

Last week when we went for the first time, they didn’t have our membership card when we arrived to pick them up. They were out, but told us that our receipt would work for entrance if we came back before we received the cards.

I actually expected it to take several weeks, but surprisingly, we had them within a few days. I ‘really’ want to go back, but the weather isn’t cooperating so far. Maybe later in the week, at least I hope.

I’ll have to share some of the photos I took while we were there. The place is truely amazing.

I’m not sure if I’ve written about it here yet or not, but I know I did at Simplywizardress.com, but last week I finally  got my new iPhone.   I have been waiting and waiting, until the time drew close enough for me to be able to cancel my current contract, so that I could keep my number, even though switching to a different provider with the iPhone. 

I love ‘gagets’ and anything else that will challenge my brain, but surprisingly, in spite of having NO user manual or instructions, the iPhone is simple to use.   I believe even the most computer challenged person of all times could probably breeze through the iPhone, but then again, maybe it’s just that I love this kind of stuff.

I’ve been checking out applications, downloading a few, deleting a few others, and by far the one I’ve found to be the absolute best is this application called “Lose It”.  It allows me to track my work outs, plus log my food, all from my phone.   Not to mention it tells me how many more calories I should intake for the rest of the day to lose the 2 pounds I’d like to lose. (It can also be set for lower weight losses per week, and will adjust food needs accordingly).

After two days of using the program, I’m hooked.   I am SO glad that I made this decision.  This is my favorite phone -ever!

Since I’d like to read a few of my favorite blogs before I need to wake Marcel from his nap, I leave you with:

My Gratitude List for April 7, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful for:

• Marcel doing the dishes for me this evening.
• The “Lose It” application for my iPhone.
• Finally having my menu together for Sunday’s Easter Brunch.
• Getting my work out in, in spite of having a sore knee.
• Surprises.