How to Develop Courage

Isn't this the truth? Honestly, sometimes I wish it did not have to be this way, but it is this way for everything in life. Once you go "through" something difficult, you come out stronger and wiser on the other end. That is growth and something to be grateful for. If everything was happy and easy all the time, we wouldn't learn anything.

Be the Heroine of Your Life

You have a choice -- you can be the heroine or the victim. All it takes is a change of perspective. You can decide right now! 

Hugging is Good Medicine

Research shows hugging can make you healthier and happier. I first heard this from one of my sisters and decided to look into it. 

I found plenty of information about it and even a quote that says we need 4 hugs a day for survival, 8 hugs a day for maintenance and 12 hugs a day for growth, so I decided to give it a try. 

I swear it is helping me feel happier! I think it is making my kiddos happier, too! 

I'm shooting for at least 8 a day. This may sound silly, but I'm planning a few of them to make sure it happens. I figure if I can get one each from Paul and the kids in the morning, one from each kid after school and one from each at bedtime, I should be good to go! I find myself looking forward to my special hugs! :) 

The Last Flash Light

Growing up, my grandparents always gave the grandkids a flashlight at Christmas. They were from a time where gifts were meant to be practical, and that was important to them.

All of us kids loved it! What's not to love about a flashlight? It was a fun game every Christmas to wonder what kind of a flashlight you would get.

The tradition continued over the years as great-grandchildren were born. Tyler and Alyssa have enjoyed receiving their flashlights in recent years, just as I did when I was younger.

Grandma passed away a few years ago, and Grandpa passed away last weekend. At his funeral last night, everyone received the gift of a flashlight in memory of Grandpa.

I love that! What an awesome way to celebrate someone's life and legacy. The flashlight was personalized and said, "Grandpa Jerry DeBruyne Your light will shine on in our memories forever. 1930-2014."

You Get What You Give

This week while I was visiting my dad in the hospital, one of the administrators came in to see him. He has known her for more than three years as he has undergone nearly 100 chemotherapy treatments.

There were some things that my dad needed for his care that she said she would help us obtain. She also went out of her way to make sure he was comfortable and being well taken care of.

When she walked out, my dad first expressed his gratitude for her help, but then he looked at me, shrugged his shoulders and said, "You get what you give."

I said, "You're right dad. You have given them a lot."

It's a life lesson that brought me near tears. For more than three years, as he has walked his own cancer journey, he has been a rock of support at his chemotherapy office. The life of the party. The bringer of love. Not a nurse walks past him without a hug and a kiss.

He became the go-to expert in the office. Whenever a new patient came in that needed support or guidance or encouragement, they sent him to my dad. "What, this patient doesn't want a port?" My dad says, "Why wouldn't you want a port? It makes it so much easier."

Many times my mom and dad have made house calls to cancer patients struggling with the diagnosis. My dad also attended the cancer support group whenever it was requested of him so he could share his amazing story of success. His positive attitude has been infectious.

One nurse I spoke with last week said, "He is the hero of our office. We will do anything for him."

So, now, as the cancer attempts to grow and he is the one who needs support, all of those people he has helped along the way are there for him.

It's such a beautiful picture in my mind of everyone giving love and getting it in return. And I'm seeing it in action right before my eyes. It's true, you get what you give.