WALKING WOUNDED: NO MEMORIALS FOR THEM

On Memorial Day, we remember the people who lost their lives while in the service. There are memorials for the people who were killed during the Viet Nam War. Polished stone reflects the visitors who come to pay respects at this remarkable, moving creation. Many names are there, yet there are many more victims of that war who will never have their names carved in that breath-taking structure.

People who were caring, lovable, compassionate when they began their service in the military, returned as shattered, fractured souls. Counseling, medication and time hasn't been enough to heal many of them. Painful wounds leak acid into their inner beings and these toxins sometimes spill on those around them.

With this understanding, I mourn the loss of my brother. His name isn't carved into the glossy stone and yet I lost my true brother to the naplam-dropping plane in which he rode. His gentleness and loving spirit was replaced by an evilness that is no longer welcome in my world.

So on this Memorial Day I mourn those fratured souls who live with one foot in this world, while still pulled back their living hell, by all they experienced many years ago.

UNANSWERED PRAYERS: MAGICAL SMILES

When I found out that my daughter was pregnant in 2008, I hoped and prayed for a healthy, beautiful granddaughter. You know what is funny, though, I never dreamed of how wonderful of a gift my little Grandlove would be. He is so precious, full of wonder and bubbling with love for anyone wise enough to look in his direction.

So, this is my meager way of saying, "Thanks for saying no to a granddaughter and giving us instead the most marvelous little boy possible."

FRIENDSHIP: SO VALUABLE, YET IT'S FREE

Throughout my life I have surrounded myself with good friends. These friends have softened life's blows, celebrated along with me, and encouraged me when I've doubted myself. It is only logical that my daughter also benefited from my valuable friendships and would desire to have this aspect in her life.

Yesterday, when were at the Grandlove's birthday celebration, I witnessed the fact that my daughter has surrounded herself by friends who care for her and her family. These friends come from all walks of life, thus bringing a variety of personalities, abilities and life's experiences. It made me happy to see that friendship is valued and cherished by the next generation.

Friendships are priceless in their contribution to our lives.

The Day my Heart Grew: Love my Sweet Potato

Last year at this time, a miracle happened to my heart. A soft, sweet mewl was the signal that my heart was now enlarged to the point I could love in a way that I never realized was possible.

Being the mother of a remarkable girl was all that I knew, so seeing that teeny-tiny, beautiful little guy caught me somewhat off guard. As soon as saw his face, I felt a new part of my heart begin growing.

With his birth came the birth of my new role in the world, Nana. My daughter had said months earlier that we needed a Nana in our lives, again and I proudly took up where my mom had left off.

Our tears of joy were mixed with laughter as we admired our little sweetness who was being measured, cleaned, wrapped and then gently placed in his new momma's arms.

What a miracle that someone so absolutely so tiny, could have such a major impact of everyone around him. Everyone who loves him receives blessings every time he smiles. Who can't love someone who creates happiness where ever he goes?

Happy Birthday, Sweet Potato. Your Nana and Papa adore you.

MORE ENTERTAINING THAN POTATOES: C-PAP MASK

You know that sickening feeling when there are mischievous beings (toddlers, teenagers, pets) in the house and it's quiet and no signs of life nearby, yeah, that feeling. I had it. I turned to Hubby and asked, "Where's Bentley?"

Rushing towards the bedroom, he was mumbling, "I was afraid of this."

Wisely, deciding not to follow my husband, I just waited. I was soon made aware of what had been entertaining our robust little guy. It seems that my husband had left the bedroom door open and Bentley had jumped on the bed, where he found the c-pap mask.

Bentley came bounding out of the bedroom unaware that his entertainment for the last few minutes was an expensive piece of crucial medical equipment in our household. Great restraint kept harsh words from addressing the permanent damage to the squishy blue parts of the mask.

Until the doctor's office opens tomorrow, my artistic talents and a handy roll of medical tape pieced together an older worn out mask. The victim of Bentley's entertainment didn't have enough left to piece together, so luckily we had an older mask that had previously died a natural death.


As I type, the energetic boy, with the panting tongue, is still bouncing around, unaware that he is lucky to have such a forgiving master. No harsh words (yes, we did talk to Bentley about his misbehavior) and for sure no hitting. We (read "Hubby" here) will have to be more diligent with doors and keeping chewable items out of the exploring jaws of our little boy.

Potatoes okay to explore; C-pap masks not so much.

COMFORTING FOOD: Chicken Pot Pie

Yesterday, I decided to treat my hubby and me to one of our favorite dinners, homemade Chicken Pot Pie. Simply delicious and so easy to put together. I am not a chef, but here's an easy breezy, yummy dinner that is well received by all. Enjoy and experiment on your own.

**pre-made deep dish pie crusts, but you can make your own. (you need a top and bottom crust)

While you're getting all the other ingredients together/prepared,
**bake the bottom crust as per instruction on the package, until it's light brown.

**Boil/pressure cook chicken,debone, and cut into bite-size pieces.
(When I cook the chicken I add cut up celery and onion. This celery and onion I then add to the other ingredients for the potpie. I save the broth and freeze it if not using in the next couple of days.
I used chicken breasts, since it's quicker to debone, and I like the white meat. One large breast or equivalent amount of your chicken.)
**One can cream of mushroom soup.
**One can cream of chicken soup/or one can cream of celery soup.
**One WELL-DRAINED can of mixed vegetables.
**Season with pepper (you probably won't need salt with all the canned salt.
**3/4 CUP Of shredded cheese (cheddar, Asiago, or whatever you choose.)

Combine all wet ingredients, chicken and pepper in a large bowl, mix well. Transfer to baked bottom crust, spread evenly and then spread cheese over top of all. The top crust is then secured and the edges crimped. Carefully place pie on cookie sheet, as there probably will be some that escapes.

Bake at 425 degrees until top crust is done. All your ingredients (as well as the bottom crust are finished, so you are really just baking the top crust.)


As soon as it comes out, you can eat, but of course watch out, because it is VERY HOT. Leftovers are okay, but that first time you eat it, it's the best. Crispy, hot, perfect consistency and your mouth will be in love with you.

Enjoy, but watch out. Chicken Pot Pie can be addictive.

THIS COULD CHANGE THE WORLD

From him, to whom much is given, much is expected...

http://www.needitkeepit.org/

Follow us on TWITTER
http://twitter.com/needitkeepit