Cast All Your Cares On Him... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our Yahoo ShangyFunList: To Subscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-subscribe@yahoogroups.com To UnSubscribe send a blank email to ShangyFunList-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ShangyFunList or Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: ShangyFunList@yahoogroups.com or email me here: bcrsystems@earthlink.net ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Friend Me / Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! :) -<>- >-->In The 'Shangy' News :) I've been editing the pages like crazy - still. Seems a forever job. Always something to do with them. My son, Victor told me I should have a way for folks to comment on the emails shared. So I added a guestbook to our ShangyFunList on-line page - Click here... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ShangyFunList.html Feel free to sound off and leave your comments there any time you want to. Your space. :) He also told me about Facebook having a 'Follow' option like Twitter does. So I added that to the page. If you want my daily FB postings, just click my follow button on the Index page click here: http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ Or the ShangyFunList page click here... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/ShangyFunList.html Follow Me! I dare ya - HaHa! -<>- >-->HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) This too hot to handle new page is from our friends Desi and LouiseA. This Artist with Alzheimer’s drew self portraits for 5 years until he could barely remember his own face. Here is his story and photos... 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"-._ ---""" /; ; : : \ "-._....____; : : \ :\ `. \ ; ; \ \\ \ \ ; : : `. \\ \ \ : ; ; ;"-t\ `. \ : : : : `; \ ; ; ; ; : \ / : : / ; \-..__ .'; : ; / : ; """T ; : / / ; \ : ; ; ;/ : : \ ; ; ; ; ; ; ; : ; ; / : : : ; ; ; / ; :; : ; ; / : :: ; ; ;_ `""--..__; :_; __ ;____;.-;'; ;.__.: :..t-"" j" ; ; : ; ; ;--"" \ [bug] ; ; ; : ; : \ ; ; : \ ; ; ;. ; ; \ \ ; : / ; ; ; \ \ ; : ; ; ; \ `-. ; ; .' ; ; \ \ ;___/ /______;.-' \ ---; / / ;______: .-' / '-------' Alzheimer's Through Artist Eyes http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dementiaandart.html --- ...So heart-wrenching! Thanks Desi And Louise! Paul's mom has Alzheimer's. It is so sad. I pray we find a cure for this horrible disease. It literally steals the person away from loved ones by wiping their memory until there is nothing left. =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: ( ) ( ___...(-------)-....___ .-"" ) ( ""-. .-'``'|-._ ) _.-| / .--.| `""---...........---""` | / / | | | | | | \ \ | | `\ `\ | | `\ `| | _/ /\ / (__/ \ / _..---""` \ /`""---.._ .-' \ / '-. : `-.__ __.-' : : ) ""---...---"" ( : '._ `"--...___...--"` _.' jgs \""--..__ __..--""/ '._ """----.....______.....----""" _.' `""--..,,_____ _____,,..--""` `"""----"""` >BLACK AS THE DEVIL by Kathe Campbell Someone once insisted it was a man's job to make the coffee in the morning, for in the bible it said He-brews, and in this family my husband was the brewer. All the coffee in Colombia couldn't make me a morning person, but during our fifty-three year marriage, Pops and I orchestrated mornings to the tune of good coffee. Real coffee -- home ground that became hazel dark, changing to a pretty golden bronze tempered with cream. Real cream -- thick, almost yellow, perfectly sweet, neither lumpy or frothy atop our java. Making coffee is the only thing macho men do that doesn't threaten their masculinity. For we women, it's on the same domestic level as changing toilet paper. It's amazing how the world begins to change through ones eyes when swigging down a cup of caffeine. It must be true that on the eighth day, God created coffee that smells like freshly ground heaven. Hot and wet, it falls into the stomach, ideas are born, things recalled are noted, wit awakens, nouns and adjectives come to life, and suddenly you have a full gallop urge to visit the throne. In our office, with a potpourri of folks occupying the leather couch over second and third cups, there flowed matters of insurance claims, politics, and local gossip. Coffee was the social binder -- black as the devil, hot as hell, but pure as an angel foiling our sleep until we did it all over again the next day. Upon miles and miles of Montana highways, Pops and I indulged ourselves with all the famous, and not so famous, jumbo-sized cups. Although drive-in Styrofoam was against Pop's religion, our cups of the northwest's best right down to perfect demitasse-like cups after a big dinner, made us good Lutherans. At one 1910 vintage express stop in the boonies, Pops asked if they had coffee brewing. I felt obliged to kick him in the shins for there was a pot of scorchy smelling black stuff sitting on the wood stove alright. The spoon all but stood alone in the stained and cracked cup. We sat at the counter on tractor seats while Pops managed a couple sips and I took cover in a can of lukewarm soda. After another bitter swallow he decided to fill the car and purchased two rock-hard Snickers. Both of us felt better served in tending to other needs behind a big half-dead scrub down the road. In keeping with Pop's Scandanavian side, we never hit the back woods or blue ribbon fishing spots without his famous camp pot. There was nothing notable about it -- this well broke in, speckled blue, scorched and dented, enameled eighteen-cupper. I could forget everything from the dutch oven to scouring pads, but God help me if I should forget Pop's precious coffee boiler. I may as well have taken a hike -- a long one. No innards, just the pot, for boiled camp coffee was the only way to brew in God's wilderness until it was near lethal. Nobody in our clan could come close to the smell and taste of perfectly measured, hand-cranked, fresh ground joe simmering over a campfire. Also, nothing haunted the nostrils of our kids back from the day's first catch as did the aroma of their dad's coffee. And so, at ten and twelve, they sat by the fire sipping pure pleasure, though we watched their intake carefully to make sure our brood wasn't sleeping with their eyes open. Then someone lowered the boom on our Pops, for he was diagnosed with everything from heart problems, to prostate cancer. No more swigging down the black stuff. His serious coffee drinking days ended abruptly, except for one or two civilized cups of decaffeinated perk in the morning. I'll never forget the look on his face as he surveyed that first tin. He brought it up for a good sniff, then proclaimed it was the devil's blend. And after tasting it, he grumbled... "Okay, I'll quit, but it won't be easy drinking my Bailey's straight." -- Kathe Campbell __________________________________________________ Kathe lives her dream on a Montana mountain with her mammoth donkeys, a Keeshond, and a few kitties. Three children, eleven grands and three greats round out her herd. She is a prolific writer on Alzheimer's, and her stories are found on many ezines. Kathe is a contributing author to the Chicken Soup For The Soul and Cup of Comfort series, numerous anthologies, RX for Writers, magazines and medical journals. ========================================================== >-->From Our Friend Linda :) ,-----. W/,-. ,-.\W ()>a a<() (.--(_)--.) ,'/.-'\_/`-.\`. ,' / `-' \ `. / \ / \ / `. ,' \ / / `-._.-' \ \ ,-`-._/| |=|o |\_.-< <,--.) |_____| |o____| )_ \ `-)| |// _ \\| )/ || |' | `| || | | | || ( )|( ) || | | | || | | | || |_.--.|.--._| || /'""| |""`\ [] `===' `===' hjw >Story Time...The Rain: It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. 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 exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, 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, 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 and that she was 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. With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message.. This one I thought I could share with you. 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.' --- ...Amen! Great classic! Thanks Linda! ============================================================ >-->From Our Friend LouiseA :) , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Cast All Your Cares On Him (By Dr. Ann Shorb) I Peter 5:7 "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." Recently I had a conversation with a friend. It was one of those conversations I will not soon forget, because it was a time when I was able to pour out my heart to her and share some of the things that I have been thinking about - those deep things that you do not share with anyone but a good, close friend - someone you trust. There are times when we pray and we long to pour out our heart to God, but for whatever reason we feel we cannot. I would encourage you to talk to God just like you would talk to that good, close friend - the one with whom you can pour out your heart and be completely unafraid. We read in Hebrews 4:15-16, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." That verse is telling us that Jesus Christ, our High Priest, is a feeling person, and He can feel our pain and our infirmities. He was tempted like we are, and He knows what it is like. The next verse goes on, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." As you pray, I encourage you to go boldly before the throne of God. Tell Him the things that are on your heart. Tell Him your hurts and your pains, your disappointments, the things you struggle with, the things that you are tempted by. Do not hesitate. Do not think, "Well I can't tell God this. He doesn't want to hear it." He already knows anyway. You know, it was said of Martin Luther, the famous theologian, that when he began his prayers, he prayed with such repentance that you almost felt sorry for him. But then as he labored on in prayer, he prayed with such boldness that you almost feared for him because he spoke to God so boldly. He shared with God everything that was on his heart - his anger, his hurt, his pain, even at times his disappointments with God. We can do that (reverently, of course). Why? Because in I Peter 5:7 it says, "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." God gives us permission to come boldly, to cast our cares on Him. My friend, I encourage you to do that. Come boldly before His throne. Tell Him everything just as you would a good, close friend, and enjoy the release of knowing that He cares and that He can do something about it. When you get down to it, God is much better than a good, close human friend because as fellow fallen humans, they can - and will eventually - fail you - and they really don't have the power to change your circumstances anyway. But God - as God, and not a mere human, does. Cast your cares on Him - trusting Him to take care of everything in the way He deems best for you. He cares for you. --- ...Beautiful Teaching. Thanks LouiseA! , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' We need to understand too that while God knows what is going on with us like any good parent would, even more so since God knows our hearts, that does not automatically mean He will fix our problems for us. God always allows us free will. If He would automatically fix what He sees wrong with us, where is our free will? What if we don't want help? God never forces Himself on us. The devil does that. We need to ask God to help. Jesus instructed... Matt.7 [7] Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [8] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. And Jesus let us know why we should pray together... Matt.18 [19] Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. The Apostle Paul teaches too that we have an advocate... 1 John 2 [1] My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: Do you know what that means? ad·vo·cate noun noun: advocate; plural noun: advocates ?adv?k?t/ 1. a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. "he was an untiring advocate of economic reform" synonyms: champion, upholder, supporter, backer, promoter, proponent, exponent, spokesman, spokeswoman, spokesperson, campaigner, fighter, crusader; propagandist, apostle, apologist, booster, flag-bearer - "an advocate of children's rights" Our advocate with God our Father is Jesus Christ! He supports us, he is the one to stand before God for us! He is our spokesperson. He is for us as no one else is or ever can be. Check out this great teaching: A study of Romans 8:19-28 Jesus, “helps” us, but he does not do it all. We also must pray if we are going to have God’s power fully manifested in our lives. “Makes intercession for us” is in the present tense, active voice, showing that Jesus prays to the Father for us now, just as he did when he was training his apostles on earth. http://www.truthortradition.com/articles/groaning-for-liberation ====================================================== >-->From Our Friend Jacinto :) _____ / \/_ //\__(\_\ |\ ^ ^ | .//_O \O_ \ \_ (_) / \ \_/ / __/\ /\__ / \ \ / / \ / \/\/\/ \ / | . | \ / | . | \ JRO >Life is......... Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it. -<>- Keep your heart free from hate and your mind free from worry. Give much and expect less from others. Live life simple, reduce your stress and fill your heart with love. Treat others how you would like to be treated. Treasure family and friends. Live your life. Live a happy life. ~ by Dave Hedges --- ...Absolutely! Thank You Jass! ======================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: |><|~|><| /(((9)))\ //) -_- (\\ (((( ._. )))) ))))---(((( ((((`---')))) (___|xXxXx|___) \ | | / / ^ ^ ^ \ / \ (_._._._._._) \ | / ( | ) | | | hjw |-|-| /`-^-'\ (__,^.__) >The Pink Dress There was this little girl sitting by herself in the park. Everyone passed by her and never stopped to see why she looked so sad. Dressed in a worn pink dress, barefoot and dirty, the girl just sat And watched the people go by. She never tried to speak. She never said a word. Many people passed by her, but no one would stop. The next day I decided to go back to the park in curiosity to see If the little girl would still be there. Yes, she was there, right in the very spot where she was Yesterday, and still with the same sad look in her eyes Today I was to make my own move and walk over to the little girl. For as we all know, a park full of strange people is not a place for young children to play alone. As I got closer I could see the back of the little girl's dress. It was grotesquely shaped. I figured that was the reason people just passed by and made no Effort to speak to her. -<>- 0=========================================================0 |'. FairyMarys .'| | '. _______________________________________________ .' | | | /\ /\.-. . .| | | | '. ________| ` `.' .`. | /______________ .' | | | | | \ `/ >>-' -`* - | | | | | | / ,\ ' / | \ ____ | | | | | | `-'`.:`. | | | | | | | | > ,`. | | | | | | | | /-. /.' `. |____| | | | | | | / _> `- : |\_/| | | | | | | /` / /-. |q p| /£ | | | | | ,| / ((___/ __> ( 0 )"""\ __ | | | | | \/` / } |"^"` | ;`'()__)| | | | | |\ /'\ .--.( || /=\\ | `\:'.`,\| | | | | .' -\\--\\-- \\--------"'" -'"""'---//--"//'. | | | |' DS & jgs '| | | .'------------------------------------------------ '. | |.' PetShop '.| 0=========================================================0 >Laser, the Therapist By Nancy Kucik The moment he reached his little paw through the cage bars at the humane society, I was a goner. I wasn't looking for another cat - I already had two - but was just stopping by to give the animals some attention. When the shelter volunteer, apparently knowing a sucker when she saw one, asked if I would like to hold him, there was no longer any doubt. He came home with me that day. He was a gorgeous cat, a five-month-old blue-point Siamese with eyes like blue laser beams: thus, his name. Right from the beginning, it was obvious that Laser was an exceptional cat. He loved everyone - the other cats, visitors to the house, even the dog who later joined the household. I first heard about animal-assisted therapy several months after we adopted Laser. While most of what I heard was about dogs, it occurred to me that Laser would be perfect for this type of work. I signed up for the training class, and, after completing the preliminary requirements, Laser and I passed the test to become registered Delta Society Pet Partners. While he had always been a little lovebug at home, Laser found his true calling when we began to go on visits. Whether it was with sick kids at the children's hospital, seniors with Alzheimer's disease, or teens in a psychiatric unit, Laser always knew just what to do. He curled up on laps or beside bed-bound patients and happily snuggled close. He never tried to get up until I moved him to the next person. People often commented that they'd never seen a cat so calm and friendly. Even people who didn't like cats liked him! One young man, who had been badly burned in a fire, smiled for the first time since his accident when Laser nestled under his lap blanket. A little boy, tired and lethargic from terminal leukemia, rallied to smile, hug Laser and kiss his head, and then talked endlessly about Laser after the visits. Several geriatric patients with dementia, who were agitated and uncommunicative prior to Laser's appearance, calmed down and became talkative with each other and the staff after a visit from my therapeutic feline partner. It has been our hospice visits, though, that I consider the most challenging and rewarding of all our Pet Partner experiences. One day, I got a phone call telling me about a hospice patient at a nearby nursing home who had requested a visit by a cat. At the time, only one cat - Laser - actively participated in the local program. Even so, my first inclination was to make some excuse not to do it. I have always had issues with death and dying, and a hard time talking about it to anyone, but I quickly realized how selfish I was being - the poor woman was dying, and all she asked was that I bring my cat to visit. I said yes. A few days later, we made our first visit. Mrs. P. was ninety-one years old, and although her body was weak, her mind was still very sharp. It was a little awkward at first (what do you say to a perfect stranger who knows she's dying?), but Laser was a great conversation catalyst. He crawled into bed with her and curled up right next to her hip - exactly where her hand could rest on his back. She told me stories about the cat she and her husband had years ago. "See you next week," she said as we got up to leave. We visited every Sunday during the three months that followed, and a real friendship developed between us. Mrs. P. would excitedly exclaim, "Laser!" every time we appeared at her door and "See you next week!" every time we left. She had been gradually getting weaker, but, one week when we arrived to see her, I was distressed to see that her condition had deteriorated significantly. Still, she smiled and said, "Laser!" when we walked into the room. She complained of being cold, even though the room was warm, and when Laser cuddled up close to her, she said, "Oh, he's so warm - it feels so good." We had a nice visit, even though Mrs. P. wasn't feeling very well. Her hand never left Laser's back. As we left, she said her usual, "See you next week," and I hoped that was true. The next Saturday, a phone call informed me that Mrs. P. was going downhill rapidly, and that she probably wouldn't live more than another few days. I asked if we should still come for our visit, and the nurse told me that she thought that would be wonderful. When we arrived, it was obvious that Mrs. P. was dying. She was fading in and out of consciousness, but when she noticed that Laser and I were beside her bed, she smiled and whispered, "Laser." She was having a very hard time breathing, so I told her not to try to talk; we would just sit quietly and keep her company. Laser took his spot on the bed next to her hip, and Mrs. P. rested her hand on his soft back. Neither of them moved from that position for the entire length of our visit. This time, when we got up to leave, Mrs. P. whispered, "Thank you." She knew that there would be no "next week" for us. A couple of days later, I got the phone call telling me that Mrs. P. had died. I was sad - our weekly visits had been so wonderful - but I was glad that she was no longer in pain. I remembered how I had considered declining to make the hospice visits and was so grateful that I had not. In our seventh year as a Pet Partner team, Laser and I still make visits to several facilities. Laser, the little cat that nobody wanted, is as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside, and he continues to brighten the lives of everyone he meets. -<>- ,(()). ,;;;;. __ ________ _____ ___ ((_ _));'_`'_( _| __ __ __ _| _| _| __ __ () \ /)\ ) / (_|__ _|-_| _(_|(_|(_|__ _|-- ((\ O(() \ O / _____(_|(_|_____________(_|_ SSt >Gems for the Soul "Tina Turner sings a hit called "What's love got to do with it?" When it comes to success and relationships, I think love has a lot to do with it. I love what I do. I made a promise to myself not to live an unlived life after seeing my Mother pass from breast cancer. I have been able to press pass adversity, surgery, loss of family and friends, financial lean times, critics, loneliness, exhaustion, self-doubt, disappointments, setbacks, at times underpaid and overlooked. Because I love what I do, I persevere. Every family has its share of drama, different views and lifestyles, misunderstandings, divorce, distance, demands and pain. I have had my share like everyone else. But I love my family. When you love what you're doing or who you are with, your passion helps you to endure. You're more likely to press on and push yourself when someone else would give up because they lack passion. When you love someone or love what you're doing... you will do more than you think you can do. When you're passionate about achieving a goal, you will have the enthusiasm, faith and endurance to make it. You can see it. You can feel it. You are committed. You believe you can achieve it in spite of ridicule or rejection. I agree with author Marsha Sinetar..."When you do what you love and you do it well, the money will follow." What ever or whoever has your time, I hope your heart is in it. If it isn't, anything or anyone can discourage or distract you. Small steps toward your goal are better than no steps. Strive for progress ... not perfection". Jewel Diamond Taylor -<>- >CLICK These Links for Your Enjoyment: Amazing Trivia Facts http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/triviafacts.html In The Pink!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/inthepink.html Cameo Dogs!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babypucker.html Pucker Up, Baby!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babypucker.html Fairy Tale Homes!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/fairytale.html Feeding The Eagles!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/eaglefeeding.html Bobcat On A Cactus!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bobcatoncactus.html Fire Rainbow Cloud!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/firerainbow.html Real Fantasy Trees 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/trees2.html Military WWII Posters http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/militarywwii.html Dirty Car Art http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/carart.html The Bible http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thebible.html -<>- >From Our Friend LouiseA :) The United States Marine Band plays "The Stars and Stripes Forever" in this patriotic music video. Known as "The President's Own", the United States Marine Band performed this march by John Philip Sousa in 2009 to create a music video for National Museum of the Marine Corps gallery. The United States Marine Band is comprised of professional musicians who enlist for four years beginning with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Unlike other Marines, they do not attend Boot Camp and are only assigned to the Marine Band for the length of their enlistment. Semper Fi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-7XWhyvIpE&feature=player_embedded Dogs may act like we're always their superiors, and in some things we are, but that doesn't mean we don't have much we can learn from them in kind. Dogs are pure, they can hold on to the best of emotions or let go of bad ones with a swing of the tail. They forgive quickly and forget fast, and always show the love that is in their hearts. Yes, we can learn a lot from man's best friend. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PKotol5koDA This Golden Retriever magician performs an illusion that will most likely make you replay the short video to see just how it was done. A lot of credit must be given to the magicians dog assistant for disappearing and then reappearing so well. I'm sure these two dogs are very proud of themselves and have a fine career performing at kids birthday parties ahead of them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4buAI39XTCQ&feature=player_embedded --- ...Nice Links! Thanks LouiseA! Visit Melissa's Online Store You can get anything you want (except for Melissa ) at the online store http://pdhomes.net/mall/babylissa/mySTORES/ISELL4.html ========================================================== __ | +| ,,,|__| $$$ , , $$C > $$$; _< _______/ /_ ___ | |__` \~/o\ _,]-]___]-----> | / \( ) )\/.-// _( \ ) / \ | //| / ,/ \/ '/ o \ / o \ /______/\_\ \ || / \ || / \ || / / )( \ |/ \| :] [: o| |o /o| |o\ b'ger `-' `-' >With Her Help Story Editor: by Mark J. Mitchell Joyce Schowalter California, USA Dad was diagnosed with small-cell cancer, terminal. "Enjoy what life I have left," he said. He had three good years before his downhill slide. Then a family call said it was time to head north to see Dad as his time drew near. I booked a flight as soon as possible to meet my brother Paul and my sister Claudia in Sacramento. One can imagine my mood as the plane cut through the air. No smiles for anyone on this "bummer trip". I sourly walked through the Sacramento terminal, in no hurry to get anywhere -- especially the hospital. Ahead was a woman with a little girl on her shoulder looking backwards at me. Out of nowhere this girl's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Out of her mouth came one word: "Santa!" Now, I've got long silver white hair, a full beard and mustache, and while I'm not the fat man always depicted, I fit this little girl's vision of Santa Claus. Stopping dead in her tracks, her mother spun around. As she started to apologize for her daughter's outburst, I put my finger to my lips and said, "Sshh! I'm on vacation!" The little girl broke out into a great big smile and shook her head yes. Her mother only smiled and walked away. Her daughter gazed back with her big smile shining. Her smile changed my mood -- and my life. I put it in mind that I wouldn't show Dad anything but a smiling face. At the hospital, I found myself needing the facilities. While washing up, I thought of a way to lighten up the situation. Taking ten feet of toilet paper, I stuffed one end into my pants. I had a tail. Out the door I went -- much to Paul and Claudia's astonishment. Claudia piped up, "Mark, do you know what you have following you?" "Yep," I said. "That I do." "Oh, jeez," said Paul. Arrows painted on walls led to the ICU. All along the way people pointed and laughed. I continued on my way like there was nothing wrong with this world. A glance over my shoulder showed Paul and Claudia following quite distantly. The ICU nurses nearly busted a gut laughing. They pointed at Dad's room, and off I went. Howls of laughter followed me. Dad was sitting up, trying to see what all the commotion was. Taking one look at me standing in the doorway, he said, "I should have known it was you!" I walked to his bedside, gave him a big hug and kiss and told him how much I loved him. Later, Dad called Mom over for a kiss. He said, "See you in Paradise, honey," and away he went. I wish I could thank that little girl. Without her help, I would have been in tears and not much good to Dad. Because of her, Christmas took on a new meaning, which I try to keep alive throughout the year. "Peace on Earth, good will to all." =======HeroicStories======= >-->From Kidwarmers: .---. .---. ( -o- )---( -o- ) ;-...-` `-...-; / \ / \ | /_ _\ | \`'.`'"--.....--"'`.'`/ \ '. `._.` .' / _.-''. `-.,___,.-` .''-._ `--._ `'-._______.-'` _.--` jgs / \ /.-'`\ .'. /`'-.\ ` '.' '.' ` >FUNNY THINGS KIDS SAY Charlie, 4, and Sawyer, almost 2 and large for his age, came in from playing outside. As they walked in the door Charlie was holding his head and crying. His mother asked, "What happened?" He replied, "I got hit with a rock." His mother said, "Sawyer, did you hit him in the head with a rock?" Sawyer yelled, "I had to! We were playing David and Goliath!" (Charlie is fine.) - Amanda Tonagel (mother of Charlie and Sawyer) of Syracuse, Indiana Max, 7, was eating dinner at his grandmother's house. He was hungry and ate everything on his plate, so his grandmother remarked that he was a member of the "Clean Plate Club." Max looked at her without a comment. When it was time to go home, he asked, "Nana, what was the name of that club you told me I'm a member of?" - Sandi Pound (grandmother of Max) of Lehigh, Florida Dawn is visiting her aunt in Illinois. Her cousin's daughter Anna was eating chicken nuggets at home when she asked her mom for some "Q-Bar sauce" to put in her chicken. Anna got very indignant when people started laughing. - Dawn Keen of New Mexico When Madison (Maddie), now 13 was about 3, she loved the bright yellow color of mustard. At lunch each day, she would insist on Nanna putting mustard on her sandwich. Every day, Nanna reminded Maddie that she didn't like mustard, and when Maddie took her first bite, she would make a face and say, "I don't like moos tard, Nanna." They repeated this ritual for several days before she finally became convinced that she gave up on mustard. - Dennis Smith (PawPaw) of Oak Ridge, North Carolina Here are some more stories from PawPaw. Lark Amelia VonSeggen turned 3 in February, and she is very conscious of her full legal name. Nanna asked her, "Do you know your mother's whole name?" Lark replied, "Sure, Mom VonSeggen." Koen, 5, must be addicted to pizza, but he eats only cheese pizza. Pepperoni pizza was in the oven when he said, "I don't like pepperoni on my pizza, because it makes me "nervous." Nanna removed the pepperonis and put them on PawPaw's pizza. Everyone was happy! __ __ / '. .' \ | |`\ \ / /`| | \.--' '-' '--./ .' .-'"'"'-. '. / .-(((( ))))-. \ .' / =/_o/___\o_\= \ '. .' / .-' '-. \ '. / / / \ \ \ / | \ \ / / | \ | \ /-`.__.__.`-\ / | \ \ ` \.-./ ` / / \ '-._ , '-' , _.-' / '. /()`'-'-=-'-'`()\ .' jgs `/`\ '()()()()()() /`\` Nanna and PawPaw were on the couch sharing a bag of popcorn and drinking diet sodas. After sampling their popcorn, Lark picked up PawPaw's canned diet soda and took a drink. She set it back in the holder and said, "I spilled it in my mouth!" Amy took the kids for a smoothie. While waiting in line, a very tall young man walked in and was standing behind them. Wyatt, 6, asked the man, "How tall are you?" He replied, "Six feet, 10 inches." Wyatt then asked, "Are you in heaven?" Wyatt is on the autism spectrum and lives in a literal world. - Sent to Amy Harrison of Fort Wayne, Indiana, by her sister sister Sue Serrato, of Maumee, Ohio. Ella, 3, said, "Mom, you don't have to throw trash away. You can uncycle it!" She meant recycle. - Erin Doucette (mother of Ella and Eva) of Fort Wayne, Indiana Josh, 13, and Brian, 12, were getting ready to take a train ride to Illinois to visit their grandma and grandpa. To prepare for the ride, Brian was filling out the ID card in his wallet. When he got to blood type, he asked, "Should I put warm-blooded?" - James Tew of Kendallville, Indiana Josh had got in trouble for a minor altercation with his brother, and as punishment had to write a short essay on the appropriate way to deal with anger. He ended by saying that next time if he had an issue he would talk to Mom, because if he had handled it that way "then I would not be in trouble, and Brian would be writing this essay." Jordan, 5, spent the night with Christina. She does a lot of crafts so they spent hours coloring, painting, playing with stickers, etc. Jordan was writing all over a piece of paper, and told Christina she was writing a letter. Christina looked at her paper and it was a bunch of squiggles. Jordan said, "You can't read it, I am writing in Chinese." -Christina Hicks (Jordan's aunt) of Paducah, Kentucky _ /X \ _------_ / \ | | | | | __ __) | / \/ \ /\/\ (o )o ) /c \__/ --. \_ _-------' | / \ | | '\_______) | \_____) |_____ | |_____/\/\ / \ Colton, 8, was discussing with his grandmother the merits of buying a package of Star Wars toys in a two-pack versus a single pack for six dollars. Of course, being the senior citizen that Peggy is, she mentioned the fact that candy bars were a dollar now, and when she was his age they were only a nickel. Colton gave her a wide-eyed, innocent look and said, "How come, Grandma, didn't they make dollars then?" -Peggy Verburg of Angola, Indiana Zelma was babysitting her neighbor Cheyenne, 2. Cheyenne was eating doughnuts. After two doughnuts, Cheyenne asked, "Can I have more doughnuts, Zelma?" Zelma replied, "No, you might get sick." Cheyenne said, "OK, Zelma," and walked away. About five minutes later she came back said, "I know, Zelma. You can get a doughnut and share with me, OK?" - Zelma Feltner of Kendallville, Indiana Here is another story from Zelma. Breann, 5, is the granddaughter of Zelma and Lloyd. Breann went with Zelma and her mom to get Grandpa a birthday present and a cake. She was so excited when she put candles on the cake, but Grandpa was walking around singing, not paying attention to her. Breann said to Zelma, "That Grandpa sure is a crazy little Birthday Boy!" On Christmas a few years ago Aliza was playing with Grandpa who was drinking a beer. When he had finished he asked Aliza to please take the bottle to the kitchen. She put her hands on her little hips and said, "Grandpa, that' is not my responsibility," and went back to playing. -Delbert and Mary Cortner (grandparents of Aliza) of Kendallville, Indiana Jean's granddaughters were spending the night after Jean and her husband celebrated their 58th anniversary. Jean remarked to Kaylea, 7, that she could never please her PawPaw no matter what she bought him. Jean's husband was standing behind Kaylea's chair, and she looked up at him and said, "Then don't get him anything else." -Grandmother Jean Felfe of Spicewood, Texas Beth's teenage grandson Devon took over babysitting his 8-year-old sister Lydia when all of the adults had to be elsewhere. He even said he'd make supper for her. Lydia later reported to Beth that he was a great babysitter. "He made me robin noodles!" Lydia said. (Beth bets they were much tastier than the Ramen noodles she usually has!) - Beth Fryer of Lebanon, Pennsylvania \ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ / \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ | | | | | | | | | __----__ __----__ | |/ \ / \| | | | | --|\ * / \ * /|-- / | --____-- --____-- | \ | (-| / \ |-) | \ |. \____/ .| / --/ \-- / \ `--______________________--' \_ _/ `---__ __---' `----' It was Nancy's birthday so her 15-year-old daughter Bridget fixed dinner for her. Bridget doesn't like to use the oven, but she did. She also used the microwave. She put candles (the re-lighting kind, which almost made Nancy hyperventilate) in mini-eclairs, because Nancy didn't want to be tempted to have a whole cake around. After dinner she cleaned up everything and put the dishes in the sink. Nancy walked out to the kitchen to clean up the dishes. Bridget asked where Nancy was going and Nancy told her. Her response was "no, no, no!" Nancy thought that meant she was going to clean up! Bridget said, "Wait until morning, then it won't be your birthday anymore!" - Nancy Stoll of Negaunee, Michigan Miri, 4, kept running up to Grandpa while he was watching TV and throwing herself at his body and hugging him. Grandpa would put his arms around her and hug her and say "I love you, Miri!" Miri would say, "I love you, too" then go and play for about 5 minutes and then run back to her Grandpa and hug him again, so Grandpa would hug her and tell her again, "I love you." After about the fourth or fifth time of hugging Grandpa and having him hug her back and say, "I love you," she stood up and said, "I wish you would quit saying that, I'm getting tired of hearing it." -Grandparents Linda and Larry Willis of Altus, Oklahoma Here is another Miri story. When Grandpa got a haircut, which he badly needed, Miri looked at him and just stared. He asked, "How do you like my haircut?" Miri stood there a minute and finally said, "It's just wrong, Grandpa, just wrong!" During a power outage of 11 days in Marlow, Okla., people were trying to keep warm however they could. The Hales were lucky enough to have a fireplace and wood, so Susan's husband, Matthew, started a fire. He asked their son Jacob, 7, if he was doing OK. Jacob's reply: "I have a cat and I am warm, and the fire makes me warm. Warm plus warm equals Totally Warm!" - Susan Hale Marlow, Oklahoma /`. /\ _/ `..'_ J._-*"; +*" ( X ) | `. " " :._ .' , , / .' \ _L L_/ / `. -..' `.' `.-' `+ ; * :__* : / `.__.' ).' :__. _ " ) ; (c .*"*, ,_ _ '"'T / o`: ) l_.--. _ : : [bug] ,-`.__.\_\ `..*__..--'; .*' ( "*-' ;**--..__.;_ ""')"" :_. *-+, ("*- ._| __..-\ +-* "*+ ;..__ ;**"" `\ \ +*'_.* ""**+ : `* `*" / \ . . ; : ; : ` ' \ / .`- \ : ; . ; : : : ; ' \ / _..-*"`- `-. ( ) `*-..__..---..___.'`*-*" Susan's daughter, Taylor, 2, came into the kitchen looking for a snack. She climbed on and off the table, then took off down the hall. A few minutes later, she returned, complaining, "That a YUCKY apple, Mama." Susan offered her a new snack, and she took it and went to the living room to watch TV. A short while later, as Susan went to check her e-mail, she found her "yucky apple." Sitting on the computer desk was an orange with a small bite missing from the peel! Note: You are welcomed to use, copy and share these stories, but please reference http://www.funnykids.com as the source. ========================================================== ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy >-->PORTRAIT OF A FRIEND I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears. But I can listen to you and together we will search for answers. I can't change your past with all its heartache and pain, Nor the future with its untold stories. But I can be there now when you need me to care. I can't keep your feet from stumbling. I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall . Your joys, triumphs, success, and happiness are not mine; Yet I can share in your laughter. Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge; I can only support you, encourage you, and help you when you ask. I can't prevent you from falling away from friendship, from your values, from me. I can only pray for you, talk to you, and wait for you. I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you, But I can give you the room to change, room to grow, room to be yourself. I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting, But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces and put them back in place. I can't tell you who you are. I can only love you and be your friend. --Author Unknown (¯`v´¯) `*.¸.*´ ¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨) (¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`•. 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