A Week to Remember

This week started out with a day off. Good, huh? Sushi let me sleep in until 5:30 am and then decided we needed to go walking. After watching movies until 11:00 am I decided to wake Stacey so we could get a few last minute items taken care of. She wasn't happy but grudgingly agreed that we should probably get started. We did bank, Petsmart, lunch, Walmart, T-Mobile store and a couple of others that escape me for the moment.Finished packing her bags and got them in the car ready for the early dash to the airport. We got everything accomplished that we set out to do and got to bed. Next morning I find that she didn't sleep a wink - crazy child but she's young and would survive the next 24 hours without a hitch. We got to the airport with time to spare and I managed to drop her off without a wave of tears (waited until later for that!) Received word later that she had made her connection with no problem, got the hotel and her meetings which lasted until 8:00 pm then dinner and back to hotel to grab a couple of hours sleep before heading to the airport for her continued journey to Panama. That day which was Wednesday was the day that we go to church. As JC & I walked toward the front door, I took a misstep on the sidewalk (wheelchair accessible ramp type) and took a nose dive into the concrete. The concrete didn't give. I never stumbled - just went one second from being vertical to totally horizontal in a split second. It totally knocked the air out of me which rendered me quite speechless (my husband will always remember that moment in time!) Then the blood started pooling on the ground by my head which did cause me a bit of concern. People started appearing around me and sirens and flashing lights appeared in the church parking lot. Firemen are really cute even though they are young enough to be my childen. Long story cut shorter - I spent the next 5 hours in the emergency room getting a cat scan (nothing broken) and finally they "super glued" my chin back in place and let me go home. The next morning I was very stiff and sore but went to work. In retrospect I probably should have stayed home that day but I'm a trooper so I went. One of my carpool buddies said that I was "underwriting under the influence". My agents should appreciate the "blue light special" quotes that they got that day. Friday was a better day and I was feeling better. Today is Sat. and Sushi let me sleep in until 7:00 am. It's already a better day. All in all, life is good. I'm feeling better and Stacey is in Panama safe & sound and starting a new life-changing experience and I am very happy for her.

She leaves this morning for Panama via Miami - leaving DC at 7:35 am and arriving in Panama at 1:30 pm Her schedule looks to be very tight and she had to check out of the hotel at 2:30 am today. Please say a prayer for her today that she stays strong and alert.

She's OFF!

Stacey is off and flying! 3:00 am came early but with much anticipation. We left the house at 3:55 am (ETD was 4:00 am) and arrived at Hobby at 4:42 am. I dumped her off at the curb and watched her walk through the doors with backpack, duffel, carryon and camera case (her sole possessions). For each of you reading this, please say a prayer for her safe arrival in DC (should be there by 11:30 am) and that her bags get there when she does. Only 30 minute connection in Atlanta. You can be proud - I didn't cry until I got to the office at 5:15 am (nobody around - thank goodness!) Stacey - I love you!!! Enjoy the next 27 months and know you are in my prayers daily.

Thanks to all that braved the rain and flooding to attend Stacey's party. Trenton & Sushi were the entertainment for the afternoon. The food was good and Gabby & Jaime were able to practice their English. A delightful couple! Today is packing day at Stacey's. I'm sure all will go well and maybe squeeze in time for a little nap!!

Today is Stacey's farewell party before she leaves for D.C. Tuesday morning at 6:00 am!!! I can hardly contain myself because I get to wake her up about 3:00 am to head for the airport. Reminds me of vacations in my past getting up before daylight just so we could be "down the road" before the sun comes up. She will be headed for D.C. before I get to work. Just one more chance to give her my "packing tips". Hope something sticks in her head. Looking forward to seeing family and her coworkers and friends. It's raining today but that's okay. She will have to get used to the rain. Will post some pictures later tonight of the bash!

Less than 1 month before my "baby" leaves for Panama. Seems like yesterday when she was just starting to fill out the application and start the process. Something reminiscent of a roller coaster ride - for sure! Guess that's what moms are for - to be the stable influence. I've never doubted that the Peace Corps was right for Stacey. I know that she will grow in many ways as she experiences each new day - meeting new friends, eating new foods, speaking a foreign language (which I could be a fly on the wall to hear that!). Exciting times ahead for my little girl. I wish her God Speed and look forward to reading of her experiences.

LETTING GO

Being in the insurance industry, I find that everyday is a new challenge. As one of my past bosses used to say "there are no such things as problems only challenges and opportunities". That was almost 30 years ago and it was true then and true now. I've seen my fair share of them. One challenge that all people must face at one time or the other is Letting Go. Please read below for some instructions how to accomplish this.

Perhaps it is letting go of a rebellious child or a burden of sorrow, losing a loved one or learning to live with a heartache we just cannot let go of. Read this over. Study it. Pray over it and you will allow your spirit to soar - to be free, to completely give to God... and let the work be done within you where the need is anyway.

To let go doesn't mean to stop caring,
it means I can't do it for someone else

To let go is not to cut myself off,
it is the realization that I can't control another

To let go is not to enable,
but to allow learning from natural consequences

To let go is to admit powerlessness,
which means the outcome is not in my hands

To let go is not to try to change or blame another,
I can only change myself

To let go is not to care for,
but to care about

To let go is not to fix,
but to be supportive

To let go is not to judge,
But to allow another to be a human being

To let go is not to be in the middle arranging outcomes,
But to allow others to effect their own outcomes

To let go is not to be protective
It is to permit another to face reality

To let go is not to deny,
bu to accept

To let go is not to nag, scold, or argue
but to search out my own shortcomings and to correct them

To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires,
but to take each day as it comes and to cherish the amount

To let go is not to criticize and regulate anyone,
but to try to become what I dream I can be

To let go is not to regret the past,
but to grow and live for the future.

I will probably have this memorized before Stacey leaves for Panama.