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Our Little Secret Vincent Hayes 10/15/2002 OUR LITTLE SECRET While it was early on a Wednesday morning, when I realized it was my turn to get the children ready for the day. I had just finished getting Megan, my 2 month old daughter, dressed and ready, when her Mom quoted the time. This was to let me know that I still had Alexander, my 5 year old Son, to prepare. I gently nudged him to get him to wake up, that's when I heard the first whine. Based on past experiences I knew he would be hard to wake, to say the least. But, I was not prepared for the whining that followed. Alexander said " I'm not feeling good and I don't want to go to school today". This went on for the entire duration of the morning routine to the point that he woke the dog. Well, by this time, I knew his Mom was on the verge of "putting the smack down" at any moment. So seeing it coming, I made a "deal" with my Son. I advised Alexander that I was working from home today, and that I would be there when he got home and that we would have all day to play. He whispered, "Can we ride the skateboard"? Upon hearing this I hesitated, because his Mom had forbid him to ride the skateboard standing up. So, just to get him started on his day, I said "Sure". He hurried along and got himself ready to go. The whole time he was smiling as if he had a secret. His Mom hustled him into the car, and just before the car door shut, he confirmed "when I get home you'll be here and we can play all day?" Once again I said "Sure". As the day went on, I began to get excited about the prospect of riding the skateboard. While working on the days work, I heard the garage door raise. This the warning that Alexander was on his way in the house. My wife dropped off both Megan and Alexander, then continued on her way back to her office. As soon as Megan fell asleep, Alexander and I began to gather up all the gear necessary to RIDE. Now my son has only seen me ride, he has never been on a skateboard before. So, in order to save time, I showed him how to ride on one knee and to push with the other foot. He caught on to that real fast. I also showed him how to sit on the board and push with hands then lay on his back (i.e. Luge). Alexander enjoyed that the most. While watching him go from the top of the driveway to the bottem, about 12 yards, I could not help but to recall doing this in my Parents driveway with my brothers. I also remember the anixity my Mom must of felt when she saw us going down the hill in the middle of the street. When this feeling hit me, I told Alexander not to let the skateboard go into the street. He said "I WON'T!!" Through the baby monitor I could hear Megan start to wake up. I told Alexander to put the skateboard away, and that will RIDE again another time. He was so happy, he could not stop grinning. Seeing his enthusiasm, I advised Alexander to keep the adventure of the day our little secret. We got Megan ready for dinner, and I had it prepared just in time for thier mother to walk through the door. As we were having a lovley chicken dinner, my Wife asked Alexander how was his day with daddy. Before I could run interfearance, Alexander let our little secret out. Everything. From all the tricks I had taught him until how I let some water get in Megan's face while I was giving her a bath. He just let it fly. I tried to avoid eye contact with my Wife, but I could see her stairing at me with that "how could you" look. Will, she made Alexander take his bath and go to bed early, without the usual bedtime book. As for Me, I was instructed to clean up the kitchen, including scrubbing the pots and pans. As I completed my "punishment work", I ran upstairs to check on Alexander and to give him a piece of my mind for Ratting Me out like that. When I turned the corner to enter his room, he still had the light on looking at my old skateboarding magazines. I sat down next to him and began to join him in reading the magazines. I could not bring myself to be mad, cause he was just being a boy. Before I left the room and turned off the light, I had promised him that the next time we RIDE, I'll teach him how to ride STANDING UP! Father of a Boy, Andre V. Hayes Stone Mountain, Ga ////////////////////////////////////////////////// EDITORS COMMENTS What a delightful story! We see the "silver lining" as the way this father handled what would have been a child with a "broken heart", and turned it into a very happy "learning experience". God answers even unvoiced prayers Carol Stahl October 14, 2002 We've always attended the International Truck Show held in Las Vegas every year. For a while the show was held in May and then it was moved to June. We used to drive to the show, but since we enjoy riding motorcycles (I'm a passenger on my husband's bike)we decided it would be a nice ride once a year to Las Vegas. In 2000 we made a trip first to Disneyland, and then decided to leave early in the morning for the rest of our trip to Vegas in order to beat the HOT desert heat. Well, we didn't quite make it. It was stifling by the time we reached Barstow where we stopped to buy some refrigerated water to take with us. We weren't even ten minutes outside Barstow when the water was already warm. If any of you have been between Barstow and Baker, which is a small town before reaching Vegas, and known as the gateway to Death Valley, you know there are not many places to stop along the way. Although I had the bottled water, a bottle of Gatorade, and a "mister," which I used to spray water on my arms and face, I still wasn't getting any breeze while I was sitting behind my husband, and I literally thought I was going to fall off the bike and die because of the heat. By the time we reached Baker the temperature had risen to 117 degrees. I told my husband to go on to Vegas without me since I was about to pass out from heat stroke and couldn't have made the rest of the ride with him in that kind of heat. I told him that after he had checked into the hotel, and later in the evening when the weather had cooled somewhat, that he could come back and pick me up. They have some nice air-conditioned restaurants in Baker, and I was fine just sitting there and cooling off. Well, he didn't go for that idea, but our son had rented a car to drive to the truck show and he had already arrived in Vegas. We were finally able to reach him and have him come back to Baker to pick me up and drive me the rest of the way to Vegas. Our son, however, after the truck show was continuing his vacation, while we were heading home. I didn't know how I would be able to make it back through that heat again. But that was something to think about later. We'd arrived safely in Vegas and I was cooling down in our hotel room. Every year at the truck show, which runs for three days, at the end of each day a name is drawn for some lucky person to win a pick-up truck. Every year my husband and son, since you can only enter if you have a commercial driver's license, have gotten their slips of paper validated at various vendor's booths, and placed their names in the barrel hoping to win the truck. You guessed it, on the first day of the 2000 show my husband's name was called! He'd won a 2000 F-150 Ford truck, one with a bed long enough to put his motorcycle in so we could drive home in an air-conditioned vehicle! It was truly a miracle, and an answer to an unvoiced prayer. Silver lining? God was with us every step of the way. Trust in Him. He'll take care of you. Since then we've taken the truck down to the show. And, as it turned out, because of the economy 2000 was the last year that they gave trucks away at the end of each day's show. BEACHES, BENCHES AND BUTTERFLIES Colette Rousseau September 17, 2002 And what, you may ask, is the connection here? Well, let me explain. On Wednesday, September 4, this year, two online friends who were visiting Long Island, NY came to visit me. One I had met before, the other I had only talked to on the phone. I live out east on Long Island's south shore, about 50 miles from Montauk Point. My friends decided they wanted to see the lighthouse there, at the easternmost point of Long Island; it is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. The ride out there was pleasant; althought quite hot, the car had air-conditioning, so we were comfortable. Once at the Montauk Point Lighthouse, we parked the car and walked a short distance to the walkway that leads up to the lighthouse itself. They were not interested in seeing it except from that vantage point; but they walked down a wide dirt path, to see the view of the ocean there. Since I have arthritis, the walk there (downhill) and back (uphill) was out of the question for me. So, I sat on one of the four well-weathered wooden benches provided for visitors. I then noticed that each of the benches had names carved neatly into the backrest. The names on two were of victims of September 11, 2001; the names on the other two were of New York City firemen who had lost their lives during the rescue efforts that day. I stood there, running my fingers over the names, and said a prayer for the families, who had so lovingly left offerings of flowers and other mementos: a fireman's pin, a small ceramic figurine of a fireman's head, complete with hat and shield. I returned to the bench where I had been sitting, and was just relaxing, enjoying the cool ocean breezes. Then, my eyes were drawn to two small butterflies, bright lime green in color, as they flew together in what became apparent to me was a pattern, repeated over and over. A mating dance? A dance of the pure joy of being alive? I have no idea ... all I know is that as they flew around and around each other, I was totally captivated by the sheer beauty of the "dance" they were performing. I watched as they flew ever higher and higher, until I could see them no more. My friends returned to where I was sitting, expressing some concern that I had been left alone. I tried to tell them about the butterflies "dancing," but mere words couldn't convey my feelings. All I know is, I was glad to be alive. The memory of the simple pleasures of that day is one I will return to many times in my life. My Life and What we all can accomplish Dee Claypool Sept. 6th,2002 Well not sure where to start but at the beginning. In July of 99 I had a major stroke, that left my left side inoperable. I have had to learn everything all over again, from letters, muners, walking talking and all. I am not all the way there yet, but I have survived this. I learn each and everyday and don't give up. Thanks to my husband whom has stood behind me and my children to help me along the way. With the stroke, my personality has changed a lot, and from what I have been told for the better. My long term memory is gone and I do not remember anything from before the stroke, my short term memory is iffy, but I get through it all. I guess the sad part of it all is, I don't remember giving birth to my children or marrying my wonderful husband. I work and struggle each and every day to make life what it is. I am who I am and what I have become and I have accepted this. This is part of my life, some days it is harder then others. My family gives me strength and the lord as well. I have survied. and I and so glad that I did. There are some things, I would like to tell you but now sure I have enough space to do so. Like the first time I seen snow and the amazment of it's beauty. When fall hit and wonderful colors that are in this world. I have to expierence it all again and it was wonderful and so very beautiful. There are things in our life that happen, but we just need to keep going, work hard to improve ourself and thank god, that life is as wonderful as it is. Thank you AUTHOR UNKNOWN.......... Her name was Mrs. Thompson and his was 'Teddy'. As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. But that was impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard. Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. And Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers. At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise. Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners ... he is a joy to be around." His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle." His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death had been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken." Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class". By now, Mrs Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag. Mrs Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, and writing, and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets." A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs.Thompson that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had in his whole life. Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer - The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD. The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that spring. Teddy said he'd met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the place at the wedding that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs.Thompson's ear, "Thank you, Mrs. Thompson, for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference." Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you." Warm someone's heart today ... pass this along. Please remember that wherever you go, and whatever you do, you will have the opportunity to touch and/or change a person's outlook. And please try to do it in a positive way. "Friends lift us to our feet ." Linda's Pocket Full of Miracles Jeanette M. Pintar Linda is a neat woman. She's a widow, a mother, a grandmother. She's a friend, a mentor, a teacher of life. She's also an entrepreneur. That's how I met Linda - when I needed help keeping my apartment, I was told to give her a call. I don't know about Linda's formal education, but I can tell you the life she's led has been an education in and of itself. She's been in some pretty humbling situations and has done a lot to be proud of. She's lived in what most folks consider poverty, she's lived high on the hog, and pretty much every where in between. Linda is a lesson in life. She's also a lesson in faith and miracles. The last few years have been a struggle for Linda. After her husband died, she found herself taking care of a lot of things she had never done before. In the process, she fell behind with her taxes and had to declare personal bankruptcy. Linda's never made money the most important thing in life. Then again, when there doesn't seem to be enough to pay the bills, every little bit matters. But not enough to block out Linda's generosity. After working hard all week, Linda still finds the time and energy to cook up a feast for her family. Her children, her grandchildren, her siblings and their families know that Linda has an open door and a hearty pot of food waiting for them every weekend. So do her friends. Somehow, she always manages to have enough. That's why it didn't surprise me when Linda told me about helping out a hungry woman who had asked her for food. Things were really tight, but against her daughter's advice, Linda made the decision to share what meager fortune she had. And then with a chuckle, she added, "Besides, I kept hearing that phrase from the Bible about entertaining strangers for you never know when you're in the company of angels… or Jesus himself." Linda wasn't sure why that came to her - as she put it, she's never really been "religious." It had been a difficult week all around for Linda. On the way out the door after cleaning a very important client's apartment, the industrial-sized vacuum bag exploded all over, sending dust into every room they had just cleaned. So she and her "girls" started the work over again. (Linda has a way of "adopting" the people that work for her… she not only pays them a salary, but respect, dignity, and unconditional love.) Frustrated and late for their next appointment, they tried to leave again - only to have the vacuum explode in the exact same place! That was more than enough for Linda. "God," she said, "I don't know if the devil's out there trying to get me at this point, but if he is, please watch out for me and take him out of my life." By the time Linda and the girls left it was too late to make their next appointment so they headed home, but got stuck in the middle of an intersection when the light turned red. Thinking the car at the cross section would allow her to complete her turn, Linda started to turn left. Instead she received a loud blare of the horn and was almost run over. Then it got worse… a large semi was trying to turn - as he pulled forward and started to maneuver the big rig around the corner, the back end swung out and was coming straight for Linda. Granted her car wasn't as nice as some folks', but she's certainly couldn't afford to have it smashed, much less endanger the girls' lives. She tried to back up, thinking the woman behind her would adjust lane position, seeing what was about to happen. Linda just barely avoided being hit by the truck, but had a fender bender with the car behind her. An eloquently dressed woman stepped out of her brand new Luxury Lexus. She looked at Linda, looked at both cars, and said, "No damage, no problem. It's OK, just have a safe drive home." Linda was grateful to the woman and grateful to God. "Thank You, Lord!" Returning home, Linda took the time to look at her daughter's finances. She and her husband were separated. He still loved her and their children, but his job took him on the road often, and Linda's daughter preferred her independence to waiting for someone who was never there. After carefully going through the numbers, it became apparent that her husband needed to pitch in more to support the children's needs. Linda called him on the phone and explained the situation. He agreed and said he'd be over in a few hours. The horn honking in the driveway was familiar. "Daddy" was here and his son ran out eager to greet him. He hugged his son and said "Here's all I have for now. Please give this $60.00 to Nanna and tell her I'll call later to explain everything." The child brought the money to Linda as his father drove out of the driveway. Three wrinkled $20.00 bills. Sixty dollars wasn't much, but every penny counted at this point. Linda set the money on the end-table next to the couch and sat down to read her book while waiting for the phone call. Finally, a bit after midnight, the phone rang. "I'm sorry all I have is that $60.00 right now. I was on the road for almost 6 weeks and got behind in my bills. I'll have more on Friday and will bring it by." That was a satisfactory answer for Linda. She knew the children's father well enough to know he was telling the truth. She picked up the three $20.00 bills and slipped them into her pocket sweater, grabbed her book, and went to bed… thanking God that although their finances were quite meager that they still had abundance in their lives. The next morning, Linda was asked to pick up some dry cleaning. She and her client looked at the dry-cleaner's slip, which said "5.00." He gave her the exact $5.00 and Linda left to pick up his slacks. When she gave the attendant the slip, she was told it would $8.50. "But what about the $5.00 it says right here?" Linda asked. "Oh, that's not five dollars, that's five o'clock… that's when they were ready for pick up." Linda wasn't too happy with the answer, but could understand the situation. She reached into her pocket for one of the $20.00 bills, knowing her client would reimburse her. But what she pulled out were three $50.00 bills! Linda did a double take. It couldn't possibly be. She had looked at the money when her "grandbaby" gave it to her and again before putting it in her pocket and going to bed. No one else even knew it was there! But as she leafed through each of the three bills, sure enough, they were all FIFTY-dollar bills, not twenties! "Thank You, Jesus!" Linda exclaimed. All she could think of was the woman she had helped out just a few days ago who had asked her for a meal. She remembered the Bible phrase that what you give out will come back to you in increased measure. Could this possibly be related? Linda took the slacks back to her client and asked him if he had given her the money. No, most certainly not! Linda called all of her children and asked them about it. No, they hadn't either. But her daughter did remind her, "Momma, you did ask God to take care of you, and He is!" Maybe the kids' father made a mistake. Linda called him and told him he must have given her some of his bill money. "No, Nanna. I took everything I had and put it in exact money-orders. I gave you exactly sixty dollars." Linda still couldn't believe it, but she accepted her fortune with a smile of faith, praised God, and gave thanks for her pocket full of miracles. --- © 10/15/99 Jeanette M. Pintar A TRIP TO HAWAII Ron Pennock of Chicago Title The Silver Lining News would like to thank Share Jackson of East San Diego County Association of Realtors for sending this story for all our readers to enjoy. want to take a moment to thank the East San Diego County Association of REALTORS and First American Title for providing the Grand Prize - a Hawaiian Vacation, at the Annual Golf Tournament last Friday. As I bought tickets for the drawing at the dinner, I mentioned to a friend that with the opportunity to win prizes at the number of events I attended each year, I could not remember ever winning a prize. True to form while the numbers were being called during the evening I was usually not even close. A long time friend, Dennis Boardman of C-21 All Service and I were discussing old times when my number was called for a prize. Little did I realize it was for the "Trip to Hawaii". When I later discovered what the prize was I did thank Steve and others who donated it. I might relate that as I pondered the series of events that led to the drawing of my tickets, I feel I may have had an unfair advantage. That day the headstone to my mother's grave was put into place at Singing Hills Cemetery. I debated whether to stop and see it prior to going to the dinner and decided to stop just for a minute. My mother had always wanted to go to Hawaii, but never had the opportunity. Therefore, in thanking those responsible for my winning ticket I must say Thank You Association of REALTORS, Thank you First American Title and Thank You Mom. Sincerely, Ron Pennock Chicago Title The Wink and the Wave Leah Kelly Thanks to Leah Kelly who sent this beautiful story to us. It brought tears to our eyes. What a better world it would be if we each applied at least one wink or a smile each day. Even better lets try for a dozen or more. atie was walking home from class on a brisk autumn day. The smell of the new fallen leaves blew through the chill air. She just loved the sound of the wind whooshing through the trees and the skittering sound the leaves made on the ground. It was just perfect...not too cold, just tingly. Well, it would have been perfect, she thought, if she weren't so lonely. Being new in school just didn't help her to make friends. Thinking about it brought chills and the day started to turn grey. Just then, as she glanced up, she saw an elderly gentleman sitting on his front porch. She started to avert her eyes, she never talked to strangers. But, as she did, the old man lifted his hand and gave her a little wave and a smile. She was startled, nobody from her old neighborhood would do that. She glanced away, not knowing if she should smile back...he could be someone weird or something. As she walked away, she couldn't help but glance back over her shoulder. The old man was still sitting there and this time his smile widened and he gave her a big wink. The look on his face was so kind and understanding, as if to say, I know how you feel and it's ok. She glanced away and kept on walking. But, inside she felt warm, happy. That little smile and wink made her feel not so lonely. The next day, she decided to walk the same way home from school (just to see if he would still be there). Sure enough, there he was again. And again he gave her a big smile and an understanding wink. This time she felt confident enough to smile a little back, but that was all. But, the rest of her day was so much better. Each day after that she would go the same way and he would always be there. She would smile and wave and he would just smile and wink. Sometimes he would nod his head, especially if there was something different about her. One time she got her haircut and absolutely hated it. But when she walked by, the old man glanced at her hair and then looked into her eyes. He gave her a slow wink and a big nod of his head. And she just knew he was saying "I like it". Whenever she felt down, he always had a way of cheering her up, just with those few gestures. As the years went by, she continued with this same ritual. She would even go out of her way to go by his house. She wondered how he always managed to be on the porch when she walked by. There were times he wasn't there, but they were few and far between. Then one day, he wasn't there. She wasn't that concerned. It had happened before. But, then the next day and the day after that he wasn't there. She began to get worried. She didn't know whom to call because she didn't even know his name. Finally, after the 4th day, she got the courage to go up and knock on the door. A kindly faced woman came to the door and asked if she could help her. Katie stammered and fumbled with the right words. How could she explain why she was there, a complete stranger, asking about the old man, whose name she didn't even know? Before she could even manage to organize her words, the woman suddenly smiled and said, "oh, it's you!" Katie was nonplussed. How did the woman know her? The woman smiled again and told Katie that the old man was her husband. She said that the he would talk about seeing Katie everyday and how he enjoyed seeing the bright eyed look on her face and would watch for her to make sure that he was there to wave to her. Katie felt the tears spring up to her eyes, he had been there just to see her. She felt so warm inside. The woman then explained sadly that her husband had died last weekend. Katie was so sad. She felt like she had lost her best friend. What was she going to do now? She had come to rely on his presence everyday as a comfort and security. All of these thoughts must have been showing on her face, because the woman reached out and gave her a big hug. Katie just couldn't help herself, and started to cry. It was so silly, she had never even met this man and yet she was crying like it was her own grandfather. The woman held her and comforted her until Katie got herself together. After awhile the woman told her that her husband had made one request before he died. He told his wife to make sure to find Katie and let her know how much it meant to him to see her every day. And that he would like his wife to get to know Katie, because he regretted never actually talking to Katie. The woman looked deeply into Katie's eyes and told her that she would love nothing more than to be Katie's friend. Katie was overwhelmed, she had lost her kindly old friend and gained another one in one fell swoop. Well, the friendship didn't happen over night, but eventually Katie and the woman became the best of friends. And instead of walking by the house each day, she would go in and have tea with her. And always Katie would be reminded that it all started with a little wave and a wink. And each day she goes out of her way to share a smile or wink with someone, hoping to bring that warmth to someone else. Have you shared your smile or wink with someone today? ;-) Thanks Leah Kelly. Do you or your friends have any other stories? We would love to hear them. Who Am I? Jeanette M. Pintar Whether it's through external circumstances or an internal prompting, at some point in time, we all come to ask the same question… "Who am I?" There are many facets to the question, "Who am I?" And a great deal of the answers will vary according to our individual selves. But a larger part of the answer will resonate to be true within every one of us. Some of us have forgotten who we are. Some of us have never found out. Some have buried our true identities beneath feelings of fear, inadequacy, disappointment or anger. Some simply forgot to ask or were too busy to hear the answer. And some of us just need a good reminder. I'd like to share the answer to that universal, yet so personal, question… Who am I? I am a child of God. Not in a particularly religious or holier-than-thou sense of the word, but in a creative sense. As in every particle of my being was designed and created by a higher power than myself. I am a creation of the Divine and therefore inherit divine qualities. Some would say I am a saint, an angel in earthly form, a student in the miracles of life. Regardless of the name, they are correct. I might not realize it yet, but I am all of these things for I am a child of God. I am a channel for Spirit. When I open my heart and mind, God's love, energy, wisdom, creativity, inspiration and healing flow through me. I am a conduit for divine activity… affecting both my life and the lives of others. I need only ask and remain open to be a channel for Spirit. I am Love. I was created from the love of a Higher Power in the reflection of love. I open my heart and mind and share this love… with my inner self, my friends, family, coworkers and community, all of humanity, nature and the world - for I am Love. I am Goodness. I was created to bring goodness to this world and to make our earth a better place. Whether my goodness touches one life or one billion lives is not as significant as the goodness itself. Sometimes I react to circumstance and forget that I am goodness. I need only ask forgiveness and once again I become aware of my own goodness. I am Light. My very presence was designed to bring Light into this world. When I reach out to others, my Light - which is connected to the Light of God - shines even brighter. In times of darkness I can call upon the love, goodness, and divinity within me to Light the world around me. I am Glory, a unique work of art from the Master Creator. Every fiber of my being was made in a glorious fashion to serve myself and others. Even those parts of me I may think are flaws are glorious in their unique ability to help me learn and grow into a better person, and may even do the same for others. Just as every leaf, flower, or blade of grass in nature is a glorious reflection of God, so too am I. I am Connection, a vital link in the chain of humanity. As I connect with the people in my life, I help to bridge the gap between all people in the world. Although it may not be visible to the eye, our Spirit and Souls are all connected. My relationships serve as an outward expression of this unity. I am connection, a vital link in the chain of humanity. I am Creation. I have the ability to think and from these thoughts I am able to give expression. These expressions lead to the actual creation of those thoughts in a physical, emotional, intellectual or energetic form. I am creation. Who am I? I am Peace. I am Help for those who need it. I am Prosperity and Abundance. I am Laughter and Joy… Hugs and Kisses or an Out-reached Hand. I am heir to our planet and the cultivator of its Growth and Well Being. I am a Positive Influence and a propagator of Hope and Faith. I am Unique in many ways and similar in others. Most of all, I am simply ME… a child of God. --- © Jeanette M. Pintar * * * This article is a Featured Stories Page Warning!! Don't become disconnected from your Grandchildren, neices, or children not living with you. t was a heart wrenching bad time!! It was September 18th 2001. It was moving day for my daughter. She, her husband, and my only grandchild were moving out of town. They had purchased the home just days before September 11th 2001. She and I had lived in the same town for all our lives...we lived just 8 minutes away from each other. My grandaughter was 4 years old and I had seen her at least 3 to 6 times a week. It was like she was my own child. I could never imagine my own 4 year old moving out of town! Now between them moving and September 11th happening, I felt my heart was so heavy I could hardly sleep or even breath. It seemed my whole world was coming to an end. They really didn't move that far away...it takes an hour of mostly crowded city freeway driving to get to her place. So it was a lot different than 8 minutes through a friendly neighborhood. My grandaughter and I had been so close....would she forget me? I couldn't stand the thought of that. I started looking in stores to find a little book here and there that I could send to her. She loves books. Every time I got a book it was so much bother...I had to find the right envelope...or packaging...then take it to the Post Office to weigh and mail it. For months I kept searching for the right thing...but could never find it. It was so important for me that she didn't become "disconnected". I knew I had to send something she would really love...that she could "interact" with. Finally on a trip out of town I had a little time on my hands and "handmade" a little booklet for her. She loved it!! My daughter said of all the things we have sent my grandaughter, she has loved these booklets the most. I have now made up the perfect mailing packaged for Grandparents, aunts, uncles, absentee parents etc. that want to keep in touch with children ages 2 through age 7. The first series of booklets contains a booklet for each month of the year. They are little stories with a good thought for each month of the year. It has a place that you can write your own personal note to the child. The child can both color and trace in it..just the size that a child loves to carry around. The Silver Lining? A marvelous product that will help children(and adults) all over the world...from me having had a very heart wrenching experience. Yes, a child feels very important when they get their "own" mail, especially from someone they love, and a product that has been proven over and over that children love. Best part for busy adults...easy..already made and ready to send one each month for a whole year. (other series will follow)It comes with envelope...ready to mail with just 1 first class stamp!! No shoping, no packaging, no standing in line to mail!....You will always be remembered by this child ...and the child will probably tell stories to their children and grandchildren how they "got mail" from you. Now the good part....this whole year of making the child happy each month is now available through the Silver Lining News. See the products page for picture and description. There are countless articles, books, etc. on the benefits a child receives by feeling "connected" to family as the child grows into adulthood and establishes "family values"....be a part of that!This is the FAST, EASY, INEXPENSIVE way to keep connected! CAR SLID OUT OF CONTROL R.M. Salt Lake City, Utah It was a snowy November morning and we were on our way from our vacation cabin in West Yellowstone Montana to Bozeman Montana. Our car hung on the embankment of snow, almost rolling. As we crawled out of our car I prayed it wouldn't roll until we had gotten out. As we were standing in the blizzard at the side of our car, my husband said I would have to get into Bozeman some 45 miles away with the first car that came along and send a tow truck back. He would wait at the side of the road for the tow truck. It seemed no one was traveling that desolate highway that day. The area always seemed so beautiful the many times we had traveled it until today. It was cold and the fog hung close to the ground, making it hard to see travelers unless they were right upon us. Soon we saw a little black Volkswagen "bug". My husband flagged it down. The lady driving it agreed to take me into Bozeman. It was quiet as we traveled for a while, I was still shaken from our accident, and I worried about the safety of such a little car in that storm. I finally mustard up the courage and asked the Lady how the little car traveled in the storm. She said she didn't know. Their car was new and this was the first time she was driving it in a storm. Panic struck me! I didn't know if I should laugh or cry. I had an hour to get to know that wonderful lady, and felt I had known her all my life by the time we arrived safely in Bozeman. That turned into a friendship which developed into us adopting each other as "family". She and her husband became our "family in Montana". We don't know how we could have ever made it without them in so many different situations. It's a "family" relationship that has lasted over 35 years. We probably wouldn't have ever met them if it hadn't been for that fateful day. We have been grateful so many times that on that day, Richard and Marian Drew became our Silver Lining. DUCK L.M. Salt Lake City, Utah It all started when this little "blue-eyed-sweetheart" was only about one month old. I would hold her in my arms and raise my eyebrows. She would respond to me and raise her eyebrows. Before she could say one word I knew this was her way of communicating with me. Soon she started laughing and holding her arms out to me. I felt very close to her. I knew she loved me as I loved her. Being married to her maternal Grandmother, with great love I called her "Granddaughter" and referred to myself as "Grandfather". One day her mother and father wanted to talk to me. They explained that since her maternal Grandfather had died several years earlier, they didn't want her to call me "Grandfather". They wanted her to choose when she was older and knew her maternal "Grandfather" had died. At that time if she wanted to call me "Grandfather" it would be her choice. I felt like a part of my world had crashed!. They suggested she call me some "pet" name. We finally decided on "Big Teddybear". A person can take a name away, but thank goodness the love can still stay, and grow even stronger. Which it did between my grandchild and myself. She responded to me in so many ways, and would try to copy or do things I did. She was not one year old yet and could only say the word [Dada]. One evening as we were Babysitting her, I was dancing around the room with her and telling her the things in her environment. Her parents had taken her to feed the Ducks at the park and had been saying [Duck] to her. As we passed a picture on the wall with birds, I said "Duck". As plain as could be she repeated "Duck". About 10 or 15 times we danced past that picture and she would look at it and say "Duck". She finally laid her head on my shoulder and as she fell asleep, whispered "Duck". It was evident at the time that it had become a very special word to her. It was her 2nd word. From then on she would hold her arms out to me and say "Duck". I feel that since she couldn't call me "Grandfather", she wanted me to know I was special to her, and picked the 2nd word she could say, so that I would know she loved me. Calling me "Duck" became a real Silver Lining because she wouldn't have been able to say "Grandfather" for several months. This way we formed an immediate [bond] with a name she could say and loved. Yes, someday I would love to have the honor from this little sweetheart to have her refer to me as "Grandfather". Maybe "Grandfather Duck". But in the meantime I feel like the most honored "Duck" in the world. It is a name that warms my heart every time I hear her call out "DUCK"! THIS IS THE FOLLOW UP TO THE ABOVE STORY.... Being patient and loving pays off!! It was grandparents day, when I received a very wonderful card.... calling me "Grandpa Duck". It stated that I had been everything a grandchild could hope for in a "grandpa". Being so used to calling me "Duck", she still does that....and yes, I still love that, knowing she picked out the name. But now and then I hear her say to a friend...."that's my Grandpa", as she points my direction, or "that's my Grandpa Duck". My heart is filled with love for that "special little blue eyed sweetheart".... but no matter what she calls me that love is still the same. Isn't that what being a "real" grandpa is all about? View Archive
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