You Are Going to Die - Now What?

When we hear the word 'cancer' something happens to us. It may feel like we got kicked in the stomach or our heart skips a beat. We react in fear whenever someone we care about receives that diagnosis.

That happened to me decades ago.  The doctor told me that the only possibility I would have of living more than a year would be to have a total hysterectomy.  Although I was very sick and struggling with a lot of pain and discomfort, I knew in my heart that I was born to be a mom and that couldn't happen if I didn't have the working parts.

As a young woman who had zero knowledge about cancer and no idea what I could possibly do to win this battle, I told my doctor "No, I won't accept that.  I am going to walk in here pregnant one day."

At that point, the doctor got extremely angry and almost spit at me when he shouted, "Then, lady, go home.....suffer....and die!"

Birth Is Not For the Weak

All of us have days we will never forget.  Sometimes these memories are worth remembering and other times we wish we could forget them.  Last Sunday was a day that will be etched into my memory bank forever.  Not only for the course of events that day but the observations I made regarding human behavior, especially of young children.

I have been forever proud of my daughter, Rochelle, and that pride grows the more I observe her as a mother of two small children and caregiver to her many pets.

Rochelle's husband works in the arctic north and is gone weeks at a stretch.  They live on a hobby farm that includes livestock and five dogs.  She has rescued animals from abusive situations since she was a young girl and has become educated in the art of nurturing these creatures back to health through sheer hands-on experiences.

Two years ago, Rochelle rescued a Bernese Mountain dog who had been living in a kennel too small for her 80-pound body.  The dog had zero knowledge of boundaries, boundless energy and was not the sharpest tool in the shed.  But she was one of the happiest dogs you could ever meet.  She loved everyone and showed it with kisses that were not necessarily welcomed.  My grandson adopted her as 'his' dog and named her "Charrrrrrlie."

Although she weighed 80 pounds, she was still a puppy and had 'accidents.'  One time she had to pee and not making it to the front door in time,  she peed in the kitchen while shaking her large frame shooting pee across the room and spraying everyone and everything within close vicinity.

At the time she was also in heat and couldn't be left outside without supervision. Because she was in heat, Rochelle put a pair of men's underwear on her. She tied Charlie up to the bedpost while cleaning the mess only to turn around to find her standing there with her leash in her mouth.  She had gnawed through it in the course of a few minutes.  The underwear was twisted around her ankles.  You couldn't help but love this hilarious dog.  She's the one in diapers below:

How Would You Cope With the Loss of a Child?

"Which character from a book would you most like to meet and why? What would you do?" This is the challenge given to me for this post.  When I read for entertainment there are two authors I read -- Harlan Coben and John Grisham. These are my favorite authors and I have read almost all of their books.

Yet, there are no characters in any of their books who I would want to meet. Consequently, this question posed a challenge.

For my talk show, Never Ever Give Up Hope, I interview at least two authors a week. The majority of these authors have written memoirs which is the basis for the interview.  I read their books, interview them and often they become friends.  I feel I have already met them.  

If you are ever having a down-in-the-dumps day and need a lift, I GUARANTEE you will be encouraged when you take a few minutes to listen to these incredible stories.  They are ordinary people who have overcome extraordinary circumstances.

Letter To My Unborn Granddaughter

Dear Grandaughter:  Here you are -- almost ready to face this world.  Here we are -- ready to welcome you.  Your parents and grandparents are thrilled that you are going to be a baby girl. Your big brother said, "If I don't get a sister, Mommy.....put it back!"

In our family, you will be the first girl born into a generation of little boys.  I can only imagine you will have the upper hand in most situations.  Girls RULE -- Boys drool, right?

I try to picture what you will look like and this in utereo photo is amazing. Technology has come so far and during your lifetime, you will see it go even further.

I remember when the doctor placed your mommy into my arms for the first time.  It was not love at first sight because I loved you from the moment I discovered you were in my belly.  Your mommy was desperately wanted, just as you have been.  That story click here

You will be surrounded by love and protection from all sides of your little universe.  With such a sensitive nature, your big brother will be extremely close to you - protecting you, caring for you and teaching you everything a big brother can.