Better Monday

Larry is doing fine-all the tests came out good.  Praise the LORD! 

When I dropped off Hunter and Wayne at school, our lawyer called.  I had a long list of concerns, questions and scenarios that were fueling my depression over the weekend.  She was very patient with me and alleviated alot of my stress.  So, I have to gather a stack (actually box) of documents and make copies for the other lawyer.  I was complaining about two years worth of check registers when she told me that she requested five years from the ex-wife.  Ok, I do have to provide five years on taxes, so, I did better on the checks.

Wayne had wanted to continue. I personally did not but the lawyer convinced us to wait until the discovery documents come from the ex-wife.  We will assess after that. Wayne was relieved with what she said.

My Sunday post resulted in both Alison and Leslea asking if I was okay.  Alison texted and Leslea called.  I was so touched, it is so nice to be loved.

So, the next days I will be hunting down paperwork. It is better knowing that she will have to provide my lawyer with the same type of documents.  I just have to remember that whatever happens, the LORD is still in control.

AMEN!

I got a call early this morning from Alison on the land phone--she never calls on the land phone, so I wondered what was wrong.  She was noticeably distraught.  Larry went to the ER with chest pains.  She wanted to know if I could watch the kids.  Didn't take me too long to throw some clothes on and drive over there praying all the way for Larry. 

Now, I always pray every night for Alison, Hunter, Grace, Leslea, Larry and Bob.  I also pray during the day if one of them come to mind.  I love my sons-in-laws and the best thing I can do for them is pray for them for protection, guidance, and more.

Hunter had school at 8:40 that morning so, we had to leave early to get to Canby.  I was on my knees putting on Hunter's coat when I told Grace and him that we need to pray for Papa.  Hunter immediately put his hands together and bowed his head.  Grace stood by and bowed her head.  I am not one for group prayer.  This was my very first time actually participating much less leading prayer with others.  I would say a sentence, Hunter would repeat it.  We asked that the LORD be with Papa and make him well and give him rest.  Keep it simple with two young'ns...at least I thought.  When we were done praying I said, "Amen!"

Hunter looked at me and with a puzzled look on his face asked me, "Nana, who is this guy "Amen?"  I had to burst out laughing.  He repeated his question and, "Nana, I don't know any guy named Amen!"  I needed a laugh and my dear grandson provided it. 

Yes, I explained that "Amen" is like "The End" for prayers.  Keep it simple :)

Roller Coaster of Emotions Today

I am tired of bad news coming in the mail Saturday when you can't do anything about it until Monday at the soonest.
I am tired of how you do what is right and prepare for the worse and you are labeled the bad person.

I am tired of the drama people do to grab attention when a whisper would gain more compassion.
I am tired of the pain that happens when you are standing there bleeding to death with distress while someone can't see your wounds because they refuse to look.
I am tired of being strong for everyone when no one will be strong for me.
I am tired today of being fragmented, having no focus.

I am tired of my words that don't come when I see a dear friend breakdown in church still grieving the loss of her son.  My heart aches.
I am tired of those who play games with my emotions.
I am tired of this stress exhausting my day.

Yes, not my usual blog but today I couldn't fight any more.  I want peace.  Yes, I am strong in the LORD but that doesn't mean I don't  get depressed.  Thank God I have Him!  I spent time in the Psalms today, walked for an hour, napped and tried to pick myself up. "Rejoice in the LORD" was far from my lips and heart.  True confessions here, it doesn't change my love for Him.

Last night, I had to take a sleeping pill to sleep.  This morning I was still groggy from the pill still but determined to make it to church.  It has been awhile since we were there. The need to go was strong. I remembered what Wayne said once, "If you don't feel like going to church, you really need to go!"

I showered and while I was washing, my mind played over and over again the song, "It Is Well with My Soul".  I know that Carolyn and Ken are praying for us....I felt their prayers showering me.  When I got out of the shower, my mind went through the Lord's Prayer verse by verse slowly.  I haven't said that prayer since in the seventh grade we were made to say it.  It was my turn to say it in class and I fumbled badly and was teased about it.  So, I have skimmed over it ever since.

But by the time I put on my coat my distress returned.  It was there and I was tired of fighting it.  Yesterday, I broke down and told Wayne that I can't be strong for us, I just can't.  I have carried the load of trying to help him through the depression of being unemployed. Sometimes I helped but there were alot of times when I was frustrated that I couldn't do anything.

One of the first songs that was sung this morning at church was "Your Grace Is Enough", one of my favorites.  Worship was the warmth I needed for my spirit and for awhile distress was forced to the background.  Pastor Tim's sermon was about how there are pockets of praise and prayer throughout Revelations.  The angels and saints pray and praise while those on earth go through the trials.  That was comforting this really spoke to me.  There are prayers coming down when we are going through trails!

My distress comes and goes but in those open pockets, I will pray and praise Him.  I am not perfect and I know that I can't paint a smile on my face when I am tired and distressed.  That is okay, the LORD loves me regardless of how I am going through this.  He is still in control.

I never tire of running to Him when I am in distress
I never tire of praying
I never tire of being showered with prayers from others
I never tire of showing love to my family
I never tire of the smiles of my grandchildren
I never tire of hugs
I never tire of Him carrying me when I can't do it anymore
I never tire of His Love
I never tire of His Amazing Grace

His Grace is Enough for Me!

The Past Weeks

I haven't posted lately due to a few things going on.  First, my mom's health has gotten worse.  She is down to 109 pounds--she should be 125.  Since she had stomach pains and being 85, she underwent a stress test for her heart.  She did well thank God.  Both Alison and I thought she wouldn't make it through the test.

Going through this brought back many memories of when Gary did a stress test after a couple of weeks of chest pain.  He finally went when I got upset that our grand-daughter (Amanda--Melissa's daughter) would be coming up the next day with her mom and I DID NOT WANT her to witness his death from a heart attack!  Well, it was extreme but it was on my mind at that time and it worked. 

He went in for his stress test and flunked it.  They rushed him to St. Vincent's Hospital since Kaiser didn't have a heart clinic. It was a long drive to and from but we did it.  Gary did remarkably well after a quadruple bypass.  For the three days while he was in the hospital I had some hope that maybe we could patch our marriage up--his attitude changed and I worked on mine.  Unfortunately, he turned back into the old Gary when we got home.

Back to present day, I was worried about mom and was ready to make arrangements to fly down to Florida if need be, despite my brother.  Fortunately, I didn't have to this time.  There will be a time but I will continue to pray for her health to improve. 

Today, she got some xrays and an upper GI. Thursday, she sees her heart doctor.  Looks like my prayer life will be full as usual.

Then last week, Alison let me know that Gary had a heart attack and that he was in ICU.  She wanted to go and see him, so, Wayne and I babysat with the kids.  I admit, I was concerned about Gary.  We get along fine now.  I care for him, but it is different. After being married to him for 17 years, you don't just hate someone.  I can't describe the feeling.  Not love, maybe just compassion for another human being.  I don't wish him harm.

Gary had a couple of stints put in him and he is fine and recovering.

Saturday night, we had the kids spend the night.  We both enjoy having them.  The day before, we bought a new computer desk with a hutch for Wayne's room (aka Grace's room).  It was so good to get a new look in the room and get rid of the other desk that was on it's last leg--literally.  It is in the recycle bin, not even good for Goodwill.  Besides I needed to work off some stress! The kids loved the new look, I moved the futon and there was more room.  They loved the computer being set up for them with a small printer.  I made their favorite learning website as their home page.  It was Wayne's idea to set the computer up for them since he rarely is on it.

The next day, we I bought a new rug for the living room and took the rug under the dining room table and put it in his room too.  It looks so much better!  Alison is going to give me decorating tips for the room--it definitely needs different curtains.  She sent some ideas with Wayne in mind since it is his room.  I appreciated that.  Wayne has been depressed and I don't want to push him out of his room.  Getting the desk that looks "manly" helped keep his claim while sharing with the kids :)

All last week through all the stress, my network printer decided to randomly not work. That didn't help the stress level. I spent hours troubleshooting.  For example, the computer screen said "Turn on the printer"--duh??!!!  The darn thing is on....then it says "The printer is too far from the router"---duh??!!  The router is less than five inches away from the printer!  Nothing like making you feel like a dumb blond.

After days of it working and not working, troubleshooting, reinstalling this and that, I finally called Office Depot.  I have a two year contract on my printer and it is month 23! Whew!  I expected a fight about what I need to do to fix it but the gal said, "No problem, I'll send you a return label and return the printer and we will send you the cost of it."  The only problem was that it is store credit.  I need a printer in the interim.  So, we got a $340 refund check on our Costco purchases this year--getting new counters and a heat pump helped--we get a % of our yearly purchases back in form of a rebate check. So, we bought a printer from Costco with the check and had $64 cash back!  I used the extra $$ towards a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse for Wayne's computer.  Grace used the mouse Saturday and complained it didn't work right.  Just after she said that, the ball fell out.  Time for new.  I still had money left over to pay for my lunch with Jeannie today and pay for Wayne's dental copay today.  Cha-ching! NOT BAD!

My new printer worked wonderfully until I put Wayne's computer on the network.  I don't know why it didn't--I'll have to ask Larry when he gets back.  However, I will be getting $240 back from Office Depot in a couple of weeks.  I'll buy a new printer (his is ancient) from Office Depot for Wayne's room and extra ink.  Cha-ching! NOT BAD AT ALL!

I love shopping this way, and so does Wayne.  I will recycle the keyboard, mouse and old printer to Goodwill and get a donation receipt too!  YES!  I think even Dave Ramsey would be proud of me and my buying power!

High School Memories

Heidelberg American HS

Today, I found out that my old high school--Heidelberg American High School is closing in June this year.  In fact, the whole Heidelberg army base is packing up and moving to Weisbaden, Germany.  Though I have to admit, I don't have alot of great memories at Heidelberg. 

We were at Augsburg, Germany when Dad got orders for Heidelberg.  I was devastated!  I loved my junior year at Augsburg American High and finally I was popular (in a good way).  All my life, we moved here and there.  I had to start school late and always was one of the least popular girls in every class. I was shy and that didn't help with making friends.

So in Augsburg, I met Monica Coapstick.  She was a Junior too and befriended me right away.  Through her, I became part of the "in-crowd" and it was a good group.  No drugs, maybe a drink now and then but we kept out of trouble. We had alot of fun just being with each other.  I was even looking forward to trying out for cheer leading in my Senior year--my self confidence had grown that much.

My "Art Gallery"-the stairway

I told Dad that Betty Moody's family would take me in and I can commute to Heidelberg for the weekends.  The Moodys were non-military and Betty and I were real close.  Dad didn't go for our plan.  So, off we went to Heidelberg.  I was depressed and went back to my shyness.  The ratio of girls to guys was 5:1 and I was #5.  I decided to lose myself in my art.  I did posters for events and football competitions. They were cartoons that I painted and added words.  They were a hit!  As soon as a poster went up in the staircase or in the halls of the school, it was stolen.  My brother was so proud of my art being worthy of stealing.  I also did large banners for dances, etc.  Once while I was doing one large banner in the hallway at our apartment for the Prom, my dad became so upset. Later Mom explained that it was because not one guy in that school thought I was worthy to ask out for the Prom or any of the dances that I did art for.  I guess it was his way of showing me love.

Dad didn't understand that I felt that guilt and my art was my escape.  It was also a way a small piece of me actually made it to the dance.  It was my way of coping and became my best memories of that school.  I wished I had stayed at Augsburg, I missed everyone so much and most of all I missed being important enough to be with.  I don't remember any friend that I had in Heidelberg, they were acquaintances.  Most kids who were not in the "in crowd" were too busy trying to get into that crowd.  I feebly tried to but got discouraged early.

I found out today that Augsburg High School closed in 1998.  The base probably moved as well.  I went online to see if I could find Monica and others from my junior year with no success.  I haven't given up and will continue trying. When we moved from Augsburg, all of our photos were missing. I was delighted to see with a little time today, I found some photos back then!  Those were wonderful memories that came flooding back when I found the 1968 Augsburg High School yearbook.  It was a true blessing to look back to such a great year!

A page from the Augsburg yearbook. I am in the top photo front row--I was so skinny!  Monica is on the lower photo first row--we are wearing the same outfit!  Hers was green and mine was blue.  We were just like sisters.

I don't have any pictures of the school in Augsburg.  I'll have to do more hunting on the Internet for them. Only the Seniors got the single pictures, all others had group shots.  Some of the "hunks" I hung around with:

and along with great friends like Monica and Betty... you wonder why I didn't want to move???

Arty and Don

Jim Kerry & John Kerry--the twins

Greg Murat (I had a huge crush on) and Kay Dimmick

Klaus Dexter

Grace's Question

On Wednesday, I was checking my email and Grace just finished her quiet time (naps are no longer).  Since she was born, we have had a routine.  I pick her up or as in today, she comes into my art room and climbs on my lap and we snuggle for about ten minutes.  Ahh, ten blissful minutes that I cherish!  I ignore my email and just hold her, she snuggles into my shoulder and we rock.  My chair doesn't rock but we rock any ways.  She slowly wakes up and when the ten minutes are up, so is she.

She stands next to me fumbling with some papers.  I go back to my email.  It is an email showing a young couple meeting, dating, marrying, then he goes to war.  It shows him in the hospital.  His legs and arms are gone due to a bomb.  His wife is there.  More pictures of his physical therapy, his wife is there helping him.  There are many pictures with him smiling and her smiling--the loss of his limbs doesn't effect their happiness.

There are heartwarming photos of her carrying him on her back both of them wearing smiles. Though he lost his legs and arms, the LORD showed him true love..  Tears are starting to flow with me and I almost forgot the pair of little eyes next to me.

"Nana?" I hear Grace's small voice.  "Nana," she looks at me with deep thoughts going on in her young mind, "where was the LORD when that guy got hurt?"

Whoa!  I never thought I would hear that question from a four year old!  She was serious. I was praying "what do I say?"  Without hesitation, I said, "He was right beside him."  "But he got hurt bad." was her reply.

I brought her to me and told her I don't understand why it happened but I know the LORD didn't leave him or his wife.  He gave him new legs and arms and more than that a strong love of his wife and he is happy.  "Oh," she said in a whisper, "Will they take away his new arms and legs?"  "No, they are his now," I replied.  "Is the LORD here?"  "Oh, yes, Grace, he is always here," I reply.  "Is Colby here?" she asks as she strokes an imaginary cat next to her.  I smile, "I think so, he is watching you too."

Satisfied with that, she changed the subject and I was relieved because I have the gift of mercy not words.  My best friend, Jeannie, asked me months ago, "Why does God let bad things happen?" My answer is the same, I don't know or understand.  Sometimes we don't understand until we reach Heaven.

Both Hunter and Grace ask tough questions when I am not quite ready...or maybe I am?  It doesn't have to be a Bible scholar's answer--one from the heart is enough for Him.

Blessings Jar

Last Sunday, we came home with a "Blessings Jar".  They were handing them out at church.  The idea is to write down the blessing(s) that the LORD gives you daily and put it in the jar.  I added the little rooster on top--it is from Grace's Birthday cupcakes that she had on Tuesday.

I love the idea!  There are blessings in every day, we just have to make sure that we don't get so busy and miss them.  I have been fairly consistent with writing them down and putting them into the jar but I can see that it is easy to not follow through.  The "Tyranny of the Urgent" takes over our life so quickly.  We all get busy with the "fire" of the moment.  I have had several of those moments even in retirement. 

So, time to commit to look for the blessing in the day--oops, come to think of it, I haven't added today's blessing to the jar!

Grace's Preschool Birthday Celebration

Our Grace celebrated her 4th birthday at preschool today!  Mom bought frosted cupcakes and I brought them with Grace in the morning.  All the girls were sitting at the "girls" table and the boys at the "boys" table.  Once they all settled, the teachers brought in the tiny pitchers of water and napkins.  Each table had a small pitcher of water.  Grace poured for all on her table and didn't spill water until the last cup.  Oh well, it is only water one of the teachers said, we are used to it.  After mopping up, it was time for the cupcakes.  Grace was so excited about it!  She was quick to help Mrs. Bird.  The first cupcake was for Grace and oh my goodness, it did a nose dive!  Grace caught it and didn't mind the frosting on her fingers--yumm!

After that she did much better.  The cupcakes went to the girls first, Grace wasn't that sure that the boys should have it.  I did notice her look--like she was thinking, "I am being nice, don't let it go to your head!"  She is shy when it comes to the boys, but I noticed some of the girls were the same way.

They all loved the cupcakes and Grace was happy that there were two left--one for Hunter and one for Gramps.  She promised to save one for each of them.

The class sung "Happy Birthday, Grace" and then they went to the playground to burn off the sugar.


I was so blessed to be able to be there.  It would be better if Alison was but it is understandable.  I remember all the times I didn't make it to her birthday gatherings at school and day care.  I wish I
could have made it but it was impossible to leave my job.

So, I am praying that when Alison becomes a Nana or Grandma that she too will have the honor of substituting for mom.  Thanks, daughter for giving me the joy of this day!



Watch Out World, Grace is 4!!

.

"I missed you--really!"

It's been awhile since we made it to church--both of us sick and family visiting.  I haven't been to TOPS for a couple of weeks either--one week was Christmas Day and the next week was Grace's 4th birthday party.  So it was awhile since I saw my TOPS friends.  Amongst them, Carolyn and Ken who are more like family. 

I was standing talking to someone when I felt a tap on my shoulder.  It was Ken!  I immediately got a warm hug and he said "I missed you, really! I really missed you!"  I was touched, it is so nice to be missed, I felt so great!   I went over and talked to Carolyn and Agnes; I missed them too.

After church, I dropped off Wayne at the house and headed out to pick up my gals, Patty and Kathy two of my Special Olympics bowlers.  Kathy had been calling me before Christmas to do our monthly "girls day out" were we go out to lunch at Sweet Tomatoes and then go to Goodwill to shop.  I look forward to it as much as they do.  With the holidays, it wasn't to be to have our day, so, we postponed it to today.  Kathy called numerous times and when I arrived to pick them up, her new caregiver, Jacob, said that she has been telling everyone about it.

I had some time to wait since they were late getting home from church.  November was our last get together.  I missed them.  When they got home, Amy was with them.  I have been including Amy in our get-togethers but she has been tired and hasn't gone with us in a long time.  She wanted to go and I said yes but I was thinking LORD, I really can't afford to pay all four lunches but I did have a coupon and the time with them was worth more than money.

Then Amy, Kathy and Patty surrounded me and said, "We missed you, Dena, we really missed you!" I responded the same and meant it.  But before we could get going, I had to make sure the caregivers knew that Amy was coming too.  I went to Bruce and Ryan's apartment were the caregivers stay during their shifts.  Bruce and Ryan (my bowlers too) just got home from church too.  Bruce ran up to me and gave me a big hug and said, "I missed you--really, Dena, I really really missed you!"  In that bear squeeze that Bruce held me in, the LORD whispered..."Your question is answered, my dear one."

You see for a couple of days the thought has come to my mind, would anyone really miss me if I should suddenly go to heaven?  No, I am not planning on entering heaven before my time. It was a morbid thought I know but it popped up.  I guess when you are aging and we all are and some of us are closer to that time when we go, it is a thought that surfaces. 

So, I have my answer....I matter to those I love and who love me.  Instead of wasting my energy on thoughts of "what ifs", I should spend my time with those who matter to me and even those who don't because maybe just maybe those thoughts have come across their minds as well.

The Twenty Dollar Bill

I couldn’t help but think of Alison, Larry, my grandchildren, Leslea and Bob when I read the following.  No matter what you go through you are loved by the LORD and Wayne and me—that will never change.

 

The Twenty Dollar Bill 

A well-known speaker started off his seminar holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this."

He proceeded to crumple up the $20 dollar bill. He then asked, "Who still wants it...?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air.

"My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We may feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.

Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE.

You are special-Don't EVER forget it."

Grace's Fourth Birthday Party!

Grace wanted a "Dog Party" and she got it!  The decorations were all dogs and MaMa and PaPa bought dog balloons which were adorable and a big hit with Hunter, Cousin Nate and Grace!  They were given one each and named them.  We ate pizza and I limited myself to one slice because I wanted my treat--cake!  Alison and Larry had salad and finger foods too.  It was a nice family time with the Robinsons. It was too bad that Grandpa Gary didn't make it. 

Grace was delighted with her gifts.  She got two from Hunter though we all think that he gave her items that he really likes but Grace loved them anyways.
She got a kitty pillow from Uncle Dan which she was so excited about.  Mama & Papa gave her the party and a cute outfit.  Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Cory gave her a Cabbage Patch Kid Baby Doll and a color by number set.  G'Ma & G'pa got her an Amazon gift card to buy games and a calendar.  We got her a book on her favorite stuffed animal, Boo and a stuffed German Shepherd from Build-a-Bear.  I made an accordian card with animals that said "Grace is 4!"

It was a great party and it is amazing that Grace is going to be 4!  Seems like it was just yesterday when she was born.  The years have gone by so quick! 

Happy Birthday to my Grace Doll!  Nana loves you more than life itself, you have blessed me so much each and every day.  Love you bunches,

Nana

Words of Wisdom from a 90 Years Young Woman

Regina Brett

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer Newspaper, Cleveland, Ohio.

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

 My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

 2. When in doubt, just take the next small step..

 3. Life is too short - enjoy it..

 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and

 family will.

 5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

 6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

 7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

 8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

 9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

 10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

 11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

 12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

 13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

 14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

 15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don't worry; God never blinks.

 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

 17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

 19. It's never too late to be happy. But it's all up to you and no one else.

 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't

 save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

 22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

 23 Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

 24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

 25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will

 this matter?'

 27. Always choose life.

 28. Forgive but don't forget.

 29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

 30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

 31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

 32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

 33. Believe in miracles.

 34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

 35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

 36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

 37. Your children get only one childhood.

 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

 39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

 40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd

 grab ours back.

 41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

 42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step..

3. Life is too short - enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7... Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9.. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11... Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don't worry; God never blinks.

16... Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to be happy. But it's all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23 Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive but don't forget.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38.. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step..

3. Life is too short - enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7... Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9.. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11... Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don't worry; God never blinks.

16... Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to be happy. But it's all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23 Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive but don't forget.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38.. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."