Next Topic- Trauma in our lives

I had a long talk with my dear friend Karen last night. Karen contracted polio at age 3- spent a lot of time in the hospital- told me a heart-tugging story of how her roommate got all sort of gifts and goodies and how Karen's parents told her they would "explain" later as to why this girl seemed privileged- turned out this child had Leukemia and died within a year.
For those who don't know- I was in a very serious car accident at age 16- my face and one leg were very scarred (doesn't really show now, but in my late teens and early 20s it was SO OBVIOUS). I have recently re-connected with my best friend at the time- Stephanie- who was in the accident with me- our church youth advisor was driving- his wife was killed- a drunk driver caused it- Stephanie was very seriously injured- but I was the one who looked the worst- anyway, I think I am going to embark on a project to write a book about trauma early in life- and how it actually creates a positive impact (forgive pun)! You find out that you are mortal- you get to see your parents giving up their lives for you to get through the situation- so at just the time they would "annoy" they become truly people who love you- and it puts the world in perspective which is wonderful for a sense of humor, perspective and inspiration in later life. Karen and I are in the book for sure- can you share something or someone who should also be in there?? Watching our aging loved ones struggle through their later years is also a "trauma". How has this become a source of inspiration where you want to sit at their feet and express gratitude?
I once saw/heard Christopher Reed say when a reporter asked "What do you wish for?..." :"The only thing to wish for is gratitude- with it the smallest blessings in your life are appreciated for the miracles they are- without it, all the riches, talents or accomplishments will never be enough. " Amen

My mom's sayings

And so it has been some time since I have been in the blog- I have heard that the book has been quoted several times lately- that pleases me of course. But it was my mom's birthday yesterday (she would have been 98-I read of a woman 100 who still bowls. wow)- AND we are having our house re-roofed (horrible hail damage in Atlanta- we had hail the size of softballs) so amidst the chaos and memories I thought an entry might be in order. While my parents were aging, they created chaos quite often. But they both had wit and dignity. I have always loved my mom's sayings: "it's not who you go with, it's who you see when you get there" was her urging to go out with the less-desirable boy- I used it to stress to salespeople that a sales call does not ever need to be a waste of time- meet new people! My other favorite of her's was "don't listen to what they say, watch where their feet are pointed" which is quoted by friends many times- the message is obvious- people show you their intentions- just watch. Remind me to tell you the Don Lucas babysitting story next time. I love all who read this and many many more- am very lucky. Sally