Things I learned the hard way for the next generation -

Save, Save Save! Pennies, nickels, dimes. Hold on to a rainy day fund. Don’t rely on someone else to bail you out (credit cards, mom/dad, husband, etc) don't get over your head in debt, or it will rule virtually every other decision you make in life.
 
Pray. No matter what you are facing, there is always someone that will listen. Someone who loves you unconditionally. Never forget that. Give Him all of your troubles. Give Him all of your heartache. Give Him all of your worries. He is stronger than you can imagine.
I was very lost for a long time – but once I turned my face to heaven and asked for help, I felt restored. God has seen me through tremendous challenges.
   
Forgive everyone for everything. Leave the past in the past.

Spend plenty of time with little people (children under the age of five). They will keep you grounded.

Don’t compare your life to other people. Don’t get wrapped up in ENVY and chasing the almighty dollar. Your life experiences, your connections with people, MATTER. I watched everything I owned go up in smoke during a terrible house fire, and all that mattered was that my family was safe and well. I couldn’t even remember what was burning.

Travel every opportunity you get. Don’t put it off for tomorrow. Don’t put it off until you can do it more luxuriously. Go when you are given the opportunity. The experience is worth the inconvenience of a crowded plane ride or a long bus ride or the heat or the cold or the bad food. See the sights, meet the people, and learn the history. Try something new while you are there. Don’t spend the whole time in front of the hotel TV ordering room service.

Take lots of pictures. And make copies. And share them with your family. Make sure that you are in the pictures. Your family loves to see you having fun.

Don’t hold back, HUG PEOPLE. REALLY!!!! HUG THEM! They need it. Just look around. People walk around miserable most of the time. Give them a little reassuring hug once in a while. It’s a wonder drug.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. There will be many things in your life that you have little or no control over. Learn to be flexible and to approach them with a sense of humor and humility – “this too shall pass” in other words. Remember what matters when things don’t seem to be going your way. You have people who care about you. People that you care about. People that probably depend on you. The world is a better place because you are in it. And God Loves you no matter what is going on in your life.
So just take a deep breath and if all else fails remember that baffling trick your pet sometimes does – spinning in place three times before sitting down. (I think it clears their head!) :)

You're never too old to learn something new. Don’t be afraid you’ll fail or look foolish. If it looks fun or interesting or you really always wanted to do it… well then do it! Find someone who can show how. Save up if you need to. But DO IT. You may not be the best at whatever it is, but you can give it your best. And it’s the experience of trying that matters. Trust me!

Okay, so there's this birthday...

Over the past few years, I must admit that birthdays had become a time when I became somewhat of a dour, reclusive creature. Suddenly unavailable for social gatherings, I would skulk through my day avoiding eye contact  with co-workers, leaving phone calls and email unanswered, waiting urgently to take those critical days off (that I made sure I saved) that wrapped securely around "THE BIRTHDAY."  It really became a system. I even managed to avoid getting a dreaded "40" wake thrown for me at work.

Who needs the fuss! Kids stuff, right? After all, we get older every day. And if someone wants to buy a gift for someone, they don't need to wait for a special occasion. My list of justifications could go on and on...

But last year, I worried and prayed for my grandfather as he struggled with major health issues for the first time in his life, and then rejoiced as he overcame his health crisis and was able to enjoy his 89th birthday.

And it suddenly became absolutely clear to me what all the fuss is about. Birthdays are a special opportunity for the people in your life to take time to think about you - who you are to them - how you are special to them - what you may be going through in your life right now - what joys you may be celebrating at this point in your life. It is also a time for those people to let you know that they are happy that you are in their life. That is the true celebration. And that makes me truly joyful for everyone's birthday.

So this birthday week has been different: I went to work all week. I answered my phone and my email. Enjoyed a wonderful lunch with my co-workers and then a dinner with my family. I'm even taking time off next week for a special birthday family outing. Guess I had some celebrating to catch up on. :)

I spy ... with my one good eye

It's time for my semi-annual neurologist trip tomorrow.  And in spite of my best efforts to completely dash it out of my mind, here it it sits prominently at the front. Commanding my attention and trepidation. Not because he's going to look at me and suddenly see some horrible new symptom in need of treatment. No, it's really more because it makes the steady march into disability impossible for me to ignore. He'll test my vision - poor, my walk - limping, my reflexes - slow, my memory - sluggish.

No faking it here boys and girls... the MS is clearly in control.

But there is something victorious about coming out of that hospital each time. They didn't keep me...I'm still healthy enough to leave on my own two feet, even if some days are harder than others. I know that it sounds corny and it's completely psychological - but it's empowering and I use it to pick up my spirits and restore confidence.

So I'll bide my time until tomorrow. And I will try to remember how much better I will feel when I'm done.