Service

Service has a life of its own. A single act of kindness may have a long trajectory and touch those we will never meet or see. Something that we casually offer may move though a web of connection far beyond ourselves to have effects that we may have never imagined. - Rachel Naomi Remen

My Daddy

This weekend we had a very near catastrophe with my dad. His leg necrosed and he got a septic infection. They had to do surgery and were able, so far, to save his leg. We are not completely out of the woods, but there is hope. If this surgery works, he will be on an antibiotic for the rest of his life.
I had many hours of waiting, with siblings, grandchildren and children to think. My relationship with my dad has only got this good, over the last few years. I had spent many hours berating him in my mind for not being there, the way I wanted him to be. He is the rock, in our family. He is a quiet man, he isn't one to call and chat, but he is always there for us. He was raised in a different time and country, a different standard of respect and communication. It is my job, to be respectful, loving and to honor my dad, no matter what. When I realized this, I had just had my last child, talking about a slow learning curve, our relationship became much better.
I love my dad, I pray God knows how much I need him to stay here with me.

Haiti

A few years ago, my eldest son and I went to Haiti. David is a Marine now, and says that his experience in Haiti, contributed to his decision to be in the Marine Corp and, I believe, contributed to the giving person he is.
This is my favorite photo of David in Haiti. This little boy was having a bad day and David was comforting him.

We worked in 6 orphanges and worked with about 600 orphans. My husband is a retired Anesthesiologist and is going to Haiti to help with the recovery efforts. There is so much we can all do.
I have heard generous comments about helping people in Haiti and then concerned comments about what is going on here, in the States. I don't think we need to make a choice. I think we can do both. Perhaps the Haitian earthquake can remind us all to be more generous because as David put it "Our worst day, is better than their best day", and that was before the quake.

My Word for the Year

Ali Edwards has, on her site, a wonderful idea. Go to her site to read about it.

http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/2009/12/one-little-word-2010.html

My word is "Gather". I will focus this year on Gathering my Family, my Herbs(I say it with an H), Self Reliance and many more ways. I feel like this is an important time to "draw in the wagons" and become much more aware of every aspect in my life.

Pick a word, or let it pick you. I think it could change your perspective.