One day at a time

First of all, happy 8 years to my Think Thankfully mindset. It was 8 years ago today that my nightly thankful posts began. So, happy 8 years of nightly posts expressing gratitude, even when it was hard to do so............ 

......and that quickly focus shifts to blog posts because writing is my only outlet right now. There are too many things swirling around inside my head (and my heart) and I feel like sometimes the only way to help get them out is to write, write, write. I don't always share my true feelings with people. I tend to keep things inside and just 'deal' with them on my own. I have moments where I can smile and laugh, and then in a quick second, I could just sit and cry.

If there is anything I've learned in the last 3 weeks, it is that major losses are extremely overwhelming. Experiencing two pretty significant losses in a span of 20 days has taken its toll on me. I am struggling terribly, but I am pretty sure it is just deep grief and not a depression. I put on a happy face, but it does not mirror what I'm feeling on the inside. I am struggling. I am struggling to make sense of things, to figure out how to grieve two people in two very different manners, to see a light at the end of the tunnel, to see a brighter future. Life has taken on a 'one day at a time' kind of mantra. Today is one of those days where I do not feel like being at work, I do not feel like being around people, and I do not feel like smiling. I'd much rather be at home, snuggled with my little dog, and letting the world go by with no expectations from me. That's the truth of my life right now.

So many people have told me that I am such a strong person. I can handle this because I am strong. Let me tell you, that is farthest from the truth right now. I do not feel strong. I do not feel like I 'can handle' this. It is hard for me to talk to people about this because, unless you've experienced a loss like this, (you know, two significant losses in a matter of three weeks time), you cannot even begin to imagine. Losing one has been heart shattering. Losing the other compounded the grief and intensified the feelings. Losing both has been a bit too much for me to handle. And I am ok admitting that. I'm not strong. I'm human. I'm trying to deal the best way I know how.

My husband amazes me with his ability to wake up every morning and tackle his days with, what appears to be, minimal darkness. He is the epitome of strength and reassurance. I'm truly in awe of him each and every day. That is not to say he isn't grieving. I know he is. I know this is a hurt that he will take with him every day of the rest of his life. I know my husband will not be whole again until he sees Billy again. I also know that my husband grieves for my grandmother, too. They had a special bond, the two of them. Up until the end of her life, she still made sure he knew that HE was going to get the 'red envelope' from her forever. But the grief we share for my grandmother's passing is so different that the intense sadness felt over Billy's passing. My grandmother lived almost 91 very full years. She had a long life, filled with many ups and downs, but one thing for sure, she was the best role model of what a strong woman looks like. Billy lived for 34 short years. He had so much life ahead of him. And in moments when I think abut this, it just doesn't seem fair. But life is the farthest thing from fair.

I was reminded that it is OK to take life one day at a time right now, considering what I've been dealt with the past three weeks. I was reminded that my light will shine through again, in time. I was reminded to be patient with myself. And I am trying.....it's just very hard.

One day at a time.......

Love never fails.....April 9, 2016

The Rewind:

25 years ago, I brought a beautiful 8 pound 1 ounce baby girl into this world. She had a head full of dark hair and the bluest of blue eyes when she was born. I was younger than most new moms and at 17 years old, holding a baby in my arms, I began to truly worry what the future would look like. It was a worry that never left my system. I knew that from the start the odds were stacked against us and we would have to do all we could to defy them. I believe we did. I did my best, with the help of my amazing family, to raise a strong, confident girl in this crazy crazy world. I do believe I succeeded beyond ALL expectations.

The Fast Forward:

I won’t bore anyone with all the wonderful memories I have of my Alyssa growing up. Most of it centers around her being captain of her cheerleading squad, becoming a world traveler, a high school top 10% student, an honor student in college (550 miles away from home), and then graduating from a prestigious college for her Masters Degree. A lot happened between 1990 and 2013.

This past weekend, my firstborn daughter got married! To say I was prepared for this might be a slight lie. I thought I was, but I really wasn’t. When she was a little girl, I often wondered what her wedding day would look like, since our situation was so different from everyone else’s.

When Vincent entered her life, as her mother, I truly knew this would be the man she’d share the rest of her life with. They complimented each other so well. They were meant to be. It was never a forced or awkward moment when the two of them came around, so it was only natural that over Memorial Day Weekend 2015, when Vincent found my husband and I sitting in the living room alone, he took the opportunity and asked our permission to propose to our daughter. Of course, we granted permission and then we patiently waited (well, my husband patiently waited, I was anxiously waiting) for the big day!

And that day came on June 19. Taken by complete surprise, my daughter became engaged at the Air Force Memorial in Washington DC and the fun of planning a wedding began. The date was set. And so it began……

Alyssa and Vincent planned the most amazing wedding. Again, I always envisioned myself helping my daughter along in the planning stages of her big day, but I raised an independent gal. She and her fiancé tackled the task of planning a wedding all on their own.

From the date: April 9, 2016 to the venue: All Saints Catholic Church/Bristow Manor Golf Club, the two of them were in charge of their entire day. They chose the flowers (GORGEOUS!), the cupcakes (DELICIOUS), and who they wanted to share their day with (PERFECT GUEST LIST!!!!) And what a beautiful day it was.

We traveled to Manassas, Virginia on Thursday, April 7, in order to start getting ourselves immersed in the area and to offer any help that Lys and Vin might need for their big day. We watched the weather forecasts (which were all calling for SNOW in Virginia on April 9), did some sightseeing, and welcomed all the invited friends and family members as they, too, began arriving for the big day! There were friends and family from Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, New York, and probably other places I am neglecting to remember at this moment.

The day of my daughter’s wedding, I woke up early; too early, like 3:30 in the morning early. As the dawn was beginning to break around 6:30, I looked out the hotel window and it was so overcast coupled with snow and rain/sleet. My heart sank. I decided to jump in the shower so I wouldn’t feel so rushed getting myself prepared to head to her house, even though I didn’t have to be there til 10. I stood in the shower and the tears poured from my eyes. I cried for so many reasons. My daughter was getting married. It was the crappiest weather in the SPRING. And I missed my grandparents who were no longer with us. How I wished they could be there. How proud they would have been to see their first great grandchild walking down the aisle. And I cried. I begged for anyone listening to give us a break in the weather. I could handle cold and I could handle wind. I did not want the rain ruining my daughter’s day, even though she was prepared for it. Alyssa went out and bought herself some really cute rain boots and a clear HUGE golf-like umbrella, totally prepared for whatever Mother Nature was going to throw at her! She was prepared. I still didn’t want rain on her day anymore. I know rain on your wedding day is supposed to be good luck. It rained. It needed to stop.

As the morning progressed, I had my make-up and hair done and I was ready to head to my daughter’s home to help her any way I could with getting ready to go to the church. The rain/snow mixture was still around. My heart sank a little more.

Arriving at my daughter’s, the bridesmaids were all getting ready. I brought the flower girls and together, they all began to jump into wedding mode. My daughter arrived from the salon, where they turned her full head of hair into the most beautiful Disney princess hair I have ever seen!!!! She started putting on her make-up and WOW. In the blink of an eye, I saw my baby transform into a beautiful bride. The weather started breaking. The sky was still full of clouds but there were blue patches coming through. The rain/snow stopped and I just knew it was a little bit of my grandparents helping this day be even more perfect! Again, I was reminded how much of an independent woman my daughter had become. I really wasn’t ‘needed’ at my daughter’s house, but I was so thankful to be there, to be watching it all come together, because when that one moment came that I heard: “Mom, can you come up here and help me a minute.” I smiled the biggest smile and remembered SHE IS MY DAUGHTER and although she is so independent, she still needed me.

It was decided that my daughter and I would get our dresses on at the church, just in case the weather decided to change again. Around 12:30 we headed for the church. I took the flower girls and Vincent’s aunt, who helped the flower girls (one of whom was her daughter) get ready! And by 1:10 we were at the church. It was really happening!

I was so thankful that the rain had stopped. We walked into the bridal suite in the church and the sun was actually shining through the windows in the suite. I got dressed, and then it was Alyssa’s turn. My eyes misted at the sight of my daughter, in her beautiful classic, vintage-looking lace bridal gown, but I did not cry. I was too happy to cry. The photographer came in and took a lot of pictures (I cannot wait to see them all!!!!!). I decided to head out to the lobby and see my husband and let the girls all to themselves in the room with Alyssa.

Alyssa’s bridal party consisted of her sister as Maid of Honor, her best friend from college as a bridesmaid, as well as her Zeta Tau Alpha little as a bridesmaid, too. Alyssa’s goddaughter was one of the flower girls as well as one of Vincent’s cousins. I decided to give the 6 of them time alone to get ready for the big event.

When I returned to the room, I found a penny on the floor of the room, near the bench where all of Alyssa’s things were placed. It was the final sign I needed from my grandparents that THEY had their hand in all that turned out good in this day.

Our moment had arrived and the wedding was beginning. I was ready to walk my daughter down the aisle to the man of her dreams. As her mom, I struggled with this whole ‘giving her away’ idea, for my own VERY personal reasons, reasons that do not need to be written on these pages. As she and I neared the entrance to the church, I could feel the emotions building up. We turned to face the sanctuary and all I remember was the intense pride I felt at seeing everyone they invited, smiles on their faces. We took our cue and went to the top of the aisle, took our little pause, and I looked at my daughter and asked: “Are you ready for this?” She looked my square in the eye, smiled, and said, “Let’s go!” I remember looking down the aisle, seeing my husband’s HUGE smile looking at us and then I saw Vincent’s HUGE smile looking at Alyssa. From that point on, all I could do was smile myself. I walked her down the aisle, hugged my soon to be son-in-law and told him to take care of my girl. I turned, hugged and kissed my daughter, and then took my seat to witness this beautiful wedding.

The ceremony was beautiful. The reception was out of this world. Beautiful venue, great food and drinks, an out of this world band, and EVERYONE gathered in one place celebrating the new Mr. and Mrs. P!!!!! The moment of the Father/Daughter dance arrived and it was the most beautiful tribute to two of the most important men in Alyssa’s life. The band started playing Stand By Me and my dad began the dance with Alyssa. Halfway through the dance, my amazing husband, who has been such a great influence in her life as her stepfather, cut in and ended the dance with her. It was beautiful and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. It was perfect. It was as it needed to be. The reception was so filled with laughter and friendship. So many people. So much love. Such a perfect day. A wedding for the ages.

And in a few short hours of time, I went from Mother of the Bride, to Mother-in-law! I promise to be a good one.

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent S. Prinzivalli

April 9, 2016

Dancing their first dance to:

You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne

Until next time....Think Thankfully

 

 

Guardian angels and good news!!!

Dear Readers,

Life has been very hectic for me the past few weeks. I've been dealing with a lot of personal things as well as shouldering the worry and anxiety of my 24 year old daughter, who has had some major life events happen. My daughter is a worrier, she is riddled with anxiety, and she sets extremely high standards for herself (and subsequently finds herself second guessing herself, causing even more anxiety and stress in her life).

On February 20, she took her comprehensive exams that would pretty much determine her future. In order to graduate from American University (with a pretty impressive Masters Degree), she had to pass the tests placed before her. And in order to obtain the full time job offer that was presented to her, she needed to graduate in May with her Masters. Not passing the comps = no graduation, which in turn = no job. Nightmare situation to find yourself in when you are a worrier.

My daughter has always excelled in school. She places a lot of pressure on herself to get good grades (and let it be known, I never put that pressure on her.....I was always happy as long as my children gave it their best effort). Throughout elementary school, junior high, high school, and undergrad work, she always took on the toughest classes, aimed high, and worried until she knew she was going to succeed. She finished high school in the top 10% of her class, earning many scholarships along the way. She graduated with her Bachelors Degree (with multiple honors) from a pretty highly regarded university and then set her sights on her graduate work.

American University is NOT an easy place to acquire a degree of any kind. It is a very tough, rigorous institution that demands near excellence. To make it through nearly two years of graduate level work in her area of study has not been an easy task for her. So, when she signed up for the comprehensive exams, it began nearly 6 weeks of intense studying and worrying. As her mom, I knew she was going to be just fine, but because she worried, so did I. During this time, she decided to start apartment hunting, moving out of the apartment under the stairs ('Harry Pottering it', as one of her co-workers lovingly referred to her previous living conditions) and onto a little more spacious living arrangement (with natural lighting for a change!!!!!). On top of the mounds of stress with the taking of exams, she adds to it, the stress of finding relatively inexpensive living in the DC-Metro area. Oooooookkkkkkk!!!!

March 21 she got the keys to her apartment. And then the worrying began again. What if I didn't pass my test? What if I don't graduate and don't have my job? What if I have to wait til August? How will I afford this place? All the questions swirled around her head for the past week, and, truth be told, they swirled around mine too. I worried so much.

Enter my angels. I've got three incredible guardian angels who never go too far away from me or my girls: Pappy Lester, Pappy Wip, and Grandma Marilyn. I've written about my grandma many times before. She was my world. It's taken me five years to be almost ok with losing her. But today, she reminded me that she is ALWAYS right here....helping me (and my girls) as much as she can. She proves over and over again that she is my guardian angel.

Today would have been my grandmother's 85th birthday. Marilyn Mae (Rehrig) Everett was born on March 25, 1930. She passed away on February 2, 2010. Today, she reminded me that she is always right here. At about 3pm this afternoon, I received a call from my daughter. She excitedly told me she just got the results to her comps. SHE PASSED THEM!!! I can't think of a more perfect day to find this out. While birthdays are typically a day to receive a birthday gift, today my gram made sure WE were the recipients of the best gift ever: passing scores on the most important test of my daughter's life!!! And to quote one of her friends, when she posted the news on the great book of Faces, "Congrats!! I can't wait to see what all you continue to accomplish!"

I believe in angels. Always have and always will.

Until next time, my friends.....never stop believing in your angels. They are always right there beside you, helping to show you the way.

Live like ELLA ♥

I cannot think of a better blog entry today, my birthday blog, than to honor the life of my little Cancer Warrior Princess Angel, who is celebrating her first angelversary today. Last year, I can remember sitting in my classroom, celebrating the big 4-0 with my students and getting a text message that would put my celebrations into a tailspin. I received word that my little CWP had lost her battle with cancer and was now an angel. I was heartbroken, yet so very happy, all at the same time. My little friend whom I had never actually met, Ella Grace, was now an angel.

Truth be told, that little girl was an angel here on earth. I’ve blogged about her before, but today, February 11, I choose to blog about her again, because she deserves to be remembered today and forever! It is not our job to even try to begin to explain why some things in life happen. I wish I knew why a little 4 year old girl was taken from us. I wish I knew why that blasted C word won that battle. I wish I could explain the reason for all the nonsense. Any time you hear of a child losing their battle with a horrible disease, a whole host of emotions enters your world. We seem to feel angry, sad. We begin to question God and why he allows little ones to suffer. But Ella, well, that little girl taught a lot of people a lot about living. Ella never complained, always wore she smile (probably because it was the best accessory for her tutu and flowery headbands), and inspired people to be the best they could possibly be. I'm pretty sure that little girl went through what she did in order to teach us all a lesson about living, loving, and accepting our fate, come what may. I had the distinct pleasure of doing the Warrior Dash two years ago as Ella’s Warrior, raising a ton of funds for St. Jude’s, all in the name of Ella Grace Luchansky. It became a yearly tradition for me and my daughters, as each year we WARRIOR ON in Ella’s name!

When I look back at the life my little Cancer Warrior Princess Angel Ella Grace lived, I cannot help but be thankful for the gift of that little girl in my life. Without ever meeting her, she has inspired me to be a better person. She loved her tutus, headbands, purple, and glitter. She giggled and smiled and always thought of others. She truly LIVED her life. So many of us go through the motions of day to day living, completely overlooking the things that are truly important in life. Ella Grace lived her little life to love others, regardless of the battles she faced each and every day.

As I head out to work today, wearing my purple sweater (because purple is my favorite color, too), my Live Like Ella shirt underneath, and my purple converse, I am encouraging each and every one of you to go out and LIVE LIKE ELLA today and every day. Honor the life of a special little girl.

Until tomorrow, my friends……

Think Thankfully

I believe there are angels among us

In life I believe there are guardian angels out in the world to look after you and protect you. I believe that these angels come in many different forms. I have always believed that things happen for a reason, and while we may not understand it at the time, those reasons shape who we are supposed to be. I believe, no matter how long or short lived a life might be, people were placed here on earth to make a difference and we are not to realize or understand that until they are no longer with us. I believe that angels here on earth carry out a variety of different tasks. Some guide us, some simply watch, some lend an ear, some merely set an example before us. These angels may appear as normal humans and sometimes they shine with all the radiance of heaven shining upon them, and making known that a part of heaven truly is here on earth.

My grandmother, Marilyn, was an angel on earth, that much I am positive of. She was an extraordinary woman who graced this earth with her presence for 79 wonderful years. She was the very patient wife of my Pappy for almost 60 years. She was the supportive mother of her three sons: Butch, Eric, and Conrad. She was the devoted grandmother of her 10 grandchildre: Allyson, Derek, Chad, Trent, Travis, Christopher, Ashley, Molly, Maggie, and Kurt. And she was the proud great grandmother of her twelve great grandchildren: Alyssa, Sophia, Erika, Isaiah, Kendra, Jenna, Abigail, Gracie, Maddie, Maya, Kal-El, and Faith. My grandmother was a God-fearing woman, who went to church each Sunday, taught Sunday School for more years that I can remember, sang in the church choir, was the pianist during services when the organist was unavailable. My grandmother was one of the ‘faces’ of the church. She never uttered an unkind word, never spoke ill of anyone, always prayed, and always looked out for me. I don’t believe she had any other task but to show others what the Grace of God looked like, what humbleness and humility can appear as, and what it meant to walk in the footsteps of the Lord.

Another angel who graced this earth for 13 short years is a girl I was never fortunate enough to have met in ‘real life’. I’ve only gotten to know of her over the past three years, but hers is a story that everyone should hear. The following excerpt was taken from the website: MadysAngels:

“Madyson Brendyl Law was born December 14, 1997 and left this world too early on December 21, 2010. Mady had more compassion and selflessness in her brief 13 years than most people express in their entire lifetime. She was and is the type of person who looked to be involved. She would volunteer for a variety of fundraising and charity events for such groups as Bushkill Outreach, Joeys Eagles, Operation Smile, Relay for Life, and Walk for Hunger just to name a few. Mady was the type of person who would save up her allowance and give it away to a multitude of causes. She was the type of person we should all strive to be.”

When I heard the news of Mady’s passing, my heart instantly sank. I knew she was the same age as my daughter. My heart instantly felt grief stricken for a girl I never knew. Her father was a friend of my husband, but I hadn’t really known the family at all three years ago. After visiting the MadysAngels website, I am further convinced that the young life of Madyson Law was so purpose-filled.  In her short 13 years of life, she truly walked this earth as an angel among us. If this note, written by Mady just a few short weeks before her passing, isn’t proof, I’m not sure what is.

                                             @MadysAngels

"I think that when people think of death they shall not dread it but rejoice when hearing the words... I think people are only sad because they fear people will judge them saying they have no feeling or a cold heart. Death is something to be proud of because you share memories with the person and when you think of death instead of those memories that people bring to your mind, remember the memories that you brought to their mind...

Death is just another rocky road in your life...."

Another little angel I had the privilege of getting to know, was my little Cancer Warrior Princess, Ella Grace Luchansky. Little Ella was diagnosed with Stage 4 high risk Neuroblastoma on March 10th 2011. She was only 2 years old. After a belly ache one evening that persisted all night long she was taken to her pediatrician the following morning. An ultrasound was ordered. The ultrasound revealed a tumor coming off of her left kidney that stretched across her entire abdomen. The tumor was wrapped around many organs and blood vessels,including the main artery to her heart. It was cancer. The doctors said she had a less than 30% chance of survival. After further tests and biopsies of the tumor, it was found that Ella had an amplified form of the disease. Ella had gone from gymnastics on Wednesday to stage 4 cancer in less than 24 hours. 

I had the pleasure of being Ella's Warrior, competing in the Warrior Dash for St Jude's in 2012. I wore my sparkly pink tutu and flowery headband for this little girl who touched my heart so deeply. For a little girl, she was a true WARRIOR. She never gave up, always smiled, and even in the midst of her pain and suffering, she inspired so many people. A Facebook page, dedicated to her, Miracles for Ella, gained over 1500 people. We all prayed for a little girl, who showed the world that a stupid, horrible disease known as cancer would have one hell of a fight against this spitfire of a small girl. And on February 11, 2013, my 40th birthday, my little Cancer Warrior Princess earned her heavenly angel wings. Anyone who was touched by this little girl knew she already wore her earthly wings.

You see, I believe there are angels among us. The country supergroup, Alabama, couldn't have sung it any better when they sang: 

I was walking home from school on a cold winter day.

Took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way.

It was getting late, and I was scared and alone.

But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home.

Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there.

And I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers.

Oh I believe there are angels among us.

Sent down to us from somewhere up above.

They come to you and me in our darkest hours.

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.

To guide us with the light of love.

When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees.

There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me.

A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand.

A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand.

And ain't it kind of funny that at the dark end of the road.

Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope.

Oh I believe there are angels among us.

Sent down to us from somewhere up above.

They come to you and me in our darkest hours.

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.

To guide us with the light of love.

They wear so many faces; show up in the strangest places.

To grace us with their mercy, in our time of need.

Oh I believe there are angels among us.

Sent down to us from somewhere up above.

They come to you and me in our darkest hours.

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.

To guide us with the light of love.

To guide us with the light of love.

Until tomorrow, my friends....always be aware of the presence of angels. I believe they are always among us, sent down from above, to guide us with the light of love. 

Think Thankfully!!!

The grass can really be greener...

First of all, let me start off by apologizing for the significant gap since my last post! Bet you thought I fell off the face of the Earth, didn't ya? Well, friends, not quite. It has been a busy two weeks for me, prepping my new surroundings for what promises to be an interesting school year! Since I purchased, and drank, a large caramel iced coffee from McDonald's tonight, I really can not sleep! When I can't sleep, the wheels turn! And when the wheels turn, I decide to write! And when I decide to write, look out!

I've been utterly exhausted the last couple of days! Between the excitement of the new school year starting, the sheer terror of the new school year starting, and finally the acceptance that the new school year did, indeed, start, this girl has been through the emotions from one end to the other! 

So, you know how when you are in a certain set of circumstances, you sometimes wish you were anywhere or anyone else? Yeah, I thought you might understand the whole "The grass is always greener" idea. We always wish for,  what we perceive is, a better circumstance than what we are in. And sometimes, the grass truly IS greener on the other side. I know the cliché is meant to be more like "appreciate what you have rather than what someone else has" kind of thing, but at this moment, the grass, for me, has always been greener on the other side!

I started this whole school year ALMOST wishing I hadn't jumped ship. My first day was pretty tough and I felt as though I floundered my way through it. It was tough being positive yesterday, when I truly felt as though I failed in a big big way. I cried. Ok, ok, ok so I pretty much SOBBED most of the night last night. Gosh darn it, I sobbed from the time my feet hit the parking lot until I fell asleep last night. Yes, it was THAT rough. Please don't judge. I had ALMOST wished I could go back to my high schoolers, where I was comfortable and loved! And then....

I awoke this morning with a renewed sense of that "Go get 'em!" attitude I love so much! I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and trekked to school knowing MY grass was certainly greener now! My ride takes me 12 minutes....not 45! I drive 20.4 miles round trip rather than 50.6! My gas tank is still over half full! And I got hugs today! Sure I had an irritated student at one point, but I got hugs! I am in a fantabulous elementary school that just exudes positivity (it's where I am meant to be) and I feel at home!

Sure I have some brown spots in my little green pasture, but overall the view is lush, green, and happy!!  Yup, friends, the grass is greener for me and I gladly accept some of the difficulties that may lie ahead simply because they truly make me appreciate the wonderful blessings I have been granted!

I believe in angels.....

One of my fondest vacation memories was my 2005 trip to New Orleans. It was on this va action that I began my journey into self discovery. It was the first time I went away alone (well, I wasn't alone...I was with a friend and her husband, but no one from my family). It was on this trip that I learned the value of myself and began to see others for who they truly were. It was on this trip I made a friend, someone who felt as though Id known him forever, yet only just met; a friend who I have remained friends with and have seen a few times since. It was on this trip that I truly became aware of my angels and the wonderful things they do for me, how they make their presence know, and how they are never far from my side. 

I remember walking around the French Quarter taking everything in. Around Jackson Square were tons of tarot card readers, palm readers, mystic people with mystic messages. They scare me. While I get intrigued about receiving messages from people about my future, it scares the crap out of me. And then, while walking down (or is it up) Rue Royale, I saw the sign in the window, 'Angel readings here'. I was mesmerized. Angel readings? I had a dear friend of mine pass away quite suddenly in 2001 and I quickly became angel aware. The thought of having an angel reading was drawing stronger and stronger as each day passed. Finally, I went inside and scheduled my appointment. The following morning, at 9:30am I was set to be 'read'.

It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The things that my reader was able to tell me were so intimate and spot on. I have remained true to what she has told me all these years later, many things coming to fruition. I truly believe that with an open mind, angels do speak to us. Sometimes it might be a quiet whisper, sometime it is a load roar, but we have to allow ourselves to hear their messages. That isn't always an easy thing to do, listen to our angels, but often their messages need to be heard. 

Last night we read angel cards. Mine were spot on with regards to things going on in my life. My angels sent me the messages I needed. I hope you listen to your angels. Don't discount them!