It’s everywhere.
Not a day goes by that don’t you hear that someone you work with, some friend of yours or their family, or even someone famous in the news has cancer. You read stats in magazines, newspapers and online. And everywhere you hear commercials for new medicines and hospitals that specialize in treatment. Still, you just never feel like it can happen to YOU. So when you or someone you love hears those words, “it’s cancer” it’s nothing short of unbelievable.
And devastating.
I will never forget the moment we heard those words. The sick, sinking feeling the moment the doctor told my husband his diagnosis. Cancer? Us? But he’s so young! We have 2 young kids! We have lives! Just yesterday we were complaining about something stupid like the kids' homework, bills, or work. And today...we have cancer?
This cannot be happening.
And how did he feel? If those words affected me so much, how on earth must they have affected him? We just stared at each other, speechless, for what seemed like forever. The days and weeks ahead had us...like the song says “talking about the options…and talking about sweet time.”
That was 9 years ago.
And over these 9 years, so many in my world have heard those words and fought this fight. So many survivors, and so many others watching over us from heaven. And somewhere along this road, I learned a co-worker and friend of mine, Tim Daugherty, was going through the same thing as his wife and family dealt with her cancer diagnosis. Because Tim and I both have felt the affect of cancer so deeply, we both appreciate the amazing work of Stewart’s Caring Place.
Stewart’s is a nonprofit organization that began as a grassroots effort led by the family and friends of Dr. Stewart Surloff whose cancer journey ended in the fall of 2001. During his life, Stewart shared the struggles and triumphs of his cancer experience and taught us that "There is more to cancer than chemotherapy and surgery." Today, Stewart's carries on his legacy by providing support services, free-of-charge, to individuals and families touched by cancer. Stewart’s helps to enhance the quality of life for those living with cancer by offering services that honor choices, compliment medical treatment, and recognize body, mind and spirit, in a caring environment of healing and support. Programs and services include lectures and workshops, a resource center, healing arts, community referrals, movement classes, counseling, attorney consults, children and family programs, support groups and wigs.
Tim and I emceed the walk last year. This year, we are doing the same, and are also participating in the walk. We walk to honor my late husband Phil Cordle. We walk to honor his late wife Donna Daugherty. We walk to honor the memory of those whose cancer journey is now over, and for so many others who are bravely pushing forward and are an inspiration to all of us. And we walk to raise money for this wonderful organization that helps so many deal with this devastating disease.
We invite you to walk with us on May 14th. Or join us in spirit by sponsoring us in honor of someone you want to honor. You can do either when you click on this link.
Stewarts Caring Place Hope Walk
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
The End of Winter Blahs
"Little Darlin' I feel that ice is slowly melting. Little darlin', it seems like years since it's been clear." ~George Harrison
Yeah Darlins',it HAS been a long, cold, snowy winter. And at about this time every year (as February draws to a close) I feel like I am at the end of my winter rope. Is that I am getting older? Is it the lack of sun? Is it really that this has been one of the snowier winters on record? Am I suffering from the dreaded winter blues or what they call SAD? Perhaps all of the above.
I'm trying. I really am. Normally a positive person, I truly don't like feeling this way about the season. Because I believe so strongly in the Universal Law of Attraction, I know that if I wake up and look out the window and moan at the snow and cold, that is not a good way to start the day. Negativity breeds negativity. I know that I simply must find things to be grateful for about this weather, because I do know that for me, the end of winter is often more difficult for me that the middle.
My friend Sandy posted something positive on my Facebook wall yesterday amidst the complaints about the weather. It made me smile. She and her family moved to Vermilion and live on a beautiful piece of property where they really enjoy the seasons. A snow storm means they hitch their horse to a sleigh and glide through the beauty of their property. She said "I'm sorry, but I love the snow. I think it's pretty." Then again, she reminded us she works from home. I do think some of my frustration with the weather comes from my schedule. Perhaps getting up in the dark to a foot of snow at 4 am, then driving in the dark an hour later to be smiley and cheerful on the air does, on some days, take a lot of energy.
So--I figure the thing that will end these winter blahs is just to acknowledge them. Get it out there, deal with those feelings and then move on. So I hope you'll humor me and let me vent, and then, let the therapeutic healing begin.
1) February feels so long, even though it's the shortest month of the year! As my morning show co-host Scott Wynn said the other day, they do everything to make it shorter. They lop off a few days and make it 28 instead of 30 or 31. Then they toss in a holiday or two. But still, it feels long.
2) The end of winter into spring is a big fat tease, and although its begins in February, March is no picnic either. You get one of those 40 or 50 degree days with sun, and then 48 hours later, another snow storm. No gradual thaw seems to happen around here. One day its 17 degrees and the next its 37 and then the rains come. That 3 foot pile of snow melts in 24 hours and then our weather reports go from snow warnings to flood warnings.
3) The Mud. With 2 dogs, the end of winter into spring is muddy paw season.
4) Lack of sun. Enough said.
Now that it's out there...let's focus on why living around here has it's benefits.
1) Living through the winter toughens you up, in a good way. If you can handle a winter in the Northeast or Midwest, you are a hardy soul. Those who live in perfect climates where the sun shies 300 plus days a year don't have the appreciation we do for those amazing days. A sunny 60 degree days after a gray 30 degree one is like heaven to us.
2) We may have crazy snowstorms but we don't have hurricanes, earthquakes, mudslides, or wildfires.
3) The Great Lakes: including Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth holding 21 percent of the world's surface fresh water. Yes, it brings is lake effect snow...BUT our area will never be without fresh water. In fact, we supply it to most of the country! We need to make sure these lakes aren't trashed and toxified like they were in the 70's.
4)Good place to raise a family. I've read some economist theories that say the once depressed areas of the country--the Great Lakes states like Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania will recover sooner than we think due to the incredible natural resources and moderate cost of living. Plus, good old fashioned Midwest values and friendly people who just help one another. Probably because were are always digging each other out of the snow!
5) The change of Seasons. Just when you are feel like you can't take one more humid day, the cool crisp fall air comes in, and we are treated to pleasant comfortable days, crisp nights and a mind-blowing display of color for a couple of months. And that's really the thing about this part of the country. God seems to know when it's time to change the season for us. The first snowfall has us thinking of Christmas, the first robin of Spring and warmth to come, and then the heat of the summer makes us smile at the impending autumn.
I've lived where the season changes all my life. And I've endured some brutal winters but I'd like to think its made me more appreciative of the good stuff when it gets here.
Here Comes The Sun and I say, it's alright.
Yeah Darlins',it HAS been a long, cold, snowy winter. And at about this time every year (as February draws to a close) I feel like I am at the end of my winter rope. Is that I am getting older? Is it the lack of sun? Is it really that this has been one of the snowier winters on record? Am I suffering from the dreaded winter blues or what they call SAD? Perhaps all of the above.
I'm trying. I really am. Normally a positive person, I truly don't like feeling this way about the season. Because I believe so strongly in the Universal Law of Attraction, I know that if I wake up and look out the window and moan at the snow and cold, that is not a good way to start the day. Negativity breeds negativity. I know that I simply must find things to be grateful for about this weather, because I do know that for me, the end of winter is often more difficult for me that the middle.
My friend Sandy posted something positive on my Facebook wall yesterday amidst the complaints about the weather. It made me smile. She and her family moved to Vermilion and live on a beautiful piece of property where they really enjoy the seasons. A snow storm means they hitch their horse to a sleigh and glide through the beauty of their property. She said "I'm sorry, but I love the snow. I think it's pretty." Then again, she reminded us she works from home. I do think some of my frustration with the weather comes from my schedule. Perhaps getting up in the dark to a foot of snow at 4 am, then driving in the dark an hour later to be smiley and cheerful on the air does, on some days, take a lot of energy.
So--I figure the thing that will end these winter blahs is just to acknowledge them. Get it out there, deal with those feelings and then move on. So I hope you'll humor me and let me vent, and then, let the therapeutic healing begin.
1) February feels so long, even though it's the shortest month of the year! As my morning show co-host Scott Wynn said the other day, they do everything to make it shorter. They lop off a few days and make it 28 instead of 30 or 31. Then they toss in a holiday or two. But still, it feels long.
2) The end of winter into spring is a big fat tease, and although its begins in February, March is no picnic either. You get one of those 40 or 50 degree days with sun, and then 48 hours later, another snow storm. No gradual thaw seems to happen around here. One day its 17 degrees and the next its 37 and then the rains come. That 3 foot pile of snow melts in 24 hours and then our weather reports go from snow warnings to flood warnings.
3) The Mud. With 2 dogs, the end of winter into spring is muddy paw season.
4) Lack of sun. Enough said.
Now that it's out there...let's focus on why living around here has it's benefits.
1) Living through the winter toughens you up, in a good way. If you can handle a winter in the Northeast or Midwest, you are a hardy soul. Those who live in perfect climates where the sun shies 300 plus days a year don't have the appreciation we do for those amazing days. A sunny 60 degree days after a gray 30 degree one is like heaven to us.
2) We may have crazy snowstorms but we don't have hurricanes, earthquakes, mudslides, or wildfires.
3) The Great Lakes: including Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth holding 21 percent of the world's surface fresh water. Yes, it brings is lake effect snow...BUT our area will never be without fresh water. In fact, we supply it to most of the country! We need to make sure these lakes aren't trashed and toxified like they were in the 70's.
4)Good place to raise a family. I've read some economist theories that say the once depressed areas of the country--the Great Lakes states like Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania will recover sooner than we think due to the incredible natural resources and moderate cost of living. Plus, good old fashioned Midwest values and friendly people who just help one another. Probably because were are always digging each other out of the snow!
5) The change of Seasons. Just when you are feel like you can't take one more humid day, the cool crisp fall air comes in, and we are treated to pleasant comfortable days, crisp nights and a mind-blowing display of color for a couple of months. And that's really the thing about this part of the country. God seems to know when it's time to change the season for us. The first snowfall has us thinking of Christmas, the first robin of Spring and warmth to come, and then the heat of the summer makes us smile at the impending autumn.
I've lived where the season changes all my life. And I've endured some brutal winters but I'd like to think its made me more appreciative of the good stuff when it gets here.
Here Comes The Sun and I say, it's alright.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Stopping May Be Better Than Starting
Every article I've ready lately gives one reason after another why you should not make a new year's resolution. By a wide margin, the experts say, resolutions don't work, as many people who have that first cigarette after they resolve to quit smoking, or skipped several days at the gym think that because they've slipped up they have "broken" their resolution they might as well just give up. I am a believer in resolutions; but I think its all it how you define them.
There are a couple different times of the year I find myself in self-reflection. New Year's Day is certainly one of them. But also my birthday and the start of a new school year are 2 other times. Birthdays, of course, get you thinking about the passage of time and various age-related lifestyle and health issues. And September for me is a time of inner reflection because it takes me back to my youth and makes me think of the feeling I use to have with clean paper, notebooks and new books> I felt I had a "clean slate" to start a new year of learning inside and outside the classroom. I always set goals at the beginning of the school year, and I still find myself doing that every fall.
In fact, I like to think more in terms of goal setting than resolutions, but whatever you call them, the idea is the same. What may be intimidating about resolutions or goals is that there seems to be so much to "do" and so much to "start" that it seems too overwhelming. So this year, I thought perhaps a more effective way to affect improvements in my life might be to put things on a "stop" list. My boss, Nick Anthony brought this technique to my attention years ago in our strategic meetings. The idea is that "stopping" an ineffective, non-productive practice or behavior will help to naturally replace them with another, hopefully more productive one.
For example, physically, I would like to continue to work on living a healthy lifestyle. Professionally, I'd like to be a better person to work with, and to work for. And personally, if I'm happier and more self-fulfilled from the inside out I'll be productive in as a mom, a friend, partner and person overall to be of some service to others.
To attempt to accomplish these goals, I'm going to put a few things on my "stop" list.
I resolve to STOP:
-Eating out so much, which will make me cook more, eat better and save money
-Worrying. This will be tough, but I really do know that 90 percent of what we worry about never happens, and you can't get that time you spent worry back. There is always some element of a situation we can control, so focus on that.
-Complaining. I believe in the universal law of attraction, and when we focus on the negative, negative stuff keeps happening because that's where the energy is going. Like attracts like, so even if something is driving you crazy, switching gears to focus on something about the situation or person that you can gain, or learn from the experience, even if it's a lesson in patience will help.
-Being around negative people. They suck the life out of you. Enough said.
-Making excuses. I can always think of reasons for not doing something I want to do. If I find myself procastinating, I will work to get up and "just do" something, even something little, one day at a time. Walk the dog, take a last minute weekend trip, read a book, try something I've never tried before. Learn a new skill.
So instead of thinking about all the things we resolve to do start doing this new year, maybe we can start thinking of things we will resolve to stop doing.
What can you put on your "stop list"?
There are a couple different times of the year I find myself in self-reflection. New Year's Day is certainly one of them. But also my birthday and the start of a new school year are 2 other times. Birthdays, of course, get you thinking about the passage of time and various age-related lifestyle and health issues. And September for me is a time of inner reflection because it takes me back to my youth and makes me think of the feeling I use to have with clean paper, notebooks and new books> I felt I had a "clean slate" to start a new year of learning inside and outside the classroom. I always set goals at the beginning of the school year, and I still find myself doing that every fall.
In fact, I like to think more in terms of goal setting than resolutions, but whatever you call them, the idea is the same. What may be intimidating about resolutions or goals is that there seems to be so much to "do" and so much to "start" that it seems too overwhelming. So this year, I thought perhaps a more effective way to affect improvements in my life might be to put things on a "stop" list. My boss, Nick Anthony brought this technique to my attention years ago in our strategic meetings. The idea is that "stopping" an ineffective, non-productive practice or behavior will help to naturally replace them with another, hopefully more productive one.
For example, physically, I would like to continue to work on living a healthy lifestyle. Professionally, I'd like to be a better person to work with, and to work for. And personally, if I'm happier and more self-fulfilled from the inside out I'll be productive in as a mom, a friend, partner and person overall to be of some service to others.
To attempt to accomplish these goals, I'm going to put a few things on my "stop" list.
I resolve to STOP:
-Eating out so much, which will make me cook more, eat better and save money
-Worrying. This will be tough, but I really do know that 90 percent of what we worry about never happens, and you can't get that time you spent worry back. There is always some element of a situation we can control, so focus on that.
-Complaining. I believe in the universal law of attraction, and when we focus on the negative, negative stuff keeps happening because that's where the energy is going. Like attracts like, so even if something is driving you crazy, switching gears to focus on something about the situation or person that you can gain, or learn from the experience, even if it's a lesson in patience will help.
-Being around negative people. They suck the life out of you. Enough said.
-Making excuses. I can always think of reasons for not doing something I want to do. If I find myself procastinating, I will work to get up and "just do" something, even something little, one day at a time. Walk the dog, take a last minute weekend trip, read a book, try something I've never tried before. Learn a new skill.
So instead of thinking about all the things we resolve to do start doing this new year, maybe we can start thinking of things we will resolve to stop doing.
What can you put on your "stop list"?
Friday, November 26, 2010
Things To Be Thankful For
I woke up Thanksgiving Morning to the sound of a hard rain on my roof. I pondered the fact that it is Thanksgiving, and although I know I have much to be thankful for, I admit I am sometimes guilty of not keeping that fact top of mind.
Alone in the house, I began to focus on that. I missed my girls, I reflected on past Thanksgivings with a full house--and felt sadness that the holidays have not been the same without my girls home, without my parents, without my husband. Trying to snap out of it I marveled at the pouring rain. I looked at my dogs lying next to me, warm and dry and tried to think of so many who have no roof over their head. It's so easy to focus on those things that drag us down. Easy to think about what we don't have. what we want instead of those things that we have now and should be appreciative of.
I turned on the TV to a news story about a local church preparing Thanksgiving meals for the needy--again reminding me of those who don't have a place to go and eat and share the love of family and friends; and any twinge of sadness and focus on my "problems" seemed to fade. The next news story was on Black Friday. A reporter was on the scene of a local store where people were camped out, some since Tuesday, so they would be the first in line for the deals. The reporter asked a man who was camping with his young daughter how it was going since the weather had turned so cold and rainy. He complained that he had to get more propane for his heater because" no one wants to be out on a night like this with no heat."
Wow.
One the one hand, there are homeless people sheltering themselves from the rain, living under bridges or makeshift tents because they have nowhere to go, while this man was "camping" for 3 days so he could get a deal. It brought to mind the story of the man who was trampled to death at a Walmart last year on Black Friday. Have we lost our minds?
It was the reality check I needed Thanksgiving morning and a reminder to focus on being thankful for what I have not what I don't. To start every day with an attitude of gratitude. If you have your health, a roof over your head, a job and at least one person to love and who loves you you are blessed with more "gifts" than so many.
Happy Holidays.
Alone in the house, I began to focus on that. I missed my girls, I reflected on past Thanksgivings with a full house--and felt sadness that the holidays have not been the same without my girls home, without my parents, without my husband. Trying to snap out of it I marveled at the pouring rain. I looked at my dogs lying next to me, warm and dry and tried to think of so many who have no roof over their head. It's so easy to focus on those things that drag us down. Easy to think about what we don't have. what we want instead of those things that we have now and should be appreciative of.
I turned on the TV to a news story about a local church preparing Thanksgiving meals for the needy--again reminding me of those who don't have a place to go and eat and share the love of family and friends; and any twinge of sadness and focus on my "problems" seemed to fade. The next news story was on Black Friday. A reporter was on the scene of a local store where people were camped out, some since Tuesday, so they would be the first in line for the deals. The reporter asked a man who was camping with his young daughter how it was going since the weather had turned so cold and rainy. He complained that he had to get more propane for his heater because" no one wants to be out on a night like this with no heat."
Wow.
One the one hand, there are homeless people sheltering themselves from the rain, living under bridges or makeshift tents because they have nowhere to go, while this man was "camping" for 3 days so he could get a deal. It brought to mind the story of the man who was trampled to death at a Walmart last year on Black Friday. Have we lost our minds?
It was the reality check I needed Thanksgiving morning and a reminder to focus on being thankful for what I have not what I don't. To start every day with an attitude of gratitude. If you have your health, a roof over your head, a job and at least one person to love and who loves you you are blessed with more "gifts" than so many.
Happy Holidays.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A One Of A Kind Experience
I am a big believer in karma. There have been times when I have witnessed something that seems so wrong or unfair, that the only way I can justify it's senselessness is that somewhere down the road there will be knowledge gained or lessons learned for a person, a family, a community or a world that can make the injustice make more sense.
I am also a believer in the Universal Law of Attraction. That "like" attracts "like" and if you are in the presence of good and positive people and events good and positive things keep coming your way. Conversely the same goes with negativity.
Yesterday I was in the presence of a lot of positive vibes and good karma. In the unfortunate and sometimes even tragic stories that accompany how so many dogs and cats got to One Of A Kind Pet Rescue comes the end result of good people doing good things all in one place.
My on air partner Scott Wynn wrote a blog the other day about the effect this new state-of-the-art rescue facility had on him after taking the tour. He spoke of the hard to describe energy felt just being there. And yesterday, at the grand opening celebration, I knew what he meant. Of all the "remotes" and "appearances" I've been a part of in my radio career, this one felt different. So many people came. Hundreds. So many of them said that they had been hearing us talk about the place, hearing our once a week pet adoption feature over the last couple of years, hearing about our own dogs, our own love of animals, and the good work this particular rescue place does in our community, and they were moved to come.
This place is like no other. It is --or should be--the model for how homeless animals should be cared for. Clean, bright. Roomy. Each dog has a "suite" with a door than opens to a run, and then a fenced green area for socialization. There are all window viewing rooms so potential adoptive parents can spend time with the animal. The cats have this incredible space...a tower of spiral steps with cubbies on every level for the cats to hide in if they want. Room to be social. Room to be alone. Room.
It was cool to be in the presence of volunteers, workers and animal lovers of all ages in this wonderful environment that just seems to "breed" good karma. If you live in our area and can patronize their retail pet store for your pet needs, or grooming or perhaps utilize their dog trainer...know that it is a non-profit, and proceeds benefit the mission of caring for animals in need and rescuing them from euthanasia.
I am also a believer in the Universal Law of Attraction. That "like" attracts "like" and if you are in the presence of good and positive people and events good and positive things keep coming your way. Conversely the same goes with negativity.
Yesterday I was in the presence of a lot of positive vibes and good karma. In the unfortunate and sometimes even tragic stories that accompany how so many dogs and cats got to One Of A Kind Pet Rescue comes the end result of good people doing good things all in one place.
My on air partner Scott Wynn wrote a blog the other day about the effect this new state-of-the-art rescue facility had on him after taking the tour. He spoke of the hard to describe energy felt just being there. And yesterday, at the grand opening celebration, I knew what he meant. Of all the "remotes" and "appearances" I've been a part of in my radio career, this one felt different. So many people came. Hundreds. So many of them said that they had been hearing us talk about the place, hearing our once a week pet adoption feature over the last couple of years, hearing about our own dogs, our own love of animals, and the good work this particular rescue place does in our community, and they were moved to come.
This place is like no other. It is --or should be--the model for how homeless animals should be cared for. Clean, bright. Roomy. Each dog has a "suite" with a door than opens to a run, and then a fenced green area for socialization. There are all window viewing rooms so potential adoptive parents can spend time with the animal. The cats have this incredible space...a tower of spiral steps with cubbies on every level for the cats to hide in if they want. Room to be social. Room to be alone. Room.
It was cool to be in the presence of volunteers, workers and animal lovers of all ages in this wonderful environment that just seems to "breed" good karma. If you live in our area and can patronize their retail pet store for your pet needs, or grooming or perhaps utilize their dog trainer...know that it is a non-profit, and proceeds benefit the mission of caring for animals in need and rescuing them from euthanasia.
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