Category: Physical health

Bummers & Blessings

by lovesdoves, posted in Emotional Health, Physical health, Spiritual Health

Home church has been one of the biggest blessings of my lifetime. The connection with the Holy Spirit so pure… and raw… learning with people that yearned to love God deeply and to follow Jesus Christ with a disciple’s heart… sharing our homes and our lives as we grew together in His Name… all strengthened our relationship with Him and with each other.

We patterned our home church after Jesus’ church… prayer, food, Biblical teaching, and fellowship. Part of our fellowship involved an honest and open discussion about the highs and lows of our week. It helped to increase our awareness of each other’s lives and to know how we could best pray for our brothers and sisters. Since our children were an integral part of our church, it increased our awareness of the challenge and the joy in their young lives too. We referred to this sharing portion as “Bummers & Blessings”.

Throughout the years, bummers and blessings included times of distress as the pendulum would swing back and forth through big things like financial hardships & relationship challenges & health issues & unsaved family members, and smaller things like a series of broken down appliances or indecision or impatience. We have seen God work in miraculous ways throughout these bummers… we’ve seen healed relationships, improved health, patience kindled, pride extinguished, and family members that have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In each, God was glorified.

Time after time, it happened… our bummers became blessings. Time after time, God showed us He is faithful to His Word. He is faithful to His Love for us, and He provides for us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it… right on time… in His Time. And we trust Him, as we witness throughout the Bible and within our own lives how Awesome our God really is. Week after week, we would pray… week after week, we witnessed miracles.

And then at 5:30 p.m. on March 25, 2007, the world as I knew it was transformed when Grace’s jaw shattered as she was thrown from her horse. All the pieces that were so perfectly held together… her perfect little face… the control that I held over my life… was… gone… evaporated… the foundation… crumbling… oh, God, where are you…. where are you now….

I staggered through the next 3 days… bits and pieces still so vivid… pacing as I waited, waited, waited at Children’s for the ambulance to arrive… phone calls to my parents knowing that they would be there with us… and to the Ostendorfs, knowing that they would stand guard, that they would be our prayer warriors… searching Grace’s piercing blue eyes for fear or pain as they rolled her through the hospital doors… steadying myself on the rails of the gurney as the nurse pulled back the covering over her face revealing the extent of the blood, and her exposed chin, the damage… the calmness that was all around her… thankfulness that her friend was unharmed physically… Matt, the youth pastor, arriving and praying with Grace… Terry holding the surgeon’s hands in his as he prayed over this man’s life before he began Grace’s reconstruction process… leaving her with the anesthesiologist as my father and I walked away… so many tears then… so many tears… 1 hour… 2 hours… 3 hours… 4 hours… 5 hours… 6 hours… 7 hours… then at 3:30 a.m. on March 26, a kind and gentle nurse brought us to the empty recovery room, one lone bed in the dimmed lights… to see our baby daughter… stitched back together, pieced back together, wired together… alive… more alive than she had ever been…

The next few days were filled with blessings and the prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ, but my heart was heavy with the pain that I felt for Grace who couldn’t speak to share her story… to share her thoughts… to process this traumatic experience. When her fear began to consume her she would fold her hands in prayer… and look to us to pray aloud… and peacefulness would instantaneously replace the fear as we prayed over her watching her oxygen levels improve as every word was lifted to our Heavenly Father… her face so swollen barely recognizable… her eyes still my Gracie’s eyes… looking straight up to Heaven…

I remember screaming at God in my head… while laying next to my precious child in her hospital bed… I remember demanding to understand why… why did He let this happen to her… why would He ever give her such a love of horses, a desire to spend her life with them and then allow her very passion to cause her this much pain, this much trauma, and I demanded that He make this up to her… that He make it right… I couldn’t understand and I wanted so so much to understand… my brother called and I remember hysterically asking him the very same questions, why, why, why, why did He let this happen to this sweet and precious child, why did He create them with these desires and then allow them to be injured by the very thing that they love… WHY… my brother arrived within the hour… he knew I was struggling in one of the hugest battles of my lifetime… he knew I was struggling for control over this battle in my mind…he knew that this was not a time to turn and run away, it was a time to run straight into my Creator’s arms… it was a time to trust and be faithful to His Word, and to be strong through His Strength. And he knew he needed to help guide me back, to rest in the peace that the Holy Spirit gives to us, freely as a gift. To be there for Grace.

But I had underestimated the impact that all those weeks, and months and years that we spent together as a family with other families, worshipping and loving our Heavenly Father and learning about His Son, Jesus Christ, and our purpose on this earth, had formed and filled this young child’s mind, her very soul, with everything she needed to adapt to this dramatic event in her life. He had given her every truth that she needed to understand that she was loved, wholly and completely, by Him. And that through this accident, she would claim her voice for Him, and He would use her to spread His Love and His Word to many others. He showed her things that were reserved for the blessed few… angels, hundreds of them, that were guarding the very room that she slept in… fanning their wings, steadily, constantly, to keep the darkness, the fog, that she could see in the distance… away. She knew what it felt like to be held by Him, to receive the comfort and the peace that only He could provide. To be healed in a way that was inconceivable to the human mind, as He healed the nerve that had been severed in her fall, to the disbelief and astonishment of the doctor who said it was impossible. And He allowed her to see the accident as He saw it… something the adversary meant to harm her, God turned into something good, and right, and true. Something that He would use through Grace to glorify His Kingdom.

Over the past 5 years, Grace has grown ever stronger in her faith and God has continued to use her in miraculous ways just like He promised He would, but I’ve struggled with the grief that I felt from Grace’s accident. I struggled with the anger that I felt towards God for allowing it to happen, and my spirit had become lifeless. These emotions, these thoughts were creating physical illness within me. Recently, I have begun a journey to restore my emotional well-being through a form of theophostic ministry to address the underlying causes of my body’s weaknesses. I have learned to see events the way God sees them, through His Eyes, being thankful and grateful for everything that has happened in my life. To know that because God is Who He says He is, has been and always will be, I can trust that His Love for me, His complete unconditional love for me, will always be enough. That faith in Him means that I won’t know the answers to my questions, that my “why?” is answered with His words, “because I know best.” And even when, and especially when, our world suddenly shifts direction, and we feel completely abandoned, desperate and filled with despair, He is there. Waiting for us to run to Him…

As I resolve to trust and not control, have faith without understanding, and love with acceptance as Jesus would, my spirit has grown from its place of stagnation to a place of graciousness. This growth allows God to use me in ways that He has planned for me, to fulfill the purpose for which I was created… to love Him and be loved by Him. Without the removal of anger and bitterness and grief… the adversary would perpetuate separation from my Creator, and I will not have it… he has used every method to stir up my doubt, my anger, and my sin-nature, and has succeeded for a time, but I have taken back what has been given to me and I am rejoicing in the love of my Heavenly Father, Jehovah God, the loving sacrifice of my Savior, Jesus Christ, and I have given the Holy Spirit free reign in my life once again. It feels good to be home.

Bummers to blessings.

Live Well.

Butterflies…

by lovesdoves, posted in Emotional Health, Physical health, Social health, Spiritual Health

Has there ever been something or someplace that has captured your attention? That you would think about dreamily? Would ponder, but wonder if you’d ever take the time to actually follow through with it? Well, for as long as I can remember, I have wanted to witness the overwintering of the Monarch Butterflies in Michoacan, Mexico. Every Monarch east of the Rocky Mountains, approximately 60-90 million of them, heads south for 4 months, November through March, to vacation in the Transverse Neovolcanic Mountain chain that runs from the Eastern Sierra Madre to where it joins the Western Sierra Madre. There are 3-4 generations that separate the monarchs from their ancestors before they arrive to begin covering the Oyamel fir trees of this region. This intrigued me on so many levels and I knew I must stop pondering and wondering and start planning. So I did. I began scouring the internet for travel information, details and specifics about the region. I learned  that February was the best time to go as the butterflies begin to warm up and become very active. This research also brought me to Lisette and Pablo Span of the gorgeous Rancho San Cayetano in Zitacuaro, Michoacan, and they became extremely helpful in advising us on the other aspects of our trip, as well.

Pablo suggested that we fly into Toluca, Mexico by way of Houston, rather than Mexico City, and we were so thankful for that advice. Toluca airport has only been commercial for 3 years. 6 gates, simple security check, ease through customs equals convenient (and happy) traveling. Once we arrived, Sam, an employee of the ranch, met us at the airport and drove us safely one and half hours through the city of Toluca, and the countryside of Michoacan, through the tollbooths and the winding hillsides. Considering that Sam did not speak English, and the extent of my Spanish is “si” and  “gracias”, it was a very quiet commute to our destination. Because of this silent ride, we  were concerned that language would be more of a barrier than we had thought, but by the end of our stay, we were assured that a genuine smile, some simple hand gestures, and a little patience makes communication between cultures possible.

Once we arrived at the ranch, Doris helped us to our “casa”. To our delight, there was fresh filtered water in pitchers, and fresh flowers throughout the cottage, and stacked wood ready to become a toasty fire. I am a fussy traveler, and I can assure you, this was even better than I had anticipated. It was clean, rustic, authentic, and perfectly appropriate for our needs. I hugged Doris right then and there. We got situated and meandered across the beautifully manicured property to find a bite to eat. Lisette was joyfully managing her kitchen staff and kindly prepared a delicious sandwich lunch for us to enjoy on their garden patio where we joined a lovely couple from Australia, Tony and Elaine, and Lisette’s brand new 8 week old puppy, ShooShoo. The sun was gloriously bright and we felt warm and welcome here.

We spent the afternoon relaxing with these new friends, then we freshened up for dinner which is served at 7:30 p.m. in the dining room. We were joined with the other guests of the hotel. All here to see the butterflies. These magnificent, little, winged creatures are responsible for gathering people from all around the world to witness their genetic rituals. Their attraction is strong. And the more we spoke with the ones that were returning from the day, or from a previous trip, the more excited we became.

The next day, we were summoned awake by the sounds of the river, and a rooster across the way. The duvet comforter that topped our king size bed created a cocoon of its own that was difficult to leave, but the sounds were gentle, and we were well-rested, so Terry lit a fire to get the cottage cozy while I prepared coffee to enjoy in the fresh white robes provided by the hotel as we leisurely began our morning preparations.

It was a lovely day. Temperature was around 65 degrees as we strolled once again to the dining room. We found all the food at Rancho San Cayetano to be impeccable, but their breakfast is absolutely irresistible! We were seated to a plate of fresh tropical fruits, sliced and ready for devouring, with baskets of locally baked breads and pastries, homemade jams and jellies, warm butter, and hot coffee, with leche. We were offered several options for breakfast entrees, all delicious!! We knew that this morning meal would easily sustain us on our adventure!

Our butterfly tour was arranged by Pablo, and Joel was our guide. And, yay, he (thankfully) spoke excellent English. He is a very kind young man, and he offered much information about the ways of the butterflies, the culture of Mexico, and his own personal history. We were headed towards a town of 300, where he and his family live. They would provide us with the horses to navigate the rugged trail up to the mountain top where the butterflies were located. After a 30 minute drive, we passed under an arch, and then as we drove by homes, and people on the street, they all waved, shouting “Hola!!” We felt welcome here too. There were 5 others in our tour group. That’s all. Just 7 of us, plus Joel! It felt like we were the first ones to ever do this. This mountain, Cerro Pelon, or “Bald Mountain”, is a newer, more private sanctuary. There are approximately 5 different sanctuaries in the area, El Rosario being the largest and most well-known. A Saturday at El Rosario would typically see 5,000 people through their gates with 50-100 vendors lining the parking areas around the base of the mountain.

We got situated on our horses, and began our ascent. The horses were strong, and happy to oblige us. They managed over the terrain as is their sure-footed nature, sometimes teasing by traveling a little too close to the trail’s edge. The mountain side was gorgeous on it’s own, knowing that the butterflies were vacationing amongst the trees, made it even more spectacular. There were colorful wildflowers, and beautiful little vignettes of wildlife. As we got closer and closer to the summit, the aroma from the Oyamel trees embraced us… uniquely sweet, and musky with just a tiny hint of pine to balance the sweetness, it is a smell that I will never forget. Joel’s sisters create baskets and trinkets from the needles, but I chose to gather some up to add to my collection of rocks and sand at home.

After an hour and fifteen minutes, the butterflies began welcoming us. We would spot one or two at a time. Floating and gliding past us. The horses were unaffected by them, but I was laughing with delight every time one came close. We spotted clusters of the butterflies hanging on the trees in the sunshine, their orange and brown colors making them appear as dry leaves. Another 15 minutes brought us to a meadow, where the mountain leveled off. The view was breath-taking. At 10,000 feet above sea level, the air was clean, and full of energizing ions of oxygen that heightened the sensation of the beauty all around us.

The horses were sweaty and ready for a break, and so were we! Our legs were wobbly, but ready for the next part of the journey. We followed Joel as he lead us up a short way by foot, and as we came to the Monarch butterfly’s perches, it was apparent that this was truly a sacred place. Everyone fell completely silent as we listened to the whisper of their wings, their millions of wings… audible like leaves, or light rain drops… and we were overwhelmed by their majestic beauty. I stared up in wonder, completely joyful, overwhelmed, and tears of happiness rolled down my cheeks…

Then, all at once, we began chattering, oohhhh-ing and ahhhh-ing, because it was amazing! And we were enthralled by the mass amount of them, by the way they would burst all at once off the trees as the sun shifted. We ventured further into their ecosystem, walking carefully to prevent injury to ones that were hovering on the ground, warming their wings. And then each of us found a spot to lay down, to raise our eyes heavenward and to completely absorb the moment. The complimentary colors of the blue sky and the orange wings intensified what we were seeing! Laying there seemed like a dream!

I truly could have stayed at the top of that mountain until sundown. But Joel had a picnic lunch and cool bottles of water, packed by Lisette, to share with us. Simplistic perfection as we sat in a circle enjoying delicious food, surrounded by the peacefulness and serenity of this place. I prayed with praise and thankfulness to my Heavenly Father for creating the beauty and majesty of this butterfly world, for creating this heaven on earth to showcase His Love for us, to share with us as we wait to join Him…

And then our horses navigated their way back home. With us changed forever having seen this glorious sight.

The next day, we had planned to explore another sanctuary, but decided against it. Our experience couldn’t have been more perfect, and nothing could’ve compared to what we had seen, and the way we had seen it. We wanted to remember it that way. So we spent the day, completely relaxed and pampered by the members of the ranch. We lounged by their beautiful pool, savored their impeccable Mexican dishes, explored some other natural areas around their property, and reconnected with ourselves and each other.

For anyone who has ever had the desire to witness this spectacular event, I encourage you to go! And go soon! It was hard for me to believe that 10 years ago, there were even MORE butterflies. My eyes could barely focus on all the ones that were fluttering, swooping and gliding around us on this perfect day! But their environment is changing on a yearly basis, and the people of Mexico are starting to see a decline in the number of butterflies that are able to make this journey.

To witness the extreme beauty and pure joy of these creatures brought together by God, collected together by the millions was captivating. I had no way of knowing before we arrived that their magnificence would be such a poignant reminder of the Goodness and Grace of God Himself. To experience this place…  and to realize that this is not the end of our journey… that God has something even more for us…more dazzlingly brilliant than our minds could possibly imagine… brings peace and hope to my heart and soul.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” ….. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Just like the butterfly.

Live well.

…..

To view the photos from this trip, click here: The Butterflies

The video highlight movie from our trip can be viewed here: BUTTERFLIES

And if you would like any additional information about traveling to Mexico to see these beautiful creatures, please comment below or through vimeo with an email address. I am happy to share!

My Heart…

by lovesdoves, posted in Emotional Health, Physical health

I am a healthy woman! I AM a healthy woman! I am a healthy woman!

I feel that way! I look that way! My complete blood assessment and urinalysis says so too!

Yet my little blood pressure machine tells me a different story.

I was mystified. Honestly. My body mass index is perfect which means my height to weight ratio is appropriate. I eat wholesome, nutritious and mostly organic foods. But my blood pressure has consistently been hovering around 160/110. For those unfamiliar with blood pressure numbers, it means that I am classified as Stage 2 Hypertensive with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage. I am unimpressed with that. Completely unimpressed. And concerned. Which causes my blood pressure to rise…

My dad and my nonna both took blood pressure medication, and even though I am related to them, my lifestyle is (almost) completely different than theirs was. I receive consistent chiropractic care, I choose to eat well with minimal grains and minimal sugar and minimal high fat animal protein, I don’t smoke, I don’t take any prescription drugs, or use any street drugs, and only enjoy a glass of wine very occasionally. (My son-in-law, Dr. Burns, tells me that could be the problem… I need to drink more! Ha!) I drink coffee, and I like to dine out, but for the most part, I would say, and I do say, that I live a healthy life-style.

Except that nasty blood pressure machine mocks me. Beeping and flashing it’s little heart at me…

So I have been working on a new equation… new chiropractic adjustment, fresh set of supplements, including adrenal support, chlorophyll, and valerian root, breathing music to lower my heart rate…

and these are my new best friends…

Yes… in fact, they are flat shoes. Yes… in fact, they are athletic shoes. Yes… in fact, I have been walking for 5 days now. Simply walking. In my quiet, comfortable neighborhood. For free. Enjoying the fresh air. And the benefits that I have seen in just a very short time.

WALKING. It’s hard to believe that something so simple could be so effective. I thought I was too busy for this in my life. I thought that eating pure and healthy, receiving chiropractic care, taking proper supplementation, and loving on my family, my friends and my God would be enough.

For two months, I resisted those flat walking shoes, giving those other new choices a chance to make a change. And then each day since Saturday, my blood pressure reduced by 5 points! Just from putting on those shoes and walking! Breathing fresh air, and exercising my heart muscle! It is producing what I perceive to be a miracle!

This morning my little BP machine sang out the numbers 130/87. No beeping. No flashing.

And I can live well with that.

This year’s feast…

by lovesdoves, posted in Family health, Physical health, Social health, Spiritual Health

I get to prepare the Thanksgiving feast! It’s a huge, gigantic blessing to me… to combine foods and herbs and spices together and cook or bake or roast them for just the right amount of time perfuming the air with anticipation of something delicious… it’s a part of who I am! I love it when guests enter our home and say, “OOOOoooooo, something smells gooooood!”, knowing that it will be just a matter of hours until we are seated altogether, serving and giving thanks to God for every provision.

I have found over the years that the traditional meal is the one that my guests enjoy most. I used to scour cookbooks for a month beforehand searching for unique and unusual recipes for preparing the turkey and all those luscious side dishes. I remember one thanksgiving at our little house on Wright Avenue, everyone was coming over including my grandparents from Boston and I was honored to be hosting the grand event! I found all kinds of new and innovative things to serve, and I busied myself getting everything just right because I wanted it to be so special for them.

I don’t remember the menu, but I do remember my grandfather telling me I was a fussy cook. It wasn’t an insult, because he savored what I was serving, and he loved me with his whole heart.

It was a reminder.

Of what’s important.

It’s ALL about the people we love and the time that we get to be together. Over the years I have come to realize that the traditional menu and those flavors were enjoyed most because they were familiar, they were Thanksgivings gone-by and the memories that came with the meal were as important as the meal itself. So I have embraced those Thanksgiving traditions. Now I only change the appetizers that are served as warm-ups to the real meal! So this year’s menu at the McCoskey home will include:

APPETIZERS

Brown-sugared Bacon-wrapped Smokies

David’s Skyline Chili Dip with tortilla chips

Cheese Wafers with Jalapeño Pepper Jelly

Old-fashioned Shrimp Dip with crackers

Sausage Cheddar Nibbles

Mushroom Pate Purses

Gingered Almonds

DINNER

30 lb. Roast Turkey & Gravy

Traditional Bread Stuffing

Sweet Potato Casserole

Spinach Souffle

Whipped Golden Potatoes

Laureen’s Green Bean Casserole

Janet’s Pomegranate Salad

Fresh-from-the-cob Creamed Corn

Assorted Cranberry Jellies

Home-made Dinner Rolls

Butter

DESSERTS

Mom’s Assorted Pies

Lily’s Gingerbread Pumpkin Trifle

Acorn Cookies

It will be a feast, for sure. And there will be laughter and joyfulness as we reunite with our families. This year marks the first year that we will be including our very own grand baby and I know that over the coming years the events of our lives and our children’s lives may be cause for changes in the traditions. So I will stay flexible in the future and welcome this moment now… this year’s feast… this year’s togetherness… this year of thanksgiving in 2011…

Live Well.

Longer pants

by lovesdoves, posted in Emotional Health, Family health, Physical health, Social health, Spiritual Health, Uncategorized

I am not a scale person, and I am not particularly fond of tape measures.

But this is what I know, my pants are getting longer!

Which means they are looser!

Which means that fat is melting away!

I just slipped into my size 2 jeans. They are the only pair that I allowed myself to keep during a closet purge awhile back. Because I was hopeful.

And today I am having a little celebratory dancing-with-myself party!! In this sassy little pair of jeans!

Here is the best part of all… because of the Yoli Better Body system and a tiny bit of willpower, it only took me 7 days to lose 14 pounds! In just one week, jeans that didn’t fit last Sunday… fit me perfectly today!

The only reason I am sharing this is because I know there are people that are struggling with their weight right now, which leads to struggling with their health and well-being in every aspect of their lives… physically, mentally, socially, spiritually, sexually.

Let me be transparent… when I am carrying extra weight, physically, my body is sicker than it should be, working harder than it could be… mentally, I feel depressed because I am not taking control over something that I can be in control over… I find it more difficult to be social, because I feel self-conscious… spiritually, I know that if I’m abusing food, or being gluttonous, then I am against God’s will for my life… sexually, well, when I am not feeling particularly sexy, I just want to hide in the dark, or perhaps get a mysterious “headache”. “Not tonight” isn’t fair to my husband or to me… sex is an important element of our marriage, and a good sex life helps deal with the every day stressors of life and it keeps me connected to my husband… it’s one of God’s gifts to every one of us in a marital relationship!

So if you could be better, would you choose to be better?

When you are ready to begin living well, we are here. And we can help.

Living Well Spine Center… 937-878-1071

FINALLY!!

by lovesdoves, posted in Career Health, Emotional Health, Financial health, Physical health, Social health, Spiritual Health

…after years of searching and exploring, we’ve finally found the BEST system available for losing weight and gaining health that goes above and beyond detoxification! It’s called Yoli: The Better Body System and we are truly encouraged by the reports that we have from the {blessed} test participants that have had the opportunity to preview the products!

It is a simple system that uses high quality ingredients that contain NO artificial sweeteners, NO soy, NO preservatives, NO colors. Just follow the fast track weekly calendar and your body will be transformed into a fat-burning machine. You will regain your health and well-being all while attaining the body of your dreams!!

To give you an idea of how the program works, here is the 7 day Fast Track and Fast Track Plus quick reference calendar:

If you are interested in pre-ordering the Better Body System 30 day Transformation Kit available before November 1, 2011, you could save $114.00! Please contact me at LisaMcCoskey@gmail.com or through this blog post for the specifics!

Take the 30 day challenge with us! Your body, your mind and your spirit (and your pocketbook) will be glad that you did!!

You’ll be Living Well!!

Silky, Savory Soup

by lovesdoves, posted in Family health, Physical health

As the weather cools, my cooking brain shifts into soup, stew, and casserole mode.

And last evening, after a rainy and gloomy day, I had my heart set on some Savory Mushroom Soup. I love it’s earthiness and the delicious flavor and the way the sherry, added at the end, reminds me of working at the Marriott’s Panache in Columbus where God prepared for me to meet my future husband, who, it turned out, does not share my love of mushrooms!

But last evening worked out perfectly, as he had a dinner meeting to attend, and I had everything that I needed to prepare this simple, silky soup. Here’s the recipe:

Savory Mushroom Soup

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons organic olive oil

8 ounces of mushrooms, coarsely chopped

1 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 clove of garlic, minced

1/4 cup organic all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups organic no-chicken broth

1/2 cup organic half&half, optional (if not using, increase broth by 1/2 cup)

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 Tablespoon sherry

Directions:

Add the olive oil to a medium saucepan. Add the onion and garlic and saute until soft, then add the chopped mushrooms and saute until browned approximately 15-20  minutes. Add the flour and stir while cooking for 1 minute. Add broth and whisk until thickened. Boil for 1 minute, lower heat and add the half and half. Heat through and remove from heat. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with croutons and sherry on the side… to add just before dining.

Prepare your own yummy and delicious soup and Live Well.

Lisa

“Hey, babes…”

by lovesdoves, posted in Emotional Health, Family health, Physical health, Spiritual Health

Even with all the joy and anticipation of a new little life… my heart still aches from missing my dad, especially today. He loved his granddaughters (and sons) so much. And along with the rest of us, I know that he would be getting pretty excited about the birth of his great grandchild.

I have a very difficult time believing that he died 4 years ago. I feel like he is still such a huge part of our lives and our families. I know that is the tricks of the mind, because the day he died is so clearly painted into the memory of my consciousness that I can never escape it completely.

June 16, 2007

It was the Saturday performance of recital weekend. And it started early as they always have with lots to do. Prepping, gathering, planning, and anticipating the thrill of the day. Dad had stopped taking my calls out of exhaustion… he was sleeping more and more, so I knew that he was being challenged by this disease, I just didn’t realize the extent… I know now that my intellect was in denial about the serious reality of his health condition. He had been diagnosed with colon cancer, 45 days before. And I always knew that he would get better… I was with him when the doctor gave him the diagnosis, I was with him as we left the hospital, and he clearly told me that he was not going to die. I believed him… because I couldn’t imagine my life without him. And he was my dad. And dads are strong. Fighters. Warriors. Heroes. So when my brother, David, called the morning of June 16th and said that Dad was struggling, I knew we needed to go. All of us. Because it was time. And then life became blurred as the 5 of us got ready for the drive to Columbus in 2 separate cars. And I remember calling people and I remember Jenny helping and I remember thinking that I had to get there fast. Really fast. That I had to see him. That I had to be there. That there would be something that we could do. That this wasn’t real.

And at 11:44, we pulled up. To the house that I had lived in with my mother and father and sister and brother. And we got out. And I remember feeling so surprised because everything looked the same, and there was this beautiful sunshine and delicate breeze. A perfect day. A day for gardening. Or gathering.

Today it was for gathering. I remember hugging my mom as we came inside. Holding her tight. I remember being unafraid as I climbed the stairs to my parent’s bedroom. And walking in. And my dad was awake and I felt relief. And he said “Hey, babes”… like he always did… And then he said, “You got here fast…” And I reminded him that I learned to drive from him. And then he told me that he and David had been playing cards, and he secretly showed me the 8 of spades that he had stashed under his pillow, to ensure his own victory… and I remember trying to be so brave. For him.

The lightly perfumed breeze was lifting the curtain in the room filling it with an angelic sweetness and he told us he could see strawberry fields. And people playing bocce ball.

He knew it was time too. And he had waited for us. To say good-bye without saying the words. He laid back down. And closed his eyes. We got close to him, holding him, supporting him, while the tears streamed down our faces, and Terry prayed for mercy and for thankfulness… that we would all be together again some day. And then dad’s breathing slowed, and at 1:15, it stopped, as we held him. Loving him. Missing him already. Still missing him.

Even in the sadness of his death, I can find the joy from his life. In the songs that he would make up, that my girls still sing… or the dances he would do, that  would make us laugh… or the phrases that he would speak (that shouldn’t even be repeated), but that are still remembered (and repeated). I keep this photo on my desk, of Dad with the girls being silly together… because it always makes me smile.

It made me smile today.

Live well.

Lisa

Feet…

by lovesdoves, posted in Physical health

Well, I need to talk about them. I know that most of us have a bit of an aversion regarding the topic of feet. Nobody {except one person I know} thinks that they have pretty ones and we spend lots of money on pedicures, potions and polishes to make them acceptable in society.

I am a foot abuser. Seriously. I do get the occasional pedicure when I am feeling extraordinarily sad about their condition, but when I am not in my stiletto pumps, or pointy toe boots, I am barefoot, on hot pavement, in the landscaping, by the pool, driving to the bank, running through the grass, getting Lily ready for her wedding day…

..

I love being barefoot, so you would think I would treat my feet with kindness. Maybe it’s an outward sign of solidarity and love for my bird and his {truly funky} feet. Sometimes, I will glance over at him, and he will actually be staring at them… it almost seems like he is thinking, “how could those mini dino-feet be attached to this beautiful body?”… rhetorical, of course…

The condition of my feet prompts certain clothing choices based on how they are looking on a particular day. I had a gorgeous little pair of strappy sassy sandals that I had planned to wear for my mother-of-the-bride role the day of Lily’s wedding. But my feet were stained so badly from the chlorophyll oozing from the beautiful green spring grass, that I had to go with pumps… safe, comfortable, concealing. Don’t feel bad for me, though, it worked out fine. I was happy and my feet were happy…

But as I have undertaken this detoxification process for my body… I am noticing things that I never, ever, ever would have expected. Like normal blood pressure, {from 208/176}, no more stomach pain, no more indigestion, or trouble sleeping on my left side, better rest, clearer, smoother skin, a smaller body, zest for life and get this….. pretty feet. I KNOWW!! Surprising, but true.

These unexpected side effects inspire me to keep making better choices and propel me directly toward living well… running barefoot all the way.

LIVE WELL.

Lisa

If you would like more information on how you can be living well, please contact me. It’s my mission to help others begin living their lives again in a healthier, happier way.

Emergency Clean-Up!!

by lovesdoves, posted in Emotional Health, Physical health

What do you do when you make a huge mess of your body by feeding it food that delights your taste buds but saturates it with fats and sugars and salts?? Cry maybe? Look in the mirror at that puffiness and say, “Ewwww, I’m never doing that again!”? Think about the aches and pains that you haven’t felt for months and say, “Yikes, why did they come back?” All decent options, I suppose, but I decided to take charge with a spontaneous detox day that started with a protein shake rich in Omega 3 and will finish it up with a quart of Spicy Citrus Detox Cocktail!!

Here’s the recipe:

To a blender container, add:

2 organic oranges, peeled and cut into large chunks

1 organic lemon, peeled and cut into chunks

1 inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled

1 organic clove of garlic, peeled

1 Tablespoon of REAL maple syrup

2 Tablespoons pure olive oil or organic flaxseed oil

1/4 teaspoon organic ground cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon organic ground cloves

1 Tablespoon organic fresh cilantro

1 cup of fresh baby spinach leaves

Blend for 5 minutes on high speed until smooth and creamy! It will be a beautiful shade of yellow when it is done! Then add:

3-4 cups filtered water

Stir to combine and refrigerate. Enjoy 8 ounces at a time throughout the day with as many fresh vegetables as you can consume to minimize the inflammatory process and cleanse your liver and bloodstream!

So don’t despair if you have polluted your body with unhealthy food, or toxic beverages or both! Don’t let it become an excuse to stay on the “bad track”! Clean up the mess and start fresh tomorrow!! It’s as simple as that!!

Live well,

Lisa

Oliver is being extra quiet today. Sometimes he gives me the silent treatment after I have been gone for a couple of days! He’ll be back with his commentary next time.