Prayers... Taylor, Michael, Abigail, Gloria WunderGlo, and more

Gerber Daisies -- yellow to represent a certain family but these
are also the unofficial flower of our high school (FSHA - Flintridge
Sacred Heart Academy)... Sure to be at Gloria's life celebrations which
start tonight (she was one year ahead of me in high school) - more in this post

 January 10th (2014)

Initially lit a couple years back for angel Taylor. For me this
image reminds me not only of her - also of two of her angel siblings
(Michael and Abigail) -- also many others who gained their wings too early.
Always in my thoughts and prayers -- the angels and their families.

Already posted this week, however Gloria "WunderGlo" diagnosed with stage four colon cancer at age 28.  She fought long and hard yet finally passed away Sunday after getting to celebrate her 32nd birthday, last Christmas, and last New Years on earth. Viewing and rosary tonight with a full day of celebrations tomorrow (info located here). If you are a Face.Book individual you can also simply type in Gloria Borges

Friday, Jan 10th 6pm-9pm
Viewing and Rosary at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church
133 N 5th St, Burbank, CA 91504

(Saturday, Jan 11th
10:15am-12:30pm/Memorial Tribute at Walt Disney Concert Hall/111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
12:30-1:30pm/Light Reception in the Blue Ribbon Garden
2:00pm/Funeral Mass at The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels/ 555 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
3:15pm/Procession to Interment Ceremony at Forest Lawn Memorial Park/6300 Forest Lawn Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Open House Celebration Party immediately following at WunderGlo’s house
3260 Bennett Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068)

 January 10th (2014) ... Has become another day to stop and remember many, and as the image below reminds me, [we] must pray hardest when it is hardest to pray.  Love, prayers, support, and ::HUGS:: to so many, named and un-named, as well as their families and loved ones

Lost to Colon Cancer at 32

I learned that a friend who I went to high school (FSHA) with, Gloria Borges, who was diagnosed at age 28 with stage four colon cancer, passed away yesterday morning (Sun Jan 5th) at the age of 32.  Love, prayers, and support particularly go to her husband Will and her parents, Becky and Mike.

2013 Will and Gloria (blue hat) and her parents Becky and Mike

Gloria was such an inspiration, and although she was a year ahead of me at FSHA (class of '00 while I graduated in '01) her life became so amazing after she was diagnosed in 2010!  Please indulge me while I share the LINK TO HER BLOG (WunderGlo) ... to the foundation she created to stop colon cancer THE WUNDERGLO FOUNDATION ... also a very short video she was in which shows just how full of life she was and how much anyone could learn from her/life lessons to take away:

WunderGlo (Gloria talking)
<iframe src="//player.vimeo.com/video/71126797?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/71126797">Wunderglo</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/agsent">AGS Entertainment, Inc.</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

Pope Francis I, Our Lady of Guadalupe, a new death, remembering a death

So yesterday I (obviously!) posted a very, very, VERY long rant/ramblings/spewing thoughts -- it was something that I was a bit scared to actually hit the "publish" button because I realize that this can be read by anyone in the entire world at any time.  However it really is beneficial for me to just let everything out sometimes, and it was the right choice because I FINALLY slept for just over eight hours last night and have been rested and relaxed all day!

Alright, four topics in the title to cover: day before yesterday a close relative passed away, but she had been ill for what felt like a long time and she was ready to move on.  God gave her a bit of extra time and so more family were able to visit which was a blessing...

Yesterday, December 12th was a Feast Day for several people I know/knew -- it was also the official Catholic Feast Day for Our Lady of Guadalupe. There are many images, many websites, many different ways to find her if you search -- but you are here so I want to send you to two links, if you have the time. First, from the Vatican Radio Pope Francis sent a message to the Americas. (If you do a quick g.oo.gle search you can watch the video of the Holy Father speaking -- but this site has it translated into English and typed out so it is likely to be more convenient for most). Second, a new find for me (yes, I am apparently MUCH more lazy than I think) - from catholicculture.org they have daily readings, activities, etc and the link to the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe is wonderful (also short and to the point in case you are not very faithful). The image below I have lovingly borrowed from them, so you are already familiar with an aspect of the page...

Three sentences taken from their page which summarize her story: "She appeared to an Indian convert named Juan Diego on December 9, 1531. She left a marvelous portrait of herself on the mantle of Juan Diego. This miraculous image has proved to be ageless, and is kept in the shrine built in her honor, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe."

Time Magazine picked their person of the year and I am thrilled to share that it is Pope Francis I -- (you can read my post when he was chosen to become the new Pope if you would like)!  He has done so much for Catholics but also importantly he reminds me of Jesus, really reaching out to all people, everywhere.  He is a role model I can only aspire to reach a level of his authenticity.

Also, finally, today, December 13th... It has been eighteen years since we lost "Aba" and she too was blessed to join God and leave her earthly struggles behind.  I posted about losing my grandpa exactly eighteen years ago earlier this year... This time I remember the day, the exact hour, the exact minute when Aba took her last breath at home, surrounded by so many of us.

That is all for today -- between yesterday and today I have shared so much. If you did not read yesterday's post please try to get through some of it and leave me your opinion/views/similar stories/something.  I feel quite worn out today.  Mostly in a good way, but a bit wary that I blurted out so much.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Every December 7th, whether or not I write about it, I know my family and I include Pearl Harbor as a day similar to Memorial Day and Veteran's Day -- we stop and think, pray, thank, wonder, etc, etc about everyone who did serve, is serving, and will serve our country. To protect us, to protect our freedom, to protect our way of life.  Although some things have changed since December 7th, 1941 "A day which will live in infamy" as FDR said.... Nothing really changes. At least that is how I feel many days.  We fight, individual and global battles, and somehow there is never that "happy ending" that I grew to love

Online photo of USS Shaw being hit in Pearl Harbor Attack on December 7 1941

Many are given the chances, the choices, the opportunities to do something however, and to make a difference, take even a small step towards good and away from evil is a victory.  I know I ramble, and am not sure if I get my true feeling across, but I try to see things from various sides/angles... I know that I am very blessed and thankful to not have had to live through a world war.  I hope and pray that we never see such tragedy again - yet I know I am not in control of anyone's future.

A man at the Pearl Harbor Memorial in Hawaii

As I mentioned last year on here, I was fortunate enough to go with my family once to the memorial at Pearl Harbor.  Traveling not just to the land memorial, but stepping onto the memorial on the water, seeing the names go on and on -- and knowing there were so many stories I would never know -- it was overwhelming. I am thankful for so many experiences and for what I have... May God bless and love all of us, giving us the strength and happiness in whatever way He sees fit.

God answers prayers with a: yes/not yet/no/I have something else in mind for you

[In case you cannot read the image directly above it states "God answers prayers with a "yes"/"not yet"/"no"/"I have something else in mind for you" ... Personally I believe we can all relate to these answers, particularly the three that are not a "yes" -- frustrating/maddening at times, but God has a plan]

Today - maybe we can all be a bit thankful today for the blessings we have

Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Thanksgivukkah?

Okay, so apparently today was/is a once in a lifetime event -- both Thanksgiving and Hanukkah fall on the same day!  So a very Happy Day to all!  : )  The shirt image is one of three images I liked that I found online...

Seeing as my family only celebrates Thanksgiving, most of my photos/images today (and tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day Part II -- sorry, late and I am thankful but tired!) will reflect that...

Was up early enough to catch the last of the sunrise, just as the clouds were losing the pink tint (apologies in advance, cell phone had poor quality in my opinion).
 

SO many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day, but my life family friends - God has given so much and I do not always take the time to say thank you.  Blogger is acting up for me, so I shall just leave you with one more actual photo.  Had my sister and her son (my nephew) with us the last two days which was lovely!

My nephew - 2013 his first Thanksgiving

Promise of more photos -- decorations and food mostly! -- to come ::HUGS::

Baby K is TWO MONTHS OLD today!

Can you tell that I am just a *bit* excited about the facts that a) I have a nephew and b) today is exactly eight weeks from the day my family was with my sister in Labor and Delivery??  Baby K had a one month photo shoot... plus MANY casual photos these first few weeks of life! I shall simply say how much I love all of my family and particularly how proud I am of Baby K's parents for being wonderful (and his godparents - but his Baptism post shall come later.  Maybe tomorrow?)  Time to share photos!!

Baby K (one hour after birth)

Baby K "playing" with me at 15 days old

Baby K One Month Photo Shoot (inside treasure box)

Baby K One Month Photo Shoot (close up)

Baby K One Month Photo Shoot (on a cloud of blue tulle)

Look at this handsome "Tough Guy!"

Baby K is going to be a bookworm! : )

Can you tell we love the most recent addition to our family? Random fun fact: on one side of our family tree he is the third great-grandchild ... and all three are boys! Wonder what else the future has in store!

18 years ago today

Eighteen years ago the house phone rang before the sun was up - our grandpa R. had passed away. (His wife, grandma J. had passed away several years prior). May they be remembered and may I try to be a better person because of lessons I have learned. God grant them peace - Amen.

[I have realized that I recall the events of March 22nd, 1995 more clearly than the day of his actual funeral... Am so very blessed to have people in my life who love and care about me... Thank you...]

10 reasons introverts and books

 

Love reading!!

Miss many people and am praying for many

::HUGS::

Lovely puppy dog

Isn't he handsome with his hat?

Faith is (MLK)

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase"

Have a heart that

"Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts."   ~Charles Dickens

Various thoughts keep floating in and out of my mind recently, particularly of memories that I cannot quite catch (or am able to grab tiny pieces of)... In comparison to where I was emotionally/mentally about seven months ago, I have vastly improved.  There are hours (or days or even a full week) when I find myself slipping and that leads me back to Charles Dickens first few words of this particular quote -- I do not ever want to find myself in possession of a hear that has hardened. 

[deleted sections yet again.  sorry, I just cannot share still. I apologize]

Thanks to those who try. I am here and listening and learning -- every day is different.

Recalling Christmas past

"When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things give off the greatest glow of happiness." ~Bob Hope

Of Christmas past... I recall many Christmas Days held at my parents house with my moms' side of the family. Our Christmas tree is filled with ornaments received as recently as this month and as far back as a decorated ornament which I believe was made by my great-grandmother (on my dads' side of the family).  There are home made ornaments, ornaments given by family and friends, ornaments passed from one to another, ornaments we picked out as gifts to ourselves for the next year...

I have found that some of my memories fade (not a big shock, it does happen eventually to everyone!) and yet I think that if there was ever a disaster that not even my books (which I love so dearly) would be in the immediate items I would grab running out the door.  Photos/photo albums, Christmas ornaments, and a few items either gifted to me by those who have passed away or given to me by people such as my parents and sister whom are thankfully here and well -- yet have given meaning and memories to items that others might consider "just things."

One of the earliest Christmas memories I clearly hold is from when I was perhaps five or six years old. As was fashionable and comfortable, I of course was wearing a pink one-piece (complete with the slipper feet -- white, on this outfit) and I was particularly thrilled to receive hard copies of several books from the "Bernstein Bears" series (still popular with young children - the family of four included "Sister Bear" who was younger than "Brother Bear" -- their antics, their parents, lessons and adventures all rolled into every book and covered in love).

Spending time with my family and friends over the years, particularly at the holidays, always creates special memories/moments which I hope will remain forever (although I do understand they can/do eventually fade/change with time)... Hopefully this holiday season - not quite done yet for New Years and Three Kings Day are still just around the corner - has given/will give positive memories for everyone to hold onto. Light and love and prayers!

Pearl Harbor

 December 7, 1941 - a date which will live on in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan -Franklin D. Roosevelt

Photo of the Pearl Harbor memorial, located directly over the USS Arizona

Difficult to remember the devastation that occurred not only at Pearl Harbor on this day about seven decades ago but also all of the destruction and loss that the entire war brought to the entire world.  My immediate family and I were fortunate enough to take one trip to Hawaii many years ago... While we were there we spent an entire day focused on the memorial (and obviously while in school it was brought up, etc etc)... Just taking a post to remember, even as I dislike remembering something so painful/destructive -- it is a huge part of all of our history and there are so many people that deserve to have time taken out of our current lives to think of them, remember and say an extra prayer. Giving thanks for those who lost their lives, those who lost their loved ones, so many different things to remember and pray for...

Personally feeling crappy as a female today although I truly am deeply thrilled for two of my friends -- learned one is six months with her first baby and the other made it safely through her first trimester.  I love the holiday season but today I feel so out of place and I do not know where I belong nor what to do about it.  I know I should not be feeling crappy but I can't shake it. Am doing extra laundry and put on holiday music. Love to all

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Charlie Brown and Linus searching for the meaning of Christmas
(image found online, from the movie "A Charlie Brown Christmas")

I know I have mentioned this several times already, but since December is filled with various holidays, it is my favorite month of the year.  Personally I have only ever celebrated Christmas but I am open to all holidays and all the joys this particular month can bring.  I am so blessed to have the family, friends, etc (both in person and online) who are part of my life.

Yesterday evening I started a catch up session with a friend I had only seen twice since January and it was great :) We are so many months behind however that we are going to meet next week sometime -- and congratulations are in order for her and her finance because they are expecting -- are six months this week!  Am so happy for them both!

Another holiday note -- I have not yet gotten cards nor updated my address book!  This year I really want to mail out cards, a feeling that was simply bolstered by taking part in the ornament exchange (via blog) that I did -- reminded me how fun "just because" mail is! Need to work on that!!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (December 3rd)

"Your lack of obsession with books makes you extremely unattractive"

Although I disagree with smoking (watched slowly as lung cancer, throat cancer, esophageal cancer, etc took the first twelve years of my life to kill my grandfather -- he died exactly three days after my twelfth birthday.  Needless to say, I have never wanted to smoke or do drugs because of that.  I was so very, very blessed to have that gift although it came at a horrid price.  So many people try/start things because it is cool, or their friends do it, or people they respect do it... I lived in a different bubble which helped me get through many things that I have seen others caught up in.  Some enjoy it, as I know he did, but I only really recall the nitty-gritty end of life part to it and so personally I will not smoke. Ever. I know plenty of people who do, and I would not rub it in their faces that I do not because that is not my place.  In my life... well, memories are all I really have left of so much.  Keeps me in one place.  Perhaps some see that as a bad thing -- but I hope it works out for me).

Ahem.  Pardon me, that was not where I was intending to go (also some memories just hurt too much so I want to stop them).  As I was starting to say, although I disagree with the woman in this image smoking, I had to copy and borrow it for the saying! I had not realized it, although I should have considering how much I read! When it comes to looking for dates/relationships the guy MUST at least enjoy reading something.  Could be a thin comic or magazine or a newspaper or series of books -- but if they hate reading, well, that is a problem for me.  I suppose it also subconsciously has had something to do with education/being with someone who is educated/interested in something more than just clubs or bars??  Not quite sure how to phrase all of that...

No photo updates of book covers (sorry! shall try to be better next Monday!) but I am still working my way through historical fiction in England.  Ironically much of my recent reading has included Anne Boleyn, the last "commoner" prior to the current Duchess of Cambridge (born Kate Middleton) to be part of the royal family of England.  (Anne was favored by King Henry VIII and he simply gave her positions, power, money, etc and then divorced his first wife and made her his second queen, Queen Anne -- whereas Will and Kate had a long courtship with ups and downs followed by an engagement, a wedding, and currently the hopes of a first pregnancy).

Hrm.  Lots of rambling out of me that seems to not necessarially be taking part in reading. Sorry, next week. Looking forward to enjoying as much as I can this month, I love the holiday season!  Also I have only ever celebrated Christmas before, and recently have new neighbors who celebrate Hanukkah so this year will be the first time I get to at least closely observe another wonderful holiday! "Tis the season to be jolly..."