Tag Archives: death

Holiday Joy

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There’s a benefit in helping others!

Recently a mom in one of my FB groups talked about how upset she was that she couldn’t get photos of her infant daughter this Christmas because she was low on funds. The pics cost $20.

Now, to many people, Christmas pics may not be a big deal. But to her, they were very important. See, last year her first child, at the age of 3 months, was killed in a car accident. He was never able to celebrate Christmas. So, this would be a new milestone for her baby daughter to achieve.

I didn’t want her to miss capturing these moments so I asked for her address and sent her a $20 bill. She was very gracious.

Have you heard when you give, it can come back to you? Well, last weekend Team Turner went to a UNC football game. We got there late and caught a late shuttle to the stadium. We were supposed to have bought a wristband to board, but the person handing out bands had left. The driver told us to go on and get onboard, but we’d still have to a pay the money when we board after the game. Well, it was a blowout, so we left at halftime. The driver once again asked for our bands. I told our story and pulled out my wallet. She said don’t worry about it!

I feel that we were blessed for helping others. And the biggest blessing came yesterday when the mom shared with me her gorgeous Santa photos. My heart melted!

There's a benefit in helping others! Recently a mom in one of my FB groups talked about how upset she was that she couldn't get photos of her infant daughter this Christmas because she was low on funds. The pics cost $20. Now, to many people, Christmas pics may not be a big deal. But to her, they were very important. See, last year her first child, at the age of 3 months, was killed in a car accident. He was never able to celebrate Christmas. So, this would be a new milestone for her baby daughter to achieve. I didn't want her to miss capturing these moments so I asked for her address and sent her a $20 bill. She was very gracious. Have you heard when you give, it can come back to you? Well, last weekend Team Turner went to a UNC football game. We got there late and caught a late shuttle to the stadium. We were supposed to have bought a wristband to board, but the person handing out bands had left. The driver told us to go on and get onboard, but we'd still have to a pay the money when we board after the game. Well, it was a blowout, so we left at halftime. The driver once again asked for our bands. I told our story and pulled out my wallet. She said don't worry about it! I feel that we were blessed for helping others. And the biggest blessing came yesterday when the mom shared with me her gorgeous Santa photos. My heart melted!

His Music Lives Forever

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 His Music Lives Forever

Jul09-1 It was a sad day last week to hear about Michael Jackson’s death.  Michael was an icon to anyone that is over the age of 30.  Even to the younger generation, he had an impact that reflects our music and dances today.  Everyone has their favorite song, their favorite video or their favorite dance.  Although not everyone will admit it, I even think each of us had performed a part of the Thriller dance whether behind closed doors, in the bathroom or drunk at a party.

The more I thought about Michael Jackson, the more I realized that he dedicated his entire life to others.  He is the ONLY person I can think of that started performing as a young child, became a superstar, then moved on through adulthood to be internationally known.  Even at the age of 50, Michael Jackson was seen in headlines worldwide.

Think about it – Michael has been compared to the fame of Elvis, Madonna, The Beatles and Frank Sinatra.  None of those mentioned became famous as child stars and then maintained that status through adulthood.  Not one.  All of them were pretty normal kids and teenagers that could run, play hide and go seek and attend school like the rest of us.  It wasn’t until they were older that anyone thought twice about their name.

Michael Jackson was an icon above the rest.  Starting at a young age, with his brothers on stage, he drew everyone to their tv screens and radios.  Michael didn’t have a childhood, his childhood was music.  When other child performers seem to drop out of the picture and have normal lives, Michael did the opposite.  He went solo and created the best selling album of all time.  He created the most memorable video ever.  Even with the changes of technology, nothing has come close to topping the Thriller video.

Michael Jackson was pure genius.  He has left a mark on our hearts and in our lives that will remain forever.  In January we made history with Obama.  Last week we lost history with MJ.  RIP

M.Y.  July 2009

Have You Hugged Your Child Today?

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“Have You Hugged Your Child Today?”

July08-5Woman #1: You’re 26 years old and enjoying the joys of being a new mother.  You’ve also had a successful second year of teaching middle school and know that in less than a week you’ll celebrate your first Mother’s Day.  Then the principal comes to your classroom to tell you that something has happened to your baby at daycare and he is on the way by ambulance to the hospital.  And, in less than an hour, you’ve lost your joy.

Woman #2: You take pride in seeing your three grown children becoming wonderful adults.  You now have several grandchildren and couldn’t be more proud.  Although some of your kids have moved away, you still talk to them all regularly.  It’s a typical Sunday, until you received the call.  You middle child, age 32, was killed in a motorcycle accident in California.  His wife and four kids are at a loss.  So are you.
Woman #3:  Your kids are your heart.  It’s very rare that people see you without your 2 year old son and 4 year old daughter.  You want them to get more involved in activities.  Your daughter decides to play t-ball.  Her two year old brother loves to go to the games and watch.  As she takes a practice swing, he runs up behind her.  The bat accidently hits him in the chest and he never recovers.  This isn’t the way life was supposed to happen.
Unfortunately, these are all real Louisville mothers who have buried their children this year.  It’s hard when you watch these situations on the news, but when you see firsthand the people affected by these tragedies, it takes a major toll.  Each of these women personally affected my life and I know they are not the only ones with these experiences.  Even though I do not have children of my own, it makes me hope that we will all take time to appreciate our children.  So many people assume their children will watch them grow old (and hopefully not put them in a nursing home!).  However, we are unfortunately seeing that some of our children will not live to see that day.  Whether you have a strong, non-existent, or typical relationship with your children, take some time today to let them know how much you care and how proud you are of them.   Children, whether 9 months or 79 years old, can never hear that enough.  You’re never too young or old to hear someone say “I LOVE YOU!”

M.Y.  July 2008