I ran into a little girl today. OK; use the term loosely. I wander...I digress. I tend to believe more and more as I Grow older that I truly am an empath. I want to cry around the frail elderly and have all I can do to prevent it. Why? They don't have to be in pain or anything but I pickup on something. Something about the frailty? I don't know. I am a bleeding heart? I don't know. Just happens. I can't help it. I have spent so much time trying to figure it out. All that said, back to the little girl. She was six, I would have guessed five based on appearance. She was almost without speech. She hardly talked at all. She could not talk. I pondered what her disability might be as "I" "talked" to her....and she "talked" to me. Her word of the day was "Home". As she selected something from the shelves (with help) she would try to say "home" and she truly appeared to enjoy my attention and response to her. So we spent a while at the bookshelves. Her mother was a little ways down with another child younger and trying to watch them both. Actually; both appeared to have some special needs... Something I could not put my finger on. Conversation with the mother minimally happened and I had an opportunity to query what the situation might be. I questioned as to whether it was Autism. The mother told me there was no label for it. The doctors just did not know. Further as we were standing there the mother told me that the little girl could see things that almost were not there. So I watched a little more and realized the little girl from some distance was identifying books by the name on the spine of the book.... As soon as I realized this I told the mother "I think she is recognising words on the spines of the book (from some distance)". I further told her that several members of my family read as well upside down as right side up! She had never heard of this. Anyhow; I pointed out to her that perhaps the little girl (who was obviously bright just could not speak hardly at all) was possibly reading and not only reading but reading sideways and upside down more or less. Hopefully she will watch some and this will come to be of help. This little girl was so sweet. The mother said she had just seen another doctor yesterday, new one, for the first time. Makes me pensively think how lucky we are with Iris. How lucky so many folks are. As that lady left the store, I was thinking...what a job she had....all those special needs children and she seemed to keep it together. Made me want to give her a hug...
Melody
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday, November 6, 2009
So Much On My Mind re: Military & Ft. Hood
I sit here since the "news" yesterday and I think. So many memories come back at this time of year anyhow regarding the military what with Veteran's Day and all that I am very vulnerable to "bad" news re: same. Then today my husband gets a call with a personal invite to the Veteran's Day Dinner at the VFW on the 11th... More memories crowd in. I think about yesterday at Ft. Hood and am overwhelmed with sadness for those who made the ultimate sacrifice (and mind you that is a very key phrase here as they make sacrifices every minute of their lives for us) and the families they left behind. I am reminded of the very bad years I had to deal with the military, in this case the Navy. My "Navy" days are long gone...almost 20 years hubbie has been out now. The memories however, mostly bad, are with me. I can't really think of any really good memories of the military wife life. I do have some meories of a few folks, like Dorothy & 'Mo Elmore that provide a rare bright spot in those memories. I could go on and on...but I digress.
You see those folks who lost their lives at Fort Hood made the "Ultimate" sacrifice anyone could make...their lives. They are trained to be prepared for that eventuality because of the nature of their chosen career obligations in the military. But; I don't think anyone can prepare anyone for the sacrifices they make on a daily basis. I will never forget the TOTAL disregard for family the Navey (military) showed during the years I dealt with them. It's not enough to be far from family and friends but to have to be subjected to horrid caregivers in the military doing it just because it is their job... Shades of socialized medicine not unlike what we will have with Obams's plan...and leadership that encourages men/women to divorce rather than have a spouse who wants to be a "spouse". Wives/spouses in particular are so isolated. They have nothing but income their spouse allots to them. Friends and family are far away and in most cases clueless to what the individual lives everyday. Everyday a military spouse lives with stresses most of us will never have ot live with. Because there is no room for "Family" in the military the spouse left behind (military widow) is in effect a single parents struggling to cope with separation anxieties of her own, her children, and life in general ALONE. In my day we could not even be in touch in any way shape form or manner when spouses were underway in fast attack submarines as much as 80 to 90% of the year. When "home" they were virtually on call at all times standing port and starbord duty days often with no opportunity for adequate rest. Children grow up with a parent (active duty military) who has little time for them and often is an alcoholic or alcohol abuser as a result of the stresses they live under. Thanks goodness for underway or some of them would never sober up. :) Mom's who choose to have children have the degradation of giving birth in military hospitals which while the facilities are capable of grand things and have some of the best doctors in the planet are subjected to verbal abuse and uncaring indifferent caregivers. They have the medical skills but show total disregard for the women as human beings. E-nothings are allowed to "practice" on patients including newborn babies. Doctors are allowed to and get away with lying to patients to get permission to practice procedures on a healthy newborn. Women are left to suffer "barbaric" conditions for delivery (in the words of one civilian physician) because of the lack of caring.
Anyhow; all this said, and thinking on those that lost their lives on top of the routine coping they have to do on a daily basis, I ask all of you: Do what you can to support our mliitary. If you know someone married to a military person at least be an "ear" for them. Show them you care by listening. Sometimes that listening ear is more important than anything. Please don't just tell them "call your whatever" or look at all you have. They give their lives for "what they have". Many extended families are not only geographically unavailable but are emotionally unavailble. I remember being told by my mother to "give him a call on the phone" when trying to get some stuff off my chest. Yeah, right! Telephone communication with a submarine was excellent in the 70's and 80's. Just be available to those military you know.....They do give all ...
Perhaps things have changed for the better with the Navy and military life in general. But; nothing can change the fact that the lives are full of stress... Stress that is best helped I think by having a listening caring ear...someone to run to. Don't take for granted what an advantage that is..what a help. It could make the difference in a bigger way than you ever will know. I know it would have in my life.
Later!
Melody
PS: I can't help but wonder why this man who committed, allegedly, the atrocities at Ft. Hood, was still there in place with the opportunity to do what he did. That just reeks of a "problem" we may never ever be privvy too.
You see those folks who lost their lives at Fort Hood made the "Ultimate" sacrifice anyone could make...their lives. They are trained to be prepared for that eventuality because of the nature of their chosen career obligations in the military. But; I don't think anyone can prepare anyone for the sacrifices they make on a daily basis. I will never forget the TOTAL disregard for family the Navey (military) showed during the years I dealt with them. It's not enough to be far from family and friends but to have to be subjected to horrid caregivers in the military doing it just because it is their job... Shades of socialized medicine not unlike what we will have with Obams's plan...and leadership that encourages men/women to divorce rather than have a spouse who wants to be a "spouse". Wives/spouses in particular are so isolated. They have nothing but income their spouse allots to them. Friends and family are far away and in most cases clueless to what the individual lives everyday. Everyday a military spouse lives with stresses most of us will never have ot live with. Because there is no room for "Family" in the military the spouse left behind (military widow) is in effect a single parents struggling to cope with separation anxieties of her own, her children, and life in general ALONE. In my day we could not even be in touch in any way shape form or manner when spouses were underway in fast attack submarines as much as 80 to 90% of the year. When "home" they were virtually on call at all times standing port and starbord duty days often with no opportunity for adequate rest. Children grow up with a parent (active duty military) who has little time for them and often is an alcoholic or alcohol abuser as a result of the stresses they live under. Thanks goodness for underway or some of them would never sober up. :) Mom's who choose to have children have the degradation of giving birth in military hospitals which while the facilities are capable of grand things and have some of the best doctors in the planet are subjected to verbal abuse and uncaring indifferent caregivers. They have the medical skills but show total disregard for the women as human beings. E-nothings are allowed to "practice" on patients including newborn babies. Doctors are allowed to and get away with lying to patients to get permission to practice procedures on a healthy newborn. Women are left to suffer "barbaric" conditions for delivery (in the words of one civilian physician) because of the lack of caring.
Anyhow; all this said, and thinking on those that lost their lives on top of the routine coping they have to do on a daily basis, I ask all of you: Do what you can to support our mliitary. If you know someone married to a military person at least be an "ear" for them. Show them you care by listening. Sometimes that listening ear is more important than anything. Please don't just tell them "call your whatever" or look at all you have. They give their lives for "what they have". Many extended families are not only geographically unavailable but are emotionally unavailble. I remember being told by my mother to "give him a call on the phone" when trying to get some stuff off my chest. Yeah, right! Telephone communication with a submarine was excellent in the 70's and 80's. Just be available to those military you know.....They do give all ...
Perhaps things have changed for the better with the Navy and military life in general. But; nothing can change the fact that the lives are full of stress... Stress that is best helped I think by having a listening caring ear...someone to run to. Don't take for granted what an advantage that is..what a help. It could make the difference in a bigger way than you ever will know. I know it would have in my life.
Later!
Melody
PS: I can't help but wonder why this man who committed, allegedly, the atrocities at Ft. Hood, was still there in place with the opportunity to do what he did. That just reeks of a "problem" we may never ever be privvy too.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Twist on "Wear Purple"
When I'm Old I'll Wear Purple,...
We have all heard that tale....
Dressing in purple is not just a dare...
But; me I'll do things
that others might think...
childish, imprudent, and like an "infink"...
I'll play with my food, 'cause I want to
you see....
I'll sing at the table
and happy I'll be...
Some will say senile,
but childlike I'll be....
wearing my purple for all folks to see.
Grammie Mel
We have all heard that tale....
Dressing in purple is not just a dare...
But; me I'll do things
that others might think...
childish, imprudent, and like an "infink"...
I'll play with my food, 'cause I want to
you see....
I'll sing at the table
and happy I'll be...
Some will say senile,
but childlike I'll be....
wearing my purple for all folks to see.
Grammie Mel
Monday, September 28, 2009
Let Go & Let God..... Thoughts....
This phrase has come to mind for various reasons off and on over the years. Yes; we do need to believe in a higher power and let our God be in charge... Let Go & Let God.... Some things are just out of our control. The well known Serenity Prayer also kind of ties into that statement... God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. :) But; what does the scripture actually say? Now; don't get me started on that. I mean you ask ten people the same question about anything and you will get ten different interpretations each one individual adamantly declaring their version is right! :)
So this brings me to my current concern. There are so many out there leaving God in charge of the family planning. OK that is great. I don't have a problem with that at all. But; at what point should our God given brains kick in? Firstoff coming to mind is a certain lady who most of us have heard of. She is expecting her 19th child, bless her soul. But; honestly, to me she looks tired and her body has to be wearing out! She is letting God plan her family? Would he want Michelle Duggar to wear herself into the ground? What happens to these children if something happens to the parents? And; those older girls. When were they children? Will they want to raise their own children after raising their siblings for so many years? Don't get me wrong, I think it is wonderful to see a large family all getting on well and self-sufficiently without costing the taxpayers. But; when is enough enough? What does God have to do to communicate "STOP"! I guess he would have to render a couple infertile, which could happen... But; isn't enough enough at some point?
I don't know. Not making much sense I guess... Trying to work it out here. If you have input...please share!
Melody
PS: Next writing may be on Obama-Nation an Abomination? Hmmmmmm.....
So this brings me to my current concern. There are so many out there leaving God in charge of the family planning. OK that is great. I don't have a problem with that at all. But; at what point should our God given brains kick in? Firstoff coming to mind is a certain lady who most of us have heard of. She is expecting her 19th child, bless her soul. But; honestly, to me she looks tired and her body has to be wearing out! She is letting God plan her family? Would he want Michelle Duggar to wear herself into the ground? What happens to these children if something happens to the parents? And; those older girls. When were they children? Will they want to raise their own children after raising their siblings for so many years? Don't get me wrong, I think it is wonderful to see a large family all getting on well and self-sufficiently without costing the taxpayers. But; when is enough enough? What does God have to do to communicate "STOP"! I guess he would have to render a couple infertile, which could happen... But; isn't enough enough at some point?
I don't know. Not making much sense I guess... Trying to work it out here. If you have input...please share!
Melody
PS: Next writing may be on Obama-Nation an Abomination? Hmmmmmm.....
Friday, September 25, 2009
"Rainbow Connection" - Grammie Style...
Have you ever pondered "connections" and wondered what it was all about? When would the ultimate connection in your life happen? Well; I have been through alot. Most of us go through alot of one form or another in our lives before we are done. Some is good, some is bad. But; like I always say, the things we live today make us who we are tomorrow and I like to think that is all in the end for the better. Being who we are is ok. Hopefully; by the time we are grandparents we are getting a handle on who we are and therefore have earned the title "Grand" parent. After raising five sons, having twin grandsons, and yet another baby boy grandson who I never get to see, now nearly two (MATTHEW & TOMIE'S son STERLING)...I like to think that perhaps Iris is my ultimate reward. I never had a daughte.r I don't feel I ever really got to be a "little" girl excepting when "I" was with my grandmother (the favorite relationship of all time in my life). I like to feel that such as I am I am that person, making that relationship with Ms. Iris. I like to feel we have a connection. That delightful little girl (film at eleven) is such an inspiration to me. She can be a handful. She can be "spoiled" which I have made her. But; she can also be thoughtful, caring, tender, and sweet. She is my built in reminder sometimes helping to keep me straight and again, my inspiration. She loves to do all the things I always wanted to do and hopefully she will get to do them. She is artistic, creative, coordinate and bright. As she skips out the door to school in her "Little Hippie Girl" outfit she makes me smile. I have never honestly seen a child happier to go to school. All smiles and all energy away she goes to spend time with her idol Mrs. Adams. She adores her teacher not unlike many early school age children. Mrs. Adams is awesome and she can do no wrong in Iris's book...just as it should be for a good teacher.
All that said, I like to think that I am facilitating the "connection"...and that it is a "Rainbow" connection. All things good, beautiful, and wonderful that our God can provide. No her life is not perfect. She has problems in her little life that I would take completely away would I could.... But; as it is, she spends 95% of her little life outside of school with her grandparents who keep her well stocked and provided with the tools of the trade for a delightful four-year-old (or nearly five she likes to remind us). The paper, pens, pencils, crayons, paints, glitter, glue, scissors, sewing machines, paint brushes, and all the fixings of creativity keep coming. The music flows, the devices to play it on provided. Yes; hopefully I am making that Rainbow Connection with this little girl. Hopefully; she will keep going with all her creativity and I can be a part of it through her. She is afterall the most beautiful granddaughter in Norwich!
More from Mel (Lilhippiema) later....
All that said, I like to think that I am facilitating the "connection"...and that it is a "Rainbow" connection. All things good, beautiful, and wonderful that our God can provide. No her life is not perfect. She has problems in her little life that I would take completely away would I could.... But; as it is, she spends 95% of her little life outside of school with her grandparents who keep her well stocked and provided with the tools of the trade for a delightful four-year-old (or nearly five she likes to remind us). The paper, pens, pencils, crayons, paints, glitter, glue, scissors, sewing machines, paint brushes, and all the fixings of creativity keep coming. The music flows, the devices to play it on provided. Yes; hopefully I am making that Rainbow Connection with this little girl. Hopefully; she will keep going with all her creativity and I can be a part of it through her. She is afterall the most beautiful granddaughter in Norwich!
More from Mel (Lilhippiema) later....
Friday, September 11, 2009
Regarding Men on a Mission.... Mormon Missionaries
I guess as we all know, throughout life, there are some things we notice more than others. Mine is "boys". Not in the traditional sense either. But; I spent so many years of my life raising my five, hosting their friends and watching them do all those things that boys do...that I can't help but notice to this day the attributes of a growing young man.
So all that said, today again I was awakened early by a knock at the door. Now everyone who knows me knows that I am NOT a morning person. I am up til the wee hours of the night and sleep mornings. Just how things fall into place (or not) for me. The dogs got me out of bed and I made it to the door at about 9 a.m. just in time to see the backs of several suited young men gleefully running through yards and around back down to the main road. I knew who they were, or of what they were. There were about five young men all dressed pretty much the same going door to door for our Mormon friends. :) But; they reminded me of a bunch of just cut loose Butterflies heading for the prettiest flower on the property. Just dancing away and going through all those athletic wannabe contortions that young men do... You know, like when they can't go through a doorway without making sure they still can or can't jump up and touch it? Or having jumping contests to see if any of them YET can touch the ceiling. Those were the days. The days I miss.
In spite of all that I have to say to our Mormon friends that I don't bite! :) I am not Mormon but I do tolerate. I remember the crew I had way back...about ten years ago. They would come by and we would chat for a while and drink some lemonade or water or something, usually in the yard, and they would be on their way. The nicest bunch I ever had. :) This Summer is the first Summer I have had a group knock on my door since. This being their second attempt that I know of, I have to say, they should try later in the day! :) Perhaps with a little more purpose and intent and give folks a chance to answer the door, and maybe not act as if noone was watching them flee down the hill dancing all the way!
Did anyone ever visit that heavily advertised chat thing they have going on? I tried to one night just to check it out. Never got a response from them by email or in the chat program. Perhaps they should be a little more vigilant in their followups! :)
Yep, that was my morning starter... OK wannabe starter. I went back to bed. It was afterall not "TIME" for me to get up.
Hope to hear from some of you soon!
Melody
So all that said, today again I was awakened early by a knock at the door. Now everyone who knows me knows that I am NOT a morning person. I am up til the wee hours of the night and sleep mornings. Just how things fall into place (or not) for me. The dogs got me out of bed and I made it to the door at about 9 a.m. just in time to see the backs of several suited young men gleefully running through yards and around back down to the main road. I knew who they were, or of what they were. There were about five young men all dressed pretty much the same going door to door for our Mormon friends. :) But; they reminded me of a bunch of just cut loose Butterflies heading for the prettiest flower on the property. Just dancing away and going through all those athletic wannabe contortions that young men do... You know, like when they can't go through a doorway without making sure they still can or can't jump up and touch it? Or having jumping contests to see if any of them YET can touch the ceiling. Those were the days. The days I miss.
In spite of all that I have to say to our Mormon friends that I don't bite! :) I am not Mormon but I do tolerate. I remember the crew I had way back...about ten years ago. They would come by and we would chat for a while and drink some lemonade or water or something, usually in the yard, and they would be on their way. The nicest bunch I ever had. :) This Summer is the first Summer I have had a group knock on my door since. This being their second attempt that I know of, I have to say, they should try later in the day! :) Perhaps with a little more purpose and intent and give folks a chance to answer the door, and maybe not act as if noone was watching them flee down the hill dancing all the way!
Did anyone ever visit that heavily advertised chat thing they have going on? I tried to one night just to check it out. Never got a response from them by email or in the chat program. Perhaps they should be a little more vigilant in their followups! :)
Yep, that was my morning starter... OK wannabe starter. I went back to bed. It was afterall not "TIME" for me to get up.
Hope to hear from some of you soon!
Melody
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