In remembrance...

It was on this day in 1986 that the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after takeoff, killing all seven astronauts aboard. That evening, President Ronald Reagan eulogized the lost astronauts in one of the finest addresses of his presidency. He said,

"We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and slipped 'the surly bonds of earth' to 'touch the face of God."

Be Well!

I've had some internal struggle lately...mostly confusion. I've spent a lot of time staring into the night trying to reconcile things from the darkness of our childhood...to recent emotions. As things have unfolded with my step dad's illness, and a myriad of other problems that my mom and step dad have encountered, I have felt great sadness and have done (and will continue to do) everything that I can to help them. But, there are times when the irony of this situation is almost overwhelming. Part of me wonders why I feel so much heartache for her...when she contributed so much heartache to us. After much, much, much...thought, I know why I can love her, and disregard the past. It is because I have been so blessed with a husband and two children...who I love with all my heart...and who love me back...with all their hearts. It is their love that has taught my heart... to love her.

The Apple

Isn’t it ironic…
The things we see.
They say the apple
Falls close to the tree.

In the quiet moments…
I close my eyes and see
Three helpless children
Brother, sister…me.

Anger, pain, confusion,
Reflected in the mirror…
Constant close companions…
To the ever present fear.

A healing, soothing balm
…the passing of the years…
Closed the open wounds
And dried the flowing tears.

Now the one
Who let it be…
Cries for help
…from we three.

Responding not…
With sweet disdain...
…no retribution
For the pain.

Instead we wretch…
…from deep inside
We feel her pain…
Hearts open wide.

That thing about the apple…
Though sometimes it’s right on…
Love can forever alter…
And the hardest wars be won.

Copyright©2008 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.

Thanks Tammy!

You have to type the first thing that comes to mind whenever you hear these 31 things. You can’t think and go back and change your answers.

1. Beer: Belly
2. McDonald's: Fries
3. Relationships: Hard
4. Purple: Rain
5. Power Rangers: Soldiers
6. Steroids: Arnold
7. Cartoons: Mickey Mouse
8. The President: David Palmer
9. Tupperware: Lids everywhere.
10. Florida: Disney
11. Santa Claus: I know him!!
12. Halloween: Candy
13. Alice: Cooper
14. Grammar: Gramper
15: Myspace: Stingy gut.
16. Clowns: Chas (is afraid of them)
17. Marriage: Great
18. Paris: Hilton
19. Pat: Butter
20. Pass the: Salt
21. One night stand: 60’s
22. Donald Trump: Idiot with bad hair
23. Neverland: Michael Jackson
24. Pixie: Dust
25. Vanilla ice cream: Chocolate syrup
26. Hooters: Redneck morons
27. High school musical: Oklahoma
28. Pajamas: Comfy
29. Woody: Allen
30. Wet Socks: Cold feet.
31. Love: Family

Be Well!

Just another Monday...

Today was horrific...as every day has been since January 2, and as I'm sure they will all be until the citizens of Smallville decide to accept the fact that for the next three years, they will pay for a recycling service, whether they use it or not! The calls are many and the attitudes of the callers are worse than bad. It has been eye opening and interesting to say the least.

I was supposed to be at a Park and Tree Board meeting tonight, but due to the lack of a quorum...it was cancelled. It did not break my heart. I am tired to the bone this evening! My first thought was that I would rest...but then I realized that I needed to vacuum, change out the laundry, run the dishwasher, change the sheets and vacuum the couch and love seat. I have accomplished those things now...and that freshly vacuumed sofa is calling my name!

Be Well!