The Oak Tree

I wanted to share this poem by Johnny Ray Ryder, Jr. with you today just because I know we all sometimes need some encouragement. I imagine that it isn’t new to you, but I do feel it is a poem worth reading again. I know that I’ve read it a few times this week and that I came across it right when I needed to. Take a moment or two to breathe and reflect today. Wishing you strength, peace and hope. Today and always.

The Oak Tree

A mighty wind blew night and day.

It stole the oak tree’s leaves away,

Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark

Until the oak was tired and stark.

But still the oak tree held its ground

While other trees fell all around.

The weary wind gave up and spoke,

“How can you still be standing, Oak?”

The oak tree said, “I know that you

Can break each branch of mine in two,

Carry every leaf away,

Shake my limbs, and make me sway.

But I have roots stretched in the earth,

Growing stronger since my birth.

You’ll never touch them, for you see,

They are the deepest part of me.

Until today, I wasn’t sure

Of just how much I could endure.

But now I’ve found, with thanks to you,

I’m stronger than I ever knew.”

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June 17, 2001

June 17, 2001 was a Sunday. It was also Father’s Day. A couple of weeks ago I thought about writing about this particular Father’s Day and then I looked at the calendar and realized that Father’s Day fell on the same date this year! It felt almost coincidental.

I’ve always tried to find special gifts or reminders to give to my Dad on his birthday, Christmas and Father’s Day. Sometimes I go overboard but I only have a few occasions every year that I can really buy for him – so why not? Sometimes the perfect gift comes to mind quickly. Other times I look around a few times before finding the perfect gift. As the special day approaches I find myself getting more anxious when I haven’t come up with something. In the end, I usually do okay.

But Father’s Day 2001 was a memorable one. Not because of something I gave him but because of something he gave me.

That year both of my grandfathers were still alive so it was a busy day. I went to church in the morning, visited both of my grandfathers, and spent as much time with my Dad as possible. Watched him open gifts and had dinner; the typical Father’s Day get together. As I said goodbye to my father and started towards my car he handed me an envelope. I remember asking him what it was and he just said that it was for me and wished me a Happy Father’s Day.

Driving home that night seemed to take longer than it normally did just because I had something I wanted to open. I remember pulling into my driveway and opening the envelope before I even went into my house. Inside was a letter and a CD. I won’t go into all the details of the letter but it started like this:

Dear ____,

Today is Father’s Day. I wanted to make this one especially special by giving you a gift. You’re probably wondering why I would do such a thing. There are more than a few reasons. But firstly, it is because I could never have been a father without you. You are responsible for some of the greatest moments of joy that I shall ever experience in this lifetime… (This might be the first moment that I started to choke up reading his letter. Scratch that. I choked up when I realized I had a letter so that must have been the line that triggered the first tear!)

It went on from there but I will probably continue to keep the rest of the letter between my Dad and I.

Towards the end of his letter he reminds me to keep God in my life and that… when all else seems to fail, He will always be there. A reminder I really need from time to time.

Anyway, I guess I just want to send out a thank you to my Dad.

Because Dad, it’s you that didn’t let me quit.

You prompted me to learn a new skill.

You brought me energy that I could not have survived without.

You held my hand and sat awake all night during my hospital stay.

You pushed me to stand and push forward.

Tonight I thought I’d share a quote that seems perfect for today:

100 years from now it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much I had in my bank account, nor what my clothes looked like but the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child. ~Forest E. Witcraft

Right now seems like the perfect time to grab a cup of tea, read this letter once more and then tuck it away for safekeeping once again.

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Signing Off

The other day I was dusting my little ones bedroom. On top of his dresser sits a large personalized piggy bank. When he was baptized I invited those in attendance to sign it for him. My first child had one and I thought it would be nice for the second one to have one as well.

While I was dusting, I took the time to look over a few of the inscriptions, and one jumped out at me. It read as follows:

God Bless you,____, You bring so much joy and happiness to my life. Love, ____

Sweet sentiment, isn’t it?

But, guess what?

This relative hasn’t even asked me how this little one is in over a year, how my other child is, or how I am.

She is very busy. Life is hectic. Running here and there. Hardly has time to fit everything into her day. She doesn’t seem to have time to communicate or acknowledge anyone anymore.

I can’t think of a birthday or Christmas that I’ve missed in her child’s life. Not one. I’ve yet to miss her birthday. You wouldn’t believe the number of calls or texts I’ve sent in support of job interviews, checking to see how doctor appointments went, or just to see how they were doing. I’m not saying that I’ve done these things because I expect them in return. I’ve done them because I care. What I am saying is that it is sad how some can so easily disregard those that they claim are important to them.

It is amazing that one who supposedly brings so much joy and happiness to another can be easily forgotten and dismissed. It takes two minutes to pick up the phone or a quick moment to send a happy birthday text. Quite difficult to do when you can’t fit anything else into your day though, right?

But wait…

That’s right.

Facebook.

Two hours or more each night.

She has time for that.

Something to think about, isn’t it?

I think it’s great that you can receive 51 happy birthday comments on Facebook because of all the friends you’ve reconnected with or made online. On Twitter you can receive 18 good luck tweets fairly quickly before heading out the door to an interview because you have 500+ followers and you sent out one tweet.

But turn off your computer for a minute.

Forget about Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest and your other social media sites.

Pretend it’s your birthday.

Your phone rings. Who is it?

It rings again. Who is it now?

Who are the people that are truly a part of your life? Those that truly care about you?

Are you neglecting them?

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My Guest Post – An Angel Visit

When I started aplaceforthoughts.com I was blessed to cross paths with some beautiful people. Betsy Henry was one of the first few and today I am grateful for her continued support and friendship. Betsy’s site, The Zen Mama’s blog, is peaceful and encouraging. She shares so much with all of us. She reminds us of the benefits of laughter and of smiling. She encourages us to let go of worry. She talks about parenting, acceptance, gratitude, peace, love, compassion and so much more.

Betsy has published two books. How To Be A Zen Mama and The Zen Mama’s Book of Quotes and I am happy to say that they both have a place on my nightstand. Shortly after meeting Betsy I ordered How To Be a Zen Mama and loved it! When I found out that her book of quotes was in the works I just knew I’d have to have a copy! Although I don’t use as many quotes as Betsy, I am quite the quote fan myself.

In October I shared this story. Betsy’s response? {This post gave me the chills! I so believe in angels. You got a powerful message through your son. I’m going to share this.}

And so she did.

This weekend Betsy posted An Angel Visit. Be sure to stop by to read it and spend some time on her site. You’ll be so glad you did!

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Blog This

I just wanted to send out a hello. I know my writing has been fairly sporadic this year but I’m working my way back to posting with regularity. I have a few things in the works right now and am looking forward to sharing with you in the next few days. Hoping you are all doing well.

Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish. ~John Jakes

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Cards for Max

Perhaps a majority of you have already heard of Max Low but I hadn’t until recently and I just had to take the time to write about him. I was at my local Hallmark store when I read about him at the register. Not too much was written on this pamphlet but it was enough to grab my attention.

I decided to look him up before writing here. This article written by Kyle Munson at The Des Moines Register is from March 16th but it is one of the best that I’ve found.

Twelve year old Max, Mighty Max, would love to receive one million cards. He has been battling leukemia and receiving these cards is his wish.

Don’t you think we need to do something about that? I do! If you do not have a get well or thinking of you card handy, grab a sticky note and remind yourself to pick one up the next time you are at the store or…make one! If you have children perhaps they would like to make one for him too! From what I could find online it looks like as of June 3rd he had received 220,255 cards!

Cards for Max can be sent to: Mighty Max Low c/0 Greg and Bambi Low, PO Box 111, Neola, IA 51559

There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something tomorrow. ~Orison Swett Marden

I have so many things to do today but I know that one of them is going to be getting a card into my mailbox for Mighty Max Low. Will you be doing the same?

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Good Morning

I just wanted to send out a hello this morning. I’ve been missing for far too long and I do hope that changes soon. There are some things that I’d like to write about.

For those of you who don’t know I welcomed a healthy little boy into this world ten days ago and both baby and mom are still adjusting. If you have a moment let me know how you are doing by leaving a comment. I’d love to hear an update from everyone!

Always kiss your children goodnight – even if they’re already asleep. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

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Giving Thanks

I just thought I’d post something simple for tonight. Tomorrow is already Thanksgiving and I just can’t believe it. It seems as if it was just August.

During this time of thanks I thought it would be nice if we could all share something we are feeling grateful for. So whether you are reading this tonight, tomorrow or in two weeks feel free to share something that you are currently feeling gratitude towards.

At this moment I am grateful for the random hug my little guy gave me while we were reading books this afternoon. I am also thankful to know that those dear to me are safe and warm in their homes.

Wishing you and yours a Thanksgiving full of peace and hope.

Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart. ~Seneca

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October 15th

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. I know I wrote about this date earlier in the year in this post. I just wanted to take a minute to honor the little ones gone too soon and to remind all of you who have experienced a loss that you are in my thoughts.

In just a few minutes it will be 7pm and I’ll be lighting a candle in honor of all the little ones gone too soon. If you’d like to talk about your angel feel free to tell us about them in a comment or feel free to go to the submit your story page and I can share your story as a submission.

An angel in the book of life wrote down my baby’s birth. Then whispered as she closed the book “too beautiful for earth.” ~Author Unknown

www.october15th.com

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Honoring Andrew

April is almost over. It is also National Autism Awareness Month and today I wanted to write about someone dear to my heart. My cousin Andrew is autistic. And I adore him. He is brilliant, caring, appreciative, loyal and so very thoughtful. I can remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. I can also remember when he was diagnosed. He was 3 years old and I really didn’t know much about autism then. I still don’t know enough.

I remember how amazed I was at the things Andrew knew as a toddler. His memory was and still is incredible. Today Andrew is great with #’s (must run in the family). He is an artist. He is a son, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, a friend, a blessing.

Why am I reminiscing about him? Because this June Andrew will be graduating from high school and I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished. He is all set to attend college this fall and I can’t wait to follow his journey on this new chapter in his life.

Andrew has taught me so much just by being who he is. I’m so excited for him to see just how many people will be there to honor him in June. I’m not sure that he realizes what a difference he has made. I hope that during his graduation weekend he is reminded of that many times.

(If you’d like to learn more about Autism this link provides you with some great information.)

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