The Muffin Man Gives

For the past several weeks, I’ve been constantly reminded of Spring and Easter (Rebirth and Resurrection), from talking with my new friend John, whom is now coping with the gravest of cancer diagnoses.   Sighhh… a month ago, he was told by his medical doctors that he would only have 4 months left to live due to the discovery of terminal cancer.  I guess that’s what you call being hit by a ton of bricks, along with the truck carrying them as well.

Over the past month, I’ve been sort of sad and depressed with thinking about the end of life, which almost like John, I’ve been on the brink upon many times.  Once, I was driving 4 hours up to near Canada to pickup and deliver muffins, when my truck began to swerve on the interstate.  I had taken some new medicine only hours before (and why didn’t I adhere to the…”Don’t operate heavy equipment when initially trying this medication” label).  My truck and myself ended up flipping over 5 times and landed on the side of a cliff.  It makes me tearful just to relive it.  Amazingly, I only suffered bruised body parts and a fractured nose.  At that moment of realizing that my truck was flipping, I was coherent but only managed to think, “Whelp, this must be it!”  I look back and am very disappointed that I couldn’t think of anything else to be my last words while alive….at least maybe the Lord’s Prayer, or trying to fold my hands, or something to the sort!  I keep thinking why I wasn’t ready at that moment and if I would be ready when and if I were to face death again.  Everyone asks if you’re ready to die, but I don’t know what our true responses would be.  It’s similar to what they’re saying to my friend John….Are you ready to die soon?

When researching quotes about death and what other people would do if they were faced with imminent death, I came across a curious quote from Martin Luther (Founder of the Protestant Reformation).  He was asked what he would do if he knew that the world would end tomorrow.  He replied, “If I knew that tomorrow was the end of the world, I would plant an apple tree today.” This saying, while surprising, was also used by Martin Luther King, Jr. many times as well in his sermons and speeches.

For that matter, many people are thinking the same thing in so many other daily situations, such as the recent earthquake and Tsunami warnings in Thailand and the tornadoes and violent storms in the US Midwest.  I’ve never experienced a tornado firsthand, but I’m told that hearing that the clue to hearing a tornado coming is that deafening freight train like sound becoming stronger and stronger.  I can’t put words in others’ mouths, but I’m sure that experiencing a tornado coming towards you gives you that “coming closer to God” experience.

What would you do if you knew that death was eminent?  And would you be ready to react at that moment?  Would you plant an apple tree and seeds of change?… or would you do things that were the utmost of daring while there’s still time left?  Remember, that day could be tomorrow.   It may be a mixture of both of these ideas.  I do suspect that death is like birth, which have been said to be the most certain of facts.  It is certain that as humans we will be born and we will die…and of course have fun in between!  Like birth though, I’m sure we’re also not going to remember it and that it will come unexpectantly.  (If God wanted us to know when a baby would be born, I’m sure that he would have given us clear stomachs.)

Whether it’s 4 months left to live or the constantly unknown time left,  I hope that we all can discover how we can live our lives well.  Just maybe it’s planting an apple tree!

Hannah Sames and Her Fight Against GANS

You never know when you’ll have the opportunity to repay someone for a favor given to you.  It’s so mysterious to discover that we’re all connected to each other in some fashion or form as well.  About 8 years ago, towards the start of my then sales career, I walked into The Pet Lodge (owned by Matt Sames) and started my pitch as to why he should invest in phone book advertising.  With a smile, Matt politely interrupted me and told me that if I made a future appointment that he would be sure to listen to everything I had to sell, for he was busy at the time but didn’t want to absolutely reject me.  He showed kindness and I always look back to that moment as a learning and growing experience.

Years later, I noticed that my next door neighbor was very busy volunteering for Hannah’s Hope Fund, to the point that it made me so curious about its importance and its mission.  In the midst of a conversation, my next door neighbor mentioned Matt Sames’ name as the father of Hannah, a little girl battling GANS.  Of course, it took me back down memory lane and began my thinking of how I could repay his earlier favor of kindness.

The story of Hannah and her fight against GANS is one that creates a real smile.  GANS is a muscular disorder that is not widely known, affecting the way you walk, talk, move, and even swallow.  When Hannah was originally diagnosed with GANS, there were only approximately 11 other known cases in the US, and today that number has increased to only about 20 cases.  I quickly understood that because this disorder is not well known, there’s little funding for a cure or treatments.  Yet, the Sames family has pressed on with trying to raise money for clinical research and treatments, which they’re very close towards.  People tell me that Hannah remembers everyone and everything she meets and sees and despite her challenges is a joy to meet.

I often now ask myself, “How great a love is this?”, seeing that the Sames family is constantly fundraising and striving and working towards a cure for their daughter.  What wouldn’t you do for your son or daughter, I ask myself.  Their love towards their daughter makes me smile and the connections that we all have to her makes it all the more special.

More information on how to help Hannah and the Sames Family find a cure for GANS can be seen at www.hannahshopefund.org

What an experience and a delight to meet Pauline Wren and Project Isobel in the Sosua/Cabarete area of the Dominican Republic.  I was not only awed by the beautiful, Eden-like, and lush foliage, trees, and flowers of the Dominican Republic, but also by the wonderful display of friendliness and human kindness showed to me while there.  I can’t wait to develop a page just showing some of the pictures I was able to take.  I was blessed to help Pauline throw a birthday party for a young child (turning 12 years old) and give him the very first birthday cake of his life.  I also saw the need for so much support for Project Isobel to continue its mission of helping Dominican Street Children and rescuing abandoned and ill-treated animals, such as horses and dogs.  Below are just a few pictures, but there are definitely more to come.  Special Thanks to the Albany, NY Presbytery and The Presbyterian Church USA for making this possible.  Pauline Wren and Prject Isobel can again be reached at www.projectisobel.com.

During a hurricane, you see all kinds of trees being blown down and uprooted. Oak trees are really sturdy, but they are no match for 100 mph winds.  Pine trees may be also huge and intimidating in size, but after a hurricane, they lay in yard, after yard… after yard. None of those large trees can withstand the strong force winds of a hurricane; except for the Palm Tree. Nicknamed the “Bounce-Back Tree”, the Palm Tree is the only tree that after getting knocked down by a hurricane rises back up again.    

Surprisingly, Palm Trees can bend all the way over during a hurricane to where the top is almost touching the ground (sometimes for 4-5 hours) and just when you think that the trees have reached their breaking points and are ready to snap in half, they bounce right back up to where they were before.  Studies actually show that when palm trees are being bent and pushed over, their root system are being strengthened and given new opportunities for growth.  So, when the storm is over, the Palm Trees (probably created uniquely a Higher source) come right back, but stronger than they ever were before.   

Now, I’m sure that you’re baffled why I’m talking about Palm Trees, but there’s a good reason; a good reason indeed.  You’ll find that the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, having a real hurricane of their own, similarly is now able to bounce back like a palm tree.   

On August 20^, 2011, Hurricane Irene made landfall in NJ and the Eastern US Coastline, continuing its path throughout New England to become one of the costliest hurricanes in US history.  Relentless winds and torrential rains caused record flooding, particularly along the Schoharie Creek in Upstate NY.  Unfortunately, The Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site took a direct hit from standing in Hurricane Irene’s path.  Electricity was out for weeks at a time, mud and water seemed to take up rent in almost every room, and like many residents in the Northeast the storm effects seemed ever too insurmountable. 

Now here’s the ironic part.  No one could have ever imagined that the historic site’s parking lot, now reduced to large chunks of blacktop and concrete, would unearth the secrets of the past and more long-buried remnants of Fort Hunter, originally built by the English in 1712.  In 1710 four Mohawk Indian Kings went to London to meet with Queen Anne.  They asked her for financing and for a fort and chapel to be built to defend themselves against French soldiers.  In 1711, Queen Anne authorized the construction of Fort Hunter, containing a chapel and a mission house, and donated a set of communion silver and sent two missionaries to the colony.   Before the hurricane, the exact location of the mission house was unknown, but mysterious things happen in the midst of a storm. 

Unearthing Artifiacts at The Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

After the storm, archaeologists have found musketballs, pipe stems, ceramic pottery, coins, and glass bottle fragments, putting a greater exclamation point on history.  Experts say the new findings will help write history about how the British and the Mohawk Indians lived at the time. The Schoharie Crossing Historic Site, thanks to the hurricane, is hoping that increased traffic will now build, with a renewed interest to see the uncovered history and artifacts.  Just this discovery has served to increase the amount of volunteers, provide more financial support, and boost the morale of its hard-hit community. 

It’s obvious that no one wishes for a Hurricane, and that going through one is a life-panicking ordeal.  However, like The Schoharie Crossing Historic Site, after a hurricane you can bounce back and “flourish like a palm tree”!  (Psalms 92:12)   

The Schoharie Crossing Historic Site is hosting Leap The Creek, A Benefit Concert for Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Flood Relief, to be held on Leap Night!  Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 at Winner’s Circle, Route 5 Fonda. 

For more information please contact:
Tricia Shaw | (518) 829- 7516
tricia.shaw@parks.ny.gov 

nysparks.com/historic-sites/27/details.aspx

If you may, picture the reaction of people who receive a prayer shawl from the St. Matthews Prayer Shawl Ministry. Picture the people sitting down, lifting such a kind gift out of a box, wrapping the prayer shawl gently around their shoulders, and wiping the tears that slowly begin to fall from their faces. At this instant they get to feel a real Hug from God.

I never thought it was possible to receive a physical Hug from God before, but I stand corrected after learning about this wonderful act of love from the St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg, FL. It’s clearly a tangible way to feel God’s Love and they encourage many others make prayer shawls as well. After being made and physically blessed during Sunday Service, the prayer shawls are free to the asking or to give to anyone suggested. Here’s a picture of just one of the many prayer shawls made recently at St. Matthew’s…

Cynthia's Poncho at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church-The Beacon On The Bay

I wonder who cries more; the members of St. Matthews or the recipients of each prayer shawl?  It’s lovely (and dare I say unusual today) when people think about others more than themselves.  Kim Margittai, from St. Matthew’s told me that she considers this thought each time she sits down to knit a prayer shawl. “When you think that your life is a nuisance, imagine what those receiving a prayer shawl are facing and enduring.”

3 Knits and 3 Twirls, 3 Knits and 3 Twirls (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), It develops a rhythm each knit becomes a prayer itself.

I’m glad that if you didn’t know about prayer shawls before, then you now have another way of expressing love and making each one of your prayers count. For more information on how to start your own prayer shawl ministry, contact St. Matthews for advice.  They’re so very modest about needing support, although I’m sure they would appreciate lots.  They simply request donations of extra yarn.  How meek, humble, and loving is that?   

You can also go to their Facebook Page to see more pictures of their beautiful prayer shawls. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Prayer-Shawl-Ministry/124007857656096

God, May you allow St. Matthew’s and others to deliver more Hugs from You.

… Amen

Pauline Wren and Rescued Humphrey

Each of us has a Gift that’s meant to be shared and each of us also has a chance to use to serve one another and God’s creatures.  I am so fortunate to be able to see Pauline Wren’s Gift of being able to create a better life for children  and animals in the Dominican Republic.  The children are rescued from the streets and the animals, such as horses, are given another chance at life.  I’ll be so excited to meet Pauline from Feb. 25th to Feb. 28th n the Dominican Republic.  This time I’ll be glad to not only delver muffins, but to also help with repairs, maintenance, and upkeep where needed.

This exciting trip is almost two weeks away, but I hope that others can contact  and visit Pauline as well to see how they can help her continue a true Labor of Love.  She’s devoted her entire life and live-savings to this project and it’s amazing to see what she accomplishes daily to help children and animals.  You can read about Project Isobel at www.projectisobel.com and read their latest newsletter at http://www.projectisobel.com/Newsletter—January%2C-2012.php. 

Pauline Wren, its founder, has been doing what she could to help street children and animals in a small way since she moved to the Dominican Republic in 2003.  She had no concept of doing this in a bigger way until she encountered a horse in desperate circumstances in March, 2006.  Most of the horses being rescued were once used for tourists to ride on beaches during their vacation stays in the Dominican Republic or their owners could no longer afford to take care of them.  Instead of letting them be “put down” and retired, Pauline now houses and uses these horses as a source of inspiration for visiting children that would ordinarily not have access to their beauty and talents.  It’s amazing that the horses there don’t like apples or carrots, but rather mangoes and bananas.  Project Isobel also gives a second life to dogs, cats, rabbits, cockerels, and much more.

Many children in the Dominican Republic are also often neglected. They are highly vulnerable to abuse, prostitution and crime.  Some do have families.  Some are bought from Haiti by dishonest adults to work on the streets. Their parents believe they are sending them to a life of better opportunities and use the money to fund the rest of the family.  Others have lost their parents and their remaining relatives cannot afford to, or do not, care for them properly.  With the high rate of HIV and AIDS, many children are left with no provision as well, needing basic care and education. The police have instructions to get them off the streets, but there is little provision for them.

Like all charities, the funding and volunteers to provide care is always needed.  And Project Isobel could really use a lot more helping hands.  I’ll be sure to post pictures of my trip once I return and special thanks to The Presbyterian Church USA and the Albany Presbytery for making this possible.

They listen, they comfort, and they share. They don’t give medical advice, but do help people facing the prospect of cancer understand what is happening and how to make more informed decisions. They also identify resources and offer referrals that might help to people living across the country. 

This week I sent Blueberry-Banana Yogurt Loaves to the Cancer Resource Center of The Finger Lakes (www.crcfl.net) for their Friday Brown Bag Lunch for Women. 

I’m afraid to think about or utter the “C” word myself due to the fact that people with Crohn’s Disease, such as I, are very susceptible to Colon Cancer.  However, when a friend of mine told me that he had recently developed Prostrate Cancer, I thought that I would try to learn more and offer my support.  What I found is that there is a world of support for people and loved ones living with cancer.

My friend enjoys attending weekly support groups with the Cancer Resource Center, particularly because everyone there feels as if they don’t have to explain or defend themselves and their conditions.   They say that laughter is the best medicine and I’m sure it outnumbers awkward and sad moments when they get together.  Despite the difficult times that my friend and others face with Cancer, they’ve showed me that life does in fact go on. 

Bob Riter, The Cancer Resource Center’s executive director and the author of many Cancer Columns, recently wrote, “The Elephant In The Room:  Practical Advice When the Diagnosis is Cancer”, a book focused upon overcoming the awkwardness existent when a friend of loved one has been diagnosed with Cancer.  The title is so catchy and is addressed to people with cancer, physicians, health care professionals, and loved ones the like.  I’ve read the reviews and am anxious to read the book myself.  All proceeds from the sale of the book are being donated to the Cancer Resource Center to further its work and support its belief that no one should face cancer alone.  It can be purchased through Amazon or Barnes and Noble and sounds like the perfect gift to show your love and support.

Well, we’ve all heard of the staggering numbers of foreclosures occurring across the country and the housing market perils being created from this ongoing recession.  In my spare time, I’m blessed to be able help people who are facing foreclosure.  I help them respond to and answer filed court documents served to them during the start of the foreclosure process.  Fortunately, it allows them to at least have a fighting chance and gives them time to work things out with the mortgage company or start a loan modification program with government agencies.   Sadly, all over the US, people are in dire straights and losing their homes daily. Today, I’m going to tell you a story about a young couple to put a face on what is happening everywhere. 

When they moved into their very first house, they were elated.  After searching for homes for over a year, they originally decided that this house was just the one for them and their budding family.  Within seconds of being showed the house, she loved the size of the rooms and knew that she wanted to raise her two children (ages 2 and 4) along with her husband there.  Besides, everything was working out perfectly.  They both had great jobs with a surplus of money to possibly plan a vacation soon to Disney World.  2 cats, 2 children, 2 jobs, and now a perfect home!  In fact, they were able to pay for all of the bills with using the money from just one of their salaries. 

However, their plans for a fun vacation changed just a little.  A huge little!  The marketing company that she worked for eventually found itself struggling to stay afloat.  Its client companies couldn’t afford to spend money on their own marketing budgets and couldn’t afford to buy promotional materials for trade shows and other events.  It’s really true, when a company is having problems with cash flow, the marketing department is the first to get downsized.  She was expecting business to pick up after the year’s holiday season, but she soon found herself being handed a layoff notice.   Of course, the young couple wasn’t happy, but they tried to remain strong and still make things work.  There was still the income from the husband’s job to support the family. 

There’s probably a lot more to this story (looking for jobs and not finding any; borrowing from relatives to make ends meet; cutting back on personal pleasures to be able to provide happiness for their children).  Somehow, they were able to manage on just his income for the next nine months.  All the while, she looked,  And looked.  And looked some more for a job, but without success.   

The husband was then a district manager for a major phone company.  Things were tight, but they made finances work…that’s until there was news of the phone company going into a new direction with its products.  He soon watched the products he sold become more and more obsolete until there was a company decision to delete his entire department.

The axe fell down.  They became late on their mortgage.  And the funny thing about mortgages is that when you’re late, you’re not allowed to even just pay a little to just get something in.  No, not at all.  You have to pay the total amount past due.  The mortgage company wanted all or nothing, and now without any income coming in they didn’t know where to turn next. 

They talked with their mortgage company to try to modify their loan and managed to fax in pages and pages documenting their plight.  They pleaded and begged to be able to just pay something to show their good faith of wanting to stay in their home.  They even told directly from the mortgage company that it would try to help and that there might be a special loan modification program for the unemployed.  However, hope would not be coming for them.  There would be no happy ending (for now), short of picking the right lottery numbers or asking another relative for support. 

Knowing their ongoing story, I’m sad.  To see a warm family that needs and deserves greener pastures is heartbreaking.  While they are still fighting to stay in their home, they are running out of options.  I hope that the muffins I was able to give them lifted their spirits a touch.  I wish I knew of an additional touch to renew that original feeling of comfort and security in their home. 

If you know any additional tips for avoiding foreclosure or navigating this long, confusing foreclosure process, please share so that I can pass them along and so that we can all learn.  We will survive.   All of this will survive this recession.