"The lost art of building with your hands"

Today is Sunday, a day of rest. And rest is what I need after a very busy but FUN weekend.

As I sat reading the paper I came across the article in Parade Magazine by Mitch Albom called "the Lost art of Building with Your Hands". In the article is a story about an amazing young man from southeast Africa who had NO resources except and a book with pictures, idea, garbage, and hands with which he made a small windmill that produced enough energy to power one light bulb. What joy and hope he brought to his humble village.

In reading this article I couldn't help but compare my daughters, Mique and Jessica to this special young man. Yesterday they saw the fruits of months of preparation as the held their first "Queen Bee Market". It was a huge success! Something they conceived in their minds, and made happen.

When they first told me their idea I was skeptical, to say the least. Not that I don't think they are capable. They both have so much talent! No, they are both just so incredibly BUSY with their every-day lives. But, despite my concerns, they planned and worked and worked some more. And it payed off in a big way. They created something to be so proud of. Kinda like "Field of Dreams", "if you build it, they will come". And come they did! It was AWESOME!!!

No, they didn't change a village. But they created a very special event, involved family, even giving back to 2 special charities.

This (tired) mom couldn't be more proud of 2 very special daughters. Thanks for letting me share this experience with you!

XOXO,
mom

This morning, as I was working on a sewing project, I turned on the TV to the Today Show. The host was interviewing a couple who's 16 month old son had recently nearly drowned in the bathtub. I almost changed the channel, as any reference to drowning is difficult for me to hear. But I felt compelled to "stay tuned". As I listened to their story I realized how close to our own story it was. So many similarities!!! Even the outcome was the almost same. I couldn't stop the tears. The memories of almost losing Tony, then the road to his miraculous recovery....

I reflect on the past 27 years since that horrible, miraculous accident. Horrible because my son came so incredibly close to death. Miraculous because the dr.s gave him so little chance of living, and even smaller chances of being "normal". I knew then how blessed we were and that our prayers were answered by a loving Heavenly Father. I knew that I had been given an awesome responsibility to be the best mother I could be.

I know now that he is special in so many ways. I know how lucky I am to be his mother, and to have had him in my life for the past 28 years.

Now my responsibility is to watch him as he shares his gifts with the world one day at a time. To continue to love him. To have faith that he is all that he was meant to be.

I love you, T!