Hey Hey

Hey Hey, it is Mark Conselyea. Mark is a childhood friend. We have been friends since I was 8 or so. We played soccer together for 15 years. He was perhaps the best player on our team, but sadly our coach didn't know it. Mark went along as a faithful team member without whining about non playing time. He worked hard to make himself better, and he did. I learned a lot from Mark, even if he didn't know I was paying attention. Mark is a quiet unassuming man, but when you get to know him he is quite fascinating. He is also a good man in general. Whenever I seek donations for my travels to Russia or Rwanda or wherever, Mark steps up. He has donated soccer jerseys to Russia and soccer balls to Rwanda. He also helps to raise money in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio for his own causes.  I really can't thank him enough for his support of my endeavors and helping the less fortunate. Again, he does it all quietly, but I notice a lot more than our old soccer coach.

I remember the day I really realized what a unique, interesting individual Mark is. We were listening to some Led Zeppelin music (this was in the early 80s remember) and I asked Mark what his favorite Zeppelin song was.... I was expecting Stairway to Heaven of course, or even Kashmir or Over the Hills.... but his answer was Hey Hey. I thought I was a Zeppelin fan back then, but I had to admit I didn't know the song. I have gotten to know it quite well since then. And although it is probably my 2nd favorite Zeppelin song, it would not have even made the radar if it wasn't for Mark.

                                 Kids in Rwanda playing with a soccer ball donated by Mark.

                         "Quiet and unassuming should not be mistaken for boring and simple."

                    Now Go Out and Hug a Friend Today!!

My Left Foot

I just watched an interesting movie today called My Left Foot. Why I had not seen it or heard of it sooner is beyond me. It was made in 1989 and is about an artist who was born with Cerebral Palsy. His name was Christy Brown. Even though some of the story was glamorized, it does a good job of depicting the struggles a lot of folks go thru with their disabilities. Daniel Day Lewis does an amazing job, in my opinion, of showing how folks with CP struggle. I know a few people with this infliction and almost all of them have the same kind of muscle twitches, speech struggles, etc. that Daniel exhibits. I believe he won an oscar for the movie, and for good reason.

Anyway, this post is not about the actor or even the artist it is about. It is about everyone else out there who struggles with society's perception of them. Many people like Christy Brown have been shunned or shutout because folks didn't think they amounted to much. So, I challenge you to look at people a little differently from now on. See what is behind the "masks" or twitches or whatever. And if you are looking for a good, thought provoking movie into this subject I highly recommend "My Left Foot" to educate yourself. Pay attention to some of the minute details as you watch. Or even read the book, which is what I plan to do soon.

                 No particular reason for this photo really. Just a rainy Monday photo to share.

                      Now Go Out and Hug Someone Today

Barbie Cutie

I met Barb Raudonis via Danny Donuts. She is now his bride and what a lucky fellow he is! Barb is one of those people who makes sure that everyone around her is comfortable and happy. She can strike up a conversation with a statue and the statue would become her friend, guaranteed!

She is affectionately known as BBQT or Barbie Cutie. She makes a great clown when she decides to dress up a bit. Not sure why she isn't in the entertainment business to be honest. She sure entertains me when I am around  her, and I know she entertains Danny.  Thanks Barb!

           BBQT and a mystery person who got a pie in the face. I wonder who that could be?

                       Now Go Out and Hug a Friend Today!

Make-A-Wish

A friend of mine organized a fund raiser for a bud of hers in Make A Wish. He looks like a great young man full of spirit and fun and Cystic Fibrosis. He already has a sister who has succumbed to this disease and surely his life will be shortened as well. But from the video below it seems to me his life, though it will be shorter than most, has been fuller than most and there is time for it to be fuller. His wish is to go the Thor premier in November. I believe it is in NYC. I am sure he will get there thru the generosity of wonderful, kind people who know how important Make A Wish is.

We all have our own causes. I certainly have mine with Maria's Children and a few others. But if you are looking for a cause to support or just have some extra money around, I do HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Make A Wish Foundation as they do wonderful work for kids who should be allowed to have their moments in the sun! The video below is an interview with Alex's parents and Alex himself with some clips of his sister and her Make A Wish dream come true.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=fy3q_CM99MY

I hope to meet Alex someday and watch him do improv. When I do, I will do a follow up blog on him for sure. So stay tuned.

                      Now Go Out and Hug a Child Today!!
 

Big Money Sucks

Now, I know there are some companies out there with Big Money who do good. But companies like Western and Southern are disgusting!

I recently read about Western and Southern Insurance company buying out The Anna Louise Inn in Cincinnati Ohio. The Anna Louise has been a safe haven for battered women and other women in general need for over 100 years. Now they are FORCED to move from their HOME, thanks to the greed of this "insurance" company. What kind of insurance can they provide you, if they won't even insure that battered women can stay in their HOME! I can't imagine why anyone would ever purchase insurance from them ever again?! It makes me sick to my stomach!

Their CEO has been quoted as saying "It is important to the economic development of the area." And "these women don't belong in this neighborhood". It WAS their HOME! Why don't they belong there? Oh, they are building a new place for them, but in a lesser neighborhood with more dangers around! And the CEO, John Barrett has the gall to say "This truly is a win for everyone and will make Lytle Park a destination like no other."  Everyone? Really? Who does he consider as everyone? Certainly not these women he has displaced. Of course he has denied any interviews on the matter. Chicken Shit!

Read the article below for yourself and form your own opinion. I for one will never purchase insurance from a despicable company like this!

http://news.yahoo.com/women-sad-angry-over-sale-nonprofit-ohio-home-152229520.html

                                                                Kiss My Hairy Ass!!

            Now Go Out and Hug a Battered Woman Today!

Uncle Stevie

I am sure you have heard me mention Uncle Stevie AKA Stephen Stearns. He has done more for a local community than anyone else I know. He founded the New England Youth Theater (NEYT) in the late 1990s and it is still going strong. Children come to the theater for two reasons. To learn theater and clowning and as a safe haven for after school activities. It is located in Brattleboro, Vt. and if you are ever in that area I HIGHLY RECOMMEND seeing a show there. The kids are talented and they have extraordinary teachers to help them along their way.

If founding a youth theater to help the local youth isn't enough, Stevie also raised two brilliant kids with his wife Bonnie. They have also traveled to Russia to help Maria run her summer camps. To give the kids there some useful, fun knowledge. He has done other charitable work, but I don't even know all of what he has done! He is a simple, humble man. My favorite kind!

Last week Uncle Stevie had open heart surgery. He is now home recovering and doing well. He should be as strong as ever and I expect he will be running the theater for the next 20 plus years! Thanks Uncle Stevie for all you do!

 

 

Uncle Stevie

 

“The CHILD must know that he is a MIRACLE, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world will not be, another child like him.”  ~ Pablo Casals

 

Now Go Out and Hug a Friend, a Clown, a Mentor Today!!

 

Motherrific

This post is dedicated to all the terrific mothers out there. My mom is motherrific, which is a step up from terrific. I know A LOT of terrific mothers out there. Let's salute them. To me, a terrific mother is one that nurtures her children and allows them to grow into who they are meant to be. She protects them at all cost against all evils. She LOVES them unconditionally while trying to guide them to a good life. My mom did that very well I believe.

The terrific mothers I know have raised some wonderful children. Those children are out there making a difference in humanity by being teachers, nurses, therapists, musicians, artists, AND mothers themselves. If you have a terrific mother, then let her know it! Give her your time and attention for the day. That is all she really wants.

                      My mother being a terrific "mother" to her cat Pearl. THANKS MOM!

                    Now Go Out and Hug a Mother Today!!!

My friend Sheri

Sheri is another beautiful woman I met at camp. She was a 19 year old extraordinaire when I met her and she has grown even more extraordinary. She is a physical therapist who primarily helps folks who have had spinal cord injuries. She has also raised 2 wonderfully funny daughters. She deserves to have a wonderful Mother's Day this weekend.

Speaking of mothers. Her mom recently had a stroke after surgery, so her and her family need a lot of prayers and positive thoughts sent their way. Her mom is hilarious, so I am guessing she will call upon that humor to help with the rehabilitation, even though it will be frustrating at times. I am betting on Mrs. Burnett to come thru with a great attitude in the end. Wish them well.

This photo depicts her journey to me. It will be a long and winding road, but still full of colors!

Good luck Mrs. Burnett and Sheri!!!

   Now Go Out and Hug a Friend and a Mother Today!!!

People ARE Good

As much bad that happens in the world, people are still good overall...  Sunday I was out with my dad at the mall and we came out to a flat tire. No big deal I thought... I would just change the tire and get it fixed. Not so fast my friend.... I couldn't get my tire off because it was rusted in place. I kicked and grunted and hit it with a metal rod, but it would not budge.

Just as I was starting to get grumpy and a little worried about what to do... A very nice man walks by and ask if I need help. I told him I could not get the tire off. He said "No problem my friend, I have an air compressor. We can blow up the tire and you can drive it to the tire shop two blocks away". And that is what he did. I offered him money, but he just smiled brightly and wished me luck.

So, I was on my way to the tire shop. Only problem was, it was Sunday and most auto shops are closed on Sunday in Utah. This one was no exception. So, I plugged in automotive services into my GPS. Gotta love technology. I drove to the nearest tire shop and of course it was closed! However, good fortune was on my side again as the door was open. So I poked my head in and asked if they were really closed. A very nice young lady said "yes we are, but what is the problem?" So I told her. a few minutes later her boyfriend came out and said he could fix my flat no problem. It would only cost 12 dollars. The best 12 dollars I ever spent. This young man and woman saved me a lot of time and aggravation! I could not have been more thankful.

So, when you start to get grumpy just look for alternatives to your problems and keep your eyes open for those helpful people. They are there if you look for them!!

                Now Go Out and Hug Someone Today

Movement Monday

Movement Monday can mean a lot of things I guess.... get out and get moving after a long weekend... hiking, running, biking, whatever.... Lobbying your politicians to get moving... etc....

HOWEVER, Movement Monday to me is a good joke between some good friends.... in Russia sometimes your movements (bowels) can get all messed up. My first year there I had more movement than I needed :0), but my dear friends Seal and Lori could not go for days! Finally on a Monday (5 days after our trip started) they BOTH had movements! So they declared Monday as Movement Monday X2. It makes me chuckle every time I think about it and I thought I would share a laugh with you all on this happy Monday!

 

My friend Lori sent me this photo for Movement Monday! It is her cat Special Ed, who apparently loves the toilet... he sure is special alright... he can almost flush it on his own says Lori. Now if this post doesn't make you chuckle, you might as well stop reading my blog... just kidding, keep reading please.... but I do try to share the funny sides and the inspirational sides... this could be both I guess

                         Now Go Out and Hug a Cat Today

Enjoy today for the kids who can't

I am constantly reminded of how good my life is... this week I had 3 patients who made me realize things can change so quickly and I should appreciate and enjoy my days as much as I can. So, I am going to Enjoy Today for The Kids Who Cant!  I ask you to do the same.

As hard as it is to hear some of the stories of the kids I take care of, it still brings joy to my heart to try and help. Not so easy to explain in just a few paragraphs, but trust me... kids teach and show you the way if you allow them!

My first child this week was a 4 month old baby who had to have a shunt put in her head to drain fluid from her brain. Why would she need that you ask? Because some adult shook her so hard it caused brain damage! This child will struggle the rest of her life, and to no fault of her own!

My second child was a happy and healthy 12 year old two weeks ago. Her mom noticed a little lump on her forehead and took her to the doctor. Thank God the doctor did a thorough job, because he discovered it was a neuroblastoma. She has had surgery to remove it and will start chemo today. Her prognosis is fair to good. She is perhaps the sweetest 12 year old I have EVER met, and that is saying something.

My third child this week got a strep infection. I don't know the whole story... did the parents not think it was bad enough to get looked at? Did they take her to the doctor and the doctor missed the significance? I don't know and it really doesn't matter at this point. What matters is this child had to have all ten toes amputated and certainly her life is forever changed!

So, if you think your troubles are bad... as I do from time to time.... know they could probably be a lot worse! So I beckon you to go out and ENJOY everyday that you have to enjoy... because there are kids out there who would love to have your health and opportunities!

                      What do you see when you see the photo above? I see Peace and Love!
                                                                Do you see it now?

                I believe ALL children live with Peace and Love in their hearts! Will YOU??!!

                     Now Go Out and Hug a Child Today

Davey Jones Thursday

My friend Lori Epler is one of the sweetest, funniest, most charming women I have ever met. I met her in Russia in 2000. We became instant friends and have been great friends ever since. The first time she made me laugh was when she declared Thursdays as Davey Jones Thursday. She is perhaps the biggest fan of the late, great Davey Jones. She met him on a Thursday and her life was never the same. She said her heart melted when he walked up to her and asked "And what's your name love?" in his sweetest British accent. I can only imagine how she swooned at that moment. It makes me laugh to think about it.

Lori works full time as an occupational therapist helping others to regain what they may have lost. In her spare time she plays, and laughs and does a little clowning around. She and her husband Jerry will turn a dull evening into a barrel of laughs without even trying. One of the things that make them both so funny is that they don't even know when they are being funny sometimes. May we all have friends in our lives that can make you laugh like Lori makes me laugh.

 

 No, that is not Lori. For some strange reason I don't have any photos of Lori on my computer? I am such a bad friend sometimes! But Lori was dying to see a moose when they visited me one summer in NH. I saw this one a few weeks after they left, she never saw a moose in NH. She did finally see one in Alaska though... without me to witness her joy though.

                                                           Ok, this is Lori and Jerry


                  Now Go Out and Hug a Friend Today