Miracles do happen

I have to share something that happened which made me feel optimistic about human kind and the collective good. I recently received, with gratitude, a notice via email that someone wanted to give me gift of money anonymously through a notable and legit organization called "Giving Anonymously". They have been on TV news shows and received great press so far. I checked them out and they are legit. Started by a couple in Bellingham, Washington, an idea was born to give people money, when in need or just because, but with out them knowing who gave it. There might be a person in your community struggling or a woman who wants to start a business to support her children etc. This couple had given a gift to someone in this way and they saw the good that came of it and formed this organization. It is not for profit. Anyone can use their secret gifting service. I was skeptical but I emailed back saying "Yes"! they could send me the check. A week later I got a check from them for X amount(secret) in a hand addressed-stamped envelope with their logo. It is a real check. They ask me to call an 800 number to confirm I got it and to leave a Thank You message for the gifter. I did so. I still have no clue who or why I got this gift but it was extremely generous and all in good timing. Thank you whoever you are from the bottom of my heart.

The story does not end here. I decided I would use half of the money for my needs, bills etc. and will donate the other half. I have two organizations I like to give to. I will donate in honor of my nieces and nephews(Doug and I have a ton) for their Christmas presents because they have too much stuff and I like to instill "giving or tithing" into their holiday tradition. I was not going to be able to anything for them this year. I already made all my adult gifts from the garden herb infused(vinegars,vodka,oils,chutney etc). So that gift took care of holiday giving for me and also will go to The Heifer Foundation and Dr.'s Without Borders. You can check them out on the web. I always give to Heifer as you can really do something with just $10.00. They help families, especially women, in impoverished circumstances, in America and all over the world, to start a home grown agri-business by purchasing livestock for them to use to sell eggs, yarn, milk, cheese, yogurt etc. and when they get baby animals they are supposed to donate a pair to another family in the same situation, thus paying it forward. In this way they feed their families and support neighbors. This raises the entire community economically and personally. "Teach a man to fish he will eat forever".

I am not done yet........I challenge each of you to send Heifer or any organization which "pays it forward" $10.00 dollars. I want you to email and post where you gave. You don't have to give your name but my goal is to inspire the true meaning of this holiday season and in return help people learn how to feed themselves, educate their children, receive medical care etc. Please join me is this. Donate in honor of someone you love. Let's see if we can generate $500.00 in donations by the end of the year. Maybe your company matches donations? Ask them. If you can only give $5.00 that is great too or if you can give $1,000 it is wonderful. Do it for goodness sake. I challenge you.

I had my first field trip outing with my girlfriends yesterday. My dear friend Mary M. had a few of us over for brunch. Kitty picked me up and Douglas came back for me 3 hours later. We ate tasty food, drank a bloody mary and mimosa and laughed, cried and enjoyed a cool day in a warm home filled with love. Three of us recovering from surgery and needed to get get out and about. Thank you Mary for hostessing. I came home and slept two hours. Wearing the brace for three hours while sitting invited a pain pill but now I feel great pain wise. Just wait until PT starts in am. Ouchy!!!!

My nephew-niece in law and soon to be baby boy are doing great at home. She has not birthed yet which is good. Also we are going to spend T-Day with grandma Gross if she feels good that day. Dad is planning to take her to Popa's memorial early in the day and we will take food or he will bring her here. Just need to be with her and family. The Gross; family is very small at this point and it is rare we are all together. We will miss out other family and friends but it feels right.

On Pain.......People ask me how much pain I am in and so forth. my answer is this:" It does hurt and it was an intense surgery. my body needs months to fully recover and heal. I rarely need to take anything but when I do I take the meds so I can stay active and move forward. Night time is rough still.Too many pillows to prop me up, ankle booties to protect heels,have to get up a move due to stiffness and legs cramping and my body aches in other areas so there is that. I do what I can to get comfy and I sleep very deep. I am very tired all the time and fall asleep while ready or watching TV. I know this is when the body heals the most. At times I feel I could stay in bed all day but my body has to move and stretch.So all the healing is in prefect timing. One month from today I was under the knife, body contorted and moved into positions which seem impossible. I still find strange bruises. The tenderness is all there but I can feel it getting better. When the pain gets to level 5 I tale my meds and lay on hot pad. Then I go into coma sleep. Whine!!!