Today has circled around my role in leadership and what I do. In times of both struggle and triumph, I often turn to the beautiful words of Rudyard Kipling.
"If"
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Happy Purple Heart Day!
In 1782, the Continental Congress took a cost cutting measure preventing the awarding of rank for valorous service. Up until this time, individual achievements in battle were generally awarded with a promotion. In response, 2 military awards were created for servicemen. The first award authorized a chevron to be worn on the left sleeve for every 3 years of service given to the Continental Army. These chevrons are still in use today in all branches of the military on dress uniforms.
On August 7, 1782 in Newburgh, NY General George Washington commissioned the first badge of honor for valorous action in battle. I was designed by M. Pierre Charles L'Enfant who later designed the Nation's Capital City, Washington, DC. It was a piece of heart shaped purple cloth most often made of silk or cotton. It was edged in very narrow lace and contained white embroidery. The center featured a single word, "Merit". It was awarded for "any singularly meritorious action" and was named the Badge of Military Merit. This was the first time enlisted and non-commissioned officers could earn a badge of distinction.
Awards for service to any person serving in the military for valor disappeared after the American Revolution until the Civil War when the Medal of Honor was created.
On January 7, 1931 a new award was to be created in honor of the bicentennial of President George Washington's birth. Ms. Elizabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quarter designed a sketch based on Washington's Badge of Military Merit. It consisted of an enameled heart of purple edged in gold. George Washington's profile is in the center of the medal and it hangs from a purple ribbon edged in white. The back of the medal says "For Military Merit" and is usually engraved with the soldier's rank, name, and service branch.
Officially authorized on February 22, 1932 by President Herbert Hoover, the following General Order was issued:
"By order of the President of the United States, The Purple Heart established by General George Washington at Newburgh, August 7, 1782, during the war of the Revolution, is hereby revived out of respect to his memory and military achievements.
The decoration is authorized to be awarded to persons who, while serving in the army of the United States, perform any singularly Meritorious act of extraordinary fidelity or essential service. A wound received in action may be construed as resulting from such an act."
It is one of the most recognized military medals in the world and is frequently considered to be one of the most beautiful.
For more information on the Purple Heart and the Badge of Military Merit, visit:
http://www.connecticutsar.org/articles/badge_of_military_merit.htm
On August 7, 1782 in Newburgh, NY General George Washington commissioned the first badge of honor for valorous action in battle. I was designed by M. Pierre Charles L'Enfant who later designed the Nation's Capital City, Washington, DC. It was a piece of heart shaped purple cloth most often made of silk or cotton. It was edged in very narrow lace and contained white embroidery. The center featured a single word, "Merit". It was awarded for "any singularly meritorious action" and was named the Badge of Military Merit. This was the first time enlisted and non-commissioned officers could earn a badge of distinction.
Awards for service to any person serving in the military for valor disappeared after the American Revolution until the Civil War when the Medal of Honor was created.
On January 7, 1931 a new award was to be created in honor of the bicentennial of President George Washington's birth. Ms. Elizabeth Will, an Army heraldic specialist in the Office of the Quarter designed a sketch based on Washington's Badge of Military Merit. It consisted of an enameled heart of purple edged in gold. George Washington's profile is in the center of the medal and it hangs from a purple ribbon edged in white. The back of the medal says "For Military Merit" and is usually engraved with the soldier's rank, name, and service branch.
Officially authorized on February 22, 1932 by President Herbert Hoover, the following General Order was issued:
"By order of the President of the United States, The Purple Heart established by General George Washington at Newburgh, August 7, 1782, during the war of the Revolution, is hereby revived out of respect to his memory and military achievements.
The decoration is authorized to be awarded to persons who, while serving in the army of the United States, perform any singularly Meritorious act of extraordinary fidelity or essential service. A wound received in action may be construed as resulting from such an act."
It is one of the most recognized military medals in the world and is frequently considered to be one of the most beautiful.
For more information on the Purple Heart and the Badge of Military Merit, visit:
http://www.connecticutsar.org/articles/badge_of_military_merit.htm
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Disgusted
I am disgusted with myself.
For many, many reasons.
Recently I let someone get the best of me with her bitterness...and that's not something I aspire to be.
That needs to end.
NOW.
So, for the next 9 weeks I'm going to work on adding 1 spiritual habit and 1 health habit a week to my life. I need to get back on track in both of those areas and they certainly aren't going to fix themselves.
THIS WEEK I already made 2 changes that I am pleased to report. They may not seem like much to you, but they've been very good for me.
Spiritual: I got off my butt and went back to church for Mass on Saturday. I've been REALLY bad about getting to Mass since this drama started finding it easier to hide in my home and avoid everyone on earth. I made the commitment yesterday to go back to Mass and was greeted in the choir loft with literally open arms.
God then proceeded to acknowledge my desperate need for a laugh and sent me an evening full of gaffs and giggles. I am immensely grateful! :)
Before leaving, I made the commitment to cantor next week so apparently I will be continuing this pattern - I am pleased to have made this choice.
Health: This may sound a bit odd and quite possibly crazy, but at least once a day this week I have walked outside of my house around my property for at least 10-15 minutes.
I know to most people this is not something that would be surprising, but to me, it was a HUGE change. I'd been hiding inside and away from people as much as humanly possible sometimes going days without leaving my home. This has stemmed from multiple problems.
I'm afraid of rattlesnakes and our neighborhood has recently become overpopulated with them leaving me afraid to leave an environment I can control on foot. I also have been so depressed I just didn't want to go anywhere but my couch and computer.
So it may not appear to be much to conquer and indeed I didn't even realize I was doing it, but I did it and I'm glad I did. I feel wonderful for having done it and am happy I made that conscious choice.
Next week I'm picking back up my daily Rosary praying habit having already done it for 3 days this week. It really helps calm me and could be considered an improvement in both areas although I will claim it in spiritual only. For health I'm going to go back to my habit of drinking 2 24 oz. bottles of water a day. Shame on me for getting out of it.
For many, many reasons.
Recently I let someone get the best of me with her bitterness...and that's not something I aspire to be.
That needs to end.
NOW.
So, for the next 9 weeks I'm going to work on adding 1 spiritual habit and 1 health habit a week to my life. I need to get back on track in both of those areas and they certainly aren't going to fix themselves.
THIS WEEK I already made 2 changes that I am pleased to report. They may not seem like much to you, but they've been very good for me.
Spiritual: I got off my butt and went back to church for Mass on Saturday. I've been REALLY bad about getting to Mass since this drama started finding it easier to hide in my home and avoid everyone on earth. I made the commitment yesterday to go back to Mass and was greeted in the choir loft with literally open arms.
God then proceeded to acknowledge my desperate need for a laugh and sent me an evening full of gaffs and giggles. I am immensely grateful! :)
Before leaving, I made the commitment to cantor next week so apparently I will be continuing this pattern - I am pleased to have made this choice.
Health: This may sound a bit odd and quite possibly crazy, but at least once a day this week I have walked outside of my house around my property for at least 10-15 minutes.
I know to most people this is not something that would be surprising, but to me, it was a HUGE change. I'd been hiding inside and away from people as much as humanly possible sometimes going days without leaving my home. This has stemmed from multiple problems.
I'm afraid of rattlesnakes and our neighborhood has recently become overpopulated with them leaving me afraid to leave an environment I can control on foot. I also have been so depressed I just didn't want to go anywhere but my couch and computer.
So it may not appear to be much to conquer and indeed I didn't even realize I was doing it, but I did it and I'm glad I did. I feel wonderful for having done it and am happy I made that conscious choice.
Next week I'm picking back up my daily Rosary praying habit having already done it for 3 days this week. It really helps calm me and could be considered an improvement in both areas although I will claim it in spiritual only. For health I'm going to go back to my habit of drinking 2 24 oz. bottles of water a day. Shame on me for getting out of it.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Rise Above It
Sometimes life leaves us with two choices...
Get caught in the mire...
Or rise above it.
I CHOOSE to rise above it.
I CHOOSE to rise above the gossip. Not simply for Biblical reasons - although we are certainly told many times over not to perpetrate gossip nor to be witnesses/idle participants. Not simply for "setting an example" for my son - although I certainly do not want my son picking up that horrid habit from prattling lips. Not simply for avoiding being a target - for everyone knows that the more you eschew gossip, the more you become the subject at hand.
I live in a tiny town in VERY rural America. There's 150 people here - and I, once again, am the subject of town gossip. We're the only Catholic family in our town. The only family with an only child. I'm not from here - so I'm an "outsider". I'm not planning on staying.
But recently a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. I will be leaving. It's not for a couple of years - but I WILL BE LEAVING.
And suddenly, with just that minor revelation I can rise above it just a bit easier because I KNOW that when I leave, they will have to find a new target. I know that where I am going I already have a dear friend whom I am happy to have in my life and who has already supported me through many trials with open arms, an open heart, and with an open coffee pot and an empty chair at her table.
I KNOW that I have dear friends here on the internet. They may not be right here - but they help me each and every single day to help hundreds of thousands of veterans across the country. I love them with all my heart even though we have never met.
I KNOW that in the end, it is I who will get in my car one last time, pull out of this driveway, and NEVER LOOK BACK.
Because...
I look forward. I look forward to the future and all the beautiful things that will transpire. I look forward to the beautiful things I know God has in store for me and my family. I look forward to all the immense blessings that are coming my way.
I rise above it...
...because I can.
Get caught in the mire...
Or rise above it.
I CHOOSE to rise above it.
I CHOOSE to rise above the gossip. Not simply for Biblical reasons - although we are certainly told many times over not to perpetrate gossip nor to be witnesses/idle participants. Not simply for "setting an example" for my son - although I certainly do not want my son picking up that horrid habit from prattling lips. Not simply for avoiding being a target - for everyone knows that the more you eschew gossip, the more you become the subject at hand.
I live in a tiny town in VERY rural America. There's 150 people here - and I, once again, am the subject of town gossip. We're the only Catholic family in our town. The only family with an only child. I'm not from here - so I'm an "outsider". I'm not planning on staying.
But recently a light appeared at the end of the tunnel. I will be leaving. It's not for a couple of years - but I WILL BE LEAVING.
And suddenly, with just that minor revelation I can rise above it just a bit easier because I KNOW that when I leave, they will have to find a new target. I know that where I am going I already have a dear friend whom I am happy to have in my life and who has already supported me through many trials with open arms, an open heart, and with an open coffee pot and an empty chair at her table.
I KNOW that I have dear friends here on the internet. They may not be right here - but they help me each and every single day to help hundreds of thousands of veterans across the country. I love them with all my heart even though we have never met.
I KNOW that in the end, it is I who will get in my car one last time, pull out of this driveway, and NEVER LOOK BACK.
Because...
I look forward. I look forward to the future and all the beautiful things that will transpire. I look forward to the beautiful things I know God has in store for me and my family. I look forward to all the immense blessings that are coming my way.
I rise above it...
...because I can.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Shout Out to Good Samaritan Roland!!!
I have a new favorite WalMart worker. Okay - I've liked Roland for a long time. He plays Santa at Christmas and looks the part year round. He's the guy that's always grinning ear to ear at the door and reminds you of your favorite uncle. Really. He's great.
Today there was a severe thunderstorm. I don't mean a bit of rain. We're talking hail, mesocyclones, and some SERIOUS winds and rain. I turned around and I'm from tornado country. I ran inside and hunkered down after trying to flag down DH.
I saw him come into the parking lot and thought he was going to park. Unfortunately he didn't see my car and took off. I ran out the door to try and flag him down but with a full load of lumber in the back, he couldn't see me.
I ran back inside and just announced to everyone within earshot, "Does anyone have a cell phone I can use to call my husband? Mine is in his truck and he's driving into this storm!!!"
LOTS of blank stares for the crazy lady.
Roland reaches around and pulls out his cell phone. I'm guessing he's not supposed to have it on the floor. He lets me try to call my husband and then sits out in the vestibule waiting to see if he pulls in and directs DH to where we were in the store when he arrives.
Special thanks to Roland for making THIS crazy lady's day. To not have a husband out lost in a storm that's producing 80+ MPH winds and 1 1/2" hail means he is my hero. :)
Today there was a severe thunderstorm. I don't mean a bit of rain. We're talking hail, mesocyclones, and some SERIOUS winds and rain. I turned around and I'm from tornado country. I ran inside and hunkered down after trying to flag down DH.
I saw him come into the parking lot and thought he was going to park. Unfortunately he didn't see my car and took off. I ran out the door to try and flag him down but with a full load of lumber in the back, he couldn't see me.
I ran back inside and just announced to everyone within earshot, "Does anyone have a cell phone I can use to call my husband? Mine is in his truck and he's driving into this storm!!!"
LOTS of blank stares for the crazy lady.
Roland reaches around and pulls out his cell phone. I'm guessing he's not supposed to have it on the floor. He lets me try to call my husband and then sits out in the vestibule waiting to see if he pulls in and directs DH to where we were in the store when he arrives.
Special thanks to Roland for making THIS crazy lady's day. To not have a husband out lost in a storm that's producing 80+ MPH winds and 1 1/2" hail means he is my hero. :)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Amusing....
I love to watch politics. I also happen to be a rather large fan of my rights as well as the rights of others. I have friends on nearly every side of the political spectrum. I won't get into what I believe, but I will highlight something I have watched unfolding this evening with both shock and, at the cost of some friends, amusement.
Apparently the FDA has decided to seize an incoming shipment of birthing pools for water births by saying they are "unregistered medical equipment". There is no way to register these as they are not considered medical equipment in the US. Lawyers are being called and needless to say, it is quite the "to do".
Now, when something like this happens, I am naturally appalled. I believe in a woman's right to give birth in whatever way she chooses be it at home, in a hospital, or in a birthing center. Frankly, I think it's her choice and as long as she's not high risk I see no problem with it. The potential recall of "all" (their words - not mine) birthing tubs in the US is a serious concern. Please do not believe I am "downplaying" the issue.
This problem immediately surfaced on FB. For the past few hours I have watched the posts fly as friends who are doulas, midwives, women, men, and everything in between have put in their comments on the situation.
As I stated before, I have friends on all sides of the political spectrum.
So it strikes me as rather amusing when bureaucracy red tape and stupidity is confused with a particular political party. Some comments I have seen about this issue on FB have been:
"Here come the democradorks again stealing our right to birth outside a hospital."
"First abortion, now birthing tubs - the GOP is at it again."
etc.
Red tape is not universal to one party. Neither is stupidity. Each group has made their mistakes and is never always in the right.
But let's place the pressure on this where it belongs - ON THE FDA.
Apparently the FDA has decided to seize an incoming shipment of birthing pools for water births by saying they are "unregistered medical equipment". There is no way to register these as they are not considered medical equipment in the US. Lawyers are being called and needless to say, it is quite the "to do".
Now, when something like this happens, I am naturally appalled. I believe in a woman's right to give birth in whatever way she chooses be it at home, in a hospital, or in a birthing center. Frankly, I think it's her choice and as long as she's not high risk I see no problem with it. The potential recall of "all" (their words - not mine) birthing tubs in the US is a serious concern. Please do not believe I am "downplaying" the issue.
This problem immediately surfaced on FB. For the past few hours I have watched the posts fly as friends who are doulas, midwives, women, men, and everything in between have put in their comments on the situation.
As I stated before, I have friends on all sides of the political spectrum.
So it strikes me as rather amusing when bureaucracy red tape and stupidity is confused with a particular political party. Some comments I have seen about this issue on FB have been:
"Here come the democradorks again stealing our right to birth outside a hospital."
"First abortion, now birthing tubs - the GOP is at it again."
etc.
Red tape is not universal to one party. Neither is stupidity. Each group has made their mistakes and is never always in the right.
But let's place the pressure on this where it belongs - ON THE FDA.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
A Complete Homecoming
Tonight was my beautiful son's Confirmation and First Communion.
I, being the Italian mother I am, was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Pinning corsages and boutonnieres, running interference for missing children and/or their sponsors, helping with new seating arrangements created at the last minute...
It never ends.
So when I finally SAT in the pew next to my husband I had quite a shock. I knelt to pray and the prelude began. "Here I Am, Lord". One of my very favorite songs from the church I grew up in. The first piece of Christian music to move me to tears. It has always touched my heart so incredibly deeply.
I have said through this whole journey that if this is what the Lord wants for my family, He will make it abundantly clear.
Message Received. Roger.
So as the ceremony progresses and we all greatly enjoy the Bishop, his homily, and his wonderful demeanor with the kids I relax and laugh and enjoy my time immensely.
After I get back from communion, I'm kneeling and just not feeling like I should rise. The post-communion song began to play and I burst into tears.
While "Here I Am, Lord" was the song of my home original church that moved me, "As the Deer" was the song from my time in Germany that has moved me since. The calm, strong melody wafted over me as I sobbed while singing. Tears were pouring down my face while I knelt and just let myself feel it for the first time.
I was here.
I was where I belonged.
With my whole entire family.
And it felt amazing.
I, being the Italian mother I am, was running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Pinning corsages and boutonnieres, running interference for missing children and/or their sponsors, helping with new seating arrangements created at the last minute...
It never ends.
So when I finally SAT in the pew next to my husband I had quite a shock. I knelt to pray and the prelude began. "Here I Am, Lord". One of my very favorite songs from the church I grew up in. The first piece of Christian music to move me to tears. It has always touched my heart so incredibly deeply.
I have said through this whole journey that if this is what the Lord wants for my family, He will make it abundantly clear.
Message Received. Roger.
So as the ceremony progresses and we all greatly enjoy the Bishop, his homily, and his wonderful demeanor with the kids I relax and laugh and enjoy my time immensely.
After I get back from communion, I'm kneeling and just not feeling like I should rise. The post-communion song began to play and I burst into tears.
While "Here I Am, Lord" was the song of my home original church that moved me, "As the Deer" was the song from my time in Germany that has moved me since. The calm, strong melody wafted over me as I sobbed while singing. Tears were pouring down my face while I knelt and just let myself feel it for the first time.
I was here.
I was where I belonged.
With my whole entire family.
And it felt amazing.
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