Unexpected Joy!

When we are relaxed, at peace and at ease, we are often surprised with what lands in our lap!  This idea surfaced as I gazed upon a picture that I found on my facebook profile.  As I surveyed my bulging eyes, I was transported to the event which had taken place the day before Thanksgiving.  Peyton, a great big Great Dane was visiting with us and had surprised me with an unexpected jump upon my lap.

I  was resting comfortably on our family room sofa, with my legs propped up and extended.  I was feeling good about the day, my surroundings and myself.  I had enjoyed a good family breakfast; I had gone shopping, found everything I had been looking for; and was feeling happy, content and relaxed.  Sure, Thanksgiving was right around the corner, but I knew I could count on the help of friends and family to pull it all together.   So I threw my feet up and relished the moment of peace.

Out of nowhere, Peyton appeared.  She jumped up on the couch, and before I knew it, she had spread her large frame across my body.  Much to my surprise, she and I bonded, as we relaxed together on that couch.  In my younger days, I would have been running around like a chicken with her head cut off, much too busy to pause and much too uptight, to allow a dog to get up on my couch.

With joy in my heart, I realize that I am slowing down and am opening up to love, no matter when or where it shows up!  I secretly applaud my willingness to relax...This was not always my mode of operation.  I realize, I am indeed a Mama in Transition!!!

Tomorrow is Sunday.  How will you relax?  What will you do to share the love in your heart?  Where will you get that unexpected joy?

Connor Doran Flys High as Mom Stands By!

"Children with special needs don't have an illness, so there is no cure and it's not contagious. They want what we all want - to be accepted." My friend, Brenda Nyland Baker had copied these words down after reading them somewhere. She shared the idea with me in honor of Special Needs Week. It had resonated with her and when she shared it with me, it struck a cord, and touched my heart. Brenda and I share many memories and many similar thoughts. Somethings are so good, they must be shared!

Brenda helped me to bring my two youngest children home from an orphanage in Latvia 15 years ago and my life has been enriched beyond measure. While I have been raising my children and looking for answers, Brenda has placed over 1,600 kids into the loving arms of parents who desperately wanted them.

Like me, Brenda knows first-hand what it is like to have a child with special needs and to see that child struggling for acceptance. That child wants acceptance more than anything and it’s a joy to see acceptance in motion. That very idea inspired me to share yet another discovery with you.

Did you watch America's Got Talent last Wednesday night? If you saw the beaming smile of Connor Doran as he was applauded on the stage, your heart must have melted as you saw him enjoy full acceptance.

As I watched his mom enjoy his moment in the spotlight, my eyes filled with tears of joy and recognition. Truly, this is every Mom’s dream… to see her child be recognized and appreciated for his gifts.

We are more alike than we realize and we all have gifts that need recognition and appreciation.

Watch Connor now and see your spirits soar!