My work is hard. Not physically, but emotionally. I work as an Outreach Worker for a prevention of abuse program. I hear stories from women who have never been able to share before. I hear disbelief- how did this happen to me? I hear shame- Its my fault, I keep going back. I hear despair- I can't make it on my own.
But more than these, I hear strength- I'm going to leave so my kids will be safe. I hear hope- I will make it. I hear value- He can't hurt me anymore.

If you're being abused, please ask for help. If you know someone who is being abused, let them know you are there for them. Listen, care, support. That's what I do...everyday. I love my job.

crafting words into wonder. Just these 6 words are lovely poetry. Dusky Light: Its still dark here, but the light of the yard light in the snow storm is beauty.  Surprising Reflection: As I stumble into the bathroom and look up from washing, there in the mirror is the reflection of a cross and a lighthouse reminding me of His presence. Lovely Shadow: yesterday's walk.

With Mother's Day soon upon us, I am so grateful for my mom. Her fight through the cancer and with her liver transplant has amazed me. We have grown so close during the 6 week journey. Now that we have been home and life has returned to normal (that setting on the dryer) we don't see each other as much. That's probably a good thing as we were both a little stir-crazy toward the end! But the bond is still very strong. I love my mom and would gladly give up another 6 weeks of my life to be with her! My best ever Mother's Day present, my mom.

A Gift Salty, Sweet, Just Right

Mmmmm! Food!
My first thought with this part of the joy challenge was the gift of food. But my second thought was otherwise. God gives us wonderful gifts that we often describe in food terms!
1. Salty. Tears. A friend and I teared up today, talking about our parents. What a wonderful gift, to be able to cry salty tears with a friend.
2. Sweet. The sweet sound of laughter! Mom and I checked out some wonderful shops on Whyte Ave. In Chicken Scratch we found a wonderful card that we laughed and laughed over, so hard that we cried!
3. Just Right. Mom's doctor has given her permission to go home instead of staying in the city. So we will be back home in a couple of days. Yay!
What a wonderful group of gifts today. Thank you God.

3 Gifts that made you laugh

Joy Dare has asked for 3 gifts that make you laugh today. I am usually a very cheerful person with a very distintive laugh. In fact  my chiropractor once found me in a mall once when I had taken a kindergarten class on a field trip. She followed my laugh! But today I didn't see a lot funny. Traffic to the hospital this morning was really bad. And I guess I'm just feeling a little run-down and a lot cranky. Being a care-giver is really hard work. Its a lot like being the parent of a really big sick kid, who you can't tell what to do!
This dare would have been so much easier at home with 2 teenage sons who always make me laugh. So what did make me laugh today?
1. A question a friend had from her 4 year old, "Do fish fart?"
2. My mom telling a funny story to the OT therapist.
3. A child in a wheelchair at the hospital smiling at her mom.

I think I need to look for more laughter tomorrow.

3 Gifts Eaten

Today's challenge from A Holy Experience (One Thousand Gifts Website) is to name 3 gifts eaten. Today I give thanks for
1. The abundance of gluten-free food now readily available. So much easier now than when I was diagnosed with Celiac 12 years ago.
2. Fresh fruit in the winter time. I know that the 100 mile diet is touted, but in Northern climates this would be awful!
3. My new recipe. I love throwing things together for a simple soup. Here is today's.

Quinoa and Chicken Soup

1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup diced onions
1/4 cup diced carrots   (In chef terms this is Miripoix, the base of most soup)
1 1/4 cup water
1/2 tsp. salt
Bring to a boil. Add-
1/4 cup of quinoa
Simmer with a lid on for 15 minutes. In the meantime chop one chicken breast and saute until cooked, juices will be clear. Add to quinoa. Add 1 cup more water plus any leftover cooked veggies in the fridge! I used mixed peas and carrots today.
Add 1/2 tsp. of Mrs. Dash and fresh ground pepper to taste.
Makes 2 servings.
Serve with gluten free toast.

3 Gifts Red

March's challenge from One Thousand Gift gave us a list for each day of gifts to find. Today's is 3 gifts red.
1. Blood. Live giving and life saving.
2. Red toenails! Fun, feminine!
3. My red winter coat. When I wear it I feel confident and professional. I also have a red dress shirt that I wear to meetings when I need that extra confidence.