Thursday, July 29, 2010

My 200th Post - "Life Goes On"

This is my 200th post. I am amazed at this mark of time - distance - written expressions. All of you have received me, loved me, prayed with and for me and allowed me in to your precious and purposeful lives. I have learned so much from all of you from a wide spectrum of wisdom and knowledge - from rivers to poetry, sea shells to paintings, personal tragedies and triumphs, daily battles, wins and losses, birthdays, deaths, joys, sorrows, hope,fears, celebrations, family pictures, weddings and vacations, love, hope, faith, God, and friendship. "Thank you".......

Today, I am still meeting the healing challenge from my MS setback, one step at a time. My Mom is barely hanging on.,so tired, so weak and sadly, so discouraged. Her faith is unshalable and yet, I felt it, saw it shiver - it was the coldest moment I ever experienced.

Little Damien, well, pray for him, He has survival/thriving challenges on many levels.

Skipp and I are, thankfully, still so madly in love - we care deeply about and for one another. Our home is safe, and peaceful, loving and bountiful with love, kindness, justice, fine wine, good food, and simple living. Many find solace here.

I count my blessings every day - I fight my battles too. I am realizing every day that my children are in charge of their own destinies - I have very little to do with it. That was a tough delusion of which to let go. I keep the candles a glow in all the windows, facing every direction, north-south-east-west so they will always find their way home.

I am open to the next phase of my life - as I realize my simple gifts are still my simple gifts - my blessings are still mine to behold, my loving heart is still strong. I accept that some battles may never be won but i will continue to fight> I am inspired by my freedoms, challenged by my limits. I am held up by my friends and family and I am loved by many. So on this 200th post of truth, "IT'S". It is clear that "Life Goes On".....











37 comments:

Grizz………… said...

The world turns and life does indeed go on. We get to ride along for however long, and make the best of the trip we can.

You may not have found the healing you doubtless desired when you began your blog. But you have found wisdom and spiritual strength, learned the power of faith and love and family, the goodness of true friends, recognized that joy and tears are part of the cycle, and that the greatest of blessings are usually in the small things, the commonplace, the everyday—what we too often take for granted.

So many live their entire lives and never learn how to live a worthwhile life. You have opened your heart on you posts, shared your life…and shown to all of us a truly beautiful person.

May God hold you and yours in the palm of His hand—and may you keep blogging for another 200 posts at least!

Congratulations! And take care.

Diana said...

Congratulations to you Gail. We have all come so far but you especially in your struggles. I so much love the friendships and comforts that I have received from you and all of our blogging buddies. It truly is an amazing community! Life does go on. And all the better with you and the rest of the circle. Love To You, Di♥

Gail said...

HI DIANA-

I adore your style and humor and your loving support and friendship and I love, love, love Mr toad. :-)

Love Gail
peace and hope.....

Gail said...

HEY GRIZZ_

Thank you for "seeing" me as I am and loving me anyway. :-)

And you are so right about the every day things we do that matter - a smile, saying "I love you", holding hands over coffee, patting the dog - remembering and honoring what makes each person special that I know....

thanks Grizz for all that you are in nature and faith, a man's man and a gentlemen, a lover-not a fighter - although I believe you would fight against injustice in a heartbeat. And protect those you love by whatever means necessary.
You are wonderful.

Love Gail
peace and hope.....

Wanda..... said...

I enjoy reading the back and forth dialogue between you and Grizz, Gail. It's actually how and why I came over to check out just who this lady of "Know Your It's" was, so many months ago. I found out for myself that she's a genuine-caring-purposeful woman!
Life does go on...no matter what!
♥...Wanda

Gail said...

HI WANDA
I m so glad you enjoy the exchange between me and the Grizzz- e is quite a guy. And that you took the time to come over and find out first hand who I am. And I SO enjoy spending time with you about your nature-land - those lovely walks with you are precious to me.

Love Gail
peace and hope.....

Bernie said...

Congratulations Gail, I have grown to love and appreciate your kindness,friendship and especially your words of wisdom. Like Di I so have come to love and appreciate all my blogging friends, they are so special and have made me a better person for having them in my life......Big Hugs:-)

Gail said...

P.S. HEY GRIZZ

YOU AND I HAVE A FAN BASE :-) HOW COOL IS THAT!!

Gail said...

HO BERNIE

"thank you" so much. And YOU are, as the saying goes, 'Top Of The Heap'!!!! :-)

I admire your kind understanding, wisdom, loving spirit, and honest sharing SO much. It is a privilege to call you 'friend'......

Love Gail
peace and hope.....

Lisa said...

What a beautiful post Gail...and everything Grizzle said WOW!

You know, I never go back to see if there was a comment written to me or someone else on a blog...I find I just forget and my "life goes on" also home schooling 4 children, helping my husband with his business and posting every now time gets away from me. I am going to try to do this now on your blog...This conversation is inspiring. :)

I am so sorry to hear your mother is still not doing well and seems to be getting worse. Oh! I do pray for you and your mom...every morning and I will continue. As you asked I will pray for Little Damien also.

Reading about your love for your husband is heart warming and I smiled through that whole paragraph. My your love for each other grow stronger everyday.

AND may your beautiful life continue to go on.

Much Love, Lisa

Gail said...

HI LISA-

oh you write so beautifully, from your heart with such love and purity. Like an Angel amongst us. And "thank you" for your kind validation of my world and your continuing prayers and hope.

I am in awe of your home schooling 4 children - wow. And I believe they will be far better off because of it. Mostly because it is you though, teaching them.

Love to you my friend
Gail
peace and hope.......

Cindy said...

Oh Dear One, congratulations on your 200TH post. Life does go on. In 200 posts you have given your heart, shared your life, been so genuine, who can not help but care for you this loving wonderful woman. You know I am very glad our paths have crossed and one day we will sit at the same table and We will share laughs, yours of which is music. Once the boys go back home I will give you a call, know I am thinking of you and keeping you and your family in my prayers. love you Gail. Be well, keep believing.

PENolan said...

You covered a lot of ground in those 200 posts - and just think of everything you DIDN'T say . . .
Keep on Keepin' on, Girlfriend

Gail said...

HI TRISH-
you got that right - I shivered at all I Didn't say when I read your words. :-)
Love you Texas..
Gail
peace and hope

Gail said...

HI CINNER-

Oh my, yes.we so will sit across from one another one day - laugh, cry, talk, oh yes!! "thank you" SO much for your kind words tome and for sharing the gift of YOU,

Love you girl
Gail
peace and hope "hey"

Tramp said...

Yes Gail, we do need to remind ourselves that life goes on, and in directions where we sometimes feel out of control.
Thank you for your inspiration when you have so much else on your plate.
...Tramp

Gail said...

HI TRAMP-

I love when you visit. :- ANd youi are very welcome - although I felt less than inspiring but I believe you!!

Love Gail
peace and hope.....

Se'lah said...

Hi Gail,

stopping in to let you know that you are in my thoughts...and prayers.

sending lots of positive vibes your way. have a great weekend, my friend.

one love.

Gail said...

Se'Laah
oh my, "thank you"....itis wonderful,kind and so appreciated when you stop by just to let me know I am in you thoughts and prayers.

Love to you
Gail
peace and hope.....

Tramp said...

The end of the comment you wrote on my blog. Please allow me to repeat it here for your readers
"....and the simple of all of this is that none if it is simple."
...Tramp

Gail said...

HI TRAMP,

of course........... :-)

Love to you my friend
Gail
peace and hope.....

Unknown said...

I figured the hot, humid weather would be giving you difficulty.
I am sorry that everything flares up, it can not be pleasant.
Peace and i hope the weather change has helped

Gail said...

HI WHITEMIST JOEY

THanks for your kind words. The dryer weather helps but I have a ways to go - not sure what the end result will be. I am calling my doctor on Monday. I may need another medication. I am quite discouraged.
Also, my Mom went back to Yale tonight - and I am SO upset that I cannot manage the trek to the hospital. God really is confusing in his infinite plan.

Love you
Gail
peace.....

Jackie said...

May I add my congratulations to you for your 200th post!!!
What a milestone, Gail.
I'm thinking of your Mom as I type this....knowing from what you posted how hard it must be for you and for her to be in such a weakened condition. My prayers go out to her and to you, Gail.
I send you a smile with this post...and again...congratulations on your 200th!!!

Anonymous said...

Dearest Gail,

I send oodles of healing thoughts and prayers your way.

Your post touched me profoundly and personally. I too know the battle of chronic disease and health crises.

You are an inspiration and a beacon of encouragement to all that have the good fortune to read the wisdom of your words.

Love and spiritual hugs,
EL

Gail said...

DEAR EL-

thank you so much for coming here. I love your words to me -so warm and loving and helpful. I am sorrry to red of your chronic health issue. I will pray for your strength too. I look forward to us getting to know one anoter.
Love to you
Gail
peace and hope.....

p.s It appears that one of your comments went to a different post and I don't know which one. Please know it is published and I appreciate BOTH of your loving comments to me.

Gail said...

HI JACKIE-
thank you SO much. so good to see you here :-) I appreciate your gentle presence very much.

Love to you
Gail
peace and hope.....

Rose Marie Raccioppi said...

Yes, and your very words..."I keep the candles a glow in all the windows, facing every direction, north-south-east-west so they will always find their way home...." This your gift of Spirit and Love... ever present in the light, peace and love you bring to so many... 200 times over to scores of grateful hearts...

In loving friendship,
Rose Marie

Gail said...

Oh ROseMarie-

"thank you"....your wisw words of 'knowing' thrill me to my core. I smiled........... :-)

Love to you alwas
Gail
peace and hope......

Mark said...

It is clear that Life Goes On! You are an inspiration to me. Thank-you for sharing your heart.

Gail said...

OH MARK-

"thank you" I hold you in the highest regard - you exemplify all that is good and 'just' in this world - I am privileged, blessed to have you share in my world and allow me in to yours.

Love Gail
peace and hope.....

Lisa said...

Hey Gail,

Just stopping by to say THANK YOU!!! for sharing in Joe's excitement today! He has come a LONG way baby!!!!

Hope your doing well,

xoxo, Lisa

Gail said...

HI LISA-

Oh I so enjoyed celebrating Joe with you. :-) And I love cake!

My doctor is ordering some -at-home physical therapy. Hopefully that will move the healing along

Love to you
Gail
peace and hope.....

Lisa said...

Hey Gail,

I am going to try reading to Liz tonight and work things as you suggested: I will let you know how it goes.

You know my other kids slept in our bed but this child is RUFF! to sleep with. Stephen, my 15 year old son, was the cuddliest child there ever was...He would snuggle right in and before you knew it, it was morning.


When Liz said how much she loved me... it melted my heart and I felt like saying...Well, honey mommy gets really cranky and mean when she gets tired and right now I AM SOOOO tired!!!

You will be happy to know we are doing the chart, sticker, reward thing..... I will also read her last story in her bed tonight just as you suggested.

Thank you so much! and you know...I'm glad we "got" closer...your the best ;)

Hope your Mother is doing well,

Much Love to you, Lisa

and I just love your comment!

TheChicGeek said...

Hi Gail :)
I'm keeping you in my prayers regarding your setback with the MS. Sometimes life is just hard, isn't it?
I love how you said, "I realize my simple gifts are still my simple gifts - my blessings are still mine to behold, my loving heart is still strong. I accept that some battles may never be won but i will continue to fight> I am inspired by my freedoms, challenged by my limits. I am held up by my friends and family and I am loved by many." Your words are a blessing to me today too. Thank you for them.

PS: Sweet Girl, I decided to have a runner up in my giveaway and it was YOU! E-mail me your address and I'll send your prize over to cheer you!
Love and Hugs and Well Wishes,
Kelly

Gail said...

HI TO MY FAVORITE CALIFORNIA GIRL-

SO good to see you. And "thank you" SO much for adding me as a recipient of your give-away! :-) I am thrilled. I will go over to your site and get your email.

And I am glad my words helped you today. It is true - that as we face adversity we can also rest in the beauty around us. Not always easy but always available.

Love to you Kelly
Gail
peace and hope......

Gail said...

HI LISA-

I hope you had some good sleep! :-) I so understand the challenge. That Mary Elizabeth is a heart-stopper. wow.

And ya, we are closer every day as we share in our unique worlds and listen to one another intently.

Love to you
Gail
peace and hope......