a little perspective

Yesterday I almost posted a blog about the craziness of planning this wedding. I feel like I am constantly playing catch-up on different projects, while trying to manage work, school, upcoming finals, exercise, etc... This week has been high stress. I keep reminding myself at the end of this craziness I still get to marry this guy.

So that makes it all worth it. :)

But that's not really why I'm writing this. Like I said, yesterday I almost posted the blog. And then this morning on the way into school I was listening to my favorite radio station. They are having a radiothon all day today and tomorrow for Seattle Children's Hospital and are sharing stories, happy and sad, about some of the people they have met over the years through doing this radiothon. The first I heard was from a man and his wife who had lost their baby during birth, and were thanking the hospital for their support during such a traumatic and heartbreaking time. The second was a story of a little girl with cancer named Stephanie, who one of the radio hosts was especially close to. They played snippets of her talking from previous radiothons, and her mom shared her story. Stephanie died when she was only 11. Her mom shared that Stephanie asked to go home one night, and her mom replied that if she went home she would die... and Stephanie replied that she was ready to still go home. The words of this mother broke my heart. I was hearing this story and couldn't hold back the tears. I am pretty poor, being a college student, but I still donated a small amount to the radiothon through their website. Suddenly, when we hear stories about things that truly matter - the little stresses of daily life don't seem so big anymore. Sometimes I need a little perspective - we all do.

Click here to be connected to the "One big KISS for Seattle Children's Hospital" radiothon. You can donate online or over the phone. Donate $5 or $500 - but just donate. Your child or a child you know could be in this hospital one day, and the children there now need support. Beyond money - pray for these children and their families. The stress of illness, treatment and loss is sometimes more than people can bear and I think it is our responsiblity to care for them in whatever way we can. Sometimes, that way is just praying for someone even if you don't know their name or even their pain. Just a thought for today.. Remember that your life, no matter how stressful or crazy or draining it may be, is still life that has been blessed and given to you to be treasured.

<3

Naomi Feil and Gladys Wilson

It has taken me a while to actually post this, but it is something that really touched my heart. We watched this video in my Senior Seminar (in psychology) class. I have never seen this type of therapy before, and it was incredible to watch. It can be so easy to assume that people with debilitating illnesses lose who they are; when patients are nonverbal and appear to not be able to communicate, they often also lose their ability to relate. This woman has a true gift in relating to these types of elderly patients. Watching this video gave me hope and was a wonderful example of God's grace. Watch this when you have some time (and in a place where you can cry!)