Finding One's Passion

I met yesterday a beautiful soul who's spirit shines. Her name is Earline Aston, and she volunteers at the reception desk at the Northwest African American She suffered a stroke on January 2, 2014. Earline was discharged from the hospital to Foss Home and Village's post acute rehab.

Earline has found her purpose since the stroke. She lives her passion and shares her joy. I give gratitude for Earline!

https://youtu.be/_4KXYcqZBdI

It’s Your Choice. Eagle? Or Cheeto?

Eagle? Or Pigeon?

I find joy in reading the comics early each morning. I find joy in numerous moments throughout the day. I found joy and inspiration in an unexpected meeting last evening.

I didn't need to shop. I was not hungry so there was no need to eat. I was pulled into the mall. I was not sure, "Why?"

As soon as I sat down with my bottle of water at a table in the food court, two men walked up and sat down with me. One man, "K," took the Adult Family Homes' (AFH) Administrator course last July as my classmate. He and his wife recently opened an AFH. He had brought one of his residents to the mall for an outing.

K and his wife came to the United States many years ago as immigrants. They became American citizens. K served in the United States Armed Forces for 25-years, and his wife continues to work more than 24-years later as a nursing assistant at Harborview. K wanted to serve in the present. He said that his residents are part of his family, and it was apparent.

As we parted, we hugged. Then K looked me in the eyes and stated, "You’re an eagle!"

I had not planned to share this moment until I read the comic strip, "Pickles" this morning. 

It’s your choice. Eagle? Or Pigeon?

http://www.gocomics.com/pickles/2017/7/21

A 'Great' Aunt

Grandma Ruby and Great Aunts Arline and ReBerta.

My Great Aunt Arline passed away. I love my great aunts, including ReBerta, Mary and Arline along with my Grandma Ruby.

Aunt R------ as I wrote her name in cards was the funniest person yet she loved her family.

My Grandma along with Arline, ReBerta, and Mary, who wore glasses with thick lenses, and I could never see her eyes. They loaded into my car with Aunt Mary in the front seat determined to give me driving directions to Uncle Jim and Aunt Rhea's.

The conversation became louder and louder with each of them pulling, poking and prodding me from behind. their hands in front of my face. "Who grabbed my glasses?" I stated that I would pull the car over, and we would have a time out.

I heard Arline ask my Grandma and Reberta, "Do you think Julie will pull the car over? And what is a time out?" I did pull the car onto the shoulder, and we had a time out. I heard Arline ask, "How long is this time out?" I tried not to laugh.

We were back on the road and within a couple of minutes, and the car was once again in chaos. All of the sudden, Arline yelled, "Stop the car!" She pointed at the bowling alley sign: "Line Dancing." (Besides swimming, she was a line dancer into her early 90's. She performed at nursing homes.)

We arrived at Jim and Rhea's, and they were not home. ReBerta suggested that with sit on the lawn furniture and visit a while. Arline then performed a line dance for us.

It was a great day with my Grandma and Aunts in Wabash, Indiana.

Arline almost made it to her 99th birthday on August 2nd. May our relatives dance a jig in celebration of a life well lived.

Arline's son took her to the Peru McDonald's daily for a snack and visit. I will celebrate a "Great" Aunt on Saturday during her service with a Happy Meal in Seattle.

I will always love you.

Kickin' off July 4th

Terry

 

 

My friends Mary and Terry invited me to the Bellevue Community Band Patriotic Concert this evening. (Mary has played the flute in this band for 49-years.)

 

The Crossroads Mall patrons are diverse. The concert opened with "The Star Spangled Banner, and all stood with their hands over their hearts. Most were singing. The applause brought tears to my eyes.

When those who served in the Air Force were asked to stand, Terry stood. Tears welled up in my eyes once, again.

 

No matter the direction of our world affairs, "America has always been great!"

Ho! Ho! Ho! It's that time of year, again: "Living Stones' Christmas in July!"

Peek a boo! Leona accepted the donation of hats for United Christian Church.

United Christian Church in Renton was the first recipient of hats for their community outreach.

Did I hear that The Renton Kiwanis Clothes Bank will receive this donation on behalf of the church?
https://www.rentonkiwanisclothesbank.org/

This is a true partnership between Living Stones and United Christian Church because member’s of congregation; the Kimsey’s donated some yarn for the project.

Rock On!

Fostering Love

Mr. Wiegmann with Bruce Wayne/Batman 

Phyllis graduated with me from Fort Wayne Northrop in 1979. We talked about theatre and music along with extracurricular activities. I always respected Phyllis’ commitment to everything she does in life. I now have a better understanding of that commitment.

I did not live in Phyllis’ neighborhood so I did not know of her family’s ministry of foster babies.

“Growing up my parents fostered 78 infants. We would have them from birth until they were adopted, often 3-4 at a time. My 3 brothers and I learned early on how to change diapers (cloth ones that you bleached and pinned), and do bottle feeding (sterilized glass). Usually within a month or so they would be adopted and the next one would arrive. Occasionally some medical issues would result in a longer stay and deeper attachment. A special red head was one of them. The agency had given us a single letter which we used to give the babies their foster name. This one we had named Bruce Wayne, or Batman. Heart issues meant 26 trips to Riley hospital and eventually open heart surgery while he was with us. And then, like the rest he was adopted. Now 48 years later we will get to see him again as he comes to Fort Wayne on Sunday with his wife and children. We can't wait.”

After I read the Phyllis’ Facebook post this past Saturday, July 1^st, I sat in gratitude as I reread and absorbed her words and looked at the pictures. The Wiegmann family and their capacity to love and give back to children was a gift.

I then instant messaged Phyllis the following: “Your post made my day. I have reflected on my current ministry and a dream lost. I have wanted to be a foster parent to older children; however, the cost of living in Seattle is so expensive for housing.  I have been praying about foster parenting lately. Would you mind if I shared your post? It has touched my heart.”

Phyllis:  “Share away!”

Me:   “Thanks. I will!”

I am not sure how to become a foster parent but there must be a way to help children.

Mrs. Wiegmann and Phyllis with Bruce Wayne/Batman

                                            

Ian Rolland: Do the Math

Ian Rolland

During the time I worked at Lincoln, Mr. Ian Rolland taught me more than seriousness built a company. It was the integrity behind the Lincoln name, a 12 to 15 percent ROE and ROI, and a sense of humor.

I created an elevator game show with two of the custodians. Mr. Rolland entered the elevator, and I welcomed him. I gave him the next question. He answered it. Mr. Rolland's floor came before the final question. He did not win the game. Instead, he won my appreciation not as a CEO but as a person.

For two years in a row, I was the runner up for the Ian Rolland Community Service Award. It was better to be the runner up because Mr. Rolland taught me more about community and how to make a difference.

I thank you for making Fort Wayne a great place to be (from) and the gift of laughter.

A life that added up from one great actuary!

http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20170701/WEB/170709991