The Final Toll

Rescuers saved nine people, four of them children, three puppies and recovered 29 bodies from Hotel Rigopiano. With the two people outside of the hotel, the ones who sounded the alarm, 11 people survived the powerful avalanche. Joy for some families, a deep sadness for others. John Donne wrote "Every man's death diminishes me because I am involved in Mankind." So I pray for the families and friends of those who died. These days there is so much to pray for on every level. In my own family, my daughter is applying for grad school, another is having a baby and my eldest is getting married. I pray for safety for my oldest son, and for rest for my youngest. I lift up my friend so that she will find a home where people care about her. Along with the prayer, I need to take action, to advocate for what's right.

Miracle at Hotel Rigopiano

Rescuers skiied through the night to help those buried by the avalanche at hotel Rigopiano. To date, they have rescued 9, recovered 11 bodies and 3 puppies. 2 were outside at the time of the avalanche and able to send an alarm. Pictures of the painstaking work are remarkable. 15 tunnels, reinforced with beams, holes dug through concrete. These men and women are truly miracle workers. Thank you so much for your expertise, persistence, self sacrifice. My deepest condolences to the families and friends of those lost in this tragedy. It is hard to make sense of this occurence. Other Italians have died in the earthquakes and many still do not have power. Hard to determine what is going on here. The global gap on abortion, the reinstating of the Dakota and other pipeline. Seems he can find no good in the previous administrations accomplishments. I don't believe this was the intent of the forefathers. What about kindness, understanding, compassion, empathy, sharing...

Earthquakes in central Italy, collapse of Rigopiano Hotel

A chef at the Rigopiano hotel in central Italy brought his family to the inn to enjoy a holiday. And then the unthinkable happens. He went outside to get medicine from his car when an avalanche caused by several earthquakes covered and destroyed the hotel. His wife, son and daughter are trapped inside. Rescuers are hampered by the deep snow and have to ski to the site. Trying to remain positive, but it has almost been a full day. Praying for a miracle, for many helping hands. My heart is sad.

Rest in Peace, Rosa dog 2003-2017

I was getting ready for work on Friday when I received a call from my dad. His 14 year old dog was dying and making strange noises and he needed help getting her to the clinic. Together we were able to get Rosa on a sheet and into the car. The vet euthanized her--such a sad day. I drove to work but my emotional balance was off. Got to work late and received a call from the company president about an order that only I knew about. Still don't know what the issue was. I was preparing the order even as he called. He was upset that he sent an email to the customer. All was well when she came in to pick up the order. I am working at the branch store tomorrow. The branch store manager is attending a funeral for her aunt. Finishing up my yearly appointments. Two down--two to go. Dentist and physical done--eye exam and cancer screening to go. Going out with my friend on Tuesday. Got a small pay check and told her so when she listed family size chips, 1 liter pop, flavored water and two puzzle books. Don't have the inclination to spend money when my check was 14 hours short because of the holidays. She has a gift card which will help a little, but I will still have to pay for lunch and part of the shopping.

Infant Positional Aphyxiation

Because of my great nephew's tragic death, I am nervous. I worry when my college age daughter drives back and forth from our house to school I think about my son who works lots of hours and how tired he is. I am concerned that my family designate a driver when they are away and partying. Today I read an article on facebook about parents who lost their 4 month old son. They dropped the baby at the daycare and the person set the baby in a carseat. The baby died because he could not breathe. Perhaps his little chin rested on his chest. It's scary isn't it? So many ways infants, children, adults can lose their life. I researched infant positional aphyxiation. It is safe for a baby to sleep in a carseat in the car if buckled properly because the angle of the seat prevents positional aphyxiation. But an infant in a bouncer, swing, carseat not in a car runs the risk of aphyxiation. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a properly fitted crib with a firm mattress. Little Nancy who had a string on a coat hood. The tie got caught between two pieces of a slide at the school and she aphxiated. Children who toddle off quick as a lightning and fall and drown in a pool. Precaution, prevention, education--so important to safeguard our infants, children and young people. I am so sad for this family but thank them for sharing as we will have an infant in our family in June.

A June Wedding

Our oldest daughter is engaged, hoping to marry in June. She is planning a wedding and reception here so that my father can attend and then another wedding and reception in her fiance's home state. She would like an inside/outside venue, perhaps a tent. She would like Italian cuisine served family style. Her two sisters and best friend would be attendants. As you know, my healthy life style fell by the wayside. So I am hoping that this wedding will be motivation to slim down 25 pounds. Our first grandchild, a girl is due June 1st. I had no preference for a boy or girl--praying or a healthy, happy, baby. Some people don't understand that one does not get over the loss of a mother in 4 months. Comment, "that was months ago." Really. Did they get over the loss of a parent that quickly? And differences in tastes and perceptions about something being pretty. And I don't find slave comments humorous, even if they were said in jest. Not knowing if boarish behavior is the result of aging or deliberate. I find comments about the mundaneness of facebook entries to be spot-on. It seems these days that acts of kindness are a way to get a picture and comments on facebook. I disagree in making all good works public, so that people can sing praises. I like to do kind things quietly, anonymously, with no notice.