Terrible tragedy in Indiana

A small Indiana town is reeling after the death of three siblings and the serious injury of another student at a bus stop. A young woman hit the children as they crossed a rural road to board their bus. A horrible horrible tragedy. My heart is saddened for the family and friends of everyone involved. I have a toddler grandchild. I have read over and over, "have layers and layers of protection for your children." Yes, the bus had red lights, the stop arm was extended, but we are human. We can all make deadly mistakes. We say to ourselves, "I would never pass a school bus with the red lights flashing." or "I would never forget my toddler in the back seat of my car." We are human and given the right circumstances any of us could do something to injure or kill another person. So why didn't these children have layers and layers of protection. Parents had complained that the road was dangerous. It was early morning. The driver was young, the age of my youngest daughter. Why couldn't the stop have been located in a safer place? We need to be protected from ourselves because no one is immune from wrong thinking that can cause harm to others.

My Dad

Last weekend my Dad entered the hospital in respitory failure. He had low blood pressure and a chronic kidney issue. Because of his poor health he felt he should go to a hospice facility. He felt better, decided to continue medical treatment and came home on Monday. His cousin and her husband came to see him on Tuesday. My husband and I cooked dinner and visited with him on Wednesday. After dinner he put on his "ears" to listen to the TV. Very hard to carry on a conversation with his ears on. I'm hoping to take a small vacation at the end of next week. My brother and sister are hoping to take one also. Dad is hoping to live until after our vacations.

Celebrating a life well-lived

My cousin's husband died on Tuesday. He had several heart attacks earlier in the year. We had talked with him in April at my uncle's funeral mass. My husband and I had our baby granddaughter with us and she flipped things on the floor, a toy, her sock and he retrieved them. She dropped a cheerio or two on the church floor. As my husband was cleaning up, my cousin's husband said, "Don't worry. The rats will eat em." Made me laugh. We will get together next week to celebrate his sense of humor, his love of life, a life well-lived. I know when I go on, I want people to celebrate my life as I have had a life full of happiness and joy. My husband and I cooked dinner and visited with my dad yesterday. His energy level was pretty good and we talked and laughed. Each Wednesday visit is a gift since he is 92 years old and has various physical ailments.

May they never be forgotten

Nine people from the same family were lost in the terrible boat tragedy in Missouri. Baby Arya was 1, the same age as my little granddaughter. She and her two brothers, Reece (9) and Evan (7) and their father died. Her grandparents and other family members died also. Her mother and cousin survived. Other victims include a couple celebrating their 45th anniversary, the driver of the vehicle, a retired teacher and his son, a grandmother enjoying a trip with her granddaughter, a couple enjoying a vacation. I am glad to read about them so that they can live on in my heart and never be forgotten. The lives of these men, women and children are to be celebrated for their unique personalities and accomplishments. MY thoughts are with them and their friends and families.

Duck boat tragedy in Missouri

Table Rock Lake in Missouri was calm when the duck boat set off for a trip around the island. Suddenly a storm blew in churning up 5' waves. The boat was swamped and sank. 31 people were aboard, the captain, a driver, adults and children. 14 people are alive although 2 are in critical condiition. Four are missing. 13 died. 13 people were saved from the Thai cave; at least 13 died in a tragic boat accident. My heart is sad. Thinking about the friends and families of those involved in this terrible accident.

Taking control of my acid reflux/GERD

For the past months, I have had waves of pain in my chest and back and esophagitis from acid reflux. When I visited the clinic in April, my PA suggeted an over the counter acid reducer. It works well as long as I watch my diet. I know what I shouldn't eat--tomatoes, citrus, chocolate, spicy foods, drinks with caffiene, fatty foods, So what should I eat? I researched online and came up with a list--apples, melons, bananas, green veggies (broccoli, asparagus, green beans, celery), brown rice, couscous, chicken, turkey, fish, egg whites. Dairy does not seem to bother my esophagus. My niece is my inspiration. She has food sensitivities, so she maintains a gluten free diet. I encourage myself by thinking of my niece. It is so worthwhile to live a painfree life by watching my diet. And if I lose a bit of weight, there will be less pressure on my LES. I need to walk to try to control stress. My dad's health is failing, and my life has been stress-filled which aggravates the esophagitis.

Saman Gunan--A True Hero

Saman Gunan is a true hero. He sacrificed his life so many others could live. His bravery, courage, selflessness will never be forgotten. You deserve much honor, Saman. Rest in peace.