Thursday, October 7, 2010

Same View Different Eyes

Almost six years ago, I lost my mother, who was 83, to breast cancer and Alzheimers.  Recently, a very good friend reminded of a funny story. Without keeping my humor I would have never survived the pain.

One evening, my family was at an Italian restaurant for dinner. My mom leaned over and said pointing "That man over there is staring at me." Knowing the in's and out's of Alzheimers and having children of my own, I smiled and said "Don't worry about it mom, eat your dinner - don't point."

Time passed and again she tells me with a little more force "That man over there is staring at me." "Mom, please don't worry about it, eat your dinner he's probably not even looking at you." "Oh, yes, he is!" my mother tells me.

This time with anger, she tells me "JULIE ANN!!! That man is staring at me and I'm going to go say something to him!!!" "Okay Okay Okay! I got it!!!" I stop her from leaving the table, but now I have to go confront this man. Being the good and concerned daughter that I am, I nervously ask my mom to point out the man staring at her.

Let me tell you.... I marched right over to this man, that happened to be the carved butler statue standing at the entrance of the restaurant holding wine glasses and a bread basket, demanding that he quit staring at my mother! The owner of the restaruant was happy to turn the butler statue in a different direction until we left.

To often we are quick to judge a dress hanging in the window, a person, a job opportunity, a relationship, a friendship - based on the way we first see it. Something or someone could change your life, but you won't or didn't take time to really see it. You already "knew all about it" or "all about that person", and possibly missed the opportunity.

My mom adopted me when I was four days old. My mom put me on the school bus every morning. My mom tied my shoes, combed my hair and gave me style.  My mom raised me in church.  My mom taught me to laugh, love, live and lie about your shoe size.  My mom taught me to have the same view with different eyes.

I love you mom!

The Shoe Fits!

I'm not living the fairy tale I dreamed as a little girl. It's BETTER than I could have imagined!

David & I have been together for 20 years, with four wonderful kids that have all been special in their own way. When we had our daughter, McKenzie, life changed for all of us. The phrase "kids don't come with a manual" didn't even touch the surface when taking care of McKenzie! She has taken us on a very special and sometimes difficult adventure.

We feel blessed to remember what is really important in life and to value the importance of family time. Leaving my "career" was difficult for me, but McKenzie gave me the directly I needed.

I now work from home helping others do the same thing. It's so rewarding to help people reach their financial goals by showing others a way to get fit, get health and provide financial security for their family.


The true fairy tale came true because I made it happen!

Follow us on our journey or join our adventure!

Julie

Are YOU ready for a CHALLENGE?

Are YOU ready for a CHALLENGE?