Please read, listen then react..........
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MARRIAGE
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.
She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.
She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside
the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.
Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.
If you do, you just might save a marriage.
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.
So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. Matthew 19:6
Friday, July 30, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Coffee
I love coffee, when I saw this I just had to post it. I am on a role. I read things like this because it does motivate me and help me to get through the tough times or when I need a lift God has a way of putting things like in my path. I hope you are enjoy reading this as much as I am posting it.
Life is the coffee. The jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live.
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us. God brews the coffee, not the cups. Enjoy your coffee!"
The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.
Life is the coffee. The jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live.
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us. God brews the coffee, not the cups. Enjoy your coffee!"
The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.
Kept Woman
This is something I need to read daily. I have my struggles but as long as I remember to read things like this it does help. I am happy to say "I AM A KEPT WOMAN" (By God that is)
I Am a " Kept" Woman?
You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)
There were times when I thought I could go no longer, But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)
At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, But the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)
Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, but GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc, . (Matt. 6:25 -34)
When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up. When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong!
(I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)
I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me! I'm blessed to be "kept."
I am first to say I fall short but when I read, pray and am obedient I am better for it. I am far from perfect(as you all well know) but I will never give up on trying to change. I have my good and bad days but I keep on going. God has blessed my life and for that I am extremly grateful.......Until next time, GiGi
I Am a " Kept" Woman?
You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)
There were times when I thought I could go no longer, But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)
At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, But the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)
Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, but GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc, . (Matt. 6:25 -34)
When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up. When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong!
(I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)
I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me! I'm blessed to be "kept."
I am first to say I fall short but when I read, pray and am obedient I am better for it. I am far from perfect(as you all well know) but I will never give up on trying to change. I have my good and bad days but I keep on going. God has blessed my life and for that I am extremly grateful.......Until next time, GiGi
Friday, July 23, 2010
Newborn's Conversation With God.
A Newborn's Conversation with God.
A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"
God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."
The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you.
And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."
Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."
"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."
"Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."
"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."
God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.."
God said, “You will simply call her, Mom."
Lift a mother's spirit; send this to every mother you know (no matter how old her child is).
Someone at work sent this to me so I thought I would share.
Love, GiGi
Friday, July 16, 2010
One Day At A Time
This post is very special to me. I came across this women by accident one day and have been following her ever since. You will see what I mean when you read her words. We take things like life for granted. This is a gentle reminder to love our chidren and not take the gifts God has given us for granted. Joseph is with God but his memory lives on in our hearts, Thank You Brandy for these wonderful words.
A Mothers Love
Friday, July 16, 2010
A day at a time...
One day at a time,
This is enough.
Do not look back and grieve over the past.
For it is gone. . .
And do not be troubled about the future.
For it has not yet come.
Live in the present, and make it so beautiful.
That it will be worth remembering.
I love this little statement. It is not mine and I don't know who wrote it but I believe in it and a day at a time. It is hard not to look back and grieve over the past when dealing with infant death but I understand it. I try to look back and remember all that is beautiful instead. Yesterday Joseph would have been 9 months old... today is 9 months since he passed away. That ONE day is worth remembering every single second. So Yesterday I did just that. I remember the second I came out of Anastasia... he was there next to me in a tiny little isolate. I didn't even know he was a boy until I saw my husband who was right behind the helicopter flight nurse who was in her orange jump suit ready to take him to the children's hospital across town. Paul said "We have a son" Joseph Henry..That ONE second I had with my son filled my heart with pride and joy and hope and love and a calm in front of the storm that was about to hit. I touched his hand and he squeezed my heart. I swept a finger across his face and forever that feeling so soft will be ingrained into my soul.... So yesterday I focused on that ONE second. That moment in time where the world was perfect and I had a son.. and a husband.. and a beautiful life filled with what others can only wish for. A day at a time...
Joseph can you hear mommy? Hey beautiful...baby boy. You are chubby now and all wiggly and warm. I see your toothless grin in my dreams and love beyond this world all of you - mommy
A Mothers Love
Friday, July 16, 2010
A day at a time...
One day at a time,
This is enough.
Do not look back and grieve over the past.
For it is gone. . .
And do not be troubled about the future.
For it has not yet come.
Live in the present, and make it so beautiful.
That it will be worth remembering.
I love this little statement. It is not mine and I don't know who wrote it but I believe in it and a day at a time. It is hard not to look back and grieve over the past when dealing with infant death but I understand it. I try to look back and remember all that is beautiful instead. Yesterday Joseph would have been 9 months old... today is 9 months since he passed away. That ONE day is worth remembering every single second. So Yesterday I did just that. I remember the second I came out of Anastasia... he was there next to me in a tiny little isolate. I didn't even know he was a boy until I saw my husband who was right behind the helicopter flight nurse who was in her orange jump suit ready to take him to the children's hospital across town. Paul said "We have a son" Joseph Henry..That ONE second I had with my son filled my heart with pride and joy and hope and love and a calm in front of the storm that was about to hit. I touched his hand and he squeezed my heart. I swept a finger across his face and forever that feeling so soft will be ingrained into my soul.... So yesterday I focused on that ONE second. That moment in time where the world was perfect and I had a son.. and a husband.. and a beautiful life filled with what others can only wish for. A day at a time...
Joseph can you hear mommy? Hey beautiful...baby boy. You are chubby now and all wiggly and warm. I see your toothless grin in my dreams and love beyond this world all of you - mommy
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
My Family
Happy Tuesday!!!
All is well with the world(right now) You never know what is going to happen but whatever it is that's ok because Proverbs 3:5&6 That is my life verse.........Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding in all your ways awknowlege Him and he will make your paths straight.
Although it's summer we have been pretty busy.I am having a great time with our babies. Tasha is bringing Gabriel over every other weekend and he spends the night.He has got the cutest little face. My favorite time is when he first wakes up he is so sweet, anyway we are getting to spend time with him and that's what is important.
Elias is three months now and he is filling out. He has the bluest eyes, I hope he will keep them..Are you kidding If he had mud brown eyes he would still be one of two of the cutest babies in the world. (yes I am a proud GiGi) Now I know what all those grandparents mean when they say If I knew it would be this great to have grand children I would have had them first..........hahahaha On a serious note they are the loves of our lives...Of course Nicole and Natasha comes first but they are closse second.......They are known as Elias and Gabriel's mom now.
Here are some updated pictures ......
Best looking family around!!!!!!Love to all
GiGi............
Monday, July 12, 2010
Purpose................
Since I have started to blog I have written about my girls and my family. This time I wanted to write something of substance and I found this.........Please read I hope you are blessed as I was. This interview is old but the message still applies still the same..........................
You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, 'Purpose Driven Life ' author and pastor ofSaddleback Church in California.
In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:
People ask me, What is the purpose of life?
And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.
One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me..
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity..
We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense..
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.
The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life.. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.
This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.
I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.
Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.
No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.
And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems:
If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.
We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her- It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.
Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.
It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.
So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit.. We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.
Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.
Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free..
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?
Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.
That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD..
If you do not pass it on, nothing will happen. But it will just be nice to pass it on to a friend....just like I have done.
God's Blessings
Have a blessed day and touch somebody's life today! I just did. He's walking around the world - via e-mail!!
God's Blessings To You All!!!!!
GiGi
____________________________________________________________
Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim)
Visit the Official Website to Learn About Neulasta and Receive Info.
Neulasta.com
You will enjoy the new insights that Rick Warren has, with his wife now having cancer and him having 'wealth' from the book sales. This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, 'Purpose Driven Life ' author and pastor ofSaddleback Church in California.
In the interview by Paul Bradshaw with Rick Warren, Rick said:
People ask me, What is the purpose of life?
And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.
One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me..
I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity..
We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense..
Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.
The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.
We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life.. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.
This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.
I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.
Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.
No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.
And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for. You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems:
If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is my problem, my issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.
We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her- It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.
You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.
Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy.
It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.
So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.
First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit.. We made no major purchases.
Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.
Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.
Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free..
We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?
Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?
When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.
That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD..
If you do not pass it on, nothing will happen. But it will just be nice to pass it on to a friend....just like I have done.
God's Blessings
Have a blessed day and touch somebody's life today! I just did. He's walking around the world - via e-mail!!
God's Blessings To You All!!!!!
GiGi
____________________________________________________________
Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim)
Visit the Official Website to Learn About Neulasta and Receive Info.
Neulasta.com
Thursday, July 8, 2010
People
The older I get you would think I would have learned how to understand people better but I don't.Oh well, I guess that is not my job to figure them out
There are two kinds of people ;
The people that when something happens he gets up brushes himself off and does it again. He doesn't wallow in his self pity. He doesn't wine to others how bad he has it, he just deals with it.
The other people, when something happens he cries, wines and gets others to feel sorry for him.These are the kind of people that want to bring you down with them.
I feel sorry for those kind of people because you try to help but they don't want the help. So, you can't do anything but just sit back and wait.
The only thing I would say is we can pray, pray for them to find their way.
There are two kinds of people ;
The people that when something happens he gets up brushes himself off and does it again. He doesn't wallow in his self pity. He doesn't wine to others how bad he has it, he just deals with it.
The other people, when something happens he cries, wines and gets others to feel sorry for him.These are the kind of people that want to bring you down with them.
I feel sorry for those kind of people because you try to help but they don't want the help. So, you can't do anything but just sit back and wait.
The only thing I would say is we can pray, pray for them to find their way.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Respect For Others
My older brother sent me this, Thanks Steve.................
MAY GOD BLESS THIS AIRLINE CAPTAIN:
He writes: My lead flight attendant came to me and said, "We have an H.R. on this flight." (H.R. stands for human remains.) "Are they military?" I asked.
'Yes', she said.
'Is there an escort?' I asked.
'Yes, I already assigned him a seat'.
'Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck. You can board him early," I said..
A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us.
'My soldier is on his way back to Virginia,' he said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words.
I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him that he had the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat.
We completed our pre flight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure. About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. 'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is on board', she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia .
The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane.. I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when she asked me if there was anything I could do.. 'I'm on it', I said. I told her that I would get back to her.
Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher.. I explained the situation I had on board with the family and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me.
Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher and the following is the text:
'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on this now and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family. Thanks.'
I sent a message back telling flight control thanks for a good job. I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, 'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.'
Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us.
'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told. It looked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers. He did that and the ramp controller said, 'Take your time.'
I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said, 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your Captain speaking I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His Name is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.'
We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.
When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You', I'm sorry, thank you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with their loved one.
Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had made. They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier.
I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices that millions of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of AMERICA
MAY GOD BLESS THIS AIRLINE CAPTAIN:
He writes: My lead flight attendant came to me and said, "We have an H.R. on this flight." (H.R. stands for human remains.) "Are they military?" I asked.
'Yes', she said.
'Is there an escort?' I asked.
'Yes, I already assigned him a seat'.
'Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck. You can board him early," I said..
A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He was the image of the perfectly dressed soldier. He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us.
'My soldier is on his way back to Virginia,' he said. He proceeded to answer my questions, but offered no words.
I asked him if there was anything I could do for him and he said no. I told him that he had the toughest job in the military and that I appreciated the work that he does for the families of our fallen soldiers. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat.
We completed our pre flight checks, pushed back and performed an uneventful departure. About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. 'I just found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is on board', she said. She then proceeded to tell me that the father, mother, wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. The family was upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub at which the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia .
The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was too much for him and the family to bear. He had asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him upon our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane.. I could hear the desperation in the flight attendants voice when she asked me if there was anything I could do.. 'I'm on it', I said. I told her that I would get back to her.
Airborne communication with my company normally occurs in the form of e-mail like messages. I decided to bypass this system and contact my flight dispatcher directly on a secondary radio. There is a radio operator in the operations control center who connects you to the telephone of the dispatcher. I was in direct contact with the dispatcher.. I explained the situation I had on board with the family and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me.
Two hours went by and I had not heard from the dispatcher. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher and the following is the text:
'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on this now and I had to check on a few things. Upon your arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft. The team will escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with a secondary van for the family. The family will be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, the family will be escorted onto the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family. Thanks.'
I sent a message back telling flight control thanks for a good job. I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. The lead flight attendant was very thankful and told me, 'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.'
Things started getting busy for the descent, approach and landing. After landing, we cleared the runway and taxied to the ramp area. The ramp is huge with 15 gates on either side of the alleyway. It is always a busy area with aircraft maneuvering every which way to enter and exit. When we entered the ramp and checked in with the ramp controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us.
'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told. It looked like it was all coming together, then I realized that once we turned the seat belt sign off, everyone would stand up at once and delay the family from getting off the airplane. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate to make an announcement to the passengers. He did that and the ramp controller said, 'Take your time.'
I stopped the aircraft and set the parking brake. I pushed the public address button and said, 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your Captain speaking I have stopped short of our gate to make a special announcement. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His Name is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who recently lost his life. Private XXXXXX is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.'
We continued the turn to the gate, came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying, something you just do not see. I was told that after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft.
When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger slowly started to clap his hands. Moments later more passengers joined in and soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You', I'm sorry, thank you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. They were escorted down to the ramp to finally be with their loved one.
Many of the passengers disembarking thanked me for the announcement I had made. They were just words, I told them, I could say them over and over again, but nothing I say will bring back that brave soldier.
I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices that millions of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of AMERICA
Fourth of July
We had a wonderful week end. I was able to work out in the yard. If I had my way I would rather do yard work than house work.
Sunday Eddy and I were able to go to Bible Fellowship Class and Service. Everyone takes it for granted going to church or some people have the opportunity but don't take it. For years we have had to go on our own but because my roll has changed
at work I am able to start going to church with my husband(what a concept)
Monday our family, extended family and friends got together and went to the river. There really is water in Texas!!!!!! We lived about one hour from the beach in Florida and the river is about the same. We are going to take advantage of it this time, we had a blast.
So now we are back at work and life goes on. I love my life. It's nothing special, we just go to work, come home and we are able to spend time together. Some times the kids come over and we are able to see our boy's. I love that Nikki, Anthony and Elias are here. We get to see Gabriel so that is why I love our life.
The boys are growing up so fast and I love that I have the opportunity to be able to see them grow up. I do praise God and thank him daily for this blessing. I never imagined I would feel this way about these little boys. It's a different kind of love than my girls. This is an extension of us. Our children and grand children are the best of us. So can you tell how I feel?????
I am a proud Grand Mother........
I changed the name of my blog because no matter what I talk about it end's up where they(my boys) are always mentioned. I started this blog when I found out my daughter was pregnant so I felt this would be a perfect name. You tell me should I do back to Yours Mine and Ours or GiGi's Corner what do you think???
Until next time, GiGi
Sunday Eddy and I were able to go to Bible Fellowship Class and Service. Everyone takes it for granted going to church or some people have the opportunity but don't take it. For years we have had to go on our own but because my roll has changed
at work I am able to start going to church with my husband(what a concept)
Monday our family, extended family and friends got together and went to the river. There really is water in Texas!!!!!! We lived about one hour from the beach in Florida and the river is about the same. We are going to take advantage of it this time, we had a blast.
So now we are back at work and life goes on. I love my life. It's nothing special, we just go to work, come home and we are able to spend time together. Some times the kids come over and we are able to see our boy's. I love that Nikki, Anthony and Elias are here. We get to see Gabriel so that is why I love our life.
The boys are growing up so fast and I love that I have the opportunity to be able to see them grow up. I do praise God and thank him daily for this blessing. I never imagined I would feel this way about these little boys. It's a different kind of love than my girls. This is an extension of us. Our children and grand children are the best of us. So can you tell how I feel?????
I am a proud Grand Mother........
I changed the name of my blog because no matter what I talk about it end's up where they(my boys) are always mentioned. I started this blog when I found out my daughter was pregnant so I felt this would be a perfect name. You tell me should I do back to Yours Mine and Ours or GiGi's Corner what do you think???
Until next time, GiGi
Friday, July 2, 2010
What Happens in Heaven
Thanks mom, I loved this one!!!
WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and
an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a
large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front
of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section.
Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are
received.'
I looked around in this area, and it
was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions
written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over
the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor
until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, 'This is
the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings
the people asked for are processed and delivered to the
living persons who asked for them.' I noticed again how busy it
was there. There were many angels working hard at that station,
since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged
for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the
long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To
my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing
nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend
quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that
there is no work going on here?' I asked.
'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After
people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send
back acknowledgments.'
'How does one acknowledge God's
blessings?' I asked.
'Simple,' the angel answered. Just
say, 'Thank you, Lord.'
'What blessings should they
acknowledge?' I asked.
'If you have food in the refrigerator,
clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are
richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in
your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8%
of the world 's wealthy.'
'And if you get this on your own
computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that
opportunity. '
'If you woke up this morning with more
health than illness...You are more blessed than the many who will
not even survive this day.'
'If you have never experienced the
fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of
torture, or the pangs of starvation...You are ahead of 700 million
people in the world. '
'If you can attend a church without
the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied
by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world.
'If your parents are still alive and
still married ...you are very rare.'
If you can hold your head up and
smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt
and despair.'
Okay, what now? How can I start?
If you can read this message, you just
received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as
very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people
in the world who cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your
blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind
everyone else how blessed we all are
ATTN: Acknowledge Dept.
Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability
to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people
with whom to share it.' If you have read this far, and are
thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not
send it on. Thank God for everything, especially all my family and
friends!
WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and
an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a
large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front
of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section.
Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are
received.'
I looked around in this area, and it
was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions
written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over
the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor
until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, 'This is
the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings
the people asked for are processed and delivered to the
living persons who asked for them.' I noticed again how busy it
was there. There were many angels working hard at that station,
since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged
for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the
long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To
my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing
nothing. 'This is the Acknowledgment Section,' my angel friend
quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed 'How is it that
there is no work going on here?' I asked.
'So sad,' the angel sighed. 'After
people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send
back acknowledgments.'
'How does one acknowledge God's
blessings?' I asked.
'Simple,' the angel answered. Just
say, 'Thank you, Lord.'
'What blessings should they
acknowledge?' I asked.
'If you have food in the refrigerator,
clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are
richer than 75% of this world. If you have money in the bank, in
your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8%
of the world 's wealthy.'
'And if you get this on your own
computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that
opportunity. '
'If you woke up this morning with more
health than illness...You are more blessed than the many who will
not even survive this day.'
'If you have never experienced the
fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of
torture, or the pangs of starvation...You are ahead of 700 million
people in the world. '
'If you can attend a church without
the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied
by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world.
'If your parents are still alive and
still married ...you are very rare.'
If you can hold your head up and
smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt
and despair.'
Okay, what now? How can I start?
If you can read this message, you just
received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as
very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people
in the world who cannot read at all.
Have a good day, count your
blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind
everyone else how blessed we all are
ATTN: Acknowledge Dept.
Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability
to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people
with whom to share it.' If you have read this far, and are
thankful for all that you have been blessed with, how can you not
send it on. Thank God for everything, especially all my family and
friends!
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