life got you down?

In the current issue of ONE magazine -- a local health publication -- there is an interview with Anne Marie Hochhalter. You probably haven't heard of her. I hadn't before now. She was wounded in the Columbine tragedy eight years ago. She was shot in the back while eating lunch and as she was slumped over the table another bullet went through her side damaging her lungs, diaphragm, liver and a major blood vessel to the heart.

An EMT saw her and took her to the hospital where they operated on her in the ER to save her life. She is now in a wheelchair.

And then, months later, her mother walked into a gun store, bought a gun, loaded it and killed hersef on the spot.

Now she is a twenty five year old college graduate who owns her own home.

This is the good part-- from the interview:

Q. How did the events at Columbine shape your life?

A. They made me stronger. They basically broke me as a person and I had no choice but to go up from there. I used to be an atheist, and this helped me to become a Christian. It also taught me patience. Living life in a wheelchair is very difficult, but I choose not to be bitter or angry about what has happened. God has put so many great people in my life. I've just been blessed. I choose to get on with my life and keep living it.

new friend

My friend Susan got all giddy playing with dolphins. I guess I would too. Considering I felt such a rush of glee when I got to pet a stingray yesterday! I'm pretty sure to anyone watching, the childlike thrill was evident on my face. In fact, I almost felt embarrassed afterward because I knew I had lit up like a little Christmas tree. How cool to have that slickery, slimy creature come and nuzzle me and deliberately let me pet it. I wanna do it again!

people

People have a tendency to get under my skin.

I often avoid people.

I'm talking big crowds and the like.

People are rude and pushy and selfish and they get under my skin.

Today we went to the Aquarium and it was fairly crowded. I did pretty well, though.

Except for the part where we were in the restaurant.

And some man spit.

On the floor.

In the restaurant.

Right next to our table.

People bug me.

Tonight our deer friend is lying in our backyard chewing bubble gum or something.

I was admiring him.

Shining a flashlight out there so I can see him.

I love admiring the deer and rabbits and sky and sunsets and stars and foliage, etc.

It's dark though.

So without my flashlight all I can see is the lights of the city in the distance.

As I was looking at them and thinking about how I'd much rather be looking at the creation, it occurred to me -- That Is The Creation.

Not the lights.

The people represented by the lights.

Not only that. They are the pinnacle of creation.

God's most favorite part.

The part God loves so much He sent His only son to die for it.

Those people.

God's magnificent creation.

My heart needs some help.

friday the 13th

I am not superstitious. I don't worry about black cats, broken mirrors, spilt salt, or walking under ladders. And Friday the 13th is just another day.

I think superstition is silly and pointless.

But... once I was wearing a certain dress and something bad happened. The next time I wore that dress something bad happened. The third time something bad happened while wearing that dress, I kinda stopped wearing that dress.

That's happened a few times. I guess I kinda act like certain things can be jinxed. That is my superstition weakness. Even though I don't really believe in that. In fact it has been years since I've had any thoughts like that. At least two.

How embarrassing. So, here I am telling you.

Now you have to tell me. Do you have any silly superstitions you foster at all? Or maybe you take superstition seriously? 'Fess up!

Friday Feast

Appetizer

What is your favorite fruit?

A perfect peach. But they are so hard to find.

Soup

Who is someone you consider as a great role model?

My 90 year old friend, Grandma T. She has been through almost everything a woman could go through and is the sweetest, happiest, most generous lady. She loves Jesus more than anyone I know.

Salad

If you were to spend one night anywhere within an hour of your home, where would you choose?

Brown Palace Hotel, downtown Denver. Have always wanted to. Never have.

Main Course

Name something you do too often.

grump

Dessert

Fill in the blank: I really like ___________ because _____

_______.

I really like rainy days because they are cozy.

Fascinating

Now THIS is just plain cool!
VisuWords Enter the word bear and see what happens. Then try other words.
Nod to Wunderfool

Faithful readers,
You should go visit my mommy's blog. She is new to blogdom. Mom's the Word.