THE ONLY "ENABLER" IN MY LIFE
The end result of this distorted belief system, was that for the next 30 years, I kept myself in bondage to addictions and long-term incarcerations. Up until about 15 years ago, I found myself arrested and incarcerated. ... read >
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SOMETHING TO LOSE
A bit anxious, I packed up my things and left for the day beating both my folks home. When they walked in the door my mom began to speak but fell into tears. It was then that my dad proceeded to tell me he had cancer. ... read >
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THE VALUE OF A DOLLAR
When I was nineteen, I had a job at my local bookstore. Being located in the mall, we usually saw our fair share of characters, many of them teenagers. One night, a fifteen-year-old pair came in looking for a book. ... read >
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A HELPING HAND
...in a not particularly safe part of town, we heard my car make a funny noise, and then it was shaking violently as we drove along. Quickly, I pulled off to the shoulder and determined a tire had blown out. ... read >
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FINALLY GRADUATING
As my password, I called myself “mountainclimber.” The journey was difficult and every hill seemed higher to climb. I suppose the thing that pulled me through was when I couldn't do it for myself, I could do it to honor my friend! ... read >
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THE PARKING METER BANK
My mother gave me a gift that day that will last a lifetime. ... read >
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NURSES MATTER
She will never know how much that mattered and it has been 25 years later now. ... read >
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A LESSON TO US ALL
My senior year was supposed to be the “best” year yet. I anticipated being “cool” and having younger students look up to me. Now 23-years-old, however, I look back on my senior year in high school and the thing I remember most vividly wasn’t being “cool” or having underclassmen admirers. The day I remember is September 11, 2001, and it taught me a lesson I’ll forever carry with me. ... read >
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SIMPLE ACTS OF GRATITUDE
This summer I directed my first theatre production. When I started, I had no idea how much time and energy such a task would require.
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FINE EXAMPLES
My mother through her fine example instilled within me the desire to help others. She taught me to notice those whom others ignore ... read >
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IN THIS MOMENT, WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT?
Today in the moments of frustration, ask yourself the question, "In this moment, what is most important?" ... read >
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THE GRACE OF SMALL KINDNESS
Just like I knew that Ryan would be fine, I knew that I would be fine, because love and peace aren't just in heaven, they are in every one of us. They were in the people who packed and painted. They were in the people who entertained Ryan in the hospital. They were in the people who reminded me to eat. They were in the people who had moved us. They were in the people who had arranged for hospice. I knew that just as I had needed Ryan to tell me a joke when I was down; I had needed those people, and they had wanted to be there for me. ... read >
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ME, THE COOS BAY BEST WESTERN MOTEL AND GRANDPA
Yesterday I was fortunate enough to find one more person in our world who is genuinely kind and caring. ... read >
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KINDNESS
The whole time we were catching up, I was just stunned that he still remembered me. ... read >
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CANCER AS A BLESSING
When I was 35, I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a nightmare. While you instantly slip into "poor me” or “why me" mode, times like these can also remind you of just how many people care about you and at a time of need, how many people will come out of the woodwork. ... read >
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MY DADDY
Truly, the most important lesson I have learned from watching football is this: Treasure every moment that I have the privilege of spending with my great teacher and friend--MY DADDY. ... read >
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KINDNESS
Before the day of the assembly, I had been trying to better myself by simply being kind to others. After the assembly, I got the idea of just saying thanks to the wonderful staff at my high school. ... read >
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THE SHORTEST FLIGHT
I was flying home after attending my best friend's funeral...dreading the five hours on a plane with nothing but my own thoughts to keep me company. ... read >
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GUESTS FROM THE CLUB
Despite our financial hardship, though, every year during the holidays the best memories were made. Most of those grand memories take me back to December 25th, when Dad would announce to us after breakfast that he was going downtown to bring home guests for dinner. ... read >
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FLICKERS OF HOPE
I know my purpose now, and that is to help. To help anyone I can because I know what it feels like when you need it and the way your heart feels when receive it. ... read >
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FROM SPARK TO FLAME
When my now 19 year old daughter was in Grade 3, all of Mrs. Mathews’ students were given a small pot with a bean seed to plant. Green string beans it seems are pretty hardy and the perfect seed to use when promoting green thumbs in young children. That same plant was also a most unexpected source of understanding and insight for me. ... read >
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IMPARTING WISDOM
My father died on December 18, 2003, when I was 12-years-old. Granted, I was not able to know my father for a big portion of my life, yet I acquired much wisdom from this great man's life and from what he had imparted to me. ... read >
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LIFE IS LOVE
Life, most people say, is fleeting. It flies right by us and we barely even notice until something horrible happens. My name is Bec and I am sixteen. August 3rd was the fourth anniversary of my mother's death. ... read >
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MY PARENTS' LOVE
I lived in Dallas, Texas nearly all my life with my mom, dad and older sister. We were raised to respect others, value education, and get all that we could out of life. "You can be anything you want to be," my parents always say. "Work hard and the world is yours," is often quoted in my house. My parents are never without a helpful word of advice or a bit of encouragement when life gets tough. ... read >
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FORGIVE AND GROW
Forgiving, I feel, is easy. Forgetting the experience that comes prior to the forgiveness, however, always remains with us. Choosing to forgive means choosing to let go of the bad or negative emotions that one experiences so that we can live in peace and harmony. ... read >
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MCMASTER
I go to Mac High School, and once a year we get snacks when we get off the bus. Usually I think nothing of it and just take a snack and then go on with the rest of my day. ... read >
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REMOVING SNOW
I know it doesn't seem like much, but yesterday my neighbor (who is now on crutches) was trying to clean the snow off his truck with a broom. I went across the street and helped him. ... read >
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MR. AND MRS. POSITIVE
I have two really good friends, Nancy and Richard. They both believe in the power of positive thinking. However, though their personalities are similar, they are totally different in other areas of their lives. The biggest differences are their childhood, career choices, and lifestyles. ... read >
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