Ann

What does Love mean? A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think: "When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." Rebecca- age 8 "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." Billy - age 4 "Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other." Karl - age 5 "Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs." Chrissy - age 6 "Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." Terri - age 4 "Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7 "Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss" Emily - age 8 "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - age 7 (Wow!) "If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate," Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet) "Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." Noelle - age 7 "Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." Tommy - age 6 "During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that - I wasn't scared anymore." Cindy - age 8 "My mommy loves me more than anybody . You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night." Clare - age 6 "Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine-age 5 "Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." Chris - age 7 "Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." Mary Ann - age 4 "I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." Lauren - age 4 "When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (what an image) Karen - age 7 "Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." Mark - age 6 "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." Jessica - age 8 And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry"

Amie...so glad to hear that Suki is finally home! It sounds like she is doing great! Wow, she must be a really special lady to get a cake from the nurses! That certainly says a lot for Suki! So glad things are going better for both of you! Leaving the bracelets was such a great idea. I have given all of my extras away and this reminds me that I need to order more.

Addie, I am so happy to hear that you got some well deserved sleep and are feeling much better today. Hey...after climbing the wall for nights, you're allowed to break out in song!!! If someone doesn't want to listen, they can just cover their ears. Some of the most miserable times I have ever had have been at 3:00 am. It's terrible to know that you have to go to work in the morning and that it's nearing alarm time and you haven't slept a wink. Then is when my panic button depresses and I start to wonder how I'm going to make it through the day. On top of that, I start looking at the clock even more often which only helps to keep me awake. I'm about ready to toss the clock and get a dependable rooster!!!

http://community-2.webtv.net/Velpics/HUM/ If any of you are nature lovers, please look at this site. Please remember to click NEXT PAGE at the bottom right hand of each page. Oh, how I hope Dean Carl sees this post! It really made me think of him!

Feline Heaven A cat dies and goes to Heaven. God meets him at the gate and says, "You have been a good cat all of these years. Anything you desire is yours, all you have to do is ask." The cats says, "Well, I lived all my life with a poor family on a farm and had to sleep on hardwood floors." God says, "Say no more." And instantly, a fluffy pillow appears. A few days later, 6 mice are killed in a tragic accident and they go to Heaven. God meets them at the gate with the same offer that He made the cat. The mice said, "All our lives we've had to run. Cats, dogs and even women with brooms have chased us. If we could only have a pair of roller skates, we wouldn't have to run anymore." God says, "Say no more." And instantly, each mouse is fitted with a beautiful pair of tiny roller skates. About a week later, God decides to check and see how the cat is doing. The cat is sound asleep on his new pillow. God gently wakes him and asks, "How are you doing? Are you happy here?" The cat yawns and stretches and says, "Oh, I've never been happier in my life. And those Meals on Wheels you've been sending over are the best!"

Val, please read Ginny's post again....and again! She always has the wisest things to say! I know how much you miss your mom and I know you are heart broken that she is not there to share all of Carolyn's "firsts" with you. But please remember that mothers want, more than anything, for their children to be happy and healthy. So Val....try and think only happy thoughts about your mom and know that she is always with you in your heart!!!

Way to go Ellen and Len ! So very proud of both of you!!!!

Share one of your most embarassing moments. A couple of years ago, I ran into an old friend of mine. I knew that I had heard she was expecting a baby but wasn't exactly sure when I heard it. When I saw her, she was still very large in her tummy. My question was....when are you going to have that wonderful baby? Her reply.....I did...two months ago. Well, I just wanted to crawl underneath something and stay there until she went away. At that point, I learned never to ask that question again!

Happy Birthday Dear Debi........Happy Birthday to You......and Many More!!!!!!!! I baked a Margarita Cake last night and I'm sending you a big slice with a candle on top along with this post! You'll have to see Cindi for the Margarita in the glass!!!!

16 THINGS THAT TOOK YEARS TO LEARN 1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night. 2. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings." 3. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." 4. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them. 5. You should not confuse your career with your life. 6. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. 7. Never lick a steak knife. 8. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip. 9.You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time. 10. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment. 11. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven. 12. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers. 13. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to a waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention. It never fails.) 14. Your friends love you anyway. 15. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic. 16. Thought for the day: Men are like fine wine. They start out as grapes, and it's up to the women to stomp the crap out of them until they turn into something acceptable to have dinner with.

Cathy, I just can't believe it's the two year mark for you! Having been around here through your dad's illness and untimely passing, I feel as if we're truly family. I have always been so touched by the deep and sincere love you have always expressd for your dad. You're a wonderful daughter and I know you were so very much loved by your dear dad. I know, all too well, how hard tommorrow will be for you. Some will say that time makes things easier but there is something dreadfully painful about these anniversary dates. It almost seems as if time has stood still and we're right back to square one all over again. I'll say a little prayer, asking God to help you find some understanding about the loss of your dad!!! Love you, Cathy!!!

Thanks for sharing this wonderful news with us. We all need a good reason to kick up our heels!!!!

Sweet Dreams, Addie!!!!

Kel, please accept my sympathy on the passing of your boss. I'm sure his death is churning up a lot of feelings regarding the loss of your mom. Sending lots of (((((((((((((((((((((Kel))))))))))))))))) your way!

Paula, I'm so sorry that your dad is having such a rough time of it right now. Has your dad's oncologist prescribed any meds for the nausea? I know there are some that work really well. Some members here will be able to give you some really good suggestion regarding meds. Most of us consider driving to be a part of our independence and whether that freedom is taken away by illness or age, it's hard to accept. I'm sure your dad will come around and understand this decision is for his own good. Just assure him that someone will be there to take him wherever he needs to go. I'm sure that right now, in addition to feeling pretty lousy, he feels as if he's a burden to you and your mom. Men are like that. Just remember that gals don't own the rights to pity parties. Guys are allowed to throw them from time to time. I think it's great that you are being supportive and encouraging your dad to think about doing things he will enjoy! Maybe there are some of your dad's meds that he is currently taking that are causing him to be depressed??? I'm sure you will get some great advice from the people on the board! Hang in there!!!!

Jaonie, I said prayers for you and am now eagerly awaiting some really good news!!!!!

Everthing possible is crossed here, Barb. Of course except my eyes, as I wouldn't be able to use this computer that is so addicting if my eyes were crossed. I'm also saying lots of prayers for you!!!

What are you wearing today that is most reflective of who you really are??? I guess this would have to be my jeans. Although I'm in a management position with the company I work for, I almost fought for the right to wear jeans in the office. Now, all the gals can wear jeans and company polo shirts. I think we look professional and are comfortable. I work for a contractor, so I feel that people don't exactly expect this to be a "hose and heels" office. The jeans represent my ability to fight for an issue and stand up for what I believe to be right!!!!

At lunch time, I'm off to pick up a copy. Sounds like maybe someone finally did an article that was true to light!

Gosh, I thought I was the only one that was up at that time of night and or morning, allowing my mind to wander in all directions. Addie, I hope you can channge meds really soon so you can get some well needed zzzzzzz's. Being awake at all hours is not a fun thing. It seems that when I have these nights, I either want to clean the house or talk on the phone and neither are very practical at 3:00 am. Hope you get some good news when you see the doc today! By the way, I loved reading your post!

Welcome back Kasey. Glad you had great trip and I am so envious of all you guys that get to actually meet in person. KarHart and I are practically neighbors and haven't met yet! We really have to work on this! Also, glad that computer is up and running again. When we have trouble with them, we wonder how we ever lived without them.

Sometimes it's best to know what you're dealing with so you can begin treatment and start kicking this monster in the butt!!! I know how hard it must be for you to have the job of digesting all this information and then passing it along but it sounds as if you're doing a great job. I hope things go well for your FIL. Please keep us posted and know that we will be thinking of you and saying lots of prayers.

Catholic parrots A lady goes to her priest one day and tells him, "Father, I have a problem. I have two female parrots, but they only know how to say one thing." "What do they say?" the priest inquired. "They say, 'Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?" "That's obscene!" the priest exclaimed, then he thought for a moment. "You know," he said, "I may have a solution to your Problem. I have two male talking parrots, which I have taught To pray and read the Bible. Bring your two parrots over to my House, and we'll put them in the cage with Francis and Peter. My parrots can teach your parrots to praise and worship, and Your parrots are sure to stop saying that phrase in no time." "Thank you," the woman responded, "This may very well be the solution." The next day, she brought her female parrots to the priest's house As he ushered her in, she saw that his two male parrots were inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying. Impressed, she walked over and placed her parrots In with them. After a few minutes, the female parrots cried Out in unison "Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?" There was stunned silence. Shocked, one male parrot looked over at the other male parrot and exclaimed, "Put the beads away, Frank. Our prayers have been answered."

So glad that nasty fever is all gone and you're back here where you belong. I know how glad you must be to get back home! Extended hospital stays are the pits!!!

A woman decides to have a facelift for her birthday. She spends $5,000 and feels pretty good about the results. On her way home, she stops at a newsstand to buy a newspaper. Before leaving she says to the clerk, "I hope you don't mind my asking, but how old do you think I am?" "About 32," is the reply. "I'm exactly 47, " the woman says happily. A little while later she goes into McDonald's and asks the counter girl the very same question. She replies, "I guess about 29." The woman replies, "Nope, I'm 47." Now she's feeling really good about Herself. She stops in a drug store on her way down the street. She goes up to the counter to get some mints and asks the clerk this burning question. The clerk responds, "Oh, I'd say 30." Again she proudly responds, "I am 47, but thank you." While waiting for the bus to go home, she asks an old man the same question. He replies, "Lady, I'm 78 and my eye sight is going. Although, when I was young, there was a sure way to tell how old a woman was. It sounds very forward, but it requires you to let me put my hands under your bra. Then I can tell you exactly how old you are." They wait in silence on the empty street until curiosity gets the best of her. She finally blurts out, "what the heck, go ahead." He slips both of his hands under her blouse and under her bra and begins to feel around very slowly and carefully. After a couple of minutes of this, she says, "Okay, okay...how old am I?" He completes one last squeeze of her breasts, removes his hands, and says, "Madam, you are 47." Stunned and amazed, the woman says, "That was incredible, how could you Tell?" The old man replies, "Promise you won't get mad?" "No," she says. He replies, "I was behind you in line at McDonald's."