My Mother

You have to be living under a rock if you don't know that my mother is one of the strongest people you will ever meet. Today, she starts another round of Chemo because they found a cancerous spot or a mestasis on her lower back. This round of Chemo wont be as bad as the other rounds (crossing our fingers), but still it's chemo and it sucks! So this blog is dedicated to how strong, amazing and loving my mother is. We all know she is going to make it through this because of how strong she is.

I always say, God doesn't give us anything we can't handle. I truly believe that. If my mother can get through the last round, she can get through this, and anything else - especially raising twins and an older brother! She has many great things to look forward to and be healthy for. God is just making sure she is in excellent condition :)

My parents are, of course, a big part of my life. They are the reason I would eventually like to go back to school to get a degree or nutrition certificate to be a certified nutritionist. It's really easy to adopt a healthy lifestyle and I want to be able to teach that to other people. My parents inspire me to do better things and I can only hope that I will make them proud in the process.

If you, a family member or someone you know is going through a hard trial in their life facing cancer, a tough pregnancy, a serious injury, loss of a close one etc, take a few moments out of your day to let them know that you are thinking about them and wish them well. Thoughts and prayers go a long way.

Take Time to Listen Today

This Sunday, we went to church like we do every Sunday (well me every Sunday, Chris not every Sunday, but I'm happy when he does go). It was a great mass. I love feeling the way I feel when I'm in church and when I leave. Besides praying and thanking God everyday, I feel especially close to Him when I'm at church.

Besides feeling joy that I was in church on a gorgeous Sunday, with the love of my life, the homily was great once again. I love when the Father relates his homily to everyday life. Today he based his homily on this verse "My Sheep hear my Voice" (John 10:27) He said that sheep are raised to hear their owners distinctive voice and answer only to them, not to anyone else. Though they aren't that smart of animals, they will only respond to their owners voice. Sheep's listen, that's what they do. The Father then asked "When was the last time you really listened to someone?"

We are inundated with words, words, words everyday from our Blackberry emails and texts, to jobs, clients and complaints to our family and significant others. But when do we actually listen? A relationship, friendship is not only based on trust and communication but we have to be willing to listen to each other. Think of the last argument or "discussion" (that's what I always call them... haha!) and I bet both of you were talking over each other, not letting the other person finish their sentence. Therefore when this happens, we aren't actually listening to what the other person is saying. We are too wrapped up in what we want to say and the point we want to make that we aren't listening to the other person. Once I realized this, it changed the way I discuss things with Chris or just communicated in general. We rarely argue or get into fights about anything. We always communicate what we want to say and we listen to each other. It feels great to be in a strong, mature and healthy relationship like this and I thank God everyday for putting him in my life.

The Father said "This world isn't quiet enough to hear God's word." And it's true. If we stop and listen for just a second, I think things and this world would be just a little different. And yes, YOU can make a difference.

When was the last time you listened?

The Strongest Woman Role Model in My Life

We found out today that my mother, who has undergone intensive chemotherapy for Uterine Cancer, is DONE WITH CHEMO!!!!!!!! She has been strong throughout this entire process and hasn't had a self pity day at all. Lot's of people would be down in their life and completely depressed. But not my mother. She is the happiest person you will meet, even through this. I think her family has a lot to do with it, if I may say so myself :)

I honestly have looked up to my mother my entire life, and why not? She is the strongest woman I know and I can only hope I am and will be as strong and caring as she is. Her and my dad have always supported everything my sister, brother and I have wanted to do. They have been married 28 years and couldn't be happier. All my strength for my self, how I view things in life and my relationship with Christopher comes from them.

I am a big believer that prayer is a very strong and powerful thing. My strong faith also comes from my parents. Chris and I have prayed and continue to pray for my mom throughout this entire process as well as my dad and his parents and those closest to us.

Take notice of those who you consider a strong, influential person in your life and continue to pray for them or hold them close to your hearts. They will continue to inspire you each and everyday, just like my parents do. A simple "Thank you" goes a long way. Have you thanked your favorite person today?

I know I do everyday.

Like I tell my mother everyday:

STAY STRONG NOW AND ALWAYS!