"Do you have turkey neck"?

I have been searching for just the right topic for this, my second blog. I have had some thoughts on what I might like to say, but nothing seemed right. Then the other day I had run to a store on my way to work and was in a bit of a hurry as I past a sign that read "Do you have turkey neck?"

"Wow", I thought to myself, "I don't know..but if I do how dangerous is it?"


After some consideration I realized that having "turkey neck" must be some sort of physical imperfection, and that the ad was aimed at getting me to think I needed to spend money so I could "fix" the problem. Multiple messages remind us daily that we have physical imperfections that may not be socially acceptable.



I would like to share an experience that I had a couple of years ago. I met a young lady who truly inspired me. The first time I saw her I was amazed, and wondered (I have to admit) how she dared come out in public, not out of judgment, but out of concern for her. Putting myself in her place I didn't think I would have been able to face the world. Her face was very disfigured. I couldn't tell what her emotions were because she wasn't able to move any of her facial muscles. She couldn't even close her mouth when she spoke. At first I thought she must only go out when she absolutely had to, but it didn't take me long to realize that she wasn't inhibited, but rather came out quite often. When I saw her, she was usually preforming acts of kindness.

I have thought about her often. How did she become so confident in her self ?

I believe that her confidence came from a source deep within her; the knowledge that she is of value, a child of God and that she has talents to share and love to give. I believe that she somehow tuned out the messages that try to convince us that in order to be beautiful you must look a certian way.

May I remember that I too am of worth. May I accept the things I cannot change and face the world with a willing heart and helping hands. And may I always remember that we are all children of God.

If I Had My Life To Live Over

If I had my life to live over- By Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never have instisted the car windows be rolled up on a summerday because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television-and more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for a day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside of me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more.."I love you"s..more "I'm sorry"s

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute..look at it and really see it..live it..and never give it back.

Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.

Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who Do love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with.

And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually. Life is too short to let it pass you by. We only have one shot at this and then it's gone.

I imagine that Erma wrote these words as she reflected on her life as it was drawing to a close, she eventually lost her fight with cancer.

I have often thought about what I would do if I knew that this was my last day on earth. I have, in the past, actually tried to live that "perfect" day, a day that I would want to live if it where my last. That experience taught me something about myself. I came to understand that no matter how hard I try, I will never be perfect in this life, not even for just one day! I can, however, humble myself and ask for forgiveness.

I can get up in the morning and be grateful for the chance begin a new day.

Then when I retire at night and reflect on that day, I can ask myself "Did I make a difference?" and "Did I treat others the way I would want them to remember me?"

Then I can resolve to "try a little harder to be a little better" (Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley)

With the chance to live another day I can find and share joy in the journey.

And if I haven't told you lately thanks to all of you for your love and support, I have the greatest friends and family.

Love to you all,

Nancy

100-Yard Dash

Several years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants ... all physically or mentally disabled...assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash.

At the sound of the gun, they all started out..not exactly in a dash, but with the relish to run the race to the finish and win.

They all started out except one boy..who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.

The other eight, hearing the boy cry, slowed down and then paused.

Then they circled around and hurried back. Every one of them.

One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed the boy and said, "This will make it all better,"

Then all nine linked arms..and walked together to the finish line.

Source: The Executive Speechwriter Newsletter, Vol.11, #4




Some of my most rewarding opportunities have come as I have worked and associated with those with special needs. They have taught me so much about unconditional love. My special needs friends always accept me for who I am, without reservation. They are honest and free with their affection. They don't worry about being popular or rich, they just like to have fun and be happy.

May I take into my heart, all those things that I've been taught. May I remember to slow down and pause and cirlce back to help when I see someone is down. May I remember that kindness can make it "all better". May I think less of my own success and more of other's accomplishments. And may I remember to just have fun and be happy.