The value of an appendage

While away on a work trip my town received about seven inches of snow. By the time I arrived home the following day the only evidence of the white blanket were the mounds that had been pushed in a parking lot. But in my yard (and a few others) the storm left more on the ground than snow. A branch about 18 inches in diameter had fallen from a massive tree in my yard.

The blessing in this: The tree has to come down so we can build a house in that location. My husband had planned to take it down last summer...As you know things don't always happen when anticipated.

So Saturday, limb by limb, we cut down the tree. It was bittersweet since the tree was a perfect tree house tree but with each "timber" we see the rotten center. How the tree stood as long as it did with that weak center surprised me.

In these adventures I hurt my thumb. Just a small gouge, no big deal. I didn't even stop to get a bandage. I just let it bleed. Monday at work I sat at a computer. Ouch, another word, another ouch. Man, who know such a small injury could cause such discomfort? I use that spot on my thumb to hit the space bar.

What does this have to do with writing? There are several things, symbolism, the huge tree had a dead center. You don't always know what you'll get. Even the smallest things can have large consequences. But me, I think I'll say that you can find an excuse to do (or not do) just about anything. Do you want it bad enough to push through the pain? (All that from a dying tree.)

Now, the wound has healed. I'd love to tell you that is why I haven't spent as much time writing as I should. Or maybe it's work, with only 20 school days left in the year, I am busy. But really, I'm just being a slacker. On a positive note, I'm making strawberry jam. Next time, if I'm not being a slacker, I'll share with you my low sugar recipe.

A word of praise

Think back to high school. Who won prom royalty the year(s) you attended? Were they good looking? Popular? Vain? Selfish? Many high school movies would lead you to believe that this is the kind of person peers nominate for the prestigious title of prom king or queen.

 This is not the case at all schools. I must praise the students who nominate and vote for those who need this positive recognition. The students who are brave enough to stand up and declare that people are people and have something to offer, even if they aren't "typical." I know a school where this has happened not just once but multiple times. When I hear of events like this I have hope for a great future, with leaders who not only think of themselves but of others. This VERY simple act may change the course of a lifetime. Not only for those who receive the crown, not even just those who award it but for people everywhere who struggle with some limitation. Which really describes all of us. Even with weaknesses, disabilities or inabilities we all have value!

In writing news, this is the cover for the Christmas anthology with my story in it. If you read last years story this one is a companion. If you didn't, it won't affect your understanding or enjoyment. With the support of  wonderful friends I sent $500 to the National Down Syndrome Society last year. This year all profits will be donated to Autism Speaks. Since I've worked in special education for the last seven years I can fully support anything that provides knowledge of how to help those with limitations. Our goal in special ed is to help all students reach their full potential. Their abilities are often greater than their disabilities.

Tragedy is inspirational

A follow-up post to the last one regarding Elam Jones. While entering his funeral I was asked by a news person for a quote. Caught on the spot I didn't have one but after thinking about it for a while I came up with a great one. Of course the news crews were gone by the time I left the funeral so my brilliant quote remained unsaid. But I think you deserve to hear it.

"The way Elam's family is handling this tragedy is inspirational. Where hatred and bitterness could grow they are cultivating love and faith."

My father worked in a coal mine for 27 years and I never thought about how he risked his life to support his family. The dangers are real in any job. Some offer a larger chance for accidents. So count your blessings. You have lived another day. No one knows when their time will come, so make the most of it!