Recently I heard about a mother and wife who was in a car crash. She did not have sufficient brain activity to maintain life. I know that a sudden life and death situation is very shocking to the point of having difficulty making decisions. In this case, the family were asked about organ donation. I don't know what they chose. It is important that all of us over 18 years old let our family and friends know about our wishes. There are many people on waiting lists for organ donors for lungs, hearts, kidneys, livers, eyes, etc.
This particular woman who was dying was a loving, giving and caring person who may have had donor directives on her driver's license. However, family members can override any of those wishes. If there was a conversation about this issue, family members would not have to wonder what your wishes are. Many lives can be affected for many years ahead as other people fill their lives with hope.
To Remember Me
by Robert N. Test
The day will come when my body will lie upon a white sheet neatly tucked under four corners of a mattress located in a hospital busily occupied with the living and the dying. At a certain moment a doctor will determine that my brain has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes, my life has stopped. When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life into my body by the use of a machine. And don't call this my deathbed. Let be called the Bed of Life, and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives.
Give my sight to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby's face or love in the eyes of a woman.
Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain.
Give my blood to the teenager who was pulled from the wreckage of his car, so that he might live to see his grandchildren play.
Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist from week to week.
Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk.
Explore every corner of my brain. Take my cells, if necessary, and let them grow so that, someday a speechless boy will shout at the crack of a bat and a deaf girl will hear the sound of rain against her window.
Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow.
If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses and all prejudice against my fellow man.
Give my sins to the devil.
Give my soul to God.
If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or work to someone who needs you.
If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.
Check out my book, e book and audio book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" and my art gallery at illuminangels.com
From the Author
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
The Yellow Roses
"I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 37 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories. Rudy often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands. Rudy knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to bury my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since Rudy passed on. Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how Rudy had loved his steak. Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large pack of T-bones, dropped them in her basket, hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks. She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.' I swelled the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. " My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.' She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.
I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream section near the front of the store. I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine. As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. 'These are for you, ' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again.
I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak. I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision. I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. 'Oh, Rudy, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me and she was his angel." Anonymous Internet
Remember to look around at the people you see and don't be afraid to reach out to someone who appears to be sad or grieving. We can be angels to each other, earth angels. I'm sending you a hug!
Check out my art gallery, e book, audio book and published book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live"
I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream section near the front of the store. I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine. As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. 'These are for you, ' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again.
I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak. I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision. I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. 'Oh, Rudy, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me and she was his angel." Anonymous Internet
Remember to look around at the people you see and don't be afraid to reach out to someone who appears to be sad or grieving. We can be angels to each other, earth angels. I'm sending you a hug!
Check out my art gallery, e book, audio book and published book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live"
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Graditude
"If you want to find happiness, find gratitude." Stever Maraboli, author, speaker and behavioral scientist
Part of finding gratitude is living for today as this is our opportunity to start over again, to renew ourselves one day at a time. Living in the moment helps us appreciate what we have, what we are feeling, and we can thank God for our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers and our relationship to the world.
"Don't let yesterday take up too much of today." Sign on an Instagram page of the Old Try design company
What happened yesterday is history. We can learn from history but we can never relive it. Today is the beginning of our future. We can decide to let go of the past and invest in our future to create an atmosphere of love, trust and forgiveness for ourselves and others.
"The way I look at it, everyday that I'm moving forward is a day that I'm not moving backward." radio show host Bobby Bones from his book, Bare Bones: I'm Not Lonely If You're Reading This Book
We can choose how to live each day, because each day is a new beginning.
"At the end of your time here, the world will either be more or less kind, compassionate, generous, funny, creative and loving because of your presence in it--and you alone get to choose." John Pavlovitz, pastor and author of Hope and Other Superpowers, A Life-Affirming, Love-Defending, Butt-Kicking, World-saving Manifesto
I have always been amazed at the things people remember from years ago. Whenever we are in a crisis, if someone provides love, understanding, compassion, listening and comfort, even for a very brief time, it is cherished by the receiver. The giver often has no memory of their kindness. The receiver cradles the moments in their heart because their need was great, and the love was a blanket of hope. If we live in the moment and look around we can find opportunities to be the answer to a prayer for someone else!
Check out the book, e book, and audio book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" and Pat's art gallery
Part of finding gratitude is living for today as this is our opportunity to start over again, to renew ourselves one day at a time. Living in the moment helps us appreciate what we have, what we are feeling, and we can thank God for our families, friends, neighbors, co-workers and our relationship to the world.
"Don't let yesterday take up too much of today." Sign on an Instagram page of the Old Try design company
What happened yesterday is history. We can learn from history but we can never relive it. Today is the beginning of our future. We can decide to let go of the past and invest in our future to create an atmosphere of love, trust and forgiveness for ourselves and others.
"The way I look at it, everyday that I'm moving forward is a day that I'm not moving backward." radio show host Bobby Bones from his book, Bare Bones: I'm Not Lonely If You're Reading This Book
We can choose how to live each day, because each day is a new beginning.
"At the end of your time here, the world will either be more or less kind, compassionate, generous, funny, creative and loving because of your presence in it--and you alone get to choose." John Pavlovitz, pastor and author of Hope and Other Superpowers, A Life-Affirming, Love-Defending, Butt-Kicking, World-saving Manifesto
I have always been amazed at the things people remember from years ago. Whenever we are in a crisis, if someone provides love, understanding, compassion, listening and comfort, even for a very brief time, it is cherished by the receiver. The giver often has no memory of their kindness. The receiver cradles the moments in their heart because their need was great, and the love was a blanket of hope. If we live in the moment and look around we can find opportunities to be the answer to a prayer for someone else!
Check out the book, e book, and audio book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" and Pat's art gallery
Monday, January 21, 2019
Dr Martin Luther King Jr
"Everything that is done in this world is done by hope." Martin Luther King, Jr
Sometimes when we listen to the news, we can become very discouraged because of all of the disruption in the government and the world. On the other hand we can find stories of incredible kindness and selflessness that reminds us of hope.
"You have as much laughter as you have faith." Martin Luther King, Jr
I came home to see my neighbor with a snow blower clearing my driveway of about 6 inches of snow. I was surprised when I spoke with him that in fact he was not my neighbor. He was his twin brother whom I had only met one time. He brought his snowblower on a truck to clear his brother's driveway and then did mine. I offered to pay him money but he refused as he promised to clear my snow whenever he could. This was a huge gift to me and I am so grateful to know the kindness of a man who apparently spends his life bringing hope to others. He brought light into my life and a huge smile as I accepted this gift that is far more than removing snow. He was adding hope!
"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." Martin Luther King Jr
Martin Luther King Jr planted many trees that still flourish today. Even though the world is chaotic, there are many beautiful signs of his philosophy of forgiveness, non-violent acts of civil disobedience to right wrongs, encouragement for making positive change and to pave the road for justice. He gave his life for a purpose.
"Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream....True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of Justice."
Dr Martin Luther King Jr
Check out my book, e book and audio book for "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" and my art gallery and artwork for sale illuminangels.com
Sometimes when we listen to the news, we can become very discouraged because of all of the disruption in the government and the world. On the other hand we can find stories of incredible kindness and selflessness that reminds us of hope.
"You have as much laughter as you have faith." Martin Luther King, Jr
I came home to see my neighbor with a snow blower clearing my driveway of about 6 inches of snow. I was surprised when I spoke with him that in fact he was not my neighbor. He was his twin brother whom I had only met one time. He brought his snowblower on a truck to clear his brother's driveway and then did mine. I offered to pay him money but he refused as he promised to clear my snow whenever he could. This was a huge gift to me and I am so grateful to know the kindness of a man who apparently spends his life bringing hope to others. He brought light into my life and a huge smile as I accepted this gift that is far more than removing snow. He was adding hope!
"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." Martin Luther King Jr
Martin Luther King Jr planted many trees that still flourish today. Even though the world is chaotic, there are many beautiful signs of his philosophy of forgiveness, non-violent acts of civil disobedience to right wrongs, encouragement for making positive change and to pave the road for justice. He gave his life for a purpose.
"Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream....True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of Justice."
Dr Martin Luther King Jr
Check out my book, e book and audio book for "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" and my art gallery and artwork for sale illuminangels.com
Thursday, January 17, 2019
Hope Just to Live
Today I am thinking about the refugees in the world and keep them in my prayers.
" We see so many human beings around the world dying like Jesus Christ. ...But in spite of so much sin, so much death, so much suffering, there is something in our history which gives us hope....How is it possible there is hope?....Hope for what? Just to live....For those of us who take life for granted, life cannot be an object of hope....In the presence of death, life itself makes sense. It is good to live."
"Clarence learned that reconciliation at the lunch table, where black and white shared together, was as scandalous as to his neighbors as reconciliation on the cross. He spoke about fear as 'the polio of the soul which prevents our walking by faith.'
"In a story that has been quoted many times, Clarence again showed the courage and quick wit that became his trademark. A group of men came to the farm. Their spokesman said to Clarence, 'We're from the Ku Klux Klan and we don't allow the sun to set on people who eat with niggers,'
Clarence glanced over the western sky and noticed that the sun was creeping low. He thought a bit, swallowed a few times, and suddenly reached out, grabbed the man's hand, and started pumping away, saying, 'Why, I just graduated from Southern Baptist Seminary, and they told us about folks who had power over the sun, but I never hoped to meet one here in Sumter County.'
They all laughed, and nobody noticed that the sun had slipped down below the horizon.'
"A blade of wheat, dried with age, lay on Clarence's desk (after his death)....It seem appropriate to find it there. I can think of no better symbol for Clarence's life. 'Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.'
Isolated quotes of Clarence Jordan, Theologian in Overalls, by Joyce Hollyday in Cloud of Witnesses
I hope for each of you that your life bears much fruit and that you have touched the lives of many others with compassion in a way that fosters hope and peace.
Please check out my new website with my art gallery, vinyl prints for sale, press kit, book, e book and audio book "The Dying Teach Us How to Live https//illuminangels.com
" We see so many human beings around the world dying like Jesus Christ. ...But in spite of so much sin, so much death, so much suffering, there is something in our history which gives us hope....How is it possible there is hope?....Hope for what? Just to live....For those of us who take life for granted, life cannot be an object of hope....In the presence of death, life itself makes sense. It is good to live."
"Clarence learned that reconciliation at the lunch table, where black and white shared together, was as scandalous as to his neighbors as reconciliation on the cross. He spoke about fear as 'the polio of the soul which prevents our walking by faith.'
"In a story that has been quoted many times, Clarence again showed the courage and quick wit that became his trademark. A group of men came to the farm. Their spokesman said to Clarence, 'We're from the Ku Klux Klan and we don't allow the sun to set on people who eat with niggers,'
Clarence glanced over the western sky and noticed that the sun was creeping low. He thought a bit, swallowed a few times, and suddenly reached out, grabbed the man's hand, and started pumping away, saying, 'Why, I just graduated from Southern Baptist Seminary, and they told us about folks who had power over the sun, but I never hoped to meet one here in Sumter County.'
They all laughed, and nobody noticed that the sun had slipped down below the horizon.'
"A blade of wheat, dried with age, lay on Clarence's desk (after his death)....It seem appropriate to find it there. I can think of no better symbol for Clarence's life. 'Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.'
Isolated quotes of Clarence Jordan, Theologian in Overalls, by Joyce Hollyday in Cloud of Witnesses
I hope for each of you that your life bears much fruit and that you have touched the lives of many others with compassion in a way that fosters hope and peace.
Please check out my new website with my art gallery, vinyl prints for sale, press kit, book, e book and audio book "The Dying Teach Us How to Live https//illuminangels.com
Live Phone Interview
I will be having a live phone interview about my book, "The Dying Teach Us How to Live" on nbrfm.com Live Broadcast Studio 3 out of New York. It is an internet based radio station that interviews new authors about their books. It will be about 10 minutes long.
I will talk about my book, E book and Audio book and my art gallery. All of this information is on my new website illuminangels.com
Thank you for your interest! Pat
I will talk about my book, E book and Audio book and my art gallery. All of this information is on my new website illuminangels.com
Thank you for your interest! Pat
Saturday, January 5, 2019
Priceless Lesson
"The priceless lesson in the New Year is that endings birth beginnings and beginnings birth endings. And in the elegantly choreographed dance of life, neither ever finds the end in the other." Craig D. Lounsbrough
"What good is life unless you give it away?--unless you can give it for a better world, even if you never see the world but have only carried your grain of sand to the building site. Then you are fulfilled as a person." Penny Lernoux quoted a Guatemalan peasant woman a few months before she was killed by the Guatemalan military
I wish you many beginnings and endings in 2019 as we grow physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
I hope you dance and become fulfilled as a person!!!
New Year's Resolutions:
*My New Years resolution is to stop hanging out with people who ask me about my New year's resolutions
*What is a New Year's resolution? Something that goes in one year and out the other.
*My wife (or husband) still hasn't told me what my New Year's resolutions are.
*Youth is when you're allowed to stay up for New Year. Middle age is when you're forced to.
Church bulletin
"What good is life unless you give it away?--unless you can give it for a better world, even if you never see the world but have only carried your grain of sand to the building site. Then you are fulfilled as a person." Penny Lernoux quoted a Guatemalan peasant woman a few months before she was killed by the Guatemalan military
I wish you many beginnings and endings in 2019 as we grow physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
I hope you dance and become fulfilled as a person!!!
New Year's Resolutions:
*My New Years resolution is to stop hanging out with people who ask me about my New year's resolutions
*What is a New Year's resolution? Something that goes in one year and out the other.
*My wife (or husband) still hasn't told me what my New Year's resolutions are.
*Youth is when you're allowed to stay up for New Year. Middle age is when you're forced to.
Church bulletin
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