Saturday, November 9, 2013

 
A Tribute to Angels                                                                                     November 10, 2013
By Sue Cryer
 

I believe in Angels,
They twinkle in the stars and whisper through the wind.

I believe in Angels,
They creep into a nightmare and create a dream instead.

I believe in Angels,
They sit there in the dark and turn the shadows into light. 

I believe in Angels,
They raise their eyes and wink at me when sorrows crowd my mind.

I believe in Angels,
They beckon me sometimes.

I believe in Angels,
God surely had a plan.

…I will not walk alone, not with angels by my side.

I believe in Angels,
Not everyone agrees.

…Rage and evil will attempt to clip their shining wings.
 
I believe in Angels,
Their wings are made of steel.

…The strength of a thousand lifetimes sustains their worthy souls.

I believe in Angels,
A steadfast watch they hold.

…When I am not aware, they send me subtle signs.

I believe in Angels,
They are in our midst.

…On the days when I forget this, a whisper tells me yes.

Goodnight my dear sweet angels,
Keep bright the stars above, and remain forever by our sides.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Sue's Solutions: A Mother's Gift

Sue's Solutions: A Mother's Gift: The local newspapers say that the average American consumer will spend $168.94 on Mother's Day gifts this year.  That seems like a lot, ...

Saturday, May 11, 2013

A Mother's Gift

The local newspapers say that the average American consumer will spend $168.94 on Mother's Day gifts this year.  That seems like a lot, even a whole paycheck for some.  When you add the gift, the card, the wrapping paper, and the bow, I guess it could all add up. Or maybe the money will be used to take mom to a nice dinner or a movie. Mom will be so happy.

Perhaps you have spent several weeks planning for this event, and have something really special planned.  Something that will go beyond average, something that tops the $168.94.  Maybe a day at a spa, followed by a nice dinner, and then a show or movie.  Now, that would well exceed the norm. Mom will remember that.

How about a surprise trip to the local art museum where your mother's favorite artist is being featured. That alone could fall a bit below the average, until you add the keepsake from the museum's gift shop and a bite to eat afterward.  Over the top once again.  But, she is your mom.  She is worth it.

Perhaps Mom is the outgoing type, and you have decided to take her hang gliding.  That will cost you, but you will both have an exciting and memorable time.  After all, she passed that adventurous gene on to you. Maybe hiking is a better choice. Either way, one for the record books. 

Of course, you may be one of the thousands who will make that quick stop at the drug store on the way to mom's house where you will be besieged with numerous choices of perfume, keepsakes, and a multitude of cards to accommodate the last minute shopper.  Mom will love it, because it is from you.

Tomorrow there will be sons and daughters all over America vying for the one thing that will make their mother smile with love and pride over the gifts her cherished offspring have offered and she will lovingly accept.

Gifts that once were handmade with pasta and glue, movies that were once only in animation, honored artwork signed in crayon, thrill rides that used to involve band aides or a trip to the urgent care, and dinners that sparked with events of the day or ended in sparks when hormones and independent streaks set in.

Mother's Day will come to an end, and it will be time to say goodbye. Mom will lovingly pat a grown up cheek, thinking of all the jelly stains she had once wiped off of it. A hug or kiss will be offered, while mom remembers the hundreds of good night kisses bestowed gently on that sleeping head. The door will be open, and out they will run with hand raised in a heartfelt goodnight. So many of those goodnights added up in a mind that still cringes in worry as they leave her side.

Mom will head back into the house, her heart full. Memories flood a brain that is tired from the day's events. The phone lights up with a text letting you know they had a great day with you, had made it home, and that they "luv u". Your heart lifts and a smile spreads on your weary face. The text is only a reminder. The secret they do not yet know is there no monetary value on the greatest gift you hold. A gift you had all along. That secret gift is the knowledge that you are loved by a child you have given your greatest give to - your heart.