48 hours of Vitamin D

It was only 48 hours but the re-charging I may have needed. Or was it?

I consider myself to be on the cutting edge, adventurous, semi-spontaneous (as much as can be with MAJOR responsibilities) and a 'fun-loving lover of life.'

I'm proud of the reception I received when I called my best friend a while ago.

I initially emailed him not knowing that his computer has been on the fritz and he has not been reading any of the email I've sent pretty much since he left Ohio. (In some ways that's a good thing!!!)

Hearing his reaction to my initial 'fishing around,' I asked him --"Do you think there are any tickets left for the Tribe-Rays games?

At first, speechless (which is not his MO). Next, he slowly and confusedly asked, "Why? Are you planning on coming down?" And I answered, "Yes, I am."

Yet again, speechless.

I felt like I had really pulled a fast one on him, which is impossible to do.

He asked if I had gotten my ticket yet, which I had, which silenced him one last time.

Honestly, I did not believe it would happen. I was sure something would come up causing me to cancel the trip--Mom not feeling well, a development at work, any number of items to rain on my parade.

I had many tasks to complete before I could fly the friendly skies. I did not accomplish as much as I would have liked BUT more than I realistically thought I would conquer.

Being 'Miss Organized,' I had to orchestrate every movement, every action. Make sure all my ducks were in a row back here in Cleveland and then I had every minute planned out on the road.

Finally, time to depart. Things were going too well. Eerie feeling came over me.

True story: Knowing we are huge baseball fans, an acquaintance I see each Monday, Wednesday and Friday asked who the Tribe was playing? I said, "The Rays, in fact I am on my way to the game right now." They looked at me like I had gone off the deep end and could not believe I was jetting off to see my Tribe!

But, amazingly, everything went off without a hitch. I arrived early and had the most glorious 48 hours with my dearest friend in the world. How could I not enjoy my mini-vacation away from reality, responsibility and cool temperatures?!?!?!

Well, upon arriving in FLA --a little rocky as my purse spilled all over and I went fishing for lipstick, cell phone, lip gloss, keys.....I totally lost my lipstick lid which I still can't figure out since I was in the ladies room and there is only so much room in there?!?! There are huge signs saying 'do not leave your luggage unattended.' Well, I am crawling all over the restroom floor trying to gather my belongings --leaving my luggage unattended and thinking someone is going to think I am a nut looking under stalls! Great start, huh!!! Then because of my purse mishap, I missed the first shuttle tram. I'm thinking: D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R! It did get better from here on in.

The minute I arrived it was off to the Indians' Game.....with Mark DeRosa and Evan Longoria! Heaven! An Indians' Game in 92 degree temperatures! Double heaven!! I nice cool Bacardi-Diet Coke with ball park food! Tri-fecta!!!

Another true story: I was enjoying the company, the ambiance, the moment when I checked my phone and had 4 text messages. That's unheard of! Turns out, I had just been on TV and Matt Underwood and Rick Manning were talking about me on the air. Oblivious! The magic of cameras not right in your face. Apparently, Matt, who I had worked with, was telling everyone what I do and who I was....as I am taking pictures galore of my boys! Now, if that does not beat all and make a most memorable remembrance of this trip, nothing will!!!

(Sidebar --Ironically, while writing this at 339am in the morning, I am rousted. Duty calls and I must go help a family member in need. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE tending to family and friends. However, being away for 48 hours was free of interruptions such as these and totally necessary. It's too bad they only happen every 4 and 1/2 years & the only way I can get a little freedom and peace of mind back is totally leaving the state!!!)

I won't go into details of my fabulous weekend. A little mystery is good for the soul. Suffice it to say, Indians/warmth/good company/good seafood/sun/cocktails galore /jamming to really good tunes /not having to drive /not having to be in charge /not having to make any decisions /not having to wake up with an alarm clock or the beck & call of family members /laying by the pool /the list is endless.........

I really tried to enjoy every single second because Billy Joel told me --"it's just a fantasy, it's not the real thing, but sometimes a fantasy is all you need."

I knew before I knew it, I'd be back in reality and my 48 hours of Vitamin D would appear like a dream, a fantasy.

I did enjoy every single second. I knew it would soon come to an end but if I was lucky, I would try very hard to let the memories linger and incorporate, if possible, a little 'fantasy' into my every day life.

It re-charged me for the moment. Was it enough. Heck no. But, back to reality and but quick!

The freedom may be gone for another 4 and 1/2 years but I will cherish those memories forever!

No matter how many responsibilities we carry on our shoulders, no matter how alone we feel each and every day, God is carrying us during our toughest times. And, it's ok to dream. It's healthy to savor endearing moments and memories. And frankly, having the blessed life I have, I continue to make new memories each and every day. I still try to enjoy every single second, because it could be snatched in a heart beat.

Singing funerals

Many people I speak with think it's kind of morbid to sing a funeral.

On the contrary. Mom (and 12 years of Catholic Education) raised me with the proper view of God, religion, life, death and the world beyond.

Having the best Pastor in the Diocese also helps put a positive twist and proper perspective on passing and heading to the next life.

I sang a funeral yesterday for one of our parishioners--just a lovely lady who has suffered enough with illness, dialysis and so many other ailments. She is home now, and though it's sad for those left behind, everyone knows she is out of her misery and still with loved ones in heaven.

Mom always says when you sing, you pray twice! Singing a funeral pays tribute to the deceased as well as hopefully helping family members cope....

Each time I sing, I talk to the deceased and tell them this is my way of thanking them for being in our lives....and I hope I do them proud!


Mrs. Smith's funeral reminded me of something my Mom always says --CAN'T is NOT in our vocabulary! That was Mrs. Smith's mantra and Mom's too! She says you can do anything you put your mind too, solve every problem, don't sell yourself short.

John, Eleanor's son, asked everyone in attendance to honor and remember his mother by taking the word CAN'T out of their vocabulary every May 16th as a tribute to a wonderful lady.

If God is for us, who can be against us?

Enlightening passage from Romans....and really all that needs to be said.

Nickelback If Today Was Your Last Day Lyrics

This is going to sound very strange but I am fortunate to have had a sequence of events happen 4 to 5 years ago where my best friend moved 2000 miles away, my dog (my other best friend) passed away a few months later and then my Mother nearly died to turn me around and take this song to heart.

I've been living by these words for a long, long time (whether others see it or not, I know) and am most grateful to God for opening my eyes and allowing me to LIVE and be the absolute best person I can be every day of my life!

On this day, Oh beautiful Mother

Absolutely nothing I could say would adequately depict the love I feel for my Mother and the gratitude I have for giving me life & constantly being there for me.

Nothing tangible will ever pay her back. Oh, sure, we went on a mini shopping spree and she got a bunch of chic outfits. She's stylin' and just the coolest Mom you could ever have! Our Mother's Day weekend was superb! One of the best we've had in years!

I'm so very proud of her comeback. She has more life in her today than 4 years ago. THIS is a gift bestowed on all of us from God and I refuse to take it for granted.

I was able to give her one gift so near and dear to my heart: the gift of song. I used my gift of song during weekend Mass. I have a great gift from God and love sharing it with others.

I am blessed. Maybe because it was Mother's Day weekend and my Church is named after Mary, our Mother...maybe it was just the music selection this weekend.....maybe I put a little more into it for Mary our Mother and all Mothers here on earth and those I know who have passed?

I don't really know but I can not tell you how many beautiful women/mothers came up to me after every Mass and thanked me for making their celebration more beautiful and complete.

It was my pleasure and honor singing 'On this day, O beautiful Mother' for every Mother this weekend, especially the Virgin Mary.

I am humbled to make Mom happy and proud by using my gift of song to the best of my ability.

I know Mom had a tremendous weekend....she says everything about it was wonderful: the singing, the company, the gifts, dinner and brunch, all the laughter, and the outpouring of love galore...but I know better. I know her favorite part was receiving her Slider Slippers! Enjoy Mom and Happy Mother's Day. Hopefully MANY MANY more to come!!! xoxo

My daily medicine

The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.


Mark 12:10

Psalm 118

New beginnings

A bittersweet day.

Friday, certainly a day of endings and new beginnings.

We recently lost our former Pastor, Father Anthony Zepp.

Fr. Zepp gave my Mother a wonderful opportunity to serve our church for so many years as well as becoming a member of our extended family (he and his family).

He will truly be missed. I'm sure this was his greeting for so many, but I loved when he welcomed me by saying, 'Hi Honey' and gave me a big hug!

Mom and I were quite fortunate to see him only weeks ago as I sang a funeral for one of our parishioners. Fr. Zepp was ailing but attended the funeral Mass.

Friday, we said goodbye to him so he could begin his life of eternity with the Lord above. I'm sure the first face he saw was his Mother, who we also miss!

His funeral Mass, a moving and deserving sendoff. There had to be over 200 priests on hand saying goodbye to their brother. Bishop Anthony Pilla officiated the Mass. It was so nice seeing former parishioners, friends, and members of Father's family we've not seen in years.

I'm extremely proud and blessed to have my religion be the main staple in my life. Though we were at a funeral mass, it was not a sad occasion. It was a joyful, beautiful remembrance of a truly great man.

And, seeing how faith-filled my Mother is and hoping that one day, I too, will carry that trait makes me look forward to each new morning.

Mom has garnered so much respect being such a wonderful woman.

During the ending procession, Father's nephew, a Pall Bearer, leaned over and gave Mom a big kiss.

But wait. There's more.

During the ending procession, Bishop Anthony Pilla did the same. He not only greeted Mom but lay his hand on her head and gave her a blessing.

I'm in awe at how much love is extended toward my Mother. She certainly deserves it, but the fact that there are still caring people in the world offers hope for our future.

Father Zepp went immediately to heaven. That's a given. We mourn his loss but praise his life and rejoice that he is no longer in pain and has met up with family and friends who have gone before him. We extend our prayers and thoughts to those left on this earth that we all can carry on his legacy as caring, loving servants of God.

Now the next bittersweet news doesn't even compare to the death of a loved one.

However, none the less, a life-changing event.

Friday, one of my most cherished possessions was taken from me for good.

It was first taken from me back on March 25, 2009.

Friday, my car was towed to its final resting place. Very telling. As we were at Father Zepp's funeral, the insurance tow company took my totalled vehicle.

Not seeing my car in the garage anymore --reality hit as I realized my car was gone for good, gone forever.

Again, it's just a 'thing.' But a momentous occasion in my life as well.

One chapter closed, the next one opened.

God's in charge and knows what he is doing.

We just need to follow his lead, do the best we can and know that no matter what, God is on our side and with us every step of the way. Every trial and tribulation. Every joyous event. Every time someone persecutes us for doing what we believe is right. He's right by our side.