And the ward went crazy!

Tell tale signs that even though Mom is ailing and definitely not at her best, she's better than she was 4 years ago.

Priceless moment today.

We were prepping for her dialysis session when a fellow patient said to Mom, "did you hear what happened to your team today?"

She shook her head no.

At first, he did not want to be the one to break the news to her but then acquiesced.

He said, "Eric Wedge has been fire along with his whole staff."

A huge shriek and Hallelujah echoed throughout the entire dialysis center sending the ward we were in into a frenzy of laughter.

It's rare to be happy or experience upside moments during the awful dialysis procedure.

But even through her rough weak and feeling like crap, Mom did it again.

She managed to put smiles on dozens of peoples' faces by just being herself!

Will she see it come to fruition?

For those of you who know me, I am a jokester, always with the smile on my face, happy go lucky because I know what a wonderful life I have and what tremendous experiences I've lived through in the past.

I look at all I've done, all I've seen, everywhere I've traveled, who I've met and can not believe I am looking in the mirror at MY LIFE!

However, every once in a blue moon, I become sullen thinking of things I can not control.

The last few days have been wonderful, in my estimation, depicting the future of Cleveland --the city I love so much.

We just got the Gay Games in 5 years.....the Flats may be coming back to life --oh we had some terrific times down at the Beach Club, Have a Nice Day Cafe, Jimmy's and so many more!

Then we have the entire gambling /casino issue still being hashed out....a new Convention Center /Medical Mart....the Waterfront plan......the ideas being tossed around for Cleveland's future outlook appear quite bright.

Then why am I so blue?

Well, none of us really know how much time we have on this earth. Only God above knows.

But as we get older and see friends and family get even older, announcements like today's Gay Games make me think, 'will my older relatives even be around to see this great day come to life?'

I shudder to think of the changing landscape of our great city and how those I love may miss it, at least down here with me.

I'd love to experience it with them. But, it may be a day late and a dollar short?

And for me at least, that's a thought which hits close to home and really gives me the motivation to enjoy each current day and live each moment to the fullest with those in the here and now.

Unconditional Love

Unconditional love is:

Doing something or going somewhere you're not particularly fond of.....

Holding the hand of someone who needs you...

Sitting up awake all night on the floor next to a loved one in peril.....

Surprising someone with their favorites....

Sacrificing something you love to please someone else.....

Going the extra mile when your tank is just about empty.....

Doing something before it's even asked of you.....

Taking care of everything so they don't have to ever worry.....

Listening.....

Putting others first before your needs.....

Losing sleep when someone needs you.......

Always having a smile on your face.....

Just being there.....

Free Day, sort of

Off for five days....what a wonderful feeling.

Not totally free. I'm never totally free.

However, it's amazing how taking one or two things out of the equation can add a little extra time for other things that matter and really need attention.

Skipping a baseball game gave me time to get a few household chores done, but that's more than if I would have gone....

And, though I've been told more than I want to admit, "If you want something that bad, you will make it happen," that's not quite true!

Sometimes your fate is decided for you....yesterday I was supposed to attend Hiram's Homecoming and then sing at Mass. Due to extenuating circumstances totally beyond my control, everything went out the window so I could tend to Mom and her issues. A free day, sort of...out of my hands.


When the reins are handed back to me and life is back in my control, sometimes you have to say "no" in order to catch up on life and get your sanity back in check....

Through someone else's eyes

A friend of Mom's went to the Indians' Game with me Saturday night.

Mom was not feeling well, and honestly, I would have rather not gone (I can not believe I said that. Baseball is my life!) My place was at home with Mom.

However, Mom's friend had never been to Progressive Field let alone a baseball game. She was so excited and we had promised.

When I arrived on such a rainy night, Donna said she had arrived when the gates opened so she could take it all in. She was like a kid in a candy store.

She did not know much about baseball but more than I expected.

She said it goes much quicker in person than on tv and is more exciting in person.

It was a pleasure answering her questions and explaining the basics to someone. Just possibly, I was helping mold yet another baseball fan.

She also saw how beloved Mom was as ushers, vendors and others went up and down the aisle asking where Mom was and asking me to please tell her hello!

Just as the mist began spraying a bit more, we made our way up to the Terrace Club to warm up, get out of the rain, and of course, get a delicious dessert!

Yet another new experience which made Donna's eyes bug out of her head!

And the cherry on top was when Jhonny Peralta hit the game winner scoring Valbuena which set off the fireworks, and put a nice ribbon on Donna's trip to Progressive Field!

She explained it as 'the feeling of a playoff or World Series game' as the players high-fived each other and pounded Jhonny on first base!

I rarely experience anything new with anyone anymore....just as much as Donna enjoyed the entire evening, the pleasure was all mine!

Helpless feeling

One of the worst feelings to have is not being able to help a family member or friend in peril.

I experienced that this morning as I unsuccessfully tried helping someone in need.

You read about people's 'super human' tendencies coming out when someone really needs help.

On one hand, that sort of happened. Though I've been experiencing awful pain in my arm and back, I still tried as hard as I could not ever once thinking of the pain...not ever once feeling the pain while I assisted someone who needed me.

But, it was not enough.


Then the next feeling to overtake me was not understanding how someone can not have the strength to do all the normal things I can do.

Those actions that seem so simple to me, that I take for granted on a daily basis are impossible for others including the elderly, the weak, those suffering from medical issues...

Just walking up and down the stairs......getting up off the floor.....picking up a cup of coffee....or putting on shoes.


"Whatsoever you do for the least of my people, that you do unto me."

Quick tour of the Cultural Gardens

I really hate wasting time.

So when we had some free time between medical appointments today, I took Mom on a tour of the Cultural Gardens and University Circle.

Oh, she's been here before but a nice way to see the city on a beautiful day and NOT sitting in an office just waiting!

We whizzed around the Art Museum, Botanical Gardens, Natural History Museum, Crawford Auto Museum, Severance Hall then through the Cultural Gardens of Cleveland glancing at them one by one.....coming back atop the hill to see the flip side of many of them....

Quality time spent well with Mom as we enjoyed the sights and sounds of the city together!

Whirlwind week ahead

This is probably my last post for a few days......seeing we have, believe it or not, 8 various medical appointments in the coming week....as if all of our lives were not hectic and jam-packed enough.

I'm sure at the end of the week, I'll need a stiff drink.

Too bad I don't really drink anymore! Rats!

Steel drum, hot dogs, apple pie, and ......

Ok, so I stray from the normal saying of 'baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet.'

Never a dull day in our lives. Never a free day. Oh, what I would give to have 24 hours of absolutely nothing to do. Unfortunately, it does not usually work out that way.

Today was fun, however.

Special celebration at Mass where we sang a few songs in Swahili....then onto the Annual Parish Picnic!

Today's theme: The Caribbean.

Jam packed. So many people showed up, it was wonderful to see.

As parishioners entered the grounds, they were serenaded by a Steel Drum Player....and the sweet smells of hot dogs & hamburgers grilling, beans and rice, and too much food for any one person to ingest in a sitting.

It was a family affair with many members gathering for lunch....and finally giving my niece her long overdue birthday gifts!

Then off to the Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Chicken Dinner!

So soon after lunch?

Well, we'll get takeout and savor the fresh barbecue in the confines of our own home!

An absolutely beautiful, sweltering summer day --one of the waning days of summer.

A relaxing drive....a spin around the grounds to see if there are any crafts to buy.....pick our fresh apples, maple sugar candies, apple pie and then our fresh barbecued ribs and chicken dinners!

Home just in time to watch the Indians and the Browns......and then eventually delve into another amazing meal which we did not have to cook!

Ah, the life!

Their special day

I understand one's wedding day is probably one of the most important days in one's life, if not THE most important.

I wish I knew from experience.

Time and time again, young lovers schedule their weddings at our church just before our Saturday Mass.

I guess it's the organized, thoughtful person in me saying 'WHY?'

I can not tell you how many times this summer parishioners waited to get inside the church or once inside, waited, and waited and waited until the photographer finished all of his masterpieces.

I understand it's part of the scheduling as well. But it's also the young lovers being so adamant that they want this particular time to start their married life together.

If it were me, I'd be a nervous wreck not enjoying my special day knowing that I was delaying someone else's special time and important day with the Lord.

Beads, beads everywhere

This entry will characterize the month we've had.

I have a cool ceiling fan in my bedroom --baseball theme of course --yet the strings to turn on the fan and the light are not quite long enough. Hence, when the light goes off the fan goes off....not good during those 3 sweltering days of Cleveland Summer we actually had this year!

As I grabbed up on my tippy toes to turn the fan down one notch, the string sheared off sending beads flying and rolling everywhere!

The 'old' Danielle of many many many years ago would have gotten upset. The new and improved Danielle made sure none rolled out into the hallway so no one else would slip and fall on them, began laughing thinking of how this one simple action currently characterizes how my house of cards or string of beads is tumbling to the ground, turned off the light (and the fan) and went to sleep.

I wish I had a quarter....

I wish I had a quarter for every time a doctor, a physical therapist, a nurse told my Mom something that I had told her tenfold!

I just smile, get that gleam in my eye and she says, 'my daughter tells me that all the time.'

Then do it!

I know of what I speak!

And hearing these professionals, I DO know of what I speak!

Now a) let's try to translate it into Mom language and

2) let me try, for once, to take my FABULOUS advice!


If the world listened to my verbiage, the world would be a better place!

Baby monitors speak my language

I don't know what I'd do without a baby monitor.

Such a small electrical item that allows you to finish the task at hand knowing that if you are needed elsewhere, you'll still hear it and jump into action.

I never leave the room without it.

No pain, no gain

Oh there's pain everyday....physical, emotional, stressful....

But definitely no gain.

Had a tremendous work out this morning.

3+ miles on the treadmill plus some work on the bike....

My question is when I traipse up and down our steps day in and day out dozens of times along with the organized workouts, why oh why has that not done any good?

I'm on the verge of throwing in the towel...

Brett Favre Day at Cleveland Browns' Stadium

An absolutely beautiful day!

You could not ask for anything more.

The Cleveland Browns home opener--against Brett Favre!

It's a win-win situation.

The Browns win or they don't but I've seen a legend, a future hall of famer, the master!

I trek to my front row dawg pound seat!

Sit in the open air, under the sun for 3 hours getting a nice tan.

And snap shots of the one and only Brett Favre all day long.

To me, the game was secondary.

Apparently, it was secondary to the entire Cleveland Browns team as well!

Nap time!

Maybe it's because I get up early to sing at Church on Sundays?

Maybe it's because the week before was quite taxing?

Maybe it's because I'm thinking of the week ahead already getting overwhelmed?

Maybe it's because sub-consciously God said "Sunday is a day of rest."


No matter what we do, where we go, when we get home, I always sneak in a Sunday Nap!

And, boy is it swzeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!

All in a day's work!

I've gotten better at saying 'no.'

In fact, the word 'no' has, at times, become my best friend.

There is absolutely no way I could do everything required of me on a daily basis without saying 'no' every now and then.

Today is a perfect example.

Here is just a sampling of the main events on my plate today:

Race for the Cure

Hiram College Alumni Volunteer Day

Singing at Saturday Mass

the Local Emmy Awards, of which I was nominated for an Emmy

The Cleveland Indians Baseball Game

I cut out only a few of these items still leaving quite an action packed day.

If I would have done them all, I'd would not be writing this entry right now.

I always find it quite amazing that by eliminating just ONE item off of my agenda, I'm still able to conquer so much.

Remember, just say no now and again, and you'll feel less stress and quite liberated!

Try it, you'll like it!

Patriot Day 2009

Many years since that fateful day.

The United States has survived.

I've survived.

I am extremely proud to be an American living in this great country.

But there are times when, unfortunately, I get the feeling that many do not share my patriotism.

Those days at Progressive Field when 'The National Anthem' or ' God Bless America' comes on the P.A. system and there are still those men who refuse to take off their hats or even stand up.

I hoped that the events back on September 11, 2001 would have pulled the nation together.

It did for just a short while.

There are some factions and people who have drifted further apart. They think of themselves only, march to their own drummer and never think of their fellow man.

It begins in Washington D.C. when politicians and leaders can not compromise to quickly resolve an issue.

Unfortunately, with the passing of Ted Kennedy, it will only get worse in D.C. Senator Kennedy was one of the last true politicians who fought for people's freedoms, worked hard for his constituents, and resolved so many problems swiftly through compromise.

I take today and the actions which occurred in 2001 quite seriously.

I will never forget and hopefully have become a more compassionate, loving, and patriotic person who loves this country and the foundation she was born upon with my whole heart and soul.

Small bird takes his last breath

Such a helpless feeling.

The irony of it all.

Mom and I were at a hospital for a physical therapy session --hospitals, where lives are saved oftentimes....when a small little bird, one of God's creatures, loses his life.

Surreal.

We were just standing by the parking garage elevator when all at once a small little black bird with purple and yellow detail crashes into the window or 'something,' falls to the ground, and takes his last breath.

And there was absolutely nothing we could do.

Jerry's kids

It's that time again.

Labor Day weekend is synonymous for the Jerry Lewis Telethon for MDA.

When I was a little girl, I'd make a fort in the living room with pillows, blankets, my books to do my homework, snacks, and stay up all night watching Jerry Lewis and his telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.

I liked seeing all of my favorite stars, but believe it or not, I understood what the true meaning behind this event revealed.

It's truly amazing what one man can do.

When I am feeling down, hopeless that I am not making a difference in this world, or sorry for myself, I just think of Jerry Lewis.

He is one person who started a cause which has helped millions of people to date.

He was extremely ill himself and has overcome that malady.


I'm not quite sure where I got the energy or what possessed me, but this year I stayed up all night long again watching my favorite entertainers, hearing the stories of hope, and witnessing the good will still left in the world today by CEO after CEO handing over checks in the thousands and millions for Jerry's Kids.

If the heart-warming stories don't get you (and they should), it's the performances like Jerry singing a wonderful song to his daughter or Jack Jones singing a duet with his daughter. You have a cute girl group from Texas belting out a great song, violinist Joshua Bell, or the jump rope team amazing the crowd.

If one of these scenes does not evoke any type of emotion and urge to make this world a better place, well, there's a problem.

Keep your eyes to the skies

Bittersweet times ahead.

Labor Day weekend ushers in the 'unofficial' end to Summer, though we may have weeks if not months left of nice weather!

I love Cleveland.

We always have a blow-out Labor Day weekend with the Indians usually in town, the Air Show, the Taste of Cleveland, live music all weekend long, the Oktoberfest, the Geauga County Fair, and so much more!

Speaking of bittersweet times, you know Mom is not feeling well if she skips the Indians Game.

Today was one of those days. Mom passed on the game and I went with a dear friend of ours.

I really enjoy the Indians' games this weekend because more than not, you will have air show planes buzzing by throughout the entire game!

You better keep your eyes to the skies: for the planes and the foul balls!

Sure enough, the roar of the planes kept the Indians and Twins on edge for half of the game but gave the crowd something to cheer.

What a treat!

I am determined NOT to let this weekend be the end of my summer. We've still got a lot of Indian summer living to do!!!!

Long and wonderful legacy

I attended the wake of a man I never knew today.

Yet, just by walking into the funeral home, I could tell he lead a meaningful, giving life with a long and wonderful legacy.

I know one of his children and 2 of his grandchildren.

By the end of the wake, I had met all 9 of his children and their spouses and children and other family members.

He has left lasting memories for so many years to come through his family, friends, and every single person he has touched through his 75 years of life on this earth.

Being Catholic, I've grown up with a rich, spiritual upbringing and have attended wakes and funerals my entire life.

I am ok with death, for the most part, knowing that even though we may selfishly miss our loved ones, they are in a much better place just waiting for us to eventually join them in due time.

Standing in the 'greeting line' today, it finally dawned on me why my friends with so many siblings look at me quizzically when I tell them all I have to do for my parent. My friends with large families never had to do it all.

When my friend Lydia's sister was dying of cancer, all of her siblings, many many nieces and nephews, cousins, elderly parents and so many more took turns being with her sister so she was never alone, took care of her sister's family, and were a huge support group to help each other cope with their situation.

Even though they were in the midst of a horrendous situation, I thanked God that they had such a large, loving family and extended family.

Each step I took in line, every floral arrangement I passed, and each picture memory montage I glanced through made me realize how really alone I am in this labor of love God has bestowed on me.

I started feeling so overwhelmed for when my parent passes away.

But then something my grandfather said quickly put a little smile on my face, "if you did not visit me or bring flowers to me when I was alive, don't bring them to me when I'm dead!" I never knew my grandfather but have heard my uncles say that phrase time and time again.

I know God and every family member who went before me will give me the strength to endure whatever happens in this life. I will handle it. What I don't think I can tolerate or handle: people who never paid any attention to us during life all of a sudden crying their eyes out.

My sister is lucky. She has children who will console her, and one day, if she ever gets ill, will take care of her.

God has not given me the gift of children or a husband, and honestly, at this stage in my life, probably never will.

But, I firmly believe God will provide, will never abandon me, and will be by my side always!

4:45 a.m. comes way too early

Why bother going to bed?

We have a medical procedure today and even though the doctor probably won't arrive at the crack of dawn, we are expected to check in before the Plain Dealer even gets delivered.

My only saving grace is that we are in our own room with television and quiet time to try and nap...

And, at the hospital where we are, at 8:00 a.m. sharp they say morning prayers.

Gives quite a bit of solace to the last few weeks we've had, which have been filled with stress and physical pain for all involved.

But as Matthew says in 6:27, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Words to live by. . .