The first month of 2010 is over and life is amazing! I thought that I would be getting ready to pack up my house and move to Florida this October but life takes interesting twists and turns. I believe in my heart that God stepped in and opened our eyes to the realization that my husband and I need to stay put. I mentioned in my blog a few weeks ago about a sign of two robins outside my window. My husband and I will be 'empty nesters' once my daughter flies off to Tennessee and now is our time to feather our nest with love as we plan for retirement. I so wanted my husband to be his own boss and go into semi retirement but I am so incredibly grateful for his job. He discovered through this past six month journey how much he appreciates his job and all of the benefits it affords. We realized that we cannot rush into anything and chase after something we believe to be 'better'. The life's lessons we have learned and how we have grown is absolutely priceless and I am so grateful for all that is wonderful in my life.
I did learn about the world of health insurance as we set forth to explore what options are available for a self employed person. My husband has two pre existing conditions which preclude him from getting health care in Florida unless he were to go on COBRA and have COBRA expire. There is a state plan available but coverage is minimal. We are so blessed that we have excellent health care coverage. Although the premiums increased by $150 this year per pay period, we are blessed to know that whatever health and dental care we need, we can receive at minimal cost. And I am going to be eligible to receive Medicare beginning in May. God has truly blessed me and showered me with abundance.
So what do I with the gratitude that is overflowing in my heart? I pour it out into the world. I am so blessed to be a patient partner for Spaulding Rehab's Race for Rehab Team. Russ Smith who is also a former Spaulding patient is running the 2010 Boston Marathon in my honor. Visit his Firstgiving Website and make a donation in my honor. Let us help others celebrate in the victory of Remarkable Recoveries.
My dear friend Darien Marshall, host of Its All About You and City Enlightenment and I have been providing support and spiritual counsel to each other as we continue to expand and grow in our gifts. He enlisted my support for his new show City Enlightenment and I discovered I am writing my 3rd book of inspirational poetry. He asked if I would be a guest co host and then I felt the stirrings of asking him about being his 'regular' co host for the show. I had been offered the opportunity to be a radio talk show host for my own show several months back and it just didn't feel right. I felt as though I had been interviewing people for years as a social worker and did not want the responsibility of hosting my own show. I also enjoyed being a guest on shows to share my journey. I feel as though Darien has pulled me from being a back up singer to being in the spotlight (to use an American Idol analogy). I must admit, I am so excited about this opportunity. I will have the opportunity to research the fabulous guests for the show as well as share my gift of poetry. I feel such joy and gratitude in my heart for what God has laid at my feet.
Last week I had the blessed opportunity to speak at the Dedham Rotary Club. Last Sunday and Monday my energy was low but I decided that I needed to push past the feelings and follow my bliss. I email'ed the Secretary of the Dedham Rotary Club and she called me to tell me that the speaker who was scheduled for last Thursday cancelled at the last minute; was I available to speak? The members of this Club warmly welcomed me. I sat with the President of the Club who did not tell me until I began my talk that she too is a polio survivor. I always ask if anyone has been touched by polio or post polio syndrome before I launch into sharing my journey. I did notice that she had slender legs and a tremor but didn't connect her to being a polio survivor. Members came up to me after the meeting; not only did they purchase copies of my book (and I donated 20% of the proceeds to the Club's Polio Plus or End Polio Now campaign) but told me how much I inspired them. They are going to share my information with other Clubs in the area.
And there you have it! So many wonderful new beginnings none of which I foresaw when we toasted in the New Year. I had envisioned the new beginning happening in Florida but instead it's happening right here in my own backyard in Brookline, Massachusetts. And I am so blessed and grateful.
Valentines Day is just a few weeks away. Reach in and reach out to someone you love at New World Greeting Cards It's more than a card it's a gift from the heart. And give the gift of inspiration by purchasing a copy of "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World." Remember I donate 20% of book proceeds to Spaulding Rehab's Polio Fund.
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