ILLINOIS COVID19 EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TEXT LINE IL residents can text ‘TALK‘ to 552-020 to speak with a local mental health counselor, and can also use this text line to be put in touch with services related to unemployment and food because of COVID19.
Well, here it is. April 12, 2020. Easter Sunday. I doubt there are many people that would have believed the difference between Easter last year, compared to this year. I can speak for myself and say I wouldn’t have believed it, had anyone told me this is the way it would be. We are several…
“If you want to plant roots in your own community, bless someone less fortunate than yourself with wings to soar.” (Maria Appleby) Time costs you nothing. Wave to your neighbors. Check on the elderly in your neighborhood. Become a mentor. Go to your local shelter and walk a dog, or pet the kitties in the…
Did you know the House of Representatives is considering a “Pet and Women Safety” (PAWS) Act? It was introduced to the House floor on February 7, 2017 and is sponsored by Congresswoman Katherine Clark of the 5th District of Massachusetts. This bill, if passed, would allocate (grant) funding to help assist families with pets displaced…
Earlier this week, my brother Bernie was seriously injured in a farming accident. The radiator on the tractor he had been cultivating with, exploded. He received 2nd and 3rd degree burns on his face, arms, back and chest. By the grace of God there were no inhalation burns and his eyesight was spared. After a…
I want to share a story with you. It’s a little bit strange, and a whole lot of wonderful. It’s something that happened to us. Something that restored a bit of hope for us, that we’re not invisible, and that we matter. Toward the end of 2012, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, some exterior under-ground piping…
We know a little first grader in the town where we live, the son of mutual friends, named Robbie. His class is doing a map project by collecting postcards from around the United States and the World. If anyone would like to help Robbie out by sending a postcard, here is the address: Robbie Vavrik/Miss…
Friday 12-14-12 started as any other day Dressing for school, hurried breakfasts, hugs, little ones at play Dedicated, loving teachers there in the morning As dedicated, loving parents hand-off their living treasures Little beating hearts and chubby hands Giggles and greetings, crayons and colored clay Chaos and unspeakable violence breached the walls Of an institution…
Today I caught a baking bug. It’s been a while since I baked, and it so happens my husband perked up quite nicely when I mentioned it. He asked for apple, then pumpkin, then apple, then faltered and just looked at me. I suggested both. He grinned like the Cheshire Cat, quite pleased. Pie crusts…
The summer of 2002 brought frightful news to us, when we received a call from Don’s (my husband) sister, Pam, newly diagnosed with rather advanced breast cancer. I traveled to Georgia to be with her for several weeks as she prepared to undergo further testing and begin her course of treatment. We had to drive…