#Blessed

Sharing this very thought provoking piece.
#Blessed

KELLY GRIFFETH's Personal Page for 2014 Over The Edge

KELLY GRIFFETH's Personal Page for 2014 Over The Edge

A sacrificial 'leap' to raise support for Special Olympics. Thank you Kelley!!

Special Olympics - You can make a difference

We love Special Olympics. We enjoyed the Breakfast of Champions with 1500 friends including our law enforcement supporters (who raised $1.2 million this year), our honor guard and keynote speaker Luis Gonzalez. The stories and excitement of our athletes should inspire everyone to aim for success. Enjoy this video and keep an eye out for my super hero!


You Can Make a Difference

Passage of Time......................

It is often difficult to summarize life's events in the simple written word or even the verbal description of emotions. Life is fluid just as a tide or current where turbulence and the unexpected rock fish push you along at sometimes breakneck speeds. That has been the course of the past year really. Many things that have challenged me, but in the end I have remained on course, bruised and battered, but safe. Since last seen in print a few major life events have occurred.

Our wonderful son has turned 18. He is a man! He is wonderful, happy and enjoying every second of his life. He often reminds us to do the same. JOY!



He started his training program and is loving it. Several of his friends already go there so it was not a completely strange environment. He is developing his new routine and is focused on training to be a Red Power Ranger. That being said I have reminded him that all super heroes have a day job. He will decide what that will be this next year.

I turned 54! It is not bad. Of course I am not afraid of age or gray hair. I enjoy life and all of the many adventures that go with it. My favorite things are those who are on the road with me. I am SO blessed by family and friends. I can not begin to say how much pleasure I get but it is such that I can tell you I am rich beyond measure.

After a year of deteriorating health and advanced degenerative bone disease I received a new right total hip. How exciting. So of course I had to find the perfect walker (I already have a rockin? cane) then commit to getting it done. I was a bit nervous at brief moments but so ready to try something. At three weeks out today I am using only a cane and doing well for short periods without that! I drove for the first time today and no new paint so that is great. I find the biggest challenge in NOT limping as I no longer need to but have walked that way so long it is a HABIT! LOL I am already noticing a decrease in pain to my lower back and left hip so that is remarkable.

Finally, is the loss of my precious mother. She passed away September 4, 2014. She died very peacefully, very much like my father. I am only now beginning to process the very large gap that is there. It is as if you imagine a family dinner with those two seats empty at the table. And the number of times I catch myself thinking 'oh I should call mom' or 'wonder if dad has seen that'. Much like my limp, those are habits of life but I feel some that will not depart in this life time.

I wrote this bio about my mom and want to share it with you.

Della Ree Lightfoot was born in San Augustine Texas to William Bonnie Lightfoot and Lucy Jane Landrum. Her family relocated to Louisiana when she was young. Her father was a farmer who would get the family day started by making coffee. He would pour a cup he would share with his wife before going to the field. Della's mom had many talents she shared with her children, cooking, needlework and sewing to name a few. Della would share those gifts throughout her life with her family as she loved to cook, create beautiful wall hangings, afghans, quilts and clothing.



She met her future husband, Dale, while working in the local drugstore. He was stationed at the base and was so taken with her that he spent his free time taking a ferry, train and hike just to see her. When he flew back to propose she said yes! She had to travel to Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota to marry her handsome military man. They started out in a basement apartment with a low ceiling and close quarters. They spent time dreaming of their future, saving pennies and beginning their family.



Della had three children, Linda, Dale Jr and Judy, who provided lots of fun and adventure for the years to come. She enjoyed being a mother, bowling, traveling, making a beautiful home and supporting the dreams of her children. Girl and Boy scouts, sports, music, road rallies, theater, you name it someone was involved in it. As each left for college and to start their own families she and Dale found time for adventures of their own. A couple of bus tours to places like Branson, Boston and Niagara Falls provided great memories. Treasure hunting in antique shops in small towns near their home and a lunch out in the local eatery was their favorite thing to do. They loved to spend time together.



Della was blessed with 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She enjoyed everyone’s visits and keeping pictures all around her that she could look at over and over. She also took great pleasure in letters, conversations and visits with her extended family including nephews, nieces, cousins, siblings and many others. It would be her great joy to share about her family. In addition Dale and Della had lovely friends, who like family, stayed in contact and provided wonderful visits.



Della and Dale moved several times over their years, living in Texas, South Dakota a few times, California, Bermuda, Illinois, Virginia, Kansas and Arizona. Her last two years she lived in an assisted living community where she enjoyed the company of her neighbors and wonderful care providers. She was known for her hugs, kisses and kind words. The staff really looked forward to taking care of her.



She had great faith and confidence that not only was her life blessed by the Lord but her eternal life was secured by Christ at the cross. She prayed regularly for her family, friends and others that they would come to that same understanding and comfort. She enjoyed seeing her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren nieces and nephews this year. She had many happy memories as we have reminisced this summer. She “loves, loves, loves' you all and always prayed that God would keep you all safe.
And now her journey is complete. She passed away very peacefully. The door has opened as the glory of heaven embraced mom, renewing her mind and body, reuniting her with 'her Dale', father, mother, brothers, sisters and grandson. She is made whole her body free. So it is in an instant, she is set free, celebrating her victory! We love our family, grateful for every moment! It has been the most grand adventure!
Jude 24-25

August Upon Us

Hello!!!!!!!!

I lose track of time more lately, I am feeling it is because I need cheese or chocolate or sleep!! Anyway here it is:

Cody turns 18 Saturday aaaaaah! He is very excited. We completed the guardian process and were appointed as such. We had one thing to do when we left the courtroom which was done right away. We ARE Guardians!!!!

So after two months of waiting for start info from One Step, I got a response late Tuesday after several messages that the construction for the new campus had multiple delays. Meaning they never moved the40 students to the new campus in May making room for Cody, meaning NO room for Cody! A meeting today was supposed to yield a decision as to when they could make the move and I was supposed to be notified. I have yet to have any communication. What the end result is I have no place for Cody to go as he is 18!!! I will have to delay my surgery and ultimately use some of my leave to cover the gap until he is placed. I fortunately have a great boss who is very supportive.

And of course sweet mom is on Hospice for two weeks today. Better for her comfort. Her dementia is much more pronounced but she has a delightful countenance. That is great. She went for another followup today for her arm and they took the cast off. Hopefully it will not be too painful. SHE WAS GLAD TO GET RID OF THAT. While she is deteriorating I don't know what time is to be for her so we enjoy each visit.

Soooo all things considered,  I have moved my surgery back to September 29. No option really so I will see if I can add some therapy back in to manage pain until the big day. I was quite encouraged going to joint class. Only a couple of folks were as old as I feel. The rest were at least my age or younger. It helped my mind.

Rich is good. No changes or drama so that is nice. Looking forward to nice weather and golf. I don't think that is different :-) I might have some quiet time Sunday as Cody's Best Buddy is taking him to the movie! sweet


Well I hope you are doing well and enjoying a bit peace and quiet! Much love for now!


"You're the One That I Want" Signalong with Paul and Tina Sirimarco

Judy


Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Tablet

Beauty from Ashes

I constantly see individuals blame something or someone for their current behavior or beliefs. While I believe that our life experience impacts the "final" product, I don't believe we are powerless to choose the way we respond. I find the story of James Robison a beautiful testimony of hope and perhaps challenge for those still 'stuck' in the past. Enjoy  James Robison on his 55 Year Journey

James Robison Part 1

James Robison Journey Part II

Story of my Life Raymond S Kellis HS Spring 2014 - Night 3

God Bless America

Celebrating Freedom

So well observed by my niece, in America we have much to take for granted........

Where choice can bring life or destroy it
Where choice can gain independence or sink into dependence
Where choice can pursue health or succumb to bondage
Where choice allows religion or ritual
Where we are free to agree or not
Where we we are free to go to school or not
Where we can serve, vote, shop, travel and so much more if we want!
We take for granted that in America WE choose! Today...
We celebrate the sacrifice of life, the vision of leaders, the spirit of community.
We are Free to choose! We are Free to be!
We are America!

Part II: Like Sands Thru the Hourglass..........

Well,

You have survived Part I and dared to see what is next, so here now is 'the rest of the story' to quote my favorite man in the world......DAD! Master Gates came running out of the tunnel after graduation, "I did it. I did it." Yes he did. He hugged, smiled, hugged some more, talked very loudly, full of excitement. The energy was palpable. Certainly every senior there was floating at least 3 feet off the ground. Wonderful!!



Then his dad said the magic words...."We should go home to your PARTY!" Thought he was going to run home. Dad managed to keep up with him, and transport him IN the truck safely home to a house full of guests. You see, I have some of the best friends in the world. MANY MANY friends. Caroline and Kim had prepared the house. Diana took grandma back to her care facility. Tonya, Carolyn and Rebecca were armed with cameras. Charlotte brought fruit and cupcakes. Grandma and Grandpa Art were right in the middle of the party. Friends who have walked 'the walk' with us came along with their children and grown ups. It was AWESOME! I am certain that I did not get to speak to everyone. I hugged them all a million times in my heart though!!! If you had a warm feeling, and you weren't wet, that was me sending a hug!

Now, there is a prologue to this story that is key to the entire event which just adds more fun. You see, Cody planned his graduation party about October. All he wanted was an 'indoor outdoor party' at his house so kids could play in the back and then in his room. you see, we rarely have company. We are working on changing that lately. Anyway, the yard has been waiting it's rejuvenation for some time and it was in April that Rich inquired as to the plan for graduation. I reminded him that the plan is the backyard! So getting the green light we hired the most wonderful landscapers to finish the yard. And they did, the DAY BEFORE! I knew they would get it done. They knew what or WHO we were working for. It was great.

AND my dear friends Caroline (who flew in from CALIFORNIA) and Kim spent two days helping me get it all together. Incredible. They made it fun, easier and exciting! Besides which there was a lot of girl chat and french food. YES our favorite place Le Chalet was a part of the celebration. Now fast forward back to the boy who had not seen the yard nor the decorations arriving at home to gates open wide and people! LOTS OF PEOPLE! Bubbles in the air (the grown ups seemed to enjoy these the most), balloons and snappy sunglasses. AND a ton of food. We collected the bounty of gifts and cards by the fireplace inside and I was thinking it would make sense to open them after since there was such a large group. Well, what was I thinking!

"Please, please, please PLEASE mom? Please can I open my gifts?" Now that in itself was nearly the hook, but i was sunk when he was backed up by 10 other anxious teens wanting to see what he got. OKAY! So about 40+ people crowded in the living room, the teens crammed in the center like Christmas morning. That was truly the best moment for me. Seeing the kids tear into bags and packages and cards exclaiming with excitement at each thing, passing it all around. Magnetic! I glanced around the room and everyone was just smiling. I don't think any of us old people knew what to expect but it was priceless. I will probably still be smiling 30 years from now. Ha. He got everything he loves, balloons, candy, silly costumes, masks, crafts, photo books, video games, gaming systems, clothes, gift cards and money. And he got a visit from his most wonderful GIRL-FRIEND Tanya!!!! He was ear to ear smiles.....more than usual. Yes I am gushing a bit but it is an overwhelming thing to see that God has indeed shown such favor on our son.

Well the night ended before 10 p.m., cleaned up and put entirely away before everyone left. Linda, Charlotte, Nicole, Collin, and honestly I am not sure who else.....but THANK YOU for all the help cleaning up. I am still emotional when I think about this great day. You see as the mother of a special needs child you dream. You dream that they will be able to read, write a little, socialize with others, have friends, go to a dance, learn to take care of themselves, graduate..........My dreams have come true. I am amazed at the human Cody has become. I am grateful for the many friends who have embraced him and helped him arrive!