Reunion
Have you been to one? Family, neighborhood, work, school? What a wonderfully awkward time. I must say we all looked nearly the same i.e. 40 years has not so completely disfigured our faces and bodies that we could, at a minimum, recognize the person! For many of us it was a series of internal musings:
I know we went to school together.
I know I recognize your face.
I can't remember why.
Did we like each other?
Were we friends, frenemies or strangers?
Do you still act the same, and if so, is that a good or bad thing?
I watched the room full of former students, whether strangers or best friends, return for our 40th high school reunion. I heard stories of joy, accomplishment, change, tragedy and sorrow. I saw some that were in the middle of their own personal battles. I learned of a couple that kept their circumstance unspoken despite the impact on them emotionally or physically. The stories of life, work, relationships and hopes for the future were telling of each life journey. So what do we take away from a reunion weekend that only happens every 10 years? A few observations for me:
Time flies!
We all had ‘life’ change us.
Some have lost someone (children, spouses, marriages, parents or others) they love.
Some have traveled to far away places though they long to be home.
Some have sacrificed to care for others.
Several gave up their own dreams to help someone else achieve theirs.
Some have retired or celebrated a life change.
And there are those who have remained exactly the same!
So one can be sure of this: we remember good times from school, we might forget the details, life has happened to us all, we have experienced many different journeys, there is some amazing strength in the class, we can't judge the books by their covers, we all know who Bob Hope and Carol Burnett are, we will always have a Warrior connection, we don't know the heartache or difficulties each has faced, school did not teach us about caring for our parents, we don't see as well as we did at 18, we talk about things now we never would have mentioned in school, we have all made it this far, only time will tell what is next, we will always be #wshsclassof78
jlg (C) 7/22/18
Sunday, February 23, 2020
I’m Sorry
I’m Sorry
For hurt
For lies
For suffering
For abuse
For illness
For loss
For disappointment
For poverty
For homelessness
For frustration
For loneliness
For war
For violence
For sadness
For failure
I’m sorry that in the midst of life
Difficult or unexpected things occur
I’m sorry I’m not there to hug you
And share tears and grief
I’m sorry I can’t take it for you
And hope I have never added to it
My heart and hope stand fast with you
As I lay it all down at the throne
I don’t know why hard things happen
I can’t explain why God allows it
But I know He has experienced it
At the horrible death of His Son
That hope rose with a dark sky
A torn vail and an empty tomb
Hope lives in the resurrected Jesus
Gloried, Ascended, Reigning
He knows all your suffering
He collects every single tear
But one day He’ll Call you home
And There you will be sorry no more
Jlg 10/31/18(c)
World Peace
World Peace
I grew up in the Cleaver family. That is what I always tell folks. We had the mom who cleaned while wearing a skirt and heals and a father who wore a suit practically everywhere. We dressed up for Sundays and holidays. We took family trips in the car, laughed a lot and left drool stains on the seat. There were three kids and we did not quarrel. How is that possible some ask. I honestly can’t say other than we genuinely liked each other and if anything, there were always some baked goods that solved any threat of a dispute. It certainly was not the view I found in other homes, families or the world.
I spent decades thinking of world peace as an unattainable goal. Though it was elusive I recently discovered it can be found right here on this planet. In all my wandering and human interactions is was nearly impossible to imagine it could really exist outside small, intimate groups. It is certainly not seen on the evening news, in the slur of opposing candidates, in the disparity in religion, in the hateful crime against humanity. But then I found it, buried in plain sight in a stadium holding thousands.
I had never noticed how negative some people could be until I was surrounded by only kindness. As a nurse you would expect kindness to be the norm of healthcare but indeed, it can be anything but that in the experiences faced daily. Angry patients, family or doctors is just a pimple in the complexion of ill will that can be seen in a hospital. I have had patients punch me, try to choke me, try to choke others, throw furniture and so much more. Granted some hard issues are faced but please and thank you should not be impacted in the course of the human experience.
My observation of human nature and or behaviors increased in sensitivity with the birth of a special needs child. I had been aware of many disparate responses to those with disabilities in my career prior to the birth of my son. I worked in several settings caring for special needs children and adults. I had seen and reacted to quite a few irreverent individuals in contact with my charges much like a mamma bear and her cubs. With my sons arrival those defensive instincts magnified exponentially.
In controlled safe spaces I found a compassionate and supportive network. Teachers, providers, aides, other families all who could see what I wanted to or hoped for. They pointed out things that I did not see in his ability and progress while helping me accept his current developmental accomplishments. But when walking down the grocery store aisle some eyes stared, people whispered, even Santa rolled his eyes. It was clear not everyone saw the beautiful boy I did. So I stayed close to the family of forever friends we were collecting along the way.
After many years I discovered what I long hoped for which is genuine world peace, found in the hearts and minds of a community who see all as friends, equals despite color, country or party. I had seen it in fleeting moments though it quickly vanished, like the sunrise, in the face of naysayers. I have imagined that if only these amazing people, these champions for goodwill could be seen as global ambassadors the uninspired would be able to see each other through very different eyes. I do believe unconditionally, perspective is everything.
I have watched some icons of this world walk away, around or into these beacons of joy while mocking them for their lack of. Lack of money, work, words, skill, ability. Yet this beautiful sea of smiles and hugs sees past that hurt and anger, embracing everyone they can. It is not that these people don't know that others are being mean, it is that it doesn't really matter. Though they might experience hurt feelings it often quickly dissolves any cruelty intended by giving back something that frankly, others don't deserve. This unified team operates out of grace and mercy.
This world peace happened in LA of all places. Riddled with crime, history, gang violence and tragedy a fresh wind momentarily cleared the smog. Who would have thought that was possible. It happened at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. There were 7000 athletes from 170 countries with 30,000 volunteers and twice as many supporters. And there was joy. While I was whining about the heat and long lines, they stood patiently. While I wanted to sit down they waited full of excitement, in the presence of their friends, whether they knew them or not. I blamed, slurred, criticized while my son stood quietly. I apologized and he forgave me. "It's alright mom, I love you!" I scanned the crowd and it was evident, if anyone was cranky it was not the athletes or their peers. He reached up, hugged me and reassured me, it would be alright if I just take a deep breath and count to ten. I sighed deeply and knew he was right.
I met large groups gathering for the games in two of the host cities, our group entertained them with dance. The teams danced with us or stood by us or held our hands or sat near us. They celebrated, they smiled, laughed, hugged, helped each other though complete strangers. They spoke different languages, had varied abilities or ‘difabilities’ as our friend Tim Shriver says. World peace happened at the games and I am still full of humility and tears. It was a glimpse of what I think God intended when he put humans on the planet and I wait with anticipation to live in that state of joy again. I am certain God smiled at this international love fest at the games.
I have been that mom who wants to tell anyone who will listen everything her son has accomplished. I have even spent money to have the first two years of my sons life moved from VHS to digital and I discovered the most remarkable thing. What I saw, what I now realize I forced my loved ones to endure.....nothing. Hours of an adorable baby dressed in a variety of adorable clothes doing absolutely nothing. But wow he sure could do it well, smiling the entire time. Now as an adult he has eclipsed my wildest dreams and made me incredibly proud every day. He is my world peace. He demonstrates everyday the patience, kindness, charity and joy that I saw at those games. I stand in awe at times that I get to be his mom.
He has been surrounded by amazing family, friends, teachers, mentors and absolute strangers who have watched him grow, who see his actions, who admire his kindness. When I was surrounded by all of those glowing faces it became clear that world peace can happen. I saw it first hand with a stadium full of people who looked at others as if they all matter. There was competition, there were winners and losers, but there were only cheers for friends whether they won or lost. It simply didn’t matter. I would give anything to see that again. And because I saw it once I have a dream, a hope that I will see it again.
jlg 11/26/18 (c) submitted University of Oxford
I grew up in the Cleaver family. That is what I always tell folks. We had the mom who cleaned while wearing a skirt and heals and a father who wore a suit practically everywhere. We dressed up for Sundays and holidays. We took family trips in the car, laughed a lot and left drool stains on the seat. There were three kids and we did not quarrel. How is that possible some ask. I honestly can’t say other than we genuinely liked each other and if anything, there were always some baked goods that solved any threat of a dispute. It certainly was not the view I found in other homes, families or the world.
I spent decades thinking of world peace as an unattainable goal. Though it was elusive I recently discovered it can be found right here on this planet. In all my wandering and human interactions is was nearly impossible to imagine it could really exist outside small, intimate groups. It is certainly not seen on the evening news, in the slur of opposing candidates, in the disparity in religion, in the hateful crime against humanity. But then I found it, buried in plain sight in a stadium holding thousands.
I had never noticed how negative some people could be until I was surrounded by only kindness. As a nurse you would expect kindness to be the norm of healthcare but indeed, it can be anything but that in the experiences faced daily. Angry patients, family or doctors is just a pimple in the complexion of ill will that can be seen in a hospital. I have had patients punch me, try to choke me, try to choke others, throw furniture and so much more. Granted some hard issues are faced but please and thank you should not be impacted in the course of the human experience.
My observation of human nature and or behaviors increased in sensitivity with the birth of a special needs child. I had been aware of many disparate responses to those with disabilities in my career prior to the birth of my son. I worked in several settings caring for special needs children and adults. I had seen and reacted to quite a few irreverent individuals in contact with my charges much like a mamma bear and her cubs. With my sons arrival those defensive instincts magnified exponentially.
In controlled safe spaces I found a compassionate and supportive network. Teachers, providers, aides, other families all who could see what I wanted to or hoped for. They pointed out things that I did not see in his ability and progress while helping me accept his current developmental accomplishments. But when walking down the grocery store aisle some eyes stared, people whispered, even Santa rolled his eyes. It was clear not everyone saw the beautiful boy I did. So I stayed close to the family of forever friends we were collecting along the way.
After many years I discovered what I long hoped for which is genuine world peace, found in the hearts and minds of a community who see all as friends, equals despite color, country or party. I had seen it in fleeting moments though it quickly vanished, like the sunrise, in the face of naysayers. I have imagined that if only these amazing people, these champions for goodwill could be seen as global ambassadors the uninspired would be able to see each other through very different eyes. I do believe unconditionally, perspective is everything.
I have watched some icons of this world walk away, around or into these beacons of joy while mocking them for their lack of. Lack of money, work, words, skill, ability. Yet this beautiful sea of smiles and hugs sees past that hurt and anger, embracing everyone they can. It is not that these people don't know that others are being mean, it is that it doesn't really matter. Though they might experience hurt feelings it often quickly dissolves any cruelty intended by giving back something that frankly, others don't deserve. This unified team operates out of grace and mercy.
This world peace happened in LA of all places. Riddled with crime, history, gang violence and tragedy a fresh wind momentarily cleared the smog. Who would have thought that was possible. It happened at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games. There were 7000 athletes from 170 countries with 30,000 volunteers and twice as many supporters. And there was joy. While I was whining about the heat and long lines, they stood patiently. While I wanted to sit down they waited full of excitement, in the presence of their friends, whether they knew them or not. I blamed, slurred, criticized while my son stood quietly. I apologized and he forgave me. "It's alright mom, I love you!" I scanned the crowd and it was evident, if anyone was cranky it was not the athletes or their peers. He reached up, hugged me and reassured me, it would be alright if I just take a deep breath and count to ten. I sighed deeply and knew he was right.
I met large groups gathering for the games in two of the host cities, our group entertained them with dance. The teams danced with us or stood by us or held our hands or sat near us. They celebrated, they smiled, laughed, hugged, helped each other though complete strangers. They spoke different languages, had varied abilities or ‘difabilities’ as our friend Tim Shriver says. World peace happened at the games and I am still full of humility and tears. It was a glimpse of what I think God intended when he put humans on the planet and I wait with anticipation to live in that state of joy again. I am certain God smiled at this international love fest at the games.
I have been that mom who wants to tell anyone who will listen everything her son has accomplished. I have even spent money to have the first two years of my sons life moved from VHS to digital and I discovered the most remarkable thing. What I saw, what I now realize I forced my loved ones to endure.....nothing. Hours of an adorable baby dressed in a variety of adorable clothes doing absolutely nothing. But wow he sure could do it well, smiling the entire time. Now as an adult he has eclipsed my wildest dreams and made me incredibly proud every day. He is my world peace. He demonstrates everyday the patience, kindness, charity and joy that I saw at those games. I stand in awe at times that I get to be his mom.
He has been surrounded by amazing family, friends, teachers, mentors and absolute strangers who have watched him grow, who see his actions, who admire his kindness. When I was surrounded by all of those glowing faces it became clear that world peace can happen. I saw it first hand with a stadium full of people who looked at others as if they all matter. There was competition, there were winners and losers, but there were only cheers for friends whether they won or lost. It simply didn’t matter. I would give anything to see that again. And because I saw it once I have a dream, a hope that I will see it again.
jlg 11/26/18 (c) submitted University of Oxford
Unintended Confession
It is only after the quick look from the eyes across the room focus on you that you realize the secret thought you were enjoying has just left your mouth. You've said it out loud. Oh Dear!
Once the words have drifted across the berber you wonder if there is any way to buffer the impact. But that would be much like trying to take back the pockmarks from the beefsteak you just pounded out for dinner.
You realize you own the damage from the personal retort you just spewed at the innocent bystander. You may also consider that the entire gathering knows your darkest thoughts. Now what?
There are many things you could choose to do. The bravest may be immediately and publicly apologize, acknowledging that you are likely not as nice as they all believe and that indeed you could have said anything or nothing far better had you a brain.
It is anticipated that you will need to grovel, rightfully so, to the intended target as well as anyone who may have been spattered by association. How well and sincerely you own the verbal assault will determine how long it will float in the atmosphere.
Act immediately, be humble, own every toxic word and say you're sorry. The words, say them, a couple times. If you are not sure how to say them (there are such people), take a class, practice, read a book. Keep them in your vocabulary, easily accessible. You will find life is better when used often. Remember, it's not about you. Really!
jlg5/20/19(c)
Once the words have drifted across the berber you wonder if there is any way to buffer the impact. But that would be much like trying to take back the pockmarks from the beefsteak you just pounded out for dinner.
You realize you own the damage from the personal retort you just spewed at the innocent bystander. You may also consider that the entire gathering knows your darkest thoughts. Now what?
There are many things you could choose to do. The bravest may be immediately and publicly apologize, acknowledging that you are likely not as nice as they all believe and that indeed you could have said anything or nothing far better had you a brain.
It is anticipated that you will need to grovel, rightfully so, to the intended target as well as anyone who may have been spattered by association. How well and sincerely you own the verbal assault will determine how long it will float in the atmosphere.
Act immediately, be humble, own every toxic word and say you're sorry. The words, say them, a couple times. If you are not sure how to say them (there are such people), take a class, practice, read a book. Keep them in your vocabulary, easily accessible. You will find life is better when used often. Remember, it's not about you. Really!
jlg5/20/19(c)
You choose!
What is it like to have unconditional love? That is a huge question. Obviously we have been told about the love God has for us. But the human ability to be like God in this regard is an epic challenge. It takes intentional actions, intentional thoughts, intentional words. It means truly letting go of whatever it is that would hold you back from freedom. You can't buy it, swallow it, zen it, ignore it! You must acknowledge that you are hanging on with the grip of a vice to whatever it is that is aching your heart. You are choosing to ruminate on the event, eating a steady diet of blame and hate. You are choosing to hold hands with the enemy as he leads you straight to hell. Don't do it. Don't give up your today, your eternity, for whatever it is that you are clinging to. If you are clinging to it, the bitterness, anger, sorrow, you can't be clinging to Jesus. You choose! It is completely up to you to choose to be free. It will take work, resistance, practice. But the battle can be won. You will not be alone. Truly, say no to the past so you can say yes to eternity!
jlg7/19(c)
jlg7/19(c)
Christopher Robin
I watched the new Christopher Robin movie. Grown up Christopher Robin demonstrates the regretful condition of people today:
He has forgotten the important things he had learned when he was young.
He has forgotten the importance of spending time with his wife and daughter.
He has placed work above family and self.
He has forgotten how to relax and how to have fun.
He has become lost.
He has forgotten how to do nothing, which as we all know, results in the very best something!
In the most desperate state he is driven back to the beginning, the 100 acre wood, a place much like our own innocent beginnings. It is here he is pressed to walk in those first steps, speak the first wise verses and to stop, to do nothing! Oh the things you could let go of, that would set you free.
The forest, like the Lord, calls him back. Tells him to let go of his important papers, to lay them down. His friends remind him to rest, as the Lord does, giving peace to the weary. Oh friends, He sees your burden lay it all down and rest. Matthew 11:28
JLG 7.15.19(c)
JLG 7.15.19(c)
Harry
Harry - A Flash Fiction Story
Three trips from the car to the storage room. It’s bad enough each load weighed so much, but it was as if everyone who offices in the building was on some secret vacation day. Holiday parties aside, I couldn’t be the only one working.
I fumbled to find the key on my overburden key ring. Finally the door opens. ‘Hi Harry! I thought I was going to spend the day all alone.’ I could tell Harry anything. We had been in the same building for years. I usually would chatter away as if he was interested In everything I think. People would walk by and look at me as if I’m crazy for talking so much. Harry never batted an eye. I thought here we are, stuck at work while the rest of my team was experiencing gift exchanges and merriment.
I finally got the last tub on the shelves. I sang all the Christmas songs I could remember so it made time feel shorter. The room looked better than I found it. I broke a sweat in the process. I turned to see my son standing in the doorway, looking around as if for some alien or invisible being. ‘What?’ He stared back at me, looked around again. ‘Who are you talking to mom?’ I chuckled and introduced him. ‘James this is Harry. Harry this is my son!’
He continued to look oddly at me, then Harry. A long pause while I chatted on some more. Now starring intently at Harry he said ‘Mom, you know he can’t hear you!’ I paused and turned to look at him. ‘He’s not real!’ He continued. ‘Don’t be rude!’ I apologized and shook Harry’s hand being sure to place it on the wheelchair armrest. ‘Have a great weekend!’ I turned off the lights and closed the door.
12/21/19(c)
Three trips from the car to the storage room. It’s bad enough each load weighed so much, but it was as if everyone who offices in the building was on some secret vacation day. Holiday parties aside, I couldn’t be the only one working.
I fumbled to find the key on my overburden key ring. Finally the door opens. ‘Hi Harry! I thought I was going to spend the day all alone.’ I could tell Harry anything. We had been in the same building for years. I usually would chatter away as if he was interested In everything I think. People would walk by and look at me as if I’m crazy for talking so much. Harry never batted an eye. I thought here we are, stuck at work while the rest of my team was experiencing gift exchanges and merriment.
I finally got the last tub on the shelves. I sang all the Christmas songs I could remember so it made time feel shorter. The room looked better than I found it. I broke a sweat in the process. I turned to see my son standing in the doorway, looking around as if for some alien or invisible being. ‘What?’ He stared back at me, looked around again. ‘Who are you talking to mom?’ I chuckled and introduced him. ‘James this is Harry. Harry this is my son!’
He continued to look oddly at me, then Harry. A long pause while I chatted on some more. Now starring intently at Harry he said ‘Mom, you know he can’t hear you!’ I paused and turned to look at him. ‘He’s not real!’ He continued. ‘Don’t be rude!’ I apologized and shook Harry’s hand being sure to place it on the wheelchair armrest. ‘Have a great weekend!’ I turned off the lights and closed the door.
12/21/19(c)
Merry Christmas?
Flash Fiction - Merry Christmas?
The Christmas tunes seemed to be on a loop. Fairly sure I had heard that song three or four times while creating dinner for six with a one burner stove. It’s making me feel a bit cranky actually!
The burner is only working on high. I can actually feel my eyebrows furrow. And I am thinking unChristmasy thoughts. Like how can golf clubs and fishing equipment be more important than the stove. I shake my head again. I look up and see the pot of brown liquid is already boiling. Adhering to the bottom of the pot large black globs come up with each swirl of the spoon. Nineteen years still haven’t managed to fix the stove. Pondering a good cry....Jingle Bells is playing again. I hate bells.
More puppy pee! Sliding across the kitchen I nearly dumped the gravy. Frank came around the corner just in time to see me land, gravy boat upright. He cocked his head, whistled and walked away. Why do we have a puppy? Why is the stove dying?
No one was leaving despite the more than two hour delay in dinner. I still think we should have opened gifts while the turkey was in the oven. 116! The degrees to fry an egg on the sidewalk yet 60 degrees shy of safe eating. I start opening cupboards. How expired is unsafe anyway? The freezer is full of nothing but ice pops. Our ‘kid’ is 23. Who lives here anyway?
Pizza boxes stacked on the counter. Plates everywhere. Turkey a brisk 80. Jingle Bells is wrapping up. My sock is wet.
JLG(C) 1.3.2020
The Christmas tunes seemed to be on a loop. Fairly sure I had heard that song three or four times while creating dinner for six with a one burner stove. It’s making me feel a bit cranky actually!
The burner is only working on high. I can actually feel my eyebrows furrow. And I am thinking unChristmasy thoughts. Like how can golf clubs and fishing equipment be more important than the stove. I shake my head again. I look up and see the pot of brown liquid is already boiling. Adhering to the bottom of the pot large black globs come up with each swirl of the spoon. Nineteen years still haven’t managed to fix the stove. Pondering a good cry....Jingle Bells is playing again. I hate bells.
More puppy pee! Sliding across the kitchen I nearly dumped the gravy. Frank came around the corner just in time to see me land, gravy boat upright. He cocked his head, whistled and walked away. Why do we have a puppy? Why is the stove dying?
No one was leaving despite the more than two hour delay in dinner. I still think we should have opened gifts while the turkey was in the oven. 116! The degrees to fry an egg on the sidewalk yet 60 degrees shy of safe eating. I start opening cupboards. How expired is unsafe anyway? The freezer is full of nothing but ice pops. Our ‘kid’ is 23. Who lives here anyway?
Pizza boxes stacked on the counter. Plates everywhere. Turkey a brisk 80. Jingle Bells is wrapping up. My sock is wet.
JLG(C) 1.3.2020
Just Like That
Flash Fiction - Just Like That
George ran through the house at lightning speed chasing his kick ball. It literally was bouncing off the wall. He giggled or cursed depending on where it landed. I yelled several times, reminding him dinner is at risk. Threatened with no dessert, no television, no allowance. All for not. He ran by me tugging my apron strings then kicked it out the back door. He followed with just his socks and shorts on, a full blizzard happening outside. I yell for him to stay in, come back in, put on clothes or at least shoes. His laughter never stops. He is having the time of his life. I shake my head, a subtle smirk starting until I see the dent in the pie. How did I miss that? Oh bother, it is just a ball running away from a boy. I laughed out loud at that thought.
He was as ambitious in school as he was in kick ball. He could run the length of the court faster than any in his class. He would chatter constantly which often caused me to wonder how he was doing with his studies, or better how do his teachers keep him focused on his studies. He had fantastic grades and I was never called to remove him so I figured school boy was more contained than home boy. LOL
He graduated top of his class, his legs nervously shaking as he sat in his seat waiting for his name to be called. Finally, he was summoned to the podium to receive his diploma, wearing a smile that was ear to ear. And just like that he was gone. His adult life had begun. I was in shock and full of pride all at the same time. He had dreams of being a doctor, lawyer, scientist, athlete, policeman, Wiggle. You name it at one point or another, he had a dream. His future was before him, he was out of my control. As I looked out at the snow, I envisioned him running, jumping, giggling, enjoying his life every second. I missed that.
I stopped and just stared, then tossed my spoon and apron on the counter. I ran outside to play in the fresh snow. Before I knew it I had formed a snowman the size of my beautiful boy when he still let me hug him. He was just able to fit under my chin. I could just wrap my arms around him.
JLG(c)1.3.3020
George ran through the house at lightning speed chasing his kick ball. It literally was bouncing off the wall. He giggled or cursed depending on where it landed. I yelled several times, reminding him dinner is at risk. Threatened with no dessert, no television, no allowance. All for not. He ran by me tugging my apron strings then kicked it out the back door. He followed with just his socks and shorts on, a full blizzard happening outside. I yell for him to stay in, come back in, put on clothes or at least shoes. His laughter never stops. He is having the time of his life. I shake my head, a subtle smirk starting until I see the dent in the pie. How did I miss that? Oh bother, it is just a ball running away from a boy. I laughed out loud at that thought.
He was as ambitious in school as he was in kick ball. He could run the length of the court faster than any in his class. He would chatter constantly which often caused me to wonder how he was doing with his studies, or better how do his teachers keep him focused on his studies. He had fantastic grades and I was never called to remove him so I figured school boy was more contained than home boy. LOL
He graduated top of his class, his legs nervously shaking as he sat in his seat waiting for his name to be called. Finally, he was summoned to the podium to receive his diploma, wearing a smile that was ear to ear. And just like that he was gone. His adult life had begun. I was in shock and full of pride all at the same time. He had dreams of being a doctor, lawyer, scientist, athlete, policeman, Wiggle. You name it at one point or another, he had a dream. His future was before him, he was out of my control. As I looked out at the snow, I envisioned him running, jumping, giggling, enjoying his life every second. I missed that.
I stopped and just stared, then tossed my spoon and apron on the counter. I ran outside to play in the fresh snow. Before I knew it I had formed a snowman the size of my beautiful boy when he still let me hug him. He was just able to fit under my chin. I could just wrap my arms around him.
JLG(c)1.3.3020
Judy’s Low Fat, Low Cal GF Peanut Butter Banana Muffins
....... that taste good!!!! Yes that’s right, yum!
Cody and I are gluten free. Obstacle number 1. Rich has to have low fat and low sugar due to pancreatitis and lymphoma. Obstacle number 2.
So what to do, what to do!!! A dozen bananas on the edge of black. So I start to experiment and I got a winner. A treat my gluten loving husband enjoys while us gluten free folks feel like dancing!! They are moist, puffy, good cooled or warm. If you want a topping that will support a restricted diet check out Walden’s jelly, spreads, syrups.
Cody and I are gluten free. Obstacle number 1. Rich has to have low fat and low sugar due to pancreatitis and lymphoma. Obstacle number 2.
So what to do, what to do!!! A dozen bananas on the edge of black. So I start to experiment and I got a winner. A treat my gluten loving husband enjoys while us gluten free folks feel like dancing!! They are moist, puffy, good cooled or warm. If you want a topping that will support a restricted diet check out Walden’s jelly, spreads, syrups.
1 ½
|
cups
|
Pamelas All Purpose GF
|
18 F
18 S |
2
|
T
|
Stevia
|
0 F
0 S |
2
|
teaspoons
|
0 F
0S | |
½
|
teaspoon
|
0
| |
½
|
teaspoon
|
0
| |
2 egg
|
equivalent
|
Egg beaters or Egg Replacement Powder
|
0
|
2
|
T
|
Peanut Butter Powder
|
1 F
1 S |
1
|
Teaspoon
|
Vanilla
|
0 F
<1 S |
2
|
each
|
lare, ripe, well mashed
|
.4 F
28 S |
¼
|
cup
|
30 Cal Almond milk
|
0 F
0 S |
⅓
|
cup
|
0 F
80 S |
I made muffins using paper cup liners. I sprayed the paper liners to prevent sticking.
I baked them at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes
12 Muffins
1.6 Fat
10 Sugars
97 Calories
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MAD Unified Life
MAD UNIFIED - MAD Unified Instructors: Patrick Burns, Michael Wakeford What is MAD Unified? MAD Unified Dance Crew met January 10th, 2020...
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........he said as he ran, sprinted actually, past me to the bus. First day of school, senior year, 12th grade. "I get to see my friend... -
Well 1 year ago it began. A light turned on, a complete change of direction, vision cleared, eyes wide open. All of these could be used...