Pain.
It’s real. It’s searing. It’s not “fair.” And it never arrives at an opportune time.
Pain comes in all shapes and sizes.
Pain can be physical and/or emotional.
Just ask Nick Chubb, the University of Georgia’s star running back. Until last week, Nick was often mentioned as a leading 2015 Heisman Trophy candidate. During the first play of last Saturday’s game against Tennessee, a significant knee injury destroyed that dream.
Blog
Posted on 10.15.2015 by Jody Noland
Posted on 10.08.2015 by Jody Noland
Loving with courage takes a lot of different forms, but none more inspiring than in those with ALS.
Over the last several years, the “ice bucket challenge” has raised awareness of this disease. Watching someone douse themselves in a bucket of freezing-cold water, and then challenging a friend to do the same, can put shivers down your spine and provide a few laughs….and it might even help fund research for a cure for this life-limiting disease.
Posted on 10.02.2015 by Jody Noland
Over my six years of widowhood, I’ve stepped out of my “comfort zone” more times than I can count.
Deciding on major home repairs…buying a car…learning not to weed-eat poison ivy…sending my daughter off to college…then to Africa…going hang gliding…pursuing a big dream…being interviewed on local and national TV…so many new experiences.
So much fear and uncertainty.
Posted on 9.24.2015 by Jody Noland
Picture this.
You’re a vibrant and beautiful young mom and you’ve just had your 3rd healthy baby.
Posted on 9.17.2015 by Jody Noland
I have a confession to make. It’s a deep, dark secret that few of you know. But in my ongoing quest for authenticity, I am going to reveal it today.
Drumroll, please.
I have Formica countertops in my kitchen. Yes, I said it…FORMICA! Even worse, the backsplash is of the same dull, cream-colored Formica. Circa 1970’s. Circa bland and boring.
Please don’t judge me.
Posted on 9.09.2015 by Jody Noland
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Ask a young child that, and the answer is likely to be filled with promise. The sky’s the limit. Answers might include: “The President!” “A movie star!” “A doctor!”
As that child becomes an adolescent, the dreams often become smaller, “more realistic” or might have even vanished.
Why is that? What happens to those big dreams?
Sadly, dreams are often squashed by a few discouraging words from a parent or authority figure.
Posted on 9.04.2015 by Jody Noland
These words of wisdom were spoken to me when my husband was dying of cancer. He was at home, under hospice care. Anyone who has walked that path knows how exhausting the role of caregiver can be.
Sleep is intermittent and anxiety is high due to the uncertainty of what each day will bring. Although friends might offer to come and help, it never feels right to leave a loved one who is dying.
As a result, the caregiver often gets more and more exhausted, more emotionally fragile, more likely to get sick themselves.
Posted on 8.28.2015 by Jody Noland
It happens with birds. And it happens with people. That phenomenon called “pecking order.”
Have you ever watched birds taking turns at a feeder? Just spend a few minutes observing, and you’ll quickly understand the concept. And you’ll see how much it reminds you of life!
Next to the screened porch at my home hangs a Yankee Flipper feeder filled with the equivalent of “bird caviar.”
And it provides a fascinating study in behavior.
Posted on 8.21.2015 by Jody Noland
Today, I want to celebrate friendship. Bountiful, beautiful friendship.
When you press “pause” and take a few minutes to reflect on life’s greatest treasures, doesn’t your mind almost always go to the people in your life?
Not the things, the trips or the trophies.
People. Your people.
Picture a magnificent, mixed bouquet of flowers.
Every flower is unique.
Every flower is beautiful.
Some flowers last longer than others.
Some flowers have a few thorns.
Posted on 8.13.2015 by Jody Noland
“Look Mom, you don’t even get to take your slippers with you.” That poignant observation was made by my then-16 year old daughter right after her father died and the undertakers had left our home with his body. A cozy pair of fleece-lined slippers sat alone beneath the hospital bed in our family room where my husband had spent his last days on earth.