I found this picture this morning when I was loading pics to my computer. It just spoke volumes to me. There is always so much more to a picture than what you see. And sometimes we need to see the picture to illuminate something that we cannot see, perhaps because we are too close. This picture just moves me. I love the pointed toes and the outstretched arms. The suntanned back and the shoulder muscles. The poise balanced with the power. It just evokes a certain strength to me. 

So this is my 8 year old. She is brave and fearless, yet very tender hearted. This picture was taken a few nights ago. She ended up failing the dive. It was supposed to be with a half twist. I was the announcer and read what was written on her dive sheet, but there was a mixup between her and the coach and what dives they had discussed her doing. She ended up failing 2 dives that night. In my eyes, she was simply awesome.  She also did a front flip and landed on her back. It too was a failed dive but I was so proud of her for trying it. She has had a hard week trying to figure out how to work with her coach. Championships are one week away and she has lost her desire to dive. We have had little talks and she made a list to review with her coach. So when I saw this picture, I almost cried to see such perfection.

I have a feeling this girl is going to do important things in her life. She may not be a diver, but she sure does have so many things figured out for being an 8 year old. Although it isn't easy, I am enjoying watching her stretch her boundaries.

And I guess that is what my kids have taught me, that it is ok to stretch and go outside of my boundaries, particularly if it isn't easy.
hugs,
Cathy M.

The Best Medicine is...Family

If you read my blog, then you know that my mom has been undergoing chemo for Non~Hodgkins Lymphoma. She has been such a trooper through this difficult journey. Most of her treatments were in Florida (where she was diagnosed) where my parents "winter". The final treatments have been in Michigan which is where my sister and younger brother live and is closer to where my older brother and I live in Ohio. We recently celebrated my niece's graduation from high school and had the opportunity for our whole family to spend time together.  It was the best medicine to see everyone together and to talk, visit, celebrate my niece's  achievements and eat delicious food. So here is a picture of my parents, siblings and spouses and the kids:

And here is the "unposed" picture:

And here is a pic of me with my parents & siblings:

And how we really behave. My poor parents! :

My sister and her husband are great hosts and are excellent at making everyone feel welcome at their home in a beautiful setting with their lovely pool. The natural light was awesome for taking photos. This is my niece "the graduate" and my sister, "the party hostess":

I love how happy my girls look in this photo while talking with their cousin:

And Uncle Tony makes for great entertainment while Aunt Jodi observes the energy:

My niece, Miss L, showing her hoop skills, in a dress no less:

My niece and Foster=cousin love:

Wooooo, blogger did not want to upload my pictures this morning! What is up with that? I was patient and won that battle! But as you can see, family is the best medicine!

hugs,
Cathy M.