Tomorrow is an important day. It is the National Wear Red Day.
Everyone will be searching their closets for that perfect red item to show their support for the fight against cardiovascular disease in women. It’s a valuable message that was slow to take hold. Most women didn’t realize their risk was greater for heart disease than breast cancer.
This was true for my mom. My angel mother had diabetes and she smoked. She cared for us, but didn’t care for herself. With these risk factors, it was only time before she had heart disease. It started with high blood pressure and continued until she had open heart surgery.
Of course, we didn’t know the things we know now back in 1994. That’s when she had her surgery. And, that’s when I lost her. She was only 62 years old.
Science has evolved. We know so much more now. For instance, I inherited some of my parents’ bad genes. But, I take my medication, I don’t smoke and try to do the right things.
Wear Red Day is a fun way to show your support, but it isn’t about one day. Every day should be Wear Red Day as we all do the things necessary to live longer, healthier lives.
I know I can’t bring my mom back. What I can do is be healthy myself and encourage those I care most about to do the same. Learn about your risk factors and do something about them. And, wear your red. I’ll have mine on to honor my mother, Dorothy Foley!
Love you mom!
-Bill
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Friday, February 5, 2010
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
November 11th
November 11 is always a special day. For all of us, it is Veterans Day, a time to honor all veteran's. Although some may not know that it is also Armistice Day - the day the armistice was signed for WWI. It was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. However, it officially became a holiday, in the US, in 1938.
As we should, please thank any veteran in your life or that you meet today.
However, this day also holds a much deeper, more personal meaning for me. It is the anniversary of my angel mother's passing in 1994. I can't believe it has been 15 years! It seems like only yesterday I was going over to her house or she was traveling with me in my van to a show.
She was my biggest supporter. She was tough. She was passionate and caring and she was my mom.
On Veterans Day, I am thankful for all veterans who have served and I'm also thankful for my mom. It's Veterans Day and Mom's Day in my world.
-Bill
As we should, please thank any veteran in your life or that you meet today.
However, this day also holds a much deeper, more personal meaning for me. It is the anniversary of my angel mother's passing in 1994. I can't believe it has been 15 years! It seems like only yesterday I was going over to her house or she was traveling with me in my van to a show.
She was my biggest supporter. She was tough. She was passionate and caring and she was my mom.
On Veterans Day, I am thankful for all veterans who have served and I'm also thankful for my mom. It's Veterans Day and Mom's Day in my world.
-Bill
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sesame Street - Happy Birthday!
I can't believe Sesame Street is celebrating its 40th birthday today! Some how it just makes all of us feel a little older!
While I didn't watch Sesame Street growing up (my wife was a Sesame Street fanatic!), I am a fan of Jim Henson. He was amazing and left us far too early! I'm sure he would be proud to see this milestone.
To Big Bird, Oscar, Bert, Ernie, Grover and the gang...Happy Birthday!
While I didn't watch Sesame Street growing up (my wife was a Sesame Street fanatic!), I am a fan of Jim Henson. He was amazing and left us far too early! I'm sure he would be proud to see this milestone.
To Big Bird, Oscar, Bert, Ernie, Grover and the gang...Happy Birthday!
Monday, September 21, 2009
When a Cloud Covers a Celebration
Recently, I was scheduled to perform with my band at a wedding reception. Unfortunately, a life event intervened just the day before with the passing of a close relative of the couple.
Sometimes, these things happen. If we could control them, we would keep our dearest family members with us forever! We would never need to consider how to address the passing at a celebration.
However, we don’t have that control.
I encountered a similar situation when my mom passed. It was just days before a wedding reception I was contracted to play. I knew I couldn’t let the couple know what had happened. I wanted them to fully enjoy their special day. Much later, they did learn of my personal tragedy. I was grateful they didn’t have any idea on their day.
What’s worse, I think, is when the bride and groom have a family death. They have planned for a year or more for this day. After they make the decision whether to continue with their planned nuptials, they do have several choices on how to mark the passing (or not).
At a recent wedding reception where my band played, this exact situation occurred. I thought the couple showed such grace. The “spouse” acknowledged the family member on behalf of the couple. The couple was also sympathetic that guests weren’t quite ready to jump up and dance.
It was amazing, though. After awhile, everyone was ready to let loose. It was still a great celebration.
While we never want this type of thing to happen, we all do the best we can. Acknowledge what you are able to do and I wish you all the strength and grace you need for your situation!
Sometimes, these things happen. If we could control them, we would keep our dearest family members with us forever! We would never need to consider how to address the passing at a celebration.
However, we don’t have that control.
I encountered a similar situation when my mom passed. It was just days before a wedding reception I was contracted to play. I knew I couldn’t let the couple know what had happened. I wanted them to fully enjoy their special day. Much later, they did learn of my personal tragedy. I was grateful they didn’t have any idea on their day.
What’s worse, I think, is when the bride and groom have a family death. They have planned for a year or more for this day. After they make the decision whether to continue with their planned nuptials, they do have several choices on how to mark the passing (or not).
At a recent wedding reception where my band played, this exact situation occurred. I thought the couple showed such grace. The “spouse” acknowledged the family member on behalf of the couple. The couple was also sympathetic that guests weren’t quite ready to jump up and dance.
It was amazing, though. After awhile, everyone was ready to let loose. It was still a great celebration.
While we never want this type of thing to happen, we all do the best we can. Acknowledge what you are able to do and I wish you all the strength and grace you need for your situation!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Our Loving Dog
In my life, I have met many pets. Sometimes when I’m doing a private party in someone’s house, their dog or cat will befriend me. They might take a nap next to me, or even sometimes, try to sing a little with me.
I know everyone thinks their cat, dog, bird, iguana or hamster is just the funniest, cutest or does the best tricks. This may well be true. I know I would enter my childhood dog, Goldie, in several of those categories.
However, I’ve had the fortune and blessing to share a home with the most amazing dog ever. This dog, who is a Border Collie, is not only the smartest dog I’ve ever met, he truly is the most human like.
I know, EVERYONE thinks that.
This doggie can sniff my clothes and know whether we are going to lounge around the house or go to store or I’ll be gone all day. He plays hide and seek and can remember if we have a new hiding place! Until age got the better of him, he would sit up on his back legs just to watch us. He would even do this on a porch swing…watching the cars drive by and enjoying the day.
He can stare at me and I know whether he wants to go out or wants a snack. This I think is an example of him training me! He thinks he is a human with ESP. He believes he has great telepathic abilities. And, he does communicate better than most of people I’ve known!
I first met this amazing companion when he was three. He found my wife in his earliest puppyhood. Our lives are more filled because of him! He adds so much.
Unfortunately, today does mark the one month anniversary of his passing. I’ll miss him forever. But, I know my mom is looking after him and watching him run and play free of pain…back to those puppy activities from when I first met him.
K.B.
Always loved
February 1995-August 2009
I know everyone thinks their cat, dog, bird, iguana or hamster is just the funniest, cutest or does the best tricks. This may well be true. I know I would enter my childhood dog, Goldie, in several of those categories.
However, I’ve had the fortune and blessing to share a home with the most amazing dog ever. This dog, who is a Border Collie, is not only the smartest dog I’ve ever met, he truly is the most human like.
I know, EVERYONE thinks that.
This doggie can sniff my clothes and know whether we are going to lounge around the house or go to store or I’ll be gone all day. He plays hide and seek and can remember if we have a new hiding place! Until age got the better of him, he would sit up on his back legs just to watch us. He would even do this on a porch swing…watching the cars drive by and enjoying the day.
He can stare at me and I know whether he wants to go out or wants a snack. This I think is an example of him training me! He thinks he is a human with ESP. He believes he has great telepathic abilities. And, he does communicate better than most of people I’ve known!
I first met this amazing companion when he was three. He found my wife in his earliest puppyhood. Our lives are more filled because of him! He adds so much.
Unfortunately, today does mark the one month anniversary of his passing. I’ll miss him forever. But, I know my mom is looking after him and watching him run and play free of pain…back to those puppy activities from when I first met him.
K.B.
Always loved
February 1995-August 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Ode to the Ohio State Fair of 2009
Well, another fair has come and gone. Just last week, I performed my last show at the Ohio State Fair for 2009. "In the old days"...when the fair was longer, today would have been the final day. How I miss that.
It will be another year before I'll have fresh roasted corn. I know I can roast my own corn, but it isn't the same. It will be another year before steak on a stick, cheese on a stick, pork chop on a stick, deep fried oreos on a stick, Snickers on a stick, deep fried Twinkie on a stick, cotton candy on a stick, corn dog on a stick and all of the other tasty treats from the on-a-stick food group.
Of course, I do have a few other favorites. I love the mini donuts, the elephant ears and my new favorite the iced cinnamon pecan roll. Obviously, these are just my top picks from the sugar food group!
The fair always brings back such fond memories for me. My mom really did wake us up early to be at the fair at 6AM. My mom is no longer with us, but the fair always brings back sweet memories of her. Or, maybe it is just all of the sugar that I eat. Either way, it leaves me feeling close to her memory.
As today marks the first week since the fair closed, a small tear comes to my eye.
Alas, we will all have to wait another year (minus one week) until the fair is here again! Hopefully, ODNR will call next week to schedule me for next year. I will be giddy with excitement as I count down the days. (Jason...is that you calling?)
It will be another year before I'll have fresh roasted corn. I know I can roast my own corn, but it isn't the same. It will be another year before steak on a stick, cheese on a stick, pork chop on a stick, deep fried oreos on a stick, Snickers on a stick, deep fried Twinkie on a stick, cotton candy on a stick, corn dog on a stick and all of the other tasty treats from the on-a-stick food group.
Of course, I do have a few other favorites. I love the mini donuts, the elephant ears and my new favorite the iced cinnamon pecan roll. Obviously, these are just my top picks from the sugar food group!
The fair always brings back such fond memories for me. My mom really did wake us up early to be at the fair at 6AM. My mom is no longer with us, but the fair always brings back sweet memories of her. Or, maybe it is just all of the sugar that I eat. Either way, it leaves me feeling close to her memory.
As today marks the first week since the fair closed, a small tear comes to my eye.
Alas, we will all have to wait another year (minus one week) until the fair is here again! Hopefully, ODNR will call next week to schedule me for next year. I will be giddy with excitement as I count down the days. (Jason...is that you calling?)
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