Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. My husband had an emergency appendectomy this week, so he’s been at home “resting.” I say that loosely, because he isn’t the type who likes to sit still. He’s much better now, and we are so thankful we caught it before he entered the Danger Zone. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.
Quote of the week: “Be thankful for what you do have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never have enough.” –Oprah Winfrey
Movie of the week: This week I want to recommend one of the best holiday season-starting movies out there: Miracle on 34thStreet, the Maureen O’Hara version. It begins on Thanksgiving Day and takes you through Christmas morning. As with every person, the head knowledge about things is often in conflict with the heart knowledge. Let yourself enjoy this holiday classic and believe in miracles that at first seem like impossibilities.
Joke of the week: What happened when the turkey got into a fight? He had the stuffing knocked out of him.
Nugget of Wisdom for the week: This week I want to encourage you to be thankful for the people in your life. When Thanksgiving Day comes and you gather with friends or family, hug those around you one more time. Listen to the familiar stories one more time. One day, that person you enjoy spending time with won’t be there anymore.
My paternal grandfather lived close to me when I was a teenager/young adult. Before we got married, my boyfriend (now husband) and I would visit my grandparents on Sundays after church. My grandfather would always do the same thing: first, offer us a cold Coca-Cola in a glass bottle, then, tell us to make ourselves a sandwich, not forgetting the chocolate bars. Before we’d leave, he would always tell a story. Since my grandfather was an Army veteran, he would go to the VA hospital for medical issues. Once he had to stay in the hospital overnight and asked the nurses if they knew how to make popcorn stuffing. Of course, they would tell him they didn’t know how. He said, “Instead of putting cornbread stuffing in the opening of the turkey, pour in popcorn kernels. Finishing dressing the turkey, and bake it in the oven until done.” The nurses would ask how they would know if the turkey was cooked all the way. My grandfather said, “You’ll know the turkey is done when the popcorn pops and blows the turkey right out of the pan.” Though I heard that story many times, I miss having a chance to see him. He died 20 years ago. Be intentional, and love the people you are with. Happy Thanksgiving!
Have a great week. Remember, you are most awesome and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.