tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-341382502024-03-12T23:55:12.111-04:00Jody's Random ThoughtsIt seems that in order to keep up with technology these days, you have to have a blog, do podcasts,webstreaming, have a MySpace or upload digital photos to Yahoo or Flickr.com.
Ok, so I admit, I am a digital photo junkie, sharing hundreds of images with friends and family. But I have never had a blog. Yes, I have had many journals over the years. But mostly these words were private and hidden away. This is a very different world now in which we share our thoughts globally.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-67054720479977753942021-01-22T11:17:00.003-05:002021-01-22T11:17:49.778-05:00Treats<span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0NHs9EJEjs/YAr6O7_5i9I/AAAAAAAA958/82Mc-TNm7Pwh6zinqofi3F3mWH6qPHj3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Cupcake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0NHs9EJEjs/YAr6O7_5i9I/AAAAAAAA958/82Mc-TNm7Pwh6zinqofi3F3mWH6qPHj3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Cupcake.jpeg" /></a></div>Lately, I have given myself permission to enjoy treats. Usually, I will reward myself when I do something that I needed to do and procrastinated to get it done, and then finally accomplish it.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">This morning, I had to go to two doctors' appointments. One was a breast exam at the OBGYN so that I can get a prescription for a mammogram. The other, a rheumatologist for my osteoporosis.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">At the second appointment, when I told the doctor that my shoulder is hurting once again, he asked me if I wanted a shot of cortisone. I really don't like any medicines that aren't necessary, but this time I agreed so that I could be relieved of the pain that I get when I try to lift my arm too high and I can't sleep on my left side anymore.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, as I was driving home, I decided that I needed a treat. The other day, I had made a batch of blueberry muffins because the blueberries weren't really sweet enough to eat and were a bit mushy. So instead of throwing them away, I made muffins. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">They are so good, I know that I want to make this recipe again! This was the perfect treat with the balance of my coffee. And of course, Newt was sitting there hoping that I would share. But, nope, all for me!</span></div><div><br /></div>Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-18507828435681835892021-01-18T08:47:00.001-05:002021-01-18T08:49:27.760-05:00Baby Steps<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJKMpvgCMM0/YAWRLS5lt0I/AAAAAAAA94w/3hHyPKFBbwU7NiaHOT_dcrD8h7un5JgdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s600/Baby%2BSteps.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJKMpvgCMM0/YAWRLS5lt0I/AAAAAAAA94w/3hHyPKFBbwU7NiaHOT_dcrD8h7un5JgdQCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h133/Baby%2BSteps.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Before we learn to run, we first have to learn to walk. But first, we need to learn how to stand, strengthen our legs, and take that first step on our own.<p></p><p>Yes, this is all said as a metaphor, but it is true. When a person goes through a life-changing event, a person just can't get up and keep going like everything is the same. First, a person needs to come to terms with that life-changing event and truly understand that this change is a permanent change. </p><p>Once that reality sets in, then that person can figure out everything else.</p><p>I have had six months to allow the reality to sink in that Joel is really gone from my life. His memories will stay with me forever, but he is no longer here as my life partner. He is no longer here to talk to me, to make me laugh, to relax, and to do nothing together. Am I sad, yes. But I am not devastated. </p><p>Admitting to myself that I am okay has been one of many baby steps that I have taken. Thankfully, I have guidance from a therapist who deals with grief counseling on a daily basis. She helps me talk about myself and my relationship with Joel. She asks very personal questions and sometimes if I don't have an answer, I think about it, and then we discuss it on our next call.</p><p>My first reaction in July, after Rachel and Noah went back to Indiana, was to keep as busy as possible. This way, I didn't have to think about how sad or lonely I was feeling.</p><p>But, little by little as I completed the daily tasks that I demanded of myself, I allowed the memories to flood back in. I realized that I was extremely lucky to have had not only 40 years of marriage to a person who knew me better than I knew myself but also has shared more than 50 years of friendship and memories of our childhood and adult years.</p><p>And now, I allow the other memories to ebb and flow. There were tough years as well. Marriage is not an easy institution, it is hard work. We did have to work on the partnership on a daily basis. Two people living together for so many years can cause friction because we naturally had differences of opinion and habits. </p><p>But we always agreed that we would never go to bed angry. And we didn't. If we had an argument, we stayed up and talked it through. There were tears and yelling over the years, but there was always love. </p><p>And now that I am alone, and making my own decisions, I have to relearn who I am and figure out what I want to do with my future.</p><p>Baby steps.</p><p>I did take my first baby steps this weekend. I took a trip, by myself, to visit my cousin. It was only three days, and only over to St. Peterburg, but it might as well have been a month and across the country. Just making the decision to travel during this COVID-19 pandemic was scary enough, but to do it alone was an accomplishment.</p><p>Today, I sit here thinking about how I feel about the trip and I feel accomplished. I feel renewed and I feel refreshed. This is only a little taste of what I hope to be doing when I retire. I really do love traveling, I love flying and I love exploring new locations.</p><p>Taking those baby steps have now emboldened me to continue my new life without Joel. He will always be with me, in my heart and my memories, but now it is time for Jody to fly.</p>Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-71444501336559035942021-01-03T21:52:00.002-05:002021-01-03T21:53:01.696-05:00A New Beginning<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apx3mXRbzO0/X_KCxKMG4EI/AAAAAAAA90g/F9_INjN2j0otFW0hCinErfRacum-8U10ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A%2Bnew%2Bbeginning.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apx3mXRbzO0/X_KCxKMG4EI/AAAAAAAA90g/F9_INjN2j0otFW0hCinErfRacum-8U10ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/A%2Bnew%2Bbeginning.JPEG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">How many times in a lifetime do we have an opportunity to have a clean slate and start over?</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Newly widowed, I am using this opportunity to look forward to the next chapter of my life to start all over. This time, I begin with 63 years of experience, a second career in the arts, and no debt.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have spent the past six months working through the grieving process. Of course, I had plenty of assistance from my family and friends. But the best assistance was through Hospice, they offer support through therapy and group sessions to talk through the grief. I have a long way to go, but I do feel like the fog has lifted and I can see more clearly now.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I also spent the past few months settling my finances, paying off all debts on credit cards, working with my financial advisor to ensure that I can retire comfortably and be able to do whatever I choose, whether it is travel locally or abroad. I don't mean to be extravagant, that has never been in my nature. But I would like to splurge now and then. I do have a few places that I want to see -- Israel is one place, but I also hope to visit our national parks so that I can pursue my photography while traveling. The end result, I hope to exhibit my work again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I also have gone to every doctor's appointment -- head to toe -- to make sure that my health is okay. I even went to the allergist to find out if I am allergic to the flu shot -- I am NOT! Next, I will find out if I am allergic to penicillin. After that, I will take the shingles shot and eventually the COVID shot, whenever it becomes available to me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">However, the other day, I had a very odd feeling. I felt like, okay, I have done the finances, cleaned the attic and garage, checked on my health, and took a vacation to unplug. Now what?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And, I didn't really have an answer. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have been thinking about it for several days. Still no definitive answer, but I do believe that I now have a clean slate, a chance for a brand new beginning. A chance to figure out who Jody really is.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have never lived on my own. I went from living with my parents to moving to Indiana to attend college with Joel and then moving to Florida with Joel and then getting married one year later. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now, I have to live alone, technically. Adina is still here, but she is applying for jobs and will eventually move out. I am alone most of the week. I still work at home and cook dinner for myself at least five nights a week. I am not comfortable eating at restaurants yet. Not because I am alone, but due to COVID, I am not taking any chances. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Once COVID is under control and I have my vaccination, I will venture out and do more. For now, I only go out to shop for food or to go to work when I have to -- like the Green Market or when we record our virtual programming.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But once ai am able to attend arts programming again, I will feel more normal, more like myself. I miss attending gallery openings and chatting with people, the artists, and arts administrators. I miss live theater. I miss concerts and museums. I am not alone in these feelings.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So as we begin 2021, I have really do have a clean slate. A clean and organized home. I am ready to take that first step forward. But in baby steps.</span></p>Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-56905751573974462492021-01-02T18:31:00.001-05:002021-01-02T18:31:03.819-05:00A Moment in Time<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UzxbYjOILk/X_ECKSG3BBI/AAAAAAAA9yw/HlHrrzX-5WwEgbNOKgvC6aL6MMqXoSXSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Dew%2BDrop%2BSunrise.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5UzxbYjOILk/X_ECKSG3BBI/AAAAAAAA9yw/HlHrrzX-5WwEgbNOKgvC6aL6MMqXoSXSQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Dew%2BDrop%2BSunrise.JPEG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />How do we define a moment in time. Is it a minute, a day, or a year?</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Well, for now, my moment is right this second. I am sitting on my blue couch in the den with my cat, Gracie, curled up between my leg and the arm of the couch. There is music playing on Pandora through Alexa. The ceiling fan is slowly paddling the cool air between my toes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If I turn to my right, there are Christmas lights entwined on the banister leading upstairs to the second floor and lights on the Christmas tree in the living room downstairs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is my peaceful moment, completely relaxed after almost one week of vacation. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I recharge by doing what I want to do, whether it is cleaning out the file cabinet and scanning all the documents and then shred them and toss them in the trash. My goal is to get rid of the file cabinet. Eventually, I will clean out most of the garage so that I can pull my car in at night. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I recharge by eating well. Now that I am doing all of the cooking for myself, I choose what I want. When I shop and get to the checkout counter, I am proud of all of the fresh fruit and vegetables that are gathered there as a testament to what I will be eating later in the day and week.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I recharge by binging on Netflix -- The Crown, Ozark, Schitt's Creek, Outlander, Anne of Green Gables. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I recharge by visiting with my neighbors and share comforting conversations and glasses of wine. We laugh. We reminisce. We celebrate our health and good times.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I recharge by Zooming with my daughter or my friends and family. We can raise a glass together as if there were no pandemic.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I recharge by revisiting my photography and realizing how much I miss the process of finding the perfect subject to shoot while fretting that I will not find it. Then coming home to upload my images and sort through them to choose the one or two that I decide to post. Then I move on to write a blog post on my Project 365 site and sharing it on social media.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And these are my moments. As my therapist has told me, if I only feel like doing one thing in a day, that is enough.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I do believe that I am finding my moment in time no matter how long or short it may be.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p>Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-78507861367675351322008-02-11T21:42:00.000-05:002008-02-11T22:03:51.733-05:00Wholesome Fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R7EIemOCnrI/AAAAAAAAASc/-cJ2upgKEQQ/s1600-h/Jose+Birthday.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R7EIemOCnrI/AAAAAAAAASc/-cJ2upgKEQQ/s400/Jose+Birthday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165919569319206578" border="0" /></a><br />Wholesome fun . . . that is what it was on Friday night.<br /><br />Backing up a few hours, I received a call from Sandra, Jose's girlfriend, inviting me and the entire Leshinsky family to Jose's surprise birthday party. Jose works for me and also does freelance work for Joel too. Sandra also invited Samantha, who also works for me. That was a big thing for Sandra because I know that she is a bit intimidated by Samantha and me. No need to be of course, but that is her hurdle. However, Samantha and I decided that we should definitely go to help him celebrate.<br /><br />So Joel and I invited Samantha to meet us for dinner first. We ended up at Flanagan's in Weston. After a nice relaxing dinner we drove off into Southwest Ranches to Jose's family's house. He lives on a horse farm on many acres with about 70 horses!<br /><br />When we arrived, Jose's face lit up like a Christmas tree. He was so excited that we all came to his birthday surprise party! He was celebrating his 27th! Yes, I know, he is but a baby. In fact, he is young enough to be my son which was really weird to accept when I first met him almost two years ago.<br /><br />So there were about 20 20-somethings celebrating. They are all salsa dancers and they danced up a storm. In between dancing there was a lot of laughter, a lot of eating and some drinking, but not drunkeness. <br /><br />Then at about 9:30 pm Jose announced that we were going to play "Cranium." I had never played that game, but hey, how bad could it be? So we split up into two teams . . . males against females! There were 11 of us and five of them. It really was a fun game. A little bit of Jeopardy, a little bit of Charades, Hangman, Wheel of Fortune and so on.<br /><br />Wholesome fun. It gives me hope that the Y generation, although a bit geeky and nerdy, will be okay. These are the future doctors that will be curing our ails and the future lawyers protecting our rights. They were just downright nice people. And that was a good feeling.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-28965229868947756672008-01-26T08:28:00.000-05:002008-01-26T08:46:50.434-05:00It's Here<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R5s5wz_skEI/AAAAAAAAAKs/-5nNB5-v_ec/s1600-h/300px-SATTest.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R5s5wz_skEI/AAAAAAAAAKs/-5nNB5-v_ec/s320/300px-SATTest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5159781308836909122" /></a><br />Rachel left at 7:15 a.m. this morning to go take her SAT test. I hugged her, asked her if she had her number two pencils, her calculator, a bottle of water and a snack. She, of course, rolled her eyes at me and hugged me back and said that she loved me and that she did have all those things.<br /><br />Well, we have done our job. Although it is never done, I can honestly say that we have done a great job. From the first moment she was placed in my arms and those clear blue eyes blinked open, I fell in love all over again. I loved every moment. Even the difficult ones. From changing diapers and breastfeeding to teaching her how to tie her shoes and say her first word. From watching Joel teach her how to sing every single word of "Grease" while she was sitting on the top of our baby grand piano in the living room, to taking her to the make up counter and watching the transformation from child to young woman for her first dance. I even enjoyed the moments when she threw her tantrums. It only showed her true independent spirit, her strong will to go and get what she really wanted. And there were many of those moments. The temper still flares now and then.<br /><br />Today Rachel is taking her first step toward adulthood with this SAT test. Next we will be visiting colleges and before we know it we will be waving goodbye trying desperately to hold back the tears.<br /><br />But it isn't all sadness. It is an exciting time to see Rachel takes these steps, just has she took her first steps right outside Roni and Chris' house in Crystal Beach. Then the anticipation of receiving the grades in the mail, or perhaps on email, will be alleviated when they arrive.<br /><br />We don't know what the future holds, but it's here and it is a natural next step. And she is doing it on her own today.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-1995554545541285212008-01-17T07:44:00.000-05:002008-01-17T08:00:30.127-05:00It's That Time of Year Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R49Q3HTt8CI/AAAAAAAAAKk/QNwxHGn6e7o/s1600-h/american-idol-judges.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R49Q3HTt8CI/AAAAAAAAAKk/QNwxHGn6e7o/s320/american-idol-judges.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156429006147285026" /></a><br />It is that time of year again when I take joy in watching other people make fools of themselves.<br /><br />Tuesday night was the first night of American Idol. Why I am addicted to that TV show, I really don't know, but I am. I love to watch the auditions. I love to hear Simon Cowell's responses to the outlandish. He can be terribly mean, but it is good entertainment. Just what FOX wants out of the audience. We come back for more because people get up there and either they just want to be seen on national television or they really, truly believe that they can sing.<br /><br />The first night was in Philadelphia. Two hours of wonderful entertainment, interspersed with a rare talented individual that can hold a tune or belt out a note. Then of course there are the pity cases where some poor, stupid teenager got herself pregnant and is raising her child without the father and wants to be a superstar. They always get through because they tug the heartstrings. I call that the Fantasia factor.<br /><br />Then you have the ultimately bazaar, like this guy who came in a black cape and when he dropped the cape was dressed as Cleopatra except he was completely hairy like a bear all over. So they tell him that if he gets waxed he can come back . . . and he did it and then he still couldn't sing a note.<br /><br />On night two the moved the auditions to Texas. More of the same. This will go on for another week and they on to Hollywood to eliminate the singers that think they can sing until they are under pressure in the lights of the studio and in front of an audience and many TV cameras. Only the strong will survive.<br /><br />I would LOVE to be a judge on American Idol. I almost always agree with Simon. Although I wouldn't pepper my comments so boldly as he does, I would still be painfully honest and tell them that this just isn't their forte. <br /><br />And so now I wait until next Tuesday to see the next edition of American Idol.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-84117725377157655952008-01-10T21:59:00.001-05:002008-01-10T22:24:40.408-05:00Six Degrees of Far Rockaway<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R4bhcHTt8BI/AAAAAAAAAKc/IJM7qNLsSMQ/s1600-h/23841278.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R4bhcHTt8BI/AAAAAAAAAKc/IJM7qNLsSMQ/s320/23841278.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154054696686448658" /></a><br />No matter where I go or what I do, Far Rockaway will always be my link. Whenever I have conversations with people and we talk about where I am from, I always find a connection to Far Rockaway!<br /><br />Just today, I was at a marketing workshop. After a long day of listening to my wonderful speaker, Alice Zimet, a fellow New Yorker, speak to more than 100 cultural organizations and artists, we decided we both needed a drink.<br /><br />So off we headed, with a co-worker to Tarpon Bend in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Since Alice didn't rent a car, I volunteered to pick her up at the hotel and be her driver around town. It gave us a chance to chat along the way. As we were talking, she asked me where I was from and of course I told her Far Rockaway. She said that she knows someone, a very dear friend of hers, who also blew her off for some unknown reason, who used to be the Executive Director of the Paul Taylor Dance Company. I almost pulled the car over! I screamed out, "you mean Ross Kramberg????" I couldn't believe it!<br /><br />So then we started trading stories about Ross. She made me call Joel to tell him, but he was so blase about it!!<br /><br />So it goes, over and over again. No matter where I go or who I meet, I can always find a Far Rockaway connection. I call it the "Six Degrees of Far Rockaway."Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-42255785198283683112008-01-08T12:43:00.000-05:002008-01-08T18:16:42.664-05:00New Year, New Beginnings<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R4QC9XTt7_I/AAAAAAAAAKM/jYTPnvrLw4c/s1600-h/ist2_2025017_new_year_s_resolutions_dieting.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R4QC9XTt7_I/AAAAAAAAAKM/jYTPnvrLw4c/s320/ist2_2025017_new_year_s_resolutions_dieting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153247126870683634" /></a>The year begins and so we have new beginnings, or do we just continue where we left off in 2007?<br /><br />So many people make New Years resolutions. What are resolutions? The dictionary defines them as: the act or process of resolving. So what are we resolving exactly??<br /><br />Some people resolve to lose weight or go back to the gym. Others resolve to be more friendly or more organized.<br /><br />But I don't really believe in resolutions. If you want to make a change, you have to want to make a change. And if that is true, then just do it.<br /><br />Since I have been sick the past three days I have spent a lot of time in front of the television. So many talk shows dedicate segments to helping people fulfill their resolutions. They have segments on low fat food, on better exercises, on how to quit smoking. But in reality, unless a person wants help, no one can really reach out and help them.<br /><br />Point in case . . . Britney Spears. Okay, I never really thought that I would bring her up in my blog, but now that I have . . . she is a very sad case. A child star, too much fame, too soon and can't ever live a normal life without cameras flashing in her face. Added on top of that, she got married when she shouldn't have. She had children when she should't have. She is now reported to have mental illness. So how can this person possibly help herself, even if she wanted to. Okay, so this is the ultimate extreme case.<br /><br />Another point . . . my daughters are so unbelievably disorganized. I can't help them straighten out their rooms because two days later their rooms look exactly like it was before I helped. So, I just accept that they will have messy rooms and ignore it . . . as long as they don't mess up the rest of the house. Their house is their own person space and their signature. We do discuss it at times, in fact we discussed it at the dinner table last night. But I now know that unless they want the help, I can't help.<br /><br />That goes for everyone. And that applies to New Years Resolutions as well. People usually do not stick with these resolutions. They think that they will, but then they slip a little bit and then a lot and then . . . oh well, forget it. Maybe next year.<br /><br />that is why I don't make resolutions. If I want to change something about myself or my life, I just do it. I find that if I continue to do something for at least two straight weeks, then I am usually hooked and then it is a permanent change and it becomes a habit.<br /><br />So, yes, here is a new year, and new beginnings so to speak. A fresh slate. I am happy with the changes that occurred in 2007 and this should lead to a much less stressful year. But, at least I did cut my hair about four inches. That was about the only resolution that I would allow!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R4QDLXTt8AI/AAAAAAAAAKU/3NjTeTKs0Ck/s1600-h/New+Haircut2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R4QDLXTt8AI/AAAAAAAAAKU/3NjTeTKs0Ck/s320/New+Haircut2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153247367388852226" /></a>Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-49331726723872216292008-01-02T07:55:00.001-05:002008-01-02T08:26:47.140-05:00Rachel's Birthday<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R3uPrnTt71I/AAAAAAAAAG4/BQDvwRQKlQk/s1600-h/DSC_0613.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R3uPrnTt71I/AAAAAAAAAG4/BQDvwRQKlQk/s320/DSC_0613.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150868578277125970" /></a><br />Smart, analytical, creative, shy, loving, curious, stubborn. These are adjectives that describe my first born child. From the moment that she was born and was placed into my arms, I fell in love all over again. It is these types of moments that stay with you forever. You savior them, roll them over and over in your mind, relive them in your dreams. But all of those adjectives described Rachel when she was a little girl and they describe her today. Today my baby turns 17 years old. <br /><br />Although not quite a woman and not truly a child, she is caught in a strange and delicate moment of life. I remember when I was 17. I was scared of growing up because that meant that I would be leaving home soon -- the only place that provided me the safe feelings that you have while growing up. Although these are false secure feelings that your parents can solve almost any problem and a kiss on a boo boo makes the world a better place, the security that I was brought up on helped to make me the person that I am today. Hopefully, Joel and I have created that same security net that was always there for our children.<br /><br />As I turned 17, I was still rebelling. The world was an angry place. There was a war going on a continent away but on the nightly news we heard body counts. I wanted peace, just like all of my favorite singers were singing about. I wanted my POW to return to his safety net. I was breaking up with a boyfriend because I didn't want to be anyone's girlfriend because it meant compromising my time to someone else and I wasn't ready. I was still retreating to my bedroom to lose myself in my music -- whether it was on the turntable and blaring out of my speakers or my own coming out of my guitar. I was getting ready to take my first SAT test. I was contemplating college. And, I was about to start to date Joel about six weeks later at Thanksgiving. I was recording all of my thoughts in a diary that is now safely hidden in my closet away from the inquiring eyes of my children.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R3uPdXTt70I/AAAAAAAAAGw/mWSs3PtsT3s/s1600-h/DSC_0455.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/R3uPdXTt70I/AAAAAAAAAGw/mWSs3PtsT3s/s320/DSC_0455.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150868333463990082" /></a>So what is so different in Rachel's life at 17? The world is still an angry place with a war a continent away. We still hear body counts -- although now they are called "Troops." We don't wear POW bracelets, in fact we really don't hear about POWs in this war. Rachel retreats to her room, to her music, only now it is on MY guitar or one of the other four that belong to her! She doesn't have a boyfriend although I imagine that she would like one even though she doesn't like what it does to her girlfriends. She really hasn't rebelled at all towards us and that is a huge compliment to our parenting skills. She is about to take her first SAT test in three weeks. And, as for her thoughts, she is much more confident about herself than I ever was and she doesn't seem to need to analyze her thoughts and actions. Again, that is another compliment to our parenting skills.<br /><br />My sweet child, almost woman, has been adaquately prepared to face the world. She has strong opinions, a great sense of humor, a love of the arts, an appreciation for history and trivia and is generally the type of person that everyone wants as a friend. However, she is an extremely private person and picks and chooses her friends carefully and then decides for herself whom she wants to spend her time with.<br /><br />So to my Rachel, I wish you the happiest of birthdays. I hope that all of your birthdays will be as special as this one.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-70928366588515212432007-09-12T08:00:00.001-04:002007-09-12T08:38:35.192-04:00Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rufdn3TahTI/AAAAAAAAAGA/MIv5ERNFu7o/s1600-h/funeral-flowers.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rufdn3TahTI/AAAAAAAAAGA/MIv5ERNFu7o/s320/funeral-flowers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109295979205133618" /></a><br />Life is so precious. I have said it before and I am continually amazed at how simple it is for our lifeforce to be gone in an instant. One day we are living, breathing, magical units. The next day, gone.<br /><br />Why, why, why would someone become so incredibly desperate to take their own life? What else is there if you don't have your life? We can't know what comes after we breathe our last breath, until that time arrives.<br /><br />It is so sad to hear that a person has become so distraught in their everyday life, that they feel the best solution is to just leave the earth. Leave all of their family and friends behind wondering, why. What could we have done to prevent this? <br /><br />Yesterday as I stood on line with Adina to get an autograph from Anthony Rapp, star of both the stage and screen versions of "Rent," my cell phone buzzed and I heard the distressing news that my friend's brother had taken his life.<br /><br />What a strange dycotomy that was. The story of "Rent" is wrapped around the fabric of the lives of young, vital adults just starting out in life but plagued with the burdens of no jobs, terminal illnesses, heartbreak and death. Yet, they found each other and they found love. And here I get a phone call that could have been a scene in the show.<br /><br />Well, I took a deep breath, looked at my beautiful, innocent 12-year-old and thanked the lord that we have been blessed in our lives with love and happiness and the ability to deal with whatever life throws us. Then I spoke as calmly as I could to my friend and encouraged him to be strong, focused and as calm as possible to make logical decisions for now and deal with the emotions later.<br /><br />Difficult, yes, but life will go one. It is a hard road, but depending on the consitution of my friend will be how he deals with this sad news.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-32034421900311069512007-08-30T08:16:00.000-04:002007-08-30T08:30:17.277-04:00Tennis Anyone?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rta4UkBcJGI/AAAAAAAAAF4/XGNUlOXomR0/s1600-h/superstock_1283r-280_b~Tennis-Ball-on-a-Tennis-Racket-Posters.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rta4UkBcJGI/AAAAAAAAAF4/XGNUlOXomR0/s320/superstock_1283r-280_b~Tennis-Ball-on-a-Tennis-Racket-Posters.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104469891077645410" /></a><br />Seems like a simple enough thing to do. Swing a racket toward a ball and get it over the net. Sounds like a plan. Well, then you have to factor in the other person who has the responsibility of hitting back over the net so that you can once again hit it. Oh, and don't forget to add in the the 91 degree temperature and the 80 percent humidity.<br /><br />Well, Rachel has decided that she wants to join the tennis team in the spring. So I happily volunteered to go out there with my daughter and try to volley the ball back and forth. Ha! I can get the ball over to Rachel easily enough, but Rachel hits the ball back like she is playing baseball! If it isn't flying over the fence, across the street to the next block, then I am running over to the other courts to retrieve the ball!<br /><br />Hey, it's all fun but I am burning up more calories in the act of retrieving the ball, than actually doing anything related to tennis.<br /><br />I am hoping that with more practice, Rachel will actually move her butt a bit more and run toward the ball and then hit it with a bit more aim. I am finding that my endurance is not what it was, but hey, at least I am out there trying! And it is good quality time with my daughter.<br /><br />So, if the end result is NOT the tennis team for Rachel, at least we are having a good time trying.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-11070957111293695472007-08-21T08:07:00.000-04:002007-08-21T08:31:53.156-04:00New Family Member<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RsraVaq8JYI/AAAAAAAAAFo/1cpQgKCmlTU/s1600-h/kitten.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RsraVaq8JYI/AAAAAAAAAFo/1cpQgKCmlTU/s320/kitten.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101129589422040450" /></a>So, what started out as a peaceful, sunny, hot day at the pool, turned into a new chapter in the Leshinsky household.<br /><br />Adina and I trudged over to the pool with our towels and noodles and we were floating in the pool. It was all very relaxing. The last few days of summer vacation for the girls, I had taken off a few days from work so we could all be together.<br /><br />Then we heard it. At first, we thought it was a bird. Then it sounded like a kitten. Then it sounded like a bird. Well, it was driving Adina crazy. Just as Rachel arrived at the pool, the two girls decided to search around the perimeter of the pool to find out what was making this noise. Then I heard it, "Mommy, come here quick." In that moment, I knew that my life had just turned a corner.<br /><br />When I got over there, in Adina's hands was the smallest ball of fur that I have ever seen. The fur was grey. The face has white markings with the pinkest of pink nose and mouth. This squirming body was crying for help and we felt so badly for it. The neighbors were sitting on their porch and said that they had heard it too but also thought that it was a bird.<br /><br />Then they asked . . . "Mommy, can we keep it?"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rsraxqq8JZI/AAAAAAAAAFw/k6M5-FTUqDs/s1600-h/kitten1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rsraxqq8JZI/AAAAAAAAAFw/k6M5-FTUqDs/s320/kitten1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101130074753344914" /></a>They really didn't have to ask. My mind was already made up! I had to protect and nurture this little baby kitten. So we gathered our belongings from the pool and headed straight home. I called our vet and they said all the doctors were in surgery, but that I should get a baby bottle at a pet store and a can of formula until I can see the doctors. Oh, and they said that since the kitten is so young, that we would also have to help it to go to the bathroom! What? I didn't sign on for that! They said to use a baby wipe or a cotton ball and gently wipe it's genitils. Ok, fine.<br /><br />So we got dressed as fast as we could and ran over to the pet store and bought the items we needed and went home equally as fast.<br /><br />This little baby ate so much and yes, we were able to get it to go to the bathroom. We were very proud of ourselves.<br /><br />Now, how were we going to convince Joel that we wanted to keep him?? We plotted all afternoon. We knew that the kitten would need to be fed often, we just didn't know how often. That information would come the next day from the vet.<br /><br />So when Joel came home, we showed him this adorable, sleepy bundle of fur. I knew he was sold from the moment he set eyes on him, but he acts tough to make the girls think of the consequences. He always finds a lesson to be learned. So he put all of the responsibility on the girls to figure out the care and feeding schedule.<br /><br />Well, after we visited the vet the next day, we felt a lot better about keeping this kitten. He is very healthy, but he is only two weeks old. He only weighs 7 oz. and needs to eat four times a day, about 3 - 4 tablespoons of formula.<br /><br />Well, so far, even with school that started yesterday, we have managed to keep up with the feeding schedule. Joel came home at 3 p.m. to feed him and he was fine. When I came home at 5:15 p.m. Joel and the kitten were cuddled on the couch in the den. It was a touching sight.<br /><br />Grace, well, Grace is still not sure about this kitten. At first she growled all the time. Now she is curious and sniffs at the kitten and only growls a little. The vet said that it would take a few weeks for Grace to adjust to a new animal in the house.<br /><br />Now the issue is . . . what to name him?? I wanted Woodstock. Joel and Rachel picked Hendrix. But we are still debating. And at this point, the kitten doesn't know the difference. We started a list last night and we will continue tonight!Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-85479342876617813362007-08-14T08:01:00.000-04:002007-08-14T08:49:56.988-04:00And So It Goes . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RsGk30s0wQI/AAAAAAAAAFY/AMW43jhPuEM/s1600-h/Umbrella+on+the+Beach.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RsGk30s0wQI/AAAAAAAAAFY/AMW43jhPuEM/s320/Umbrella+on+the+Beach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098537532106522882" /></a><br />The lazy days of summer are coming to an end. I always found the end of the summer very sad. The summers for me were a time of freedom, of discovery, of days on the beach slathered with baby oil, of riding my bike to friends' houses, of sleeping late, of lying on the grass in the backyard looking up at the maple trees swaying in the summer breezes, of reading book after book of my choice. Then came the end of the summer. <br /><br />There was always a feeling that I had to rush to get ready for school. There was shopping for clothing as I was constantly outgrowing my things. I always had to clean out my closet and drawers to make room for the new stuff. While I was doing that, I ended up cleaning up my entire room including the dust in the corners of the windowsills and way underneath the beds.<br /><br />Well, fast forward a few decades and nothing much has changed. The only difference is that now I am the mom and my children are the ones flopping around the house in PJs until 4 p.m. in the afternoon, watching TV or playing guitar or reading whatever they want. They did the room cleaning. We did the clothes shopping. They are ready for school. And they have that wistful sadness that comes with the ending of a great summer.<br /><br />And so it goes . . . another summer drawing to an end. But we have the school year to look forward to. New classes, new friends, new adventures. A bit of balance to the sadness, there is the new beginning to look forward to.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-65653142795757179622007-07-17T07:59:00.000-04:002007-07-17T08:23:21.940-04:00Fish<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RpyzxPIU3dI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Ht762J0imaQ/s1600-h/hoover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RpyzxPIU3dI/AAAAAAAAAFA/Ht762J0imaQ/s320/hoover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088139337478233554" /></a><br /><br />Fish are strange creatures. Larger fish eat smaller fish. People eat fish. Sometimes fish take a bite out of people But humans, in general, are intriqued with the underwater beasts.<br /><br />Some adventurous folk get very up close and personal with fish. They slap on a mask and and breathing tube and funny looking webbed shoes and snorkel about observing them in their own habitat. For the type A personalities, they are much braver and get special certifications to wear very odd looking skins and tanks and tubes and dive to great depths to get a closer encounter with coral, sharks and other sea animals.<br /><br />Then there are the people in my immediate family. They rather enjoy purchasing a small tank, filling it with bright pink gravel, artificial plants, a rubber duckie and just a few tiny fish. It is absolutely a "girly" fish tank. The pink gravel makes quite a statement!<br /><br />The entire purpose of this fish tank was for Adina's 12th birthday. I never wanted fish. It is just another "thing" that needs maintenance however, I agreed that if Adina was 100 percent responsible, she could have it. In addition, we didn't buy the fish. We insisted that Adina use her money to buy the fish so that she understands that there is value and responsibility attached to the care of her new pets.<br /><br />Once the tank was set up (and you would have thought it was a national holiday the way we made such a fuss over the preparation which, of course, I recorded with my camera!) and placed into Adina's newly cleaned room (a full-day job that Joel and Adina attacked this past Sunday), I had to admit, it was pretty. Not only was it pleasing to look at, but it has a calming effect.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rpyz4_IU3eI/AAAAAAAAAFI/vght8lm16EM/s1600-h/stare.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rpyz4_IU3eI/AAAAAAAAAFI/vght8lm16EM/s320/stare.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088139470622219746" /></a>However, Grace (our cat), is not so calm. She sits on Adina's desk and stares intensly at the tank. I wonder how she will do when we are all out of the house during work hours? Oh well. Only time will tell. Joel thinks that Grace thinks it is the TV. But then again, that is another story!<br /><br />Of course Adina made us name the fish! So we have Optimus Prime (one of the transformers' names from the movie), Bruce the shark (from Finding Nemo), Prince (the Kissing Gourami), Mac and Cheese, and Hoover the sucker fish!! We had fun with the naming game!<br /><br />So here is to a new era in the Leshinsky household! Fish . . . up close and personal!Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-32647621445013119222007-07-13T08:00:00.000-04:002007-07-13T08:24:08.288-04:00Dreams<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rpdu4vIU3cI/AAAAAAAAAE4/I4-9kN0abZA/s1600-h/dreams.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rpdu4vIU3cI/AAAAAAAAAE4/I4-9kN0abZA/s320/dreams.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086656225141382594" /></a><br />People, on the average, dream four to six times during their sleeping hours. But we can also dream while we are awake. Perhaps when we are sitting in class and our attention drifts away from the speaker and our thoughts turn into an actual dream. We also have dreams of what we might want to be when we grow up or what we would like to be instead of the choices in life we have made.<br /><br />But all in all, dreams are very real to us. Studies have shown that we are usually the main character in the dream and when we are telling someone about our dreams, we are actually recalling a memory.<br /><br />Lately, I have been dreaming extremely vivid dreams. They aren't bad dreams, or for that matter, that aren't outlandishly wonderful either. Instead, when I wake up in the morning, I remember the dream and if Joel is awake, I usually try to tell him what I was dreaming. It helps me to remember the dream later in the day.<br /><br />I noticed that this started to occur after I had the telephone encounter with the medium. I don't know if the two events are connected or not, just a basic observation.<br /><br />In order to dream, we need to enter REM sleep. My only guess is that I am sleeping more soundly at night, therefore entering that REM phase and allowing me to dream.<br /><br />I do wake up feeling very rested. It is a very good feeling. I didn't really realize how tired I was until I started to get to this more restful sleep.<br /><br />Maybe I have resolved some of my frutstrations. True, we haven't solved our current problems at home, but we are actively working on it. We have the restaurant up for sale. Joel is applying for jobs on a weekly basis and I am helping him with the application process too. He has irons in many fires and he has decided that nothing is more important than his family. That could be part of the reasons that I am feeling more relaxed, less stressed and less tense.<br /><br />I have been taking more yoga classes, at least two and sometimes three times a week. I feel physically stronger, challenged in class and then look forward to the mediation and relaxation at the end of the class. My state of mind is much more clear. I can concentrate more at work where about month ago I was an emotional wreck.<br /><br />I am going through a battery of tests at the internist, the OB-GYN and an Endocrinologist. They have taking vile after vile of blood to see if it is menopause (it isn't). They did see something related to my thyroid (completely fixable with medication . . . if that is the issue). And tomorrow I go for an ultrasound of my thyroid. So answers will come. But each doctor has stated that these are symptoms of stress.<br /><br />So, I guess I have learned how to control the stress by actively doing something about it and then the end results . . . better sleep . . . more rest . . . more dreams.<br /><br />I like the dreams. It adds a dimension to life because everynight is like a new episode and a nice surprise to wake up to. So dream on!Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-61791386202756712602007-05-26T08:39:00.000-04:002007-05-26T08:53:43.584-04:00Hands<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rlgtz81zWCI/AAAAAAAAAEo/IdOQQj5bosE/s1600-h/drawing_hands.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rlgtz81zWCI/AAAAAAAAAEo/IdOQQj5bosE/s320/drawing_hands.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068851751133861922" /></a><br />Hands. So important to us. You can give someone a hand to offer help. You can hold your loved one's hand to offer comfort. You can lay a hand on someone to heal. Hands have so many nerve endings that our hands are extremely sensitive.<br /><br />But have you ever taken a good long look at your hands? The palm has a roadmap of lines and grooves that some palm readers can look at and claim to tell us more about ourselves, our pasts and our futures. Our fingerprints are unique to each of us and defines who we are in databases and in some cases to allow us access to our bank accounts, cars and houses.<br /><br />I like to look at the back of my hand. I can see the aging process there. The skin, not as smooth as it once was as a child, is now creased with character. But yet, there is something a bit familiar in the shape of my hand, in the shape and length of my fingers and nails. I see my mother's hands. <br /><br />I see the comforting calm of my mother's hands as they used to reach out and touch me when I was sad or hurt. I see the day that I held her hand as she slowly left me for the last time. I held that hand as long as I could, I memorized the shape, the smell and the feel of her fingers and skin. I wanted that moment to be with me forever. Yes, it was painfully sad, but now when I gaze down at my own hands, I feel as though a part of her will be with me forever.<br /><br />Hands clasp, hands reach, hands feel, hands applaud, hands raise, hands comfort, hands connect.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-11289437614197485922007-05-19T07:04:00.000-04:002007-05-19T07:55:58.225-04:00The Other Side of the Veil<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rk7jec1zWBI/AAAAAAAAAEg/j8pIVc04QzI/s1600-h/store.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rk7jec1zWBI/AAAAAAAAAEg/j8pIVc04QzI/s320/store.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5066236743115823122" /></a><br />How often do you get the opportunity to say something to your father, especially when you have never met him?<br /><br />Well, last night I had that opportunity. I have always believed that there are people in this world who can see through to the other side and speak to those who have crossed over. I have just never had the chance, first hand, to do that myself. I had never met a medium, nor have I ever gone out of my way to seek one out. <br /><br />I do believe that there is a reason for everything. I do believe that my father wanted to speak to me so strongly, that the connections came together and the time was right. <br /><br />Several weeks ago Joel met Mark Brogan. He is an attorney who writes a column for the Sun-Sentinel on condo law. Mark is friends with a man, Robert Hansen (<a href="http://www.robertehansen.com/">http://www.robertehansen.com/</a>) who is a medium. This man is not a medium as a living. He is a special education teacher who works with autistic, deaf and blind children. Something happened to him almost 20 years ago which opened up this window to the other side and he is able to talk to people on the other side. He shares this with people and last night I called him and he shared with me.<br /><br />Was I amazed? Yes, but I completely believe and I expected to connect. I have been told but another person who has psychic abilities that I have psychic abilities and if I opened up more that I could connect if I wanted to. So in the 60 minutes that I spent on the phone with Robert, I really felt connected to the other side. I wasn't scared, although my heart was beating very quickly in my chest. At times I felt light-headed and as though I could amost pass out, even though I was sitting very comfortably on my bed. I had a tape recorder next to me and the phone on speaker. I wanted to be able to go back and listen at my own pace. I also took notes of things that I didn't know or couldn't connect to a relative.<br /><br />The most important thing that I learned last night is that my birth father, Harold Lawrence Schain, was the one person who reached out to speak to me. He told Mark that he had visited the child that had the stars on her ceiling and could smell the scent of the candles in her room. That was Rachel, she had a bunch of candles burning in her room and she has plastic stars pasted to the ceiling, Joel and I placed them there when she was a toddler because they glow in the dark and they form a trail toward the door so she could find her way to the bathroom in the dark.<br /><br />He also told Mark to tell me that my mother didn't have a chance to say good bye to him because his passing was very sudden. Robert didn't know how my father died, but he said that he heard extremely loud noises and machinery. I asked him if I should tell him how my father died. I asked him that because at the beginning of the session he said to not say much except that I do or do not understand what he was telling me. At that point he said yes to say it outloud. When I said that it was a plane crash, he said, now it makes sense. He said that it was a mistake. The aircraft was a private one, a small one, like a Piper Cub and my father switched with the pilot. When I said that we never knew who was flying, he said that my father was insisting that I know that he was flying the plane.<br /><br />Then my father wanted me to know that he understands my attitude toward my step-father. He is upset that I had to fight for what belongs to me. He said that he was allergic to penicillin and that I would understand that it really was him when Robert said that to me. That was true, my mother told me that and I am also very allergic to it. As a baby I broke out in a terrible rash from head to toe when my mother gave me penicillin. He also said that my mother was kidnapped emotionally and couldn't give me everything that she wanted to give me.<br /><br />Robert said that I planted something in my backyard in my father's honor. He also said that I did something in my father's honor on my wedding day. I can't remember what either of those things are, but I will just let that information sit and sink in; and perhaps it will come back to me.<br /><br />There was also something about a baseball mitt and a huge pantry with a lot of canned goods and he kept mentioning baked beans.<br /><br />These things were pouring out of him. Perhaps my parents wanted to reaffirm that it was really them. My mother always felt the need to keep her pantry well stocked, "just in case." There was always a five month supply of paper towels and toilet paper and canned items and whatever else had a long shelf life. I always attributed that to my her memories of living through the depression in the 1930s. She never wanted to run short of anything. When she took me shopping and we found an item that we liked, she always bought at least two of them! <br /><br />There was a lot in the middle that I have to listen to again. But at the end of the session, my mother came forward and said that she would be here with me if she could have stayed in her body. She said that she just couldn't do it anymore. It was too painful. She knows that I was with her as she crossed over and that I told it was okay to go. And that my father was her true love and she is with him now.<br /><br />Robert told me that I have a watch of my fathers. He said that I should hold it and wear it and say good night to him every night because he is listening to me, always.<br /><br />There was so much more that Robert was telling me and I really have to go back and listen more. <br /><br />This was the most satisfying experience that I have ever had. I always believed, and now I believe even more.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-3112951014014175552007-05-04T05:47:00.000-04:002007-05-04T06:18:25.372-04:00Change<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RjsIZGpOeoI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/j90Ow6MbVTg/s1600-h/sunrise.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RjsIZGpOeoI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/j90Ow6MbVTg/s320/sunrise.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5060647833654164098" /></a><br />There is always resistance to change. Change brings uncertainty. But sometimes change brings excitement. <br /><br />I feel that there is change in the air. Or, is it that I am hopeful for a change? It doesn't matter which is the truth. However, I feel the change coming.<br /><br />The routine of our daily lives has been tweaked a bit today. Adina is off on a school field trip. She had to be at school at 5:30 a.m. because the buses leave for Orlando at 6 a.m. So Joel and Adina were up at 4:30 a.m. I can usually sleep through anything, but this morning I was up. Adina was so excited, I know that it was hard for her to be quiet. She must have run up and down the stairs 20 times before she was ready to leave. That didn't really bother me, but of course, once they left, I was up for good. I tried to sleep, but couldn't.<br /><br />So, here I am, sitting in bed, reading emails and writing in this journal. A bit of a change for me. I know that I will be tired later, but that is okay. I am excited for Adina too. I remember what it was like to get up at the crack of dawn. Even before the birds were chirping. My parents used to take me on trips to Washington, DC because that is where my Mom's sister, Sylvia, lived. I loved visiting Aunt Sylvia and Uncle George and of course, my cousin Dennis.<br /><br />The first thing on Saturday morning, I would meet Dennis in the kitchen and we would eat ice cream for breakfast! That was always so much fun. And Dennis was the only person, besides my Mom, who was call me Jody Robin! Until the day that he died, he called me on my birthday and would say in his Baltimore twang, "Happy Birthday Jody Robin!"<br /><br />And I was a grown woman! But he was so sweet and loving when he would say it to me. He always made me smile! I do miss him, but I think of him on my birthday and I am sure he is thinking of me too!<br /><br />But those early morning trips were exciting because it was a change in routine. And of course, the minute we left the driveway and were heading down the street toward the stop sign on Healy Avenue and 25th Street, I would announce to my Mom that I was hungry! Don't know why, but it happened EVERYTIME!!<br /><br />The very last time that I took a car trip with my parents was in 2002. I was in New York with the girls for two weeks in August. Rachel was 12 and Adina was 7. My parents asked if we wanted to go to Hershey, Pennsylvania! I couldn't really believe that they wanted to do a car trip with all of us, but we all agreed.<br /><br />So we packed all the things that would keep the girls occupied. We packed food and drinks. My Mom insisted on taking towels and bedding and pillows!! The car was packed to the gills. But, we had all of our creature comforts. And we were off.<br /><br />My Mom insisted on sitting in the back with the girls. I navigated with maps and my Dad drove. It was like old times, but I was 45 years old! It was strange, it was change and it was an adventure.<br /><br />And no sooner did we pull out of the driveway, one of the girls said they were hungry! I had to laugh at that and so our adventure began. It was a great trip. We didn't have a set plan. We just decided what to do as we drove. We ended up getting off the main highway and driving on back roads. We saw lots of fields of corn and tiny towns with rolling green hills and brick houses with front porches and American flags posted proudly. We stayed in hotel dives, but we didn't care. I was more amazed that my Mom didn't mind the inconveniences, but it added to the change. We were on the road for about a week. When we returned back to New York, we were ready to get there and sleep in our own beds. But it was fun.<br /><br />So change can be fun. But the anticipation can rattle you but then, that is what life is about. It can't always be the same.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-58565847373145515442007-05-01T08:10:00.000-04:002007-05-01T08:55:25.266-04:00Glue<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rjc4PmpOenI/AAAAAAAAAEI/zruLf4Ql4iU/s1600-h/Gloria.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rjc4PmpOenI/AAAAAAAAAEI/zruLf4Ql4iU/s320/Gloria.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059574547096697458" /></a><br />Glue. What exactly is glue? According to Webster's Dictionary, glue is something that binds together. However the second meaning is that glue is something to satisfy the human desire for community.<br /><br />Well, as Mother's Day approaches, I think of my Mom. She was the glue to our family. She had an unbelievable passion for making sure that not only was everyone taken care of, but that they knew what the rest of the family was up to.<br /><br />My Mom spent an incredible amount of time on the telephone, but it was never idle chit chat. It was always with the intent to find out how you were, what you were doing and to tell you about the rest of the family. Of course, no matter what, when she was in New York, she had to tell me the weather report. That was funny. I don't know why she was compelled to tell me that, but it was sweet and I miss those phone calls now.<br /><br />In the first year after she passed away, I tried desperately to fill her shoes. I called all the relatives on a weekly basis, just the way that my Mom did. I tried to ask the pertinent questions that she asked and share the news that I had found out on the other phone calls. But it wasn't the same. It was too sad for me to continue in the same exact manner of my Mom, so I tried a different path and does seem to be working for me now. Although my circle of family has narrowed quite a bit.<br /><br />I use the power of the Internet. I write emails. I take and share photos. I don't get the vast details that I used to get, but it does work for me. My family members tell me that they love the photos because they feel like they are a part of our lives and sharing in the daily activities that I choose to document with my camera.<br /><br />But with other family members, the glue has melted. Sometimes I find that sad, and other times it doesn't bother me.<br /><br />But Gloria Horne was truly a unique person and she touched so many lives. Her glue still lives on.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-47215357440136151742007-04-28T08:08:00.000-04:002007-04-28T08:27:05.199-04:00People Come and Go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RjM89WpOemI/AAAAAAAAAEA/Pe1pF9siKYw/s1600-h/178308945_8a3a4a184d.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RjM89WpOemI/AAAAAAAAAEA/Pe1pF9siKYw/s320/178308945_8a3a4a184d.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058453831215381090" /></a><br />Something that I have come to learn and expect in life is that people come and go. I don't mean that in a bad way, but as we live our lives, we can't possibly hold on to every single relationship all the time in the same intensity.<br /><br />When we are children, we go to school and see the same set of people for about eight years. Friendships develop. Sometimes you are lucky and one or two of those friendships carry through to your adulthood. It depends on the amount of time and effort spent in nurturing that relationship.<br /><br />I still have two friends from elementary school. One friend from 3rd grade and one from 4th grade. We know about each other's lives, we know each other's spouses and children but almost never see each other. With the power of the web we are able to stay in touch. Those are special relationships that, no matter what, will continue to wind in and out and paths will cross when they are supposed to.<br /><br />Later in college, other types of friendships are forged. Not necessarily long lasting, but impactful. Again, the power of the web has enabled us to reconnect. It is fun, but not necessarily the same type of bond that was created as a child.<br /><br />In adulthood there are many, many, many acquaintances that have passed in and out of my life. Some were neighbors, some were dance partners, others were work-related. They were all important and touched my life in some way. <br /><br />But we can't expect to hang on to each and every relationship in the same light forever. But if these people have made an impact, at some point there is a possibility that they will wind themselves back in again later.<br /><br />Such is the fabric of my life. Each memory is like another stitch and I enjoy looking back now and then to remember the good times and forward to new ones.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-42002307349584173432007-04-27T17:40:00.000-04:002007-04-27T18:00:18.647-04:00This is a HUGE County<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RjJx0GpOelI/AAAAAAAAAD4/we-8fLw--n0/s1600-h/pic_broward_county_mitigati.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RjJx0GpOelI/AAAAAAAAAD4/we-8fLw--n0/s320/pic_broward_county_mitigati.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5058230471441152594" /></a><br />Broward County is really unbelievable.<br /><br />Most people think of Broward County as Fort Lauderdale. But it is so, so, so much more than that. Yes, there are 23 miles of beaches fringing the coast from Palm Beach to Miami-Dade County. Yes, Fort Lauderdale is a burgeoning metropolis with towering office buildings and high-rise condos -- with mighty price tags I might add!<br /><br />But you can find anything that you desire in Fort Lauderdale.<br /><br />This week, Jose and I have started on a project of photographing all of the artwork where we are missing high-resolution photography. Now that Jose has his fancy schmancy professional camera, we have scheduled many full days of traveling around the county to the locations where our public art resides.<br /><br />In the process, we have seen just about everything possible.<br /><br />Today alone we saw the dichotomy of the overcrowded cities with the many restaurants and galleries along the streets. Charming of course for urbanites. But then we were suddenly in a place that was Broward County of 30 years ago. We were surrounded by horses, cows and iguanas!!<br /><br />Then we saw a school teaming with hundreds of children.<br /><br />Another school, a college campus was on lockdown and we couldn't go into that building. A bit scary and too close to the national news stories that we have been hearing lately.<br /><br />Later in the day we were in a densely populated neighborhood area . . . a bit on the run down side, but a place for many families.<br /><br />Just seeing the many sites in the county brings me back to my days of working at Parks and Recreation. I used to drive a county car from park to park and I learned early on how to adapt to any office space. All I needed was a telephone, a desk, a typewriter and I was good to go! We were opening so many parks back in the 1980s and I had to travel quite a bit around the county. Back then, Markham Park was way out in the boondocks. Now Weston is barely halfway to the boondocks.<br /><br />Times have changed, but if you seek you shall find what ever it is that you want to call home in Broward County.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-46785925412490669742007-04-22T16:53:00.000-04:002007-04-22T17:26:37.250-04:00The Greening of the Leshinskys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RivRvbZT6wI/AAAAAAAAADw/OTYyJRGnCX8/s1600-h/earth.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RivRvbZT6wI/AAAAAAAAADw/OTYyJRGnCX8/s320/earth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5056365619391490818" /></a><br />Ok, so now I finally feel like we have made an effort to save the environment. I have always felt that we should. Ever since my 7th Science grade teacher, Mr. Hipkens, taught us about Earth Day, recycling and conservation, I have been preaching it for years.<br /><br />When I was in 7th grade I used to make my Mom recycle the newspapers. We would save them for about a month in the basement and then my Dad would tie them up in paper garbage bags and twine and we would deliver them to the special bins at the Far Rockaway High School.<br /><br />Then I convinced my Mom that there were too many pollutants in the water so she began to boil the water before she put it into the refrigerator. She did that everyday until the day she died. <br /><br />We celebrated the first Earth Day in 1970. We had this HUGE ball that had the image of the Earth on the outside of it. We tossed it around on the girl's field hockey field.<br /><br />Fast forward to today. Today is Earth Day 2007 and we installed those new bulbs in our lamps to replace the incandescent ones. Supposedly, one bulb saves you $60 a year. So we replaced about 10 bulbs. Let's see if that makes a dent in our electric bill?<br /><br />We still recycle. I make sure that all the newspapers go in one bin and all the glass and plastic go in the other one. I am constantly pulling things out of the garbage to recycle. I know what our garbage dumps look like. <br /><br />Back in 1986 when I was writing for the County Line, the County's employee newsletter, I used to interview different employees about their jobs and write profiles about them. One employee that I interviewed worked at the landfill in Pembroke Pines/Miramar area. There really was NOTHING out there at the time except for the landfill. He took me for a ride on the landfill and I took photos and he explained that there are two different areas at the landfill. One is for "wet" garbage and the other is for "dry" garbage. <br /><br />We happened to be on the wet area. They cover the garbage with gravel. It doesn't smell like you think it might smell, however, it has a very distinct odor. Not something that you would want to spray in your house! But it was tolerable. As we stood on that landfill and the other workers were driving their trucks, you could feel the ground shaking under your feet as though the ground was made of rubber! It was the oddest feeling that I have ever felt (well, except for the earthquake that we were in, but that is another story!).<br /><br />Anyway, my point is, since I have seen how much garbage there is, just in Broward county, I get frustrated when I see wasted items end up in the garbage pail. I know that it is only going to end up in a landfill and it will take hundreds if not thousands of years to decompose. We HAVE to find a way to recycle more and not waste anything.<br /><br />I recently read Al Gore's book about Global Warming. I am not sure how much is real and how much is rhetoric, but if everyone does something, no matter how small or insignificant, we can make a difference.<br /><br />Unplug appliances that are not in use, they still pull power. Turn off the TV when you leave a room. Take shorter showers. Wash the clothes in cold water. Take Mass Transit. Plan your trips to the grocery and the post office so that you don't waste gas. Whatever you do, at least it is something!Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-56467410019902663352007-04-14T23:16:00.000-04:002007-04-14T23:35:59.427-04:00Life's Simple Pleasures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RiGcjbjD2AI/AAAAAAAAADo/uvxFwIOg4qs/s1600-h/200px-Ice_cream_cone.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/RiGcjbjD2AI/AAAAAAAAADo/uvxFwIOg4qs/s320/200px-Ice_cream_cone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5053492389390571522" /></a><br />Sometimes life's simple pleasures are what makes the best memories.<br /><br />Today the Leshinskys indulged themselves with many of life's simple pleasures. This morning I slept late. It was such a wonderful feeling to wake up slowly. Letting the layers of the night's dreams slip away and allow conciousness to replace it gradually. As I opened my eyes I realized that my sweet cat, Grace, was curled up next to me in a little ball up against my stomach. When I ran my hand on her fur she rewarded me with a very loud purring sound that is so soothing to me.<br /><br />Then I made myself a pot of coffee and sat in the kitchen with Rachel and watched silly kids show from the 80s. We giggled at the weird fashions and big hair! <br /><br />After doing three loads of laundry and scrubbing the toilets (ok, so not all are memorable) we headed out to the pool. Just sitting on a lounge chair reading a book while the warm breezes kept me cool was so relaxing and good for my soul. And watching my girls splash around in the pool -- well it just all felt right. It is what we used to do in our free time and somewhere along the line got too busy to find the time to stop and relax.<br /><br />To top off the day we allowed Rachel to go to a concert with her friends while we took Gert out to dinner and then to Jaxon's for ice cream. I don't care how old you are, when you eat ice cream you feel like a kid. Another one of life's simple pleasures and some more memories.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34138250.post-60227597910780208322007-04-13T08:01:00.000-04:002007-04-13T08:19:32.300-04:00Life is so Precious<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rh91TbjD1_I/AAAAAAAAADg/L1AUJMGb2KQ/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qDWuhNAN1iM/Rh91TbjD1_I/AAAAAAAAADg/L1AUJMGb2KQ/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5052886283605759986" /></a><br />Life, it has so many meaning. A mother gives life to her child. A person lives their life. You can have life-long friends. But the actual part of life that keeps us breathing, the blood pumping through our veins and the brain waves active . . . that is so fragile.<br /><br />Two days ago Joel was running a simple errand at Kinko's. He needed more take-away menus printed. As he stood in the store looking out the plate glass window which gave him an eye view of University Drive, just north of Oakland Park Boulevard, Joel witnessed an accident that sent several to the hospital but claimed one young woman's life.<br /><br />A very loud noise made Joel and the manager of Kinko's look out of the window. Joel said it was like watching a movie in slow motion. Perhaps the brain can't process all of the information that is occuring so quickly in front of your eyes that the activity seems to slow down. He said that one car crossed the median and ended up faceing the wrong way in the northbound lane but flipped over and over and then another car hit that one and flipped in the other direction.<br /><br />When Joel grasped the reality of what had just happened, he ran out to see if he could help. He ran to the first SUV that was now lying on its roof. One young woman was crying and pinned down by her friend who was leaning on her. Joel took one look into the second woman's eyes and froze. He just knew in that instant that there was no life there. <br /><br />The details went on. They aren't important anymore. It was a terrible scene. The ambulances finally arrived along with the fire engines and the police officers. Joel was no longer needed and was in the way. But in that one moment, he had seen death and it shook him to the bone.<br /><br />He called me many times that day. I could hear the fear in his voice. <br /><br />I have come in contact with death several times over the years. I have lost many family members to old age and illnesses. You never get used to seeing that blank stare that chills your bones that tells you there is no longer any life. It isn't like in the movies or on television. It is, however, a cruel reminder that we too will die. <br /><br />Joel always avoided coming with me to funerals and hospitals. But this week he had a front row seat and found out how precious life it. I don't think he will ever forget it now.Jody Leshinskyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13695213140764509237noreply@blogger.com0