Thank You

I work because I am compelled to work.
I feel like I have purpose when I work.
I feel proud when I work.
I feel like I am making a difference when I work.
I feel like I am showing my kids what it means to contribute when I work.
I don't feel like I am working, I feel like I am participating.

There are people I meet through work who change me.
There are people I meet through work who never leave me.
Sometimes these people overwhelm me.

In the face of dying they are open.
In the face of fear they inspire courage.
In the face of uncertainty they find peace.
In the face of terror they are humble.

Thank you to those who have made me believe that I can do this work.
Thank you to those who have told me that I am good at this work.
Thank you to those who have set an example of what it means to live.
Thank you to those who have let me in.

I am humbled,
I am in awe.
I am inspired.

Thank you for changing me in all the ways I always wanted to change.

Things that stuck

There has been a chain of posts on Facebook where people list their favorite books or books that have somehow stuck with them. It got me thinking about things that have stuck with me, not necessarily books.

 A few things that stuck:

This video was published several years back. It corresponds to an article published in the NY Times about Melanoma. The first time I saw it I was with my co-workers at Emory. Its honest, raw and totally captures what appears to be true, authentic love. I watch this video every now and again and think of it often. Love Endures Even Cancer

I loved this book. I read it while traveling through the Middle-east, specifically, as we were leaving Egypt and making our way into Jordan. It put into perspective, in a simple way, the complexities facing the middle-east. It also chronicled the journey of Queen Noor's relationship with King Hussein. I loved learning about the culture and the history of a region through the lens of a love story. And, in case you didn't know, I am all about memoirs. This is a good one.  Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life

Another memoir, perhaps the best ever written is Lit: A Memoir by Mary Karr. This one brought me to my knees, literally. For the first time in my life I really understood what it meant to pray. For me, this book is about surrendering in the face of suffering. You will thank me! Lit: A Memoir

Blood Brother was a documentary we happened to catch on TV one night when we were just laying around. Rocky Braat is an american who has made his home in India with a group of HIV positive orphans. Rocky's dedication to these kids is humbling and pure. He's the kind of person who is really doing what is right for him; it just so happens what is right for him is right for the kids who need him. The kids themselves hit you at your core and never leave. Their big dark eyes, their imploring spirits lure you in... I truly love this movie.

A friend posted this video on FB. I hate FB but I also love FB and its because of things like this. Im so so glad I watched this video. Its desperately sad. Its sad because you watch someone suffer from having lost their true love. And whats more sad is how mean and cruel people can be... why does anyone reject someone because they care for someone else?! I will never understand. I am a mom to two sons and I cannot imagine rejecting either of them for who they are or who they might choose to love. Again, I don't understand. But, this one really stuck! EqualLoveEqualRights

A few things that I take along with me,
Katharine

A wonder, one handed.

Here's to me and all the moms out there who have an amazing ability to do A LOT with one hand...

My little guy has a thing for his mom. He toddles around at my feet and constantly wants to be held. I can't say I totally mind it. In fact, I love it. I know it won't last forever and that there will be a time when he no longer wants to be constantly by my side. In the meantime, I have mastered many-a-task using only one hand. I'll name just a few...

I can make macaroni and cheese with one hand. I can load and unload the dishwasher with one hand. I can go to the bathroom on an airplane with one hand. I can go to the bathroom one handed with a child sitting on my lap. I can go through security at an airport with one hand. I can fold strollers with one hand. I can grocery shop with one hand. I can put groceries away with one hand. I can put away laundry with one hand. I can go to Starbucks and sweeten my coffee with one hand. I can type with one hand. I can text with one hand. I can put on shoes with one hand. I can put on make-up with one hand. I can blow dry my hair with one hand and I can most definitely eat with one hand.

The life of a one handed, working mother isn't always easy but its amazingly rewarding.

Me and my little wonder - always in my arms!