Betty's Blog

            As we get ready in a few weeks to celebrate Independence Day let's take a moment to remember those who sacrificed and those who gave the ultimate gift so that we could have our independence and the freedoms we enjoy. Instead of the normal blog I thought I would share this poetry I wrote. Called A Soldiers Prayer.   Lord as I sit here in the darkest of the night in this foreign land, I pray not for myself for I know that whatever my fate may be that it is your plan and I have no regrets. I pray lord that you will keep her safe since I can't be there. Don't let her worry about me. I pray that you will comfort her when she is afraid. Lord, I pray that if it is your will that I don't make it back to her, you will keep her in your arms. I pray that you let her know that she was truly loved by me. Please lord don't let her heart be filled with sorrow and pain, let it be filled with love and joy. hold her tight lord until the day that we are once again together

                             When we think of role models we often think of celebrities, they look glamourous, have money and are seen vacationing in exotic places. Maybe instead of celebrities we should consider as a role model the teacher who has papers to grade and lessons to plan but takes the time to listen to the child as if they are the most important person in the world, even if all they want to talk about is their pet or what they did at grandmas.  Maybe it is the elderly couple who own the neighborhood market who when a child tries to buy a piece of gum but doesn't have enough money, they count it and tell them there is enough with a penny left over.  When asked why they do it, smiles and says nothing is more precious than the look in their eyes and the smile on their face. Maybe role models should be parents like the dad who comes home from work and only wants a few minutes to sit in his chair and relax but smiles and says sure let's go when his son asks him to play

                              In our culture today we sometimes forget that words hurt just as much as actions. We may think that what we say is funny or just a joke. We don't realize how hurtful they can be. Maybe before we speak, we take a moment to think about if the same words were said to us, how would we feel? How can we teach the next generation, that when we say things about others not only can it be hurtful, but it can also be a form of bullying, when they see us as adults doing it?  T am reminded of the words of a song "careful the things you say children will listen, careful the things you do children will see and lean". As someone who still at times struggles with body image and looks words do hurt even when they are not meant to.  As always try to do something nice for someone it will not only make them feel good, but you also.

                         We are daughters, mothers, and wives. Many of us also work outside of the home.          Sometimes it can become difficult. We believe we have to be strong and be the one to take care of everything and everyone. We feel we cannot show our emotions. Whether we believe that if we show our emotions people will think we are weak, or maybe we feel that we just don't have time to deal with whatever it is, or we just don't want to deal with it, we push all of those emotions so far deep down inside of us. We put on a mask and hide it all. We tell everyone we are fine. We laugh and smile and try to forget everything. We pretend nothing is wrong. We keep doing what is expected of us, what people believe we should do. We have to be the women of change, just like those women who came before us, who fought and demanded change that gave us the rights we have today. we need to be the women of change and we have to be the ones who stand up and say it is okay to ask for

                     We all have dreams. Some dream about being a doctor or a superstar or an artist. Everybody's dreams are important.  You have to keep believing in them.  keep dreaming big you can achieve them. Dreams are what keeps us going.  People will tell you to forget about them that you will never achieve them. Don't listen to those voices. Dreams are what keeps us believing in the future.  They give us hope that tomorrow will be better. Keep reaching for your dreams. Sometimes you have to fight for your dreams. No matter what your dreams are they can come true. Never stop believing in your dreams.    You have to work to make your dreams come true. Your dreams are worth fighting for. Never stop fighting for your dreams and never stop dreaming. 

              We as parents, teachers' friends and community leaders it is our job to teach the next generation. We do that by our actions. If we want a better future for them then we have to be the ones to say enough is enough and stop the bullying. Bullying comes in many different ways. When you say things or do things to hurt or harm others because they are different or have different beliefs you are bullying them.  It is not okay to be hurt. You have the right to be different.  You are not a nobody you are somebody and you matter.  Sometimes people bully others because they too have insecurities. We don't know what is going on in their life and home.                                                                    Hopefully one day we will live in a world where everybody is accepted as one and there will be no reason to bully anyone again., but until that day we have to learn to treat others with respect.  Even though we may not understand others' beliefs or cultures

                     Strength is not about how big you are or how strong you are.  It's when you think you can't go on. It's when you feel like you can't take another step. It's that inner strength that you reach for deep inside of you that keeps you going. It's when you are both physically and mentally exhausted, yet you are still that shoulder to cry on when a friend needs you. It's what you reach for when you think there is no hope left.  It's what gets you through the darkest moments in your life. You may think you are not that strong It is normal to feel like you don't have that inner strength, but you do it's in every one of us It is a part of what makes us that special person that we are. 

       Sometimes it feels like the world is crashing down on you and the walls are closing in on you. You think you have to be perfect. You think that you have to be the perfect athlete, the straight A student or the perfect partner or parent. You think others won't approve or like you if you are different.  You try to please everyone else instead of following your own dreams or ideas. It is okay to be happy.  You are strong and courageous. It is okay to be who you are. Do not believe it when you are told that your dreams aren't important and that you should just be happy to do what others think you are supposed to do. Always remember that your hopes and dreams are important. Sometimes you get intimidated when you are different. You struggle with who you are, and it can feel like you are slowly losing your identity. It is okay to live your life for you. It is okay not to be perfect. Remember you are important, and you are loved. If you feel like you are struggling reach out to

            When we loose someone we love  we are told that time will heal everything and it will. We are told they are in a better place and they are. That doesn't mean that we don't feel like our heart is ripping into a million pieces.  No matter what religion we are we know that we will see them again.  We will have days that we can smile and laugh and we think that we are finally okay and then something will trigger a memory and the sadness will come flooding in like a raging river. It is those times when they will be surrounding us with there love and holding us tight until the storm passes . We know that they will always be with us. They are the ones who gave us the strength to face each day no matter what life puts in our path.  They gave us the confidence and courage to follow our dreams no matter where they may lead. In their eyes we are perfect even if we can only see our own imperfections.  We will never forget them, the times we shared with them will always be apart