Miracles - Do You Believe?

Saturday - April 24, 2010

Since seeing Celtic Woman a few weeks ago, one of their songs has made a home inside my head!! Of course it doesn't help when I listen to the CD with the song on it over and over. It is #5 on the "Songs From the Heart." The song is actually from the soundtrack from "The Prince of Egypt" which is an animated movie about Moses. Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey have sung the song making it even more popular. Celtic Woman has included the song in their latest performance with the youngest member of the group - Chloe Agnew - singing it most definitely "from the heart!"

I included the lyrics in my other blog - "Bits and Pieces" - when I wrote about the hope the miner's family clung to that their loved ones would be found safely. Miracles do happen, but sometimes they do not! When listening to the song this afternoon as I was on my way to Mom's, I started thinking about miracles, and do I believe in them!!! Yes I do, and I'd like to share a few of those miracles with you.

Some I will write about I did not witness, but I know they were miracles because the person in which they involved was here to tell us about them. Many times these loved ones had no idea of all that was taking place. Dad was one who through the grace of God and prayers was one who was the recipient of a miracle. When he was hit twice in the same day by a land mine and survived - it was a miracle. The land mine literally blew the half track up throwing him up in the air; and when he hit the ground, he had broken arms, legs, shrapnel throughout his body, and part of his left foot missing. Yes it was a miracle he survived the blast. I wasn't there, but from pictures we have seen of the war and what little Dad would tell us - it was a miracle he was still here!

Dad had many heart-attacks and procedures done on his heart which included open-heart surgery. The one miracle that really sticks in my head was the time I was walking through the emergency room doors; they were calling "code blue"; and I looked in the room where Dad was and I saw at least five medical personnel working on Dad to save his life. Mom, Bill, and I sat in that emergency room waiting area praying for a miracle. Did it happen - yes - but it was a long week before we saw the improvements we were praying for. I will never forget the picture of the working hard to save my father's life - while in the ER or on the rush as they took him to ICU. Thankfully, Dad did not remember what had happened. It was a miracle he was able to come home and return to a normal life - again. God granted us many such miracles for Dad. Dad would be the first to tell you that it was with God's grace that he made it through many of those episodes.

Mom is a miracle who is still able to do many things for herself at the age of 90. She has been healthy most of her life. It was not until after Dad's death that she experienced some rough times medically. She suffered a mild heart attack and stoke about three years ago. I'll never forget that night. She could not see or hear us. While in the ER, she appeared to be talking with someone. Some of us think she was talking to Dad! They let me sit beside her in ICU that night. I talked, sang, hummed, and prayed that my mother would come back to us. For over 24 hours, we had no idea if that would be happening. The nurse who took care of Mom the first night came out about midnight on the second night and got me. I was scared, but when I walked into Mom's room she was staring out towards the door and smiled when I spoke to her. She was alert and responding to the nurse and me!!! It took a few more days, but by the grace of God, our prayers were answered and a miracle had taken place. Her heart doctor said she was a survivor!!!!

If Dad were here - he would say it was a miracle he and Mom were together for over 59 years! He would be teasing Mom - the love they shared was true love!!!

My oldest brother is also with us because of prayers and a miracle that he was with the right people when he had his stroke. He has had several major heart-attacks with some being so severe he almost went Home! Yes, he is a miracle and he has told us it was not his time to go home yet! Prayer were offered up for his recovery, and we are all so thankful that God was listening!!! We love Dink so very much and continue to pray that one day he will have a complete recovery!! We are so thankful for the progress he has made and that his has a wife who loves him so much!!! His sons also love their dad and are there for him as is his future daughter-in-law!!!! To see Dink mow the grass using his riding lawn mower - is a miracle!!!!

Mom and Dink on his first visit after the stroke!!

My youngest brother can also be placed on the list of recipients of a miracle. He was on his way back from visiting family when he became extremely sick. With the insistence from his wife and son, he decided to go to the ER. He thought he was experiencing food poisoning!!! Wrong!!! He was in the process of having a heart-attack!!!! They placed a stint in his heart that same night!!! We were so thankful he was almost home when he got sick and went on to the hospital. Several days later, he was to have a catheterization, to see if he would need open-heart surgery or more stints!! Prayers were said asking again for God's grace. The prayers were answered - no open-heart surgery was needed! More stints were placed in his heart and he is doing well!!!

Mom and Mike

Are all our prayers answered they way we would like? No they aren't. we know God is in control and that is through Him prayers are answered. We knew when Dad was leaving us that it was God's will for Him to go Home. Sure, I prayed that my Dad would be okay and be able to stay here with us. Selfish of me, I know - but I wanted my father to always stay here with us. They same thing happen when John went Home - God was in charge.

Our prayers will not always be answered with a miracle the way we want. We need to continue thanking God for those miracles we have seen. We need to pray everyday for those who need help, but we also need to say thank you to our Heavenly Father. There are many "miracles" that have taken place - but these are the "few" that have come to my mind as I wrote this blog!

Many times we pray for a miracle to happen - bringing the lost closer to God; finding the financial means to help us through the month; keeping our family and friends safe from harm; finding the true love of our life; helping us to start a family; providing food, shelter, and love for our family. God listens to all our prayers and knows what weighs heavy on our hearts. As the song says we may not see the proof that we are being heard, but "if we believe, miracles can be achieved!"

My prayer is that whatever is burdening your heart and causing you much stress - turn it over to God, pray, and believe in miracles. It may not take place as fast you might want, and it may not happen at all. Remember, God does have a plan and believe in His plan.

When You Believe

Many nights we've prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song we barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were climbing mountains long before we knew we could

Chorus:
There can be miracles when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

In this time of fear
When prayer so often proved in vain
Hope seemed like the summer birds to swiftly blown away
Yet now I'm standing here
With heart so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words I never thought I'd say

(repeat chorus)

Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you
Believe

Keith Albee - Marshall Artist Series - CATS

Sunday - April 18, 2009

Living in a college town has its advantages. While attending Marshall many years ago, I was aware of the special shows they would have come in and perform not only for the student body, but for the citizens of the Huntington area too. However, as a student I did not have the time to attend many of these events. Study - Study - Study!! That's what my college days were like! I wish I had taken advantage of these special shows since I had paid for them when paying my tuition.

It wasn't until Bill and I were married that I actually went to see some of the special artist that were brought in to perform at the Keith Albee Theater. Artist such as Judy Collins, Stan Getz, Wyton Marsalis, YoYo Ma, Emanuel Ax, Itzhak Perlman, Isaac Stern, and the Labeque Sisters - Katia and Marielle. Yes, we have seen some really talented and world renown artist. Had we not lived in the Huntington area, chances are we would not have been able to see most of these artist. Marshall University's Artist Series has taken pride in the fact they are bringing in the best of the best!

As with most shows, we are not permitted to take pictures, but with modern technology many of these artist pictures can be located by simply typing in their name into a search engine of your choice. How I wish I had a picture of these artist with my own camera!!!! These artist were brought in to perform at the Keith Albee Theatre in downtown Huntington.

The Keith Albee is a beautiful theater that opened it's doors back in 1928. It was actually a vaudeville theater which eventually was turned into a movie theater. Mom took us to several movies when we were younger, and the school system had special programs in which they would take the student body to to watch. Not only did I go watch the "silver screen" movies of my day, but it was also the site for the high school graduation of my brothers and me!

When "We Are Marshall" has its premier, the Keith Albee was the place for the first viewing of the movie. The actors, producers, and distinguished member of Marshall, the city, and the state walked the red carpet - actually green carpet - as they do in Hollywood when a film is first shown. It was a great day for Marshall and the city.

Bill and I have tried to see many of the shows that have been brought in by Marshall. This year one that stands out to me is the musical CATS. It was an unbelievable performance. Chances of us seeing a musical would probably have been very unlikely unless we had made a special trip to NYC! The song, "Memories," still remains in my head! The young lady who sang the song was absolutely wonderful.

Later this week we are planning on seeing another show - "The Lord of the Dance!" We have seen the show before, but never at the Keith Albee!! We are both very anxious and excited to see them perform in the beautiful Keith Albee. We have had the tickets for months and will be sitting in the loge section. We try and get tickets that are elevated so I can see!!! Many times I have not been able to enjoy a show because of the tall person in front of me!

This is a picture of two of my friends - Peggy and Trudy - standing out side of the Keith Albee on our graduation day from HHS!

The stage of the Keith Albee.

I don't think the stage looked quite like this when I walked across it to receive my diploma!

. . . looking at the side of the auditorium - breath taking!!!!

My first musical was "CATS"

The make-up and costumes were unbelievable!!

As we have gotten older, we enjoy the variety of the talent that Marshall is bringing to the area. We hope to be able to continue attending many of these shows!!!

Three Show Weekend!

Thursday - April 8, 2010

Since our retirements, one of the things we love doing is going to concerts which are not too far from home. What do I mean too far? We love going to Charleston, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Lexington. We have even gone to Pittsburgh and Toledo. Bill browses the Internet to see who and where we might see in concert. We do not stay with one music genre. We have seen Elton John, Billy Joel, BB King, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, George Jones, Roy Clark, Celtic Thunder, and Celtic Woman to name a few! :) We have also been to see Cats, and most recently a ballet in Cincinnati!

Bill found that during the weekend of March 27-28 we could see three shows in Cincinnati at the Arnoff Center. Two show would be Celtic Woman performing "songs From the Heart," and one performance would be by the Cincinnati Ballet with the Xavier University Concert Choir accompanying them. They performed "Mozart's Requiem." Adam Hougland was the choreography. I really don't know a lot about dancing, but I do know that the performers did a wonderful job! The music was powerful with the dancers showing the adrenaline rushing through their bodies and into their performance. It was a captivating dance drama that kept the audience dazzled with what was happening.

According to the program we received before going to our seats, "Mozart's Requiem" is a non-narrative drama that depicts a journey from the darkness into light. Knowing this, you could understand what was taking place. The set was unbelievable helping us see the characters grappling with grief, loss, and the reality of their inevitable mortality. It is during the second act that we saw the characters process of acceptance of finding a hopeful path towards the light. They are letting go and finally accepting the ultimate unknown.

This photo was one they took when performing at on of the castles in Ireland. Now that would be a great place to see them perform!!!!

For the past four years I have grown to love listening to Celtic Woman more and more. I became acquainted with this group from Ireland when off from work with a bad back and right after Dad passed away. I could do nothing without being in pain. I would sit in my rocker and try and watch some TV. PBS had Celtic Woman on one of their fund raiser drives. I was mesmerized by their voices and how well they would blend together. At the time their was a sixteen year old who was part of the group and had the voice of an angel. I was hooked.

I ordered their DVD and CD. After I received them, this was all I would listen to and watch!! Bill knew how much I liked them and found a time and place for us to go see them. We actually got to see them here in Huntington. We were one of the first one's in line when the tickets went on sale. We got and our tickets for that first show and as they say the rest is history!! We have also seen them in Toledo, Columbus, Lexington, and Cincinnati. Some can't understand why we love to go see them again and again, but what is the difference in going to watch the same group when they are close to home than going to a ballgame - MU, Reds, or Bengals - it's because we like them. Yes we both like Celtic Woman!

March 28, 2010 was a date in which Celtic Woman did two performances at the Arnoff Center in Cincinnati. Bill managed to get tickets for both performances! We were on the second row for both shows. "Songs From the Heart" was a remarkable show. Three of the original members - Chloe, Lisa and Mairead - are still with the group. The two newest members - Alex and Lynn - have been welcomed with open arms by fans. Their voices blend so well with the others. The songs are definitely song "from the heart."

The composers and musical director has certainly managed to put together an awesome show that has captivated people from all over the world. Each has a personality that shines through the songs they sing. Mairead's playing of the fiddle is absolutely unbelievable. The talent she displays when playing has given her the name of "the Dancing Fairy."

Bill and I both thoroughly enjoyed both shows!!! Will we go and see them again?? Yes when the date and place is right!!!!

Cora's Birthday Party in WV

Monday - March 29, 2010

Two day ago our precious grand-daughter had her first birthday. Due to many things going on, she had a party with her grandparents in WV on Friday night at Gino's. She will have a "ladybug" party in Akron on Saturday for the rest of the family. Needless to say, she is still a little too young to really understand the concept of a birthday party, but as you look through the pictures, you will see she got into what the party was all about - her!!!! She had a great time eating pizza, playing with the wrapping, bows, tissue paper, and eating her birthday cupcake and ice cream! She even liked her presents, but I think her mother and father really liked them! :):)

"Okay, what's all the fuss about?"

Mmmmmm, good - pizza!!!
Okay, so I got a little sauce on my face - Mom will get it off!

I'm still cute - dirty face and all! :):)
Uhhh, Mom, there's a fire on my food!

We were singing Happy Birthday to Cora Ann
Waving at the employees of Gino's to come and join the party!!! She was a hit!!!

Hi Mammaw, want a bite of my cupcake????? It's goooooood! :)

An angelic face - Cora is so sweet and precious!!!

Not only does she have pizza on her face, but now you can add icing, cake, and ice cream!! I think she wears it well! Adorable!!!

Now for the serious stuff - modeling one of the bows from a present!

One of the many books she received - a first words book with buttons that says the word of the picture so Cora can repeat it!

Since her big party is going to have a ladybug theme - she received many presents with ladybugs on them - pajamas, dresses, and this ladybug toy!

Presents were all opened, so now it was time to walk on the table to Granddad!

We all love Cora Ann so much and are so thankful she is in our life!!!!!

Dear Cora Ann,

Saturday - March 20, 2010

Dear Cora Ann,

Granddad and I wanted to let you know how much we love you! Today is the first day of spring, and in a week you will be celebrating your first birthday!!! We waited with much anticipation for your arrival and were so happy and thankful when we were able to hold you for the first time! You are our first grandchild and grand-daughter. We were thrilled when you made your first trip to WV so we could let the rest of the family meet you. During 2009 you celebrated your first Easter, 4th of July celebration, and first Christmas. You also gave your Mommy and Daddy their first Mother and Father’s Day. You have experienced your first bite of many new and delicious foods – some of which you loved and others were okay. Your parents saw you first rolling over, pulling up, standing up, and taking a step. My, my – how many first you have experienced in your first year of life! Some of your "first" are not good memories - your first shot, ear infection, stuffy nose, and I'm sure there are others, but for the most part most created great excitement for all who love you!!

You will experience many more first as you begin your second year of life. We pray that as you get older you will recognize the love we have for you and are so proud and humbled to have you as our first grandchild to love and cherish!!! Someday I hope you will be able to look back at some of the post on this blog and read them for yourself knowing that they were written with love! The love we have for you can never be measured, but know it is given with all our being!

We have literally hundreds of pictures of you! I went through those pictures and chose some that show how you have grown this past year!!!! I have tried to put them in chronological order, but I'm sure I have some out of sequence!!! You are our precious baby girl and we love you bunches!!!! We hope you have a wonderful first birthday, and are so glad we will be able to help you celebrate it!!!

We love you Cora Ann!

Granddad and Mammaw