Life Interrupted......

Last weekend while everyone was reeling over the death of a famous singer, I was brought to my knees by my own personal crisis. My sister called to inform me that my father had just found my mother collapsed in their bathroom and that she was in ICU and unconscious. My sister was on the highway trying to get there and I had to jump on a plane to get to her as quickly as I could. 

After several days of being heavily sedated, in and out of consciousness, and unable to speak to us,  I am so blessed to report that she is firmly on the road to recovery ! My dad is very fragile and this really just overwhelmed him. I am so glad that my sister and I could get there quickly enough to help to manage her treatment with the doctors, nurses, insurance companies and therapists. I cried when I had to fly home today, not because I'm scared, because I am confident and faithful. I cried from sheer joy and thankfulness ! Faith makes ALL things possible and we serve an awesome God of Restoration !

The one thing that will STAY with me is the love and support from my friends and family and my fiance's friends and family. All the prayers for us and with us, the phone calls, text messages, food, flowers, cards and just overall support and encouragement brings tears to my eyes even now. Even the smallest gesture can bring such peace in the midst of serious anxiety and stress. You only have one Mama so I don't have to tell you how it feels to get a call like that when you are so far away. Trying not to panic and think straight & focus on what needs to be done. I am grateful that Mr. Mixologist was sitting with me at the time and gave me everything I needed from him and more. When my mother was able to understand me, I let her know that prayers were coming from coast to coast and I KNOW that they were heard and answered. His touch of healing over my mother through grace and mercy is something that I do not take for granted. 

I am humbled. I am grateful. 

Be Blessed !

Beautifully Complex 

Day 11 #FEBPHOTOADAY : Makes you happy

That handsome guy on the left who....

loves my family, embraces my friends, enhances my life, loves me unconditionally and intends to make me his wife.

Having his heart truly makes me happy !

Beautifully Complex 

Day 10 #FEBPHOTOADAY : Self Portrait

Happy Friday !

Day 9 #FEBPHOTOADAY : Front Door

After the week I have had this truly was a welcome sight.
So happy to be off tomorrow !

Day 8 #FEBPHOTOADAY : Sun

I caught the sun just before it fell behind the clouds this morning !

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Day 7 #FEBPHOTOADAY : Buttons

These are the buttons I have been tapping on since 8:30 this morning & I am tired ! One more hour to go...

Thoughtful Tuesday

Life is challenging, life is unpredictable and life is short. But life is also rewarding, there is redemption and there can be joy in the time we have.

I love the Internet. Despite the many negative aspects of it, there are so many opportunities to connect with others, share and learn so much or just be reminded of what you already know. I stumbled across this site over the weekend called Makes Me Think. It's one of those sites you can spend too much time on just browsing and reflecting.  The posts and the comments just remind me that the human experience is so similar and can be remarkable on any given day.

Here are few of my favorites:

Today, I was putting quarters into a parking meter for my parking spot downtown when a homeless man asked me if I could spare some change. I actually had a lot of coins in my purse, so I handed him about five dollars in change. The meeting I attended downtown ran about two hours longer than I had expected it to, and about an hour longer than I had paid for on the parking meter. But when I got to my car, the homeless man I had given change to earlier was putting a quarter into my parking meter. When he saw me, he said, “Oh good, you’re back. A little while ago the meter maid was ticketing cars with expired meters, so I’ve been slowly putting some change into your meter to keep you out of trouble.” MMT

Proof that social media is really taking over LOL

Today, I was hungry when I boarded my flight home from San Diego to Chicago. I was craving a Sullivans Steakhouse filet (Sullivans is my favorite restaurant), so I sarcastically tweeted, “Hey @SullivansSteak – Can you meet me at the O’Hare airport with a 10 oz filet when I land at 8PM? Great, thanks! :)” It was just a joke, so I didn’t expect anything to come of it. But when I walked past the security exit toward baggage claim there was a man wearing a Sullivans polo and holding a sign with my name on it. When I introduced myself, he said, “Our CEO just happened to see your tweet this evening and had us prepare this for you. It’s on the house. Welcome home.” MMT

Sowing a seed

Today, almost 5 years after I stopped volunteering at the suicide prevention hotline, the new manager gave me a call. She said this afternoon they received a $25,000 anonymous donation to help fund the support line. Along with the donation they received an email that read, “Thank you Claire. You saved my life.” Apparently, I’m the only Claire who ever volunteered there. MMT

 and

Today, an elderly man named Dave, who was a regular customer at our pub for the last fifteen years or so, passed away. Among other things, he was known by the pub staff to be a poor tipper – oftentimes he left no tip at all, or would forgetfully leave without paying his tab. This evening we got a call from his attorney. In his will, Dave requested that the remaining $500,000 from his estate be equally divided up for all 10 active employees of the pub. MMT

What truly matters.....

Today, one of my close friends from high school – a hometown success story and entrepreneur who owns and operates two publicly traded companies – a man I respect and look up to – came over to my house for dinner. After my wife and kids left the table, he and I chatted for a couple hours. Toward the end of the evening he said, “I admire you. I admire the love in this house. I admire the family you put together. I never got around to that. And it was great to see it, feel it, and be a part of it tonight. Thank you.” MMT

This one brought tears to my eyes...

Today, 5 years after my mom lost her battle with cancer, my dad started dating again. He was worried about how I would feel about it, but I fully support him. This evening, after his date, I heard him talking in his bedroom. I thought perhaps his date came back with him. But when I listened closely, I heard him talking to my mom, telling her how hard it is and how much he misses her. And promising that no matter what, she will always be the love of his life. MMT


Reading this type of stuff helps me to remain hopeful and encouraged. If I didn't have a foundation of faith in my life, I don't know how I could get up and face life each and every day.

Check it out & let me know what you think about the site in the comments.

Enjoy !

Beautifully Complex 

Day 6 #FEBPHOTOADAY : Dinner

This is turkey tacos almost finished before I remembered to take a pic !

Day 5 #FEBPHOTOADAY: 10 AM

Watching worship service on my laptop. True "Bedside Baptist" LOL !

Day 4 #FEBPHOTOADAY: A Stranger

Within 30 seconds of taking this pic there were 5 people waiting in line. Man I wish I had thought of Redbox ! LOL

Day 3 #FEBPHOTOADAY: Hands

...my heart is in his hands :)

Funny Friday Vol. 4

I haven't seen this show yet , but I think I may set my DVR to be sure that I catch it. I thought this clip was funny ! LOL





What do you think ? Is this something that you would watch ?


Enjoy your weekend !

Beautifully Complex 

Day 2 #FEBPHOTOADAY: Words

Day 1 #FEBPHOTOADAY : My view today

I stepped outside this morning to check the weather. I waited for the fog to lift before hitting the road.
Happy Hump Day!
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