Saint Patrick's Day celebrates more than Irish culture; it honors a man who found divine strength in adversity. Kidnapped and enslaved in Ireland as a youth, Patrick's unwavering faith became his shield. His story of resilience echoes through the centuries, inspiring those facing their own trials. Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with my Granddaughter Today, I think of my granddaughter Olive, separated from part of her family and navigating her own challenges. Drawing inspiration from the ancient "Breastplate of Saint Patrick," I offer this modern prayer of protection and hope for her: A Saint Patrick’s Day Blessing  for Olive   May Your Laughter Echo Through the Years and May God Bless You Always!  Olive, I pray you wake up with courage, Guided by the triune God, symbolized by the shamrock's three heart-shaped leaves. May God's wisdom illuminate your path, And Christ's kindness shape your words. When life's tough, remember you're not a...

This Valentine's Day, my heart exists as a collection of cubist fragments - broken into a thousand pieces, all longing to be pieced back together. February, the month of love, carries a bittersweet resonance this year. As I prepare to celebrate 50 years of marriage, my heart simultaneously aches with the pain of separation.  Love You Soooo Much Olive For the past three years, I've found myself embodying Picasso's " Weeping Woman, " my emotions as fractured and complex as his iconic painting. My once-whole bond with my granddaughter, Olive, now resembles a Cubist masterpiece, each jagged piece a poignant reminder of our involuntary divide. These years have painted our separation with harsh strokes, leaving my heart shattered into angular fragments, each one reflecting a cherished memory. Like the subject of Picasso's portrait, my eyes have become wells of sorrow, shedding invisible tears that daily erode the fabric of my being. Yet, even as I weep, my love r...

  Breaking Free from Illness: A Year of Intentional Health  Illness has been a constant companion, this year and I’m truly exhausted from feeling sick and tired all the time. This year, I want to shift my focus toward improving my health. My hope is that by prioritizing my well-being, I can reduce the frequency of illness and make this year a healthier one. I know that as I grow older, the risk of health challenges can increase, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take steps to improve my quality of life. I’ve struggled with being overweight for most of my adult life, and this year, I’m determined to work toward becoming healthier. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about feeling better, being stronger, and giving myself the best chance to thrive. This isn't about perfection—it's about progress. Every small choice matters. Every healthy decision is a victory. Generational Goal Setting in Progress Here I Come, 2025 ! On my journey to a healthier self 🌟