Thought for the Day

“Truly great people are precious to find, difficult to leave, and hard to forget”

By: Lessons Learned In Life

Domestic Violence- – my story

I’ve debated sharing my story on this blog; but, have decided that if I can share part of my story in such a way that brings hope and encouragement to those who are in the throes, or to those who are ready to exchange the known for the unknown, and to those trying to recover from it all, then this segment is dedicated to you.  Know that you are strong; you are valued; you have purpose and you have a wonderful life of freedom opening up to you as you take the first step into your future.

FREE

Being married more than two dozen years to an abusive man brought me many challenges. Those who know what it means to live with someone who could be Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde know that you are kept on an endless roller coaster ride. Mine began on our honeymoon. We rented a cabin in the Pocono Mountains, in Pennsylvania. He thought being
close to nature and having me make him breakfast every morning would be his dream fulfilled. I should have known
then that this was going to be a one-sided trip down memory lane; but I was 19 years old and naïve.
On our fi rst morning together, I was dragged from bed by my hair, slapped across the face, and told to make breakfast—because “I am hungry, now.” I stood before him in my white negligee, tears streaming down my face, my body shaking from shock. I hadn’t yet washed sleep from my face and he wanted pancakes—from scratch. I didn’t know how to make pancakes from scratch. All attempts found their way into the trash. Cereal became the breakfast choice.

I was a high school junior when we met. We had gotten engaged for my graduation. Never during our two-year courtship had he displayed a temper. In fact, he was just the opposite—mild-mannered, jovial, and easygoing; everyone liked him—including my mother. When his temper reared its ugly head on that first morning, I was completely taken by surprise. He apologized and I assumed it was a one-time occurrence. I had no idea it would be the beginning of a long, tumultuous road of physical, verbal, and emotional assaults.

Physical abuse escalates. There were many occasions I feared for my life. The worst came the morning he had me by the throat. He had gone into a rage over something one morning before work. I was lifted off the floor by my throat,  helplessly watching as his neck veins pulsated; his face turned crimson, and his eyes bulged. He was so close to my face I could feel his spittle landing on my cheeks. My neck began to crunch under his pressure. Moaning sounds came from me that I’d never heard before. He let go and I slumped to the floor. In my semi-conscious state I felt him pick me up and lay me on a hard, high, cold surface; then I heard the kitchen door open and close, and then silence. I had no idea where I as or how long I’d been lying there. When I came to, I realized I’d been on top of the kitchen table. I scrambled to my feet and called the police, but was told unless I came to the station to file a report, they could not help me. I was in no physical or emotional condition to drive there. He came home that evening as though nothing ever happened.

During our final altercation, he grabbed me and I fell to the floor. He sat on my chest. Gasping for breath, I yelled “If you don’t get off of me right this minute, I will call the police!” He laughed tauntingly, but suddenly sprang up. Something inside me clicked that day and I knew it was over—I was leaving; there was nothing I could do to save the marriage—I had to save myself. I packed my car as full as I could get it with all of my personal belongings, and left the house and everything in it to him. I wanted something much more valuable—the right to be me without fear, and the right to happiness.

 

Remember your Mom this Mother’s Day

image source: unconditional love

Mother

MOTHER

We were about 7 and 8 years old at the time, my brother and I.  I don’t know why we did it—the water looked intriguing, the boat inviting and the lake serene. It was on the water’s edge where we had been playing, begging us to climb aboard—to explore.  We found ourselves drifting in a rowboat, in the middle of the lake, helplessly and longingly looking back to shore.  I was filled with remorse, thinking we would never see her again. We didn’t call for help. We didn’t cry. We sat bobbing up and down with the movement of the water. She was preoccupied setting the table, and unpacking the picnic basket.

 The water looked as if it had a million diamonds sprinkled over the top. I was intrigued by the sparkle and the dancing sunlight reflections. I looked at the trees around the lake. They seemed enormous to my childish eyes. I imagined the breezes were tickling the leaves making them laugh; sometimes so hard that one would be set free and flutter to float atop the water like a little green raft.

I had resigned myself to fate when I heard splashing and yelling. I looked up to see her frantically running through the water as fast as she could, pressing against the force of the water.  When she couldn’t touch bottom any longer, she swam to reach us and maneuver the boat back to shore.  She was like a mama bear protecting her cubs—nothing was going to get in her way or stop her.

I was never more thankful to have dry ground under my feet. I don’t remember her yelling at us or any threats to punish us, but whatever the punishment would have been did not matter, I would have gladly taken it, I was just happy to be safely on shore in her arms and care. That experience gave me a healthy fear of the water for a very long time.

After lunch, I remember we were very quiet as she sat in a lawn chair allowing the sun to dry her clothes.

Mother’s often are unsung heroes. They love, protect, serve, teach and give sacrificially. There isn’t much that a mother would not do for her child. So on this Mother’s Day, I’d like to say, thank you Mom, for helping to shape me into the person I have become. I miss you.  And to all mother’s, know that you are appreciated, even when it is not spoken.  You are the glue that holds us all together. Happy Mother’s Day.

 

I’m in Love!

I’m in love!  Channel surfing one day while still recovering from whatever happened to my knee (which continues to cause me discomfort and the hobbling effect) I happened to see a dog on TV that I was immediately drawn to.  I don’t remember what show it was, but the woman called it a Teddy Bear dog.  It’s been many years since my divorce and several years without a companion.  I think it’s time.  I did a little digging and found the following information about the Teddy Bear dog.  My next quest will be to find one.  Isn’t she the sweetest?

Designer Dog Breeds: Teddy Bear Puppies

Written by Admin on January 17, 2011

The “Teddy Bear Dog” (more formally known as the Shuchon or Zuchon) is a new breed of canine making its entrance to the designer dog scene. The Teddy Bear is generally considered a mixed breed dog, though it is important to remember that true Teddy Bears are specifically bred- it is not simply a nickname given to any cute, fluffy dog. Teddy Bears are a cross between a  purebred Bichon Frise and a purebred Shih Tzu. Due to the young age of this new designer breed (introduced early in the new millennium), it has not yet been recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is said however that after a few more generations are born, the AKC will likely recognize this breed, officially naming it the Zuchon.

It is important to be aware that some unscrupulous dog breeders are breeding similar but less expensive designer dogs and then passing them off as Teddy Bear puppies in order to make a bigger profit. We recommend that you always get your designer dog’s DNA tested to ensure you get what you pay for.

Appearance of Teddy Bear Dogs and Puppies

Teddy Bear puppies are named so due to their ‘teddy bear’ appearance. They’re small with soft, fluffy coats and flattened faces. They have large, endearing eyes and short tails. They are small companion dogs, reaching a height of approximately 12 inches with a weight of about 12 to 14 pounds (approximately 5.5 to 6.5 kilos). The dog grows hair, not fur, so it is a non-shedding breed that should be regularly groomed to maintain its coat. Without proper care, the Teddy Bear’s coat can become matted and unhealthy. The coat can come in almost any colour. The Teddy Bear’s appearance is such that it will still look very much like a puppy even as an adult dog.

Lifespan

Like most smaller dog breeds, Teddy Bear puppies have relatively long lifespans. This is why it is so important to plan carefully when considering buying a new puppy, and not to buy one as a spur-of-the-moment decision or a gift. Remember that a dog is for life. Expect your dog to live anywhere up to 17 years!

Health

Teddy Bear dogs are considered to be very healthy dogs if bred correctly. A responsible Teddy Bear breeder will carefully select their dogs for optimal health and breed accordingly, eliminating most possible congenital diseases. Being a mixed breed, the Teddy Bear is unlikely to suffer from many of the problems that their purebred ancestors may suffer from. It might be worth noting however that Teddy Bear puppies are short-muzzled (brachycephalic) dogs- much like their parents- and may not cope well with high temperatures.

Temperament

Teddy Bear puppies are considered by many dog lovers to be the perfect companion dog. Unlike many small dog breeds who generally have an independent nature, Teddy Bear puppies tend to be eager to please and thoroughly enjoy the company of their human “pack”. They’re intelligent but mild mannered and aren’t as “yappy” as many small dog breeds can be. Aggression isn’t considered to be a problem in this dog breed, making them ideal for families with children.

It is important to consider however that humans play a huge part in the temperament of their dogs. A good breeder will start to socialise the puppies from a very young age, ensuring that the dogs grow up to be fond of people and other animals, and be accustomed to the home environment. Once you adopt your new puppy from the reputable breeder (or dog rescue), it is important that you continue this socialization and training into its adulthood. Even though the dog breed is geared towards having a friendly temperament, poor socialization and lack of physical and mental stimulation can turn any dog into a terror.

To learn more about the temperament of this breed, it would be wise to research the Bishon Frise and Shih Tzu and get as much information as possible from veterinarians, breeders and dog owners.

Grooming

Even though their coat is non-shedding, it does require maintenance. Regular brushing is required to keep it free from mats (matting can lead to hot-spots and are very important to avoid) and the occasional haircut is usually required. As with most droopy-eared breeds, you will also need to clean the dog’s ears gently with cotton wool or a soft cloth on a regular basis to prevent dirt and grime from becoming trapped in the ear canal. If your dog has a lighter coloured coat, wiping the eye and mouth area may be needed to avoid discolouration in those areas.

Special Qualities

The Teddy Bear dog has been bred to suit all families. Their hair doesn’t shed their hair like most dog breeds, and their coat is low in dander (a material that is naturally shed by most animal breeds, similar to dandruff) making them very hypoallergenic dogs. This is good news for families who have avoided buying a dog due to allergies.

source: Teddy Bear

I’ve Got You

A recent chiropractic visit had me positioned on the edge of the table, lying on my side with my top knee bent and by arms crossed at my chest. The doctor was about to apply significant force to my top knee that would thrust my body downward toward the floor.  “Don’t worry” he said. “I’ve got you.”

Sudden onset right knee pain three days prior had sent me to bed with an ice pack, thinking that the ice would decrease any inflammation and I would be on my way.    For three days I slept, applied ice, wrapped my knee in an Ace bandage and was confined to my bed.  Trips to the ladies room were carefully evaluated for necessity; challenging and painful.  By the second night I awoke in the middle of the night with tortuous pain, frightened, alone and no one to call for help. I was unable to walk far enough to get to my car for a drive to the ER. I couldn’t call 911–I had no way let anyone in. They would have had to break down the door, setting off my alarm system.

In my darkest hour, tears rolled down my cheeks. “Lord help me,” I cried. “I don’t know what to do. What am I going to do?” Before my tears hit the pillow I was filled instantaneously with calm.  It was as if a lilac scented, Downy softened sheet floated from heaven and enveloped me. My body relaxed, the pain dissipated and I fell asleep.  The next morning I was able to walk well enough to get to the doctor.

When God says, “I will never leave you”, we can count on it. When He says “I will give you my peace,” He means it. And when He says “I’ve got you,” you can believe it.  Even when you feel you do not have anyone or anything to hold on to in your darkest hour–you always have  God–He has you!

Omega 3′s & cancer

The University of Texas

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Integrative Medicine Center

May, 2012

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Their Role in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

By Peiying Yang PhD | Assistant Professor, General Oncology, MD Anderson
and Lorenzo Cohen, PhD | Professor and Director, Integrative Medicine Program
Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) come from two main sources: 1) Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are derived from fish and fish oils and 2) Alpha-linolenic acid is abundant in green leafy vegetables, flaxseed and
rapeseed (canola) oils. These essential fatty acids can only come from a healthy diet and cannot be made by the human body. Generally, ω-3 FAs are considered natural anti-inflammatory agents as they help to regulate inflammatory pathways. Extensive research supports the protective role of marine-derived ω-3 FAs in decreasing risk factors for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and sudden cardiac death. As a result, the FDA has approved
one specific fish oil supplement, Lovaza (containing both EPA and DHA in an ethyl ester form versus the more
common triglyceride form), for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia (a condition in which triglyceride levels are
elevated). Unlike the beneficial effects of ω-3 FAs in cardiovascular disease, the role of ω-3 FAs for cancer
prevention and treatment remains uncertain.

Most preclinical studies show that ω-3 FAs decrease cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer types including solid and hematological tumors. Population-based studies have found that fish
consumption is inversely associated with the risk of various malignancies, including lung, colon, prostate,
breast, and pancreatic (i.e., as fish consumption goes up the risk of cancer goes down). Studies comparing people
with prostate cancer to those without prostate cancer suggest marine derived ω-3 FAs may be protective
against aggressive prostate cancer. ω-3 FAs may also be important in helping with symptom control. A recent
study found that high intake of ω-3 FAs was associated with decreased inflammation and lower levels of fatigue
in breast cancer survivors. Population-based studies, however, do not necessarily equate to causation and
clinical trials are needed in this area. One such clinical trial found that the EPA free fatty acids (6 months of
treatment) decreased the formation of colon polyps by 22.6% in people with familial adenomatous polyposis,
who have an increase risk of developing colorectal cancer. Thus, ω-3 FA could potentially prevent cancers, especially
those associated with chronic inflammation including colon, lung, and pancreatic cancer.

To fully evaluate the role of ω-3 FA in cancer management, more rigorous systematic studies need to be conducted. The National Institute for Health is funding a $20 million dollar study to explore if vitamin D and fish oil (EPA and DHA in an ethyl ester form), the VITAL study, can reduce the risk for developing cancer, heart disease, and stroke. This large trial, and many other ongoing clinical trials using other forms of ω-3 FA, will help determine the role of ω-3 FA in cancer prevention and treatment.

Source: MD Anderson – click here for more info