It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with The Gypsy Mama.  Each week we are given a one word writing prompt.  We write for five minutes flat on that word. Our word for today is STORY.

GO
Everyone has a story.  But do we take the time to really listen?

I attended a meeting at our school last year about bullying.  The guest speaker represented a group that raises awareness of bullying, including cyber bullying.  He played a short video that had been posted by a teenage boy.  In this video, the boy didn't speak but simply held up cards sharing his sad story about others tormenting him with words and spreading lies about him on the internet.  He was shunned by others.  He felt so alone.  I remember reading his words on each card and thinking why wasn't anyone listening?

Everyone is so busy.  I've had people look at me and speak only to realize that they are talking to someone else on their cell phone.  Multitasking is something we brag about.  How much can you accomplish at once?

But ...will you take the time to really sit and listen to their stories?  What if the younger generation felt comfortable opening up?  What if they knew we were truly interested in their lives, how they feel?

STOP

Blessings and love,

I finally had one week off from work.  So how did I spend the first two days?  I had a colonoscopy!  I can't believe I'm actually writing about this experience but it's something anyone over 50 years of age should do. This is my second one and although the prep is a LITTLE BIT easier, it's still a drag.  I wasted two days of my vacation but I got good news.  Everything is in order ...down there.

As a nurse, I know the importance of preventive care. Colon cancer is something that kills if left undetected. Although the prep is a bit unpleasant, the procedure isn't bad at all.  Once the intravenous injection was administered, I was out and didn't remember a thing. Which is a good thing.

I've learned that in life there are some things I need to do that are unpleasant. A colonoscopy is one of those things.  But in the midst of every experience, I can always find some good if I simply look for it.

I lost three pounds.  Although I do not recommend this as a weight loss method, I was happy to see my scale finally budge in a good direction.

I met some very nice people.  The nurses at the Endoscopy Center were wonderful. They asked me what I did and I told them about the children in our preschool.  I mentioned that I was also a nurse and had worked for 25 years in cardiovascular nursing. Next thing I knew I had the Head Nurse of the Center beside my bed asking if I wanted a job.  She told me to contact her if I decided to go back for my Refresher Course.  Good to know!

My doctor was the best.  I love going to female doctors, especially when dealing with a colonoscopy. She was so encouraging and kind.  I even have photos of my colon that I don't care to share with you, if you don't mind.  After all, enough is enough!

My husband was so good to me. Greg drove me to the Endoscopy Center and waited patiently for me.  I hadn't eaten anything solid for two days.  On the way home, he asked me what I wanted to eat when we got home.  The only thing that appealed to me was grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup. I was still groggy from the medications so I fell asleep when we got home.  Upon awakening, Greg presented me with soup and crackers on a tray.  The second course was grilled cheese.  He used ciabatta bread and grilled it perfectly. He used my favorite dishes and included a sprig of basil for the perfect presentation.  What a guy!

So what are you waiting for?  Many of you are still too young to worry about this.  But if you're over 50, I encourage you to get your colonoscopy.  Have you had one yet?  

Blessings and love,

What are you waiting for?  That's the question I keep asking myself.  I'm one of those people who gets all excited about moving forward on something.

• I've prayed about it
• I research it
• I read what others say
• I try to learn all I can about it

But when I get into it, I start questioning myself.  Is this really what God has called me to do?  Maybe I heard Him wrong and it was just something I thought I should do.  Have you ever felt that way?

To continue reading, head over to Laced with Grace.
Blessings and love,