On this Thankful Thursday , our theme is life. None of us really knows how long we will live. You can look at your family history and check your risk factors for specific diseases. But in reality, there are many "accidents" that could occur that may take you by surprise. My mind goes to my friend Jeanie who is sitting by her new husband's side in the Intensive Care Unit, uncertain about whether he will live or die. You can read my post about this by clicking here . I'm sure Jeanie and Duane knew the risks before his surgery but trusted t…

Did you know that having a pet can be good for your health? Research has shown that owning a pet can benefit your health and even improve the quality of your life. Sounds good, doesn't it? Dogs can provide companionship, love and ... maybe even a reason to go for a walk. And that is always good for your heart. Just take a look at some of the health benefits: Companionship and friendship Unconditional love Lowers blood pressure Decreases anxiety Improves your immune system Increases levels of serotonin and dopamine (nerve transmitters that have calming and…

Today is Veteran's Day and I'm so grateful to the men and women who serve in the military. They deserve a day of recognition for the many sacrifices they've made to keep us safe in the United States. It's a day to say thank you. I remember the day when my brother signed up for the Navy and went off to boot camp. It was during the Vietnam War when they had a draft. His number was low so he decided to join the branch of the service that he preferred. Thankfully, he returned home safely after serving overseas. My cousin Ken was in the Army …