Steele (the Day)

Guilty Heartache?

// October 15th, 2008 // 1 Comment » // Uncategorized

I was feeling pretty much on top of the world after the marathon weekend, finally shaking the lingering flu, watching my KT accomplish a goal that at one time not only seemed impossible, but more importantly that she really had no penchant to do. Oh, how time and God’s hand changes hearts and minds! I watched my “aging” (I say that loosely) Ron Burgundy complete his 10th marathon – he called me four times and even texted our youngest son during the race! I didn’t see any of the elite athletes with their BlackBerries during the race, which may in part explain why they finished 3+ hours ahead of him. (That, and they train 210 miles a week, are 40 lb lighter, 35 years younger…)

So during this rare day off, I was catching up on my feed reader, and read Angie’s post for today, recognizing tomorrow as National Day of Remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss. Some of the comments left on her post are simply cutting to my very core. Is it right for me to feel so good when others are so deeply hurting? Why does God dole out such pain to some and not others? Does He truly need to put so many of us “in our place” in order to get His job done? I know many people who have been brought to their knees finding God and praying for the very first time because of tragedy – is that what it really takes for some? Apparently He knows better than I, and I certainly know that He’s given me some pretty grave reasons to seek Him. He also knows it takes very little to bring myself to Him in prayer – good or bad. He takes us on journeys we can only understand through faith. And that’s what sometimes makes pain a beautiful thing. He knows the plan, because He wrote the plan.

The guy at the lake

// August 7th, 2008 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

He was young, 20ish, tanned, muscular, in a white tank top, sandals, and sitting with a forlorn posture looking out over the lake, chin in hands, elbows on knees. I thought about him as I passed by on my walk. Was he praying? Was he crying? Is he broke? Is his mom sick? Did his girl dump him? Something big was obviously on his mind, because as I returned to my car 45 min later, it appeared he had not moved a skosh. By his posture, I don’t think he was out there singing praises. For the half mile he was in my line of vision on the way back, I contemplated walking the 30 yards across the grass to tell him…..what? What would I say? Ask if he’s ok? If he needs anything? Just tell him I prayed for him for 2 1/2 miles? Would he be offended? Angry? Lash out? So rather than having bold “Jesus feet” I just kept walking. But I did pray for him (lame, I know – ultimate passive/aggressive). I hope he’s ok. I regret not saying anything to him. You just never know when you’re going to touch a heart, help a lost soul — but the
skeptic, untrusting side of me said :::stay back:::

I believe now I was wrong to keep walking. Maybe he’ll be there tomorrow. This is going to haunt me all night. I know there were times when my kids could have used a friendly stranger.
Tea tonight: Stash Green & White Fusion

Oh. My.

// July 13th, 2008 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

Good Bye to a Gentle Giant

// July 12th, 2008 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

Michael DeBakey, MD. I heard him speak several times, but only on TV. I remember at the time feeling such admiration and respect for a man I never met, but who had such an impact on my heart of hearts, different from many of the physical hearts he saved. What profound gifts this man was given, not just in the talent, intelligence, ingenuity, and surgical prowess, but in his Christian heart that was so gentle, so giving, so dedicated. This humble man embraced the entire spectrum of human nature with his gifts, from the honored to the dishonored, the rich and poor, the old and the young; nobody was undeserving of his service. His pioneering procedures saved my dad’s life – twice. I studied his work as a worried daughter, and a questioning caregiver, and a determined nurse. Thank you, Dr. DeBakey, for all you gave to the world. You have left it a better place. At some time everyone will be blessed and touched deeply with your service, if they haven’t been already. And to think your heroes were — your parents.
“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” ~Isaac Newton
Tea today: Earl Grey Green

Props to Smoke-Free Iowa!

// July 1st, 2008 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

This is allegedly the ceiling painted in a corporate smoking room. It’s one of my favorite pictures to use for risk factor education. Hooray to Iowa for going smoke-free in ONE HOUR! Lots of dedicated people worked tirelessly to make this happen. Thanks to all of you for believing in what I’m sure seemed impossible at times. God bless you all.
Tea tonight: Stash Red & White Fusion

On Being Prepared: She Runs! She Shines!

// June 2nd, 2008 // No Comments » // Uncategorized

My baby girl ran her first 20K on Saturday. She was trained, as prepared as she could have been, and all prayed for. “Run the race, finish the course…” More about life than a 20K, but it worked. She was all nervous and excited and really didn’t know what to expect but whoa, she did me proud! After getting lost all around Des Moines (in the exact area we had driven the night before) I finally found a “No Parking on Saturday” sign so knew I was in the right place to get a video shot. The water stop volunteers told me they thought it was about the 8 mile mark, but they really didn’t know. It was really the place I’d hoped to be, and how I ended up there was nothing short of an act of God. The compass on my car and the map in my hand did me no good whatsoever. But the only person who needed to know where to go was KT – and that was simply one foot in front of the other and on the heels of the person ahead of her…with her eyes on the Prize. She finished in fine form, still sweating (hooray!) and with a satisfied look like she’d just won the whole thing. I miss that smile. I don’t get to see it very often any more. She even finished ahead of one of her “Three’s Company” roommates, who had over-carbed and super-fueled so much that his liver was working harder than a 12-shot night. Kudos to KT for reaching a goal and setting another – all in the same 24 hour period. With the best Coach she could have. Next stop, Sturgis Falls, then on to Chicago, glycogen storage and synthesis permitting.
It’s all about the liver function and the mitochondria. Hope she feeds them both well. O 2 B 29. again….and to know what I know now.
Tea tonight: Harney and Sons green with citrus