Happy 94th Birthday Dad

Found this beautiful piece during my Google search - sincerely hope owner allows me the post it here. ~ Thank you.

Today's Challenge - Smile

(Source: Facebook posting)

We challenge you to make at least ten people smile today.

Make a Difference - Visit someone who is Shut-In

(Google Image)

By Nurse Diane

My husband was bedridden for nearly 3 years.  He became bedridden by the age of 49.  He wasn't the typical type of shut-in that one thinks about, but the only outside communication he had was from me, or by telephone, since he was not very computer savvy.   It was a very sad and lonely existence for him, for me as well, since I couldn't leave him for very long at a time.  He would have loved visits from friends or family, but those were few and far between.  I tried to explain to him that people had their own lives, and was busy and that explanation didn’t help his loneliness.

Well today is a day set aside to visit those who are shut-in.  Today is National Shut-In Visitation Day.  Shut-ins are not just the elderly; they can be any age, for any reason.  Those who are home recovering from an accident or surgery, those with small children and no transportation, and the elderly and cripple.  They can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, senior care facilities, other family member's homes, and even your own neighborhood.

It is incredibly hard for someone who was once independent and free to travel as they desired, to give up that freedom, and be stuck at home and dependent on the help of others.  So today, take some time out and spread a little joy and happiness to someone you know who is shut in.  If you don't know of anyone, check with your church or local hospital, nursing home, or adult living facility, and ask about their visiting hours, and who would benefit from a visit.  It will be only a few minutes of your time and will really brighten a home bound person's whole day!

Today is Mutt's Day

(Google Image) 

By Diane Forrest

My son was married at the end of 2010.  His wife owned a dog, but it had been staying with her parents in Memphis.  Once they got married and moved into an apartment, she retrieved her blonde cocker spaniel, Dolce.  My son quickly learned that she had a soft spot for dogs, and they would visit the local animal shelter.  It was there that they met Charlie.  He had the cutest face, and was a mutt, but he had to come home with them.  Their story doesn’t end there, however.  6 months later they visited the shelter again and that's when they met Anna, a black and white mutt.  I now have 3, 4-legged grand puppies.  They are all spoiled, and well behaved, and are great company for my son and his wife.

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Today is Mutt's Day.  The most famous mutt is Benji.  He was made famous during his television series of the same name.  Benji was just a poor dog who had found his way to an animal shelter, and was adopted.  What makes a mutt so special? While purebreds come from a lineage of dogs of the same breed, mutts are a mix between two or more breeds. This means that no two mutts are alike—each is unique in its own way! These dogs certainly deserve a day of celebration for their diverse heritage.

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If you own a mutt, today is the day to show it a little extra attention, perhaps an extra special treat.  Spend the day relaxing and doing all the things you and your dog like to do. Do so with both of your chins held high. For your mutt is worth a million bucks!  If you don't have a mutt, or any type of dog, and are looking for some companionship, try visiting your local animal shelter and adopt one of these great animals.  They will fill your life with joy.

(Google Image)