Weather Heroes come through in storm

Weather Heroes come through in storm 


Winter 2013 both of my girls came home from their university to spend their winter break with me. Their break was almost for a month. My youngest goes to Loyola University in Chicago. The great thing about her University is it isn’t too far away from home. But my oldest goes to The University of California Los-Angeles (UCLA). Now she comes home twice a year. When both of my girls are home it’s like having a holiday every day. We enjoy each day we have together and cherish each moment. Before we knew it, it was time for my girls to go back to their universities. My oldest daughter flight was on Jan 5 2014. I knew the weather was about to change and we were getting lots of snow and the temperature was dropping more and more. Her flight was at 12:30 pm. The day her flight was we kept checking if the flight was delayed or canceled until 10 am but it was kept showing, “On time”.

Her flight was from Champaign (CMI) to O’Hare (Chicago) and then from O’hare to Los-Angeles (LAX). Due to the bad weather I didn't want to drive in my small car. So I asked my dear friend Thomas T Tuttle to drive, since he has a truck. We are very grateful to Tom. Her flight wasn’t delayed or canceled. But as soon as boarding started and we said good bye to her, we decided to leave and were hoping at this point there was no way they would cancel or delay the flight. No, they did. On our way home she called and said her flight has been delayed for 2 hours. There was no point for us to go back to the airport in the bad weather. Why couldn't they announce this earlier? I was very frustrated. First, I hated the separation part from my daughter and now she was at the airport waiting and I was home. I was worried and was feeling really bad because I couldn’t do anything. I was blaming myself, why didn’t I stay longer at the airport until her flight left. But I knew there was nothing I could do to change anything. But as a mother I wanted to protect her and make sure she was okay. At 2:45 pm she texted me, “We’re moving”. I felt a little bit relief but still worried about what was going to happen to her connected flight. There was no way she could make it to her 3:45 flight. I was home safe and warm but was very uncomfortable and worried for her.

Finally an hour later she made it safely to O’hare airport but couldn’t get off the airplane because there was no place for the plane to park. The airport was a mess due to the bad weather. While she was sitting in the airplane and was waiting the pilot announced, “At this the point you have already missed your flight so now it’s first come first serve.” When I got her text about this I thought for sure she would spend her night at the airport. The weather was getting worse and worse and lots of flights were getting canceled. Finally she got off the plane and ran to her connected flight. Here at home, just in case I went online and started searching for any flights for her the next day. But shortly after she called and said, “I got the 5:30 pm flight”. I couldn’t believe it.

She barely made it on time. The boarding started right away and she was very happy and relieved. After saying good-bye to her on the phone I hung-up. Fifteen minutes later she texted me, “We haven’t moved yet”. Once again I started worrying. And was thinking, now what? Her plane didn’t move for another 45 minutes but then at 6:15 pm they announced, "We are now deicing the plane". At this point I was so sure there was no way she would make it today. The weather was absolutely horrible. Shortly after she texted, “We are moving”. I was so happy. At 10:24 pm I got a text from her, “Hi mom I just landed in LA”. I can’t describe how relieved I was. She made it.

The next morning when I was sitting in my kitchen table and drinking my chai, I was looking through my kitchen window and the only thing I saw was snow all over. My mind couldn’t stop think about yesterday, I was feeling so blessed how lucky my daughter was. How many things could have gone wrong yesterday but besides her flight being delayed she made it to her destination the same day and safely. As a mother yes, I was worried but I am feeling so grateful, how many kids and people’s flight must have gotten canceled and they had to spend night/nights at the airport. How tired and frustrated they must have been. Things could always be worse but when we are going through a situation it seem overwhelming and stressful but later when you look back it, it didn’t feel that bad but rather grateful to God.
My daughter made it safely LA. She doesn’t have deal to with snow or low temperature and I was at home warm and safe too. But there were a lot of people out there who were stuck in the snow/bad weather. What about them? I am truly thankful to every single person who was out there helping others such as first responders, health care workers, police, emergency crews, mail currier and many more people, they are out there helping others and making sure others are okay and are doing their job in this awful temperature. Hats off to those people!

Pray

Pray

Dear God my mother is very sick
It’s only you has the power to give and take life
She needs you more than ever
Please help her and take her pain away
She is our mother and we love her so much
Our heart aches to see her in pain
She raised us alone but with only your help was she able to. 
All her life she has trusted you more than anyone
She still needs you, please stay with her
Give her peace and make her heart believe
She is safe and secure and in your protection
She is our mother and we love her so much

Weather Heroes

Weather Heroes 

Winter 2013 both of my girls came home from their university to spend their winter break with me. Their break was almost for a month. My youngest goes to Loyola University in Chicago. The great thing about her University is it isn’t too far away from home. But my oldest goes to The University of California Los-Angeles (UCLA). Now she comes home twice a year. When both of my girls are home it’s like having a holiday every day. We enjoy each day we have together and cherish each moment. Before we knew it, it was time for my girls to go back to their universities. My oldest daughter flight was on Jan 5 2014. I knew the weather was about to change and we were getting lots of snow and the temperature was dropping more and more. Her flight was at 12:30 pm. The day her flight was we kept checking if the flight was delayed or canceled until 10 am but it was kept showing, “On time”.

Her flight was from Champaign (CMI) to O’Hare (Chicago) and then from O’hare to Los-Angeles (LAX). Due to the bad weather I didn't want to drive in my small car. So I asked my dear friend Thomas T Tuttle to drive, since he has a truck. We are very grateful to Tom. Her flight wasn’t delayed or canceled. But as soon as boarding started and we said good bye to her, we decided to leave and were hoping at this point there was no way they would cancel or delay the flight. No, they did. On our way home she called and said her flight has been delayed for 2 hours. There was no point for us to go back to the airport in the bad weather. Why couldn't they announce this earlier? I was very frustrated. First, I hated the separation part from my daughter and now she was at the airport waiting and I was home. I was worried and was feeling really bad because I couldn’t do anything. I was blaming myself, why didn’t I stay longer at the airport until her flight left. But I knew there was nothing I could do to change anything. But as a mother I wanted to protect her and make sure she was okay. At 2:45 pm she texted me, “We’re moving”. I felt a little bit relief but still worried about what was going to happen to her connected flight. There was no way she could make it to her 3:45 flight. I was home safe and warm but was very uncomfortable and worried for her.

Finally an hour later she made it safely to O’hare airport but couldn’t get off the airplane because there was no place for the plane to park. The airport was a mess due to the bad weather. While she was sitting in the airplane and was waiting the pilot announced, “At this the point you have already missed your flight so now it’s first come first serve.” When I got her text about this I thought for sure she would spend her night at the airport. The weather was getting worse and worse and lots of flights were getting canceled. Finally she got off the plane and ran to her connected flight. Here at home, just in case I went online and started searching for any flights for her the next day. But shortly after she called and said, “I got the 5:30 pm flight”. I couldn’t believe it.

            She barely made it on time. The boarding started right away and she was very happy and relieved. After saying good-bye to her on the phone I hung-up. Fifteen minutes later she texted me, “We haven’t moved yet”. Once again I started worrying. And was thinking, now what? Her plane didn’t move for another 45 minutes but then at 6:15 pm they announced, "We are now deicing the plane". At this point I was so sure there was no way she would make it today. The weather was absolutely horrible. Shortly after she texted, “We are moving”. I was so happy. At 10:24 pm I got a text from her, “Hi mom I just landed to LA”. I can’t describe how relieved I was. She made it.

         

The next morning when I was sitting in my kitchen table and drinking my chai, I was looking through my kitchen window and the only thing I saw was snow all over. My mind couldn’t stop think about yesterday, I was feeling so blessed how lucky my daughter was. How many things could have gone wrong yesterday but besides her flight being delayed she made it to her destination the same day and safely. As a mother yes, I was worried but I am feeling so grateful, how many kids and people’s flight must have gotten canceled and they had to spend night/nights at the airport. How tired and frustrated they must have been. Things could always be worse but when we are going through a situation it seem overwhelming and stressful but later when you look back it, it didn’t feel that bad but rather grateful to God.

My daughter made it safely LA. She doesn’t have deal to with snow or low temperature and I was at home warm and safe too. But there were a lot of people out there who were stuck in the snow/bad weather. What about them? I am truly thankful to every single person who was out there helping others such as first responders, health care workers, police, emergency crews, mail currier and many more people, they are out there helping others and making sure others are okay and are doing their job in this awful temperature. Hats off to those people!

Misunderstanding but huge lost

Misunderstanding but huge lost

Friendship is a beautiful connection between two humans. It doesn’t require blood connection, religion, age, gender, statues or skin color. It’s a pure relationship nobody can describe but just feel it. Some time it takes time for friendships to grow or sometimes, the first time you meet them and there’s that instant click, like you’ve known them forever. The bond between friendships is based all on trust. And in many cases some friends become closer than our own blood relatives. And you feel like you can share or count on that person for anything and anytime. But when your close friend loses trust in you and your friendship ends and you don’t even know what happened, that hurts the most. Recently this happened to me, I tried my best to explain my side but there was nothing I could do about it. The only things you’re left with are priceless memories. 

            After I moved to the States, I became friends with someone the same age as me, she was very nice and in no time we became like family to each other. We lived close by so it was easier to visit each other anytime we wanted.  I had that trust in her, I knew I could count on her anywhere and anytime and she felt the same way about me. We both started life with each other, first we finished school, got a job, I then got married first and many years later she did too. Our kids had an age difference but they still hung out with each other.  Our friendship kept growing.  Our kids and husbands also become each other’s friends. Unfortunately, life doesn’t stay that simple. Many years ago, when I got divorced, she and her husband were there for me to cry on their shoulders. They supported me unconditionally and I was grateful for that. Nothing had changed from my side except I became a single parent and had more responsibilities, even though I tried my best to be in contact with her as much as I could she understood what I was going through and never complained and I never felt anything negative from her side.

           A couple years later, one night when we were talking on the phone she started crying and said to me, she is very unhappy in her marriage and wanted to get a divorce. I was in shock. Her husband seemed like a very nice, caring and a family man. But as a friend I told her I would support her no matter what. And I did. It was a very stressful time for her and I understood because I had gone through the same thing so I was there for her as much as I could. And two years later she got divorced. Both her and her ex-husband’s focus was on their kids. During their divorce time I also talked to her ex-husband, she knew about it and told me I didn’t have to take anyone’s side. And I told her I wouldn’t but if I see anything that wouldn’t benefit their kids, I would let them know. After the divorce was over she decided to move 3 hours away from me. She found a nice job and bought a house there. I was very happy for her. We kept our friendship going but I noticed she was getting really busy with taking care of her home, kids, work and herself. I understood her and still supported her. She told me it was hard for her to communicate on the phone but emailing is easier. So we communicated through email more than phone. Meanwhile, her ex-husband and were still talking on the phone. I always looked at him like a brother/friend. Since I had gone through a divorce and it wasn’t my choice I could understand his side too.  He just wanted someone to listen to him.  Many times my daughters and I went to visit both of them and they both did the same thing too but now we had to visit them separately with their kids    

            And everyone was okay with this arrangement. But I didn’t know how and what triggered her, I noticed she was getting more and more distant from me. And again I thought she was under stress so I shouldn’t make a big deal about it. So I let it go. But recently she surprised visited me with her kids and I was really happy to see her. After we had lunch she asked me if we could talk: I thought we would have our normal conversation. She surprised me when she accused me of having an affair with her ex-husband. My mouth dropped and I didn’t believe what I had just heard. I was in shock thinking, do you have any idea what are you saying and who are you saying this to? She wasn’t willing to listen to me at all, she was angry and was yelling at me. I tried to explain my side but she didn’t want to give me a chance and I felt like I was wasting my energy on her. I am someone who believes in communication and without crossing the line. It doesn’t matter how close you are, you still have to maintain the boundary and I felt like she had crossed it. And I was not okay with that.

            After she left I wrote her an email explaining how wrong she was and asked what made her think that way, plus and I am not that kind of person. I was even feeling weird about writing all of that because we had known each other for more than 23 years. That’s a long time to get to know someone’s personality and what kind of person they are. Her email came back with more accusing words, stating I have no rights to talk to her ex-husband anymore. I was not comfortable with the things she wrote about me. Later I got a call from her ex-husband and he told, she was acting weird and he had received a similar e-mail from her. He was also in shock and was feeling sorry for me. He also couldn’t believe she went that low. I took my time and wrote a 4 page email to her and explained everything calmly and firmly and let her know how she made me feel without having done anything wrong. You point to my character and I am not okay with that. I didn’t want this thing to continue. I decided whether she gets it or not, there is nothing I could do to change her mind this time. It’s been 6 months now and we haven’t spoken and honestly I am sad about it.

            Sometimes I wonder, what if I was married, would she still accuse me? Just because I am a woman and single, I became her target. And she thought just because I was talking to her ex-husband I was having an affair. First of all, they divorced so she has no control of him anyways. And second, she couldn’t see after 23 years of friend I am not that kind of woman who looks any opportunity to grab a man. I have been living single for the last 11 years and only my girls and I know how our last years have been. When your own close friends treat you like that it hurts deeply and I believe one day I will get over it.

            When I got married my mother couldn’t give me a lot on my dowry but she filled me with honesty, pride, truthfulness and respect. And those things nobody can take away from you. And with these qualities, you will always feel rich even when you don’t have money to pay bills or not enough food to feed your kids. 

Gratitude

Gratitude 

On this Thanksgiving Day along with many other blessings, I am also thankful for my job and my co-workers! I am working at Urbana Early Childhood School as a teacher’s assistant. Many years ago, I was jobless and when I couldn’t find a job I decided to substitute. I subbed for two years at Urbana Early Childhood. There was something about that school I always looked forward working there. I was a sub so I didn’t get the chance to get to know the staff as I do now.

Two years ago there was a job opening, I applied and got hired. I was really happy about it. I didn’t have any kind of issues with anybody and the year went beautifully. This year started in August and it’s hard to believe we are in winter already. Each day I look forward going to work. My work is 25 miles away from home. I have to spend extra time and gas money but I don’t mind it at all because of how my co-workers make me feel every single day.

I believe our principle of the school; Cris Vowels is the heart of our school. She isn’t just an amazing principal; she is also a great human being. She is always available for anything.  There were many times I had to ask her for something and I would email her thinking tomorrow I will get the answer from her. Instead she always replies back the same day. She is a beautiful person from the inside out. I can’t even imagine how hard her job is but she is always smiling and finding an answer for everyone. I don’t know if she remembers or not but when she hired me, I cried tears of joy and felt blessed I got hired at my favorite school.

Last year, the room I was in had room teacher Patricia Manuel and her assistant Bernadette Nelson. They are both great teachers and beautiful human beings.  I felt great working with them. We all helped each other and we were like a team. During the last two months of the school year, I found out about my mother’s stroke and was feeling horrible, sad and depressed but those two were there each day; they listened to me, understood my situation, advised me, and supported me as much as they could. They never got tired of me talking about my family. I truly appreciate them and they have a special place in my heart.

This year I am working with Renee McElwain and her assistant Debbie Adams. They are also very nice people. I feel very lucky I am working with them, each day going to work isn’t a drag but I look forward going to it. They also welcomed me warmly and I became a part of the team in no time. They are very respectful people and also have smile on their faces and saying something positive all the time. With many other things I like about them, they are both athletic. And I get my energy from them. It’s kind of a bonus point to me. 

Those aren’t the only women who are great. Both our secretaries Sylvia Ortiz and Judy Vandenberg are also very great women. They are always ready to help out with whatever help you need. They joke around with you and are very friendly and treat you the same everyday. Our OT, PT, librarian and every single person working at my school are good workers and good people. Every single teacher at my school is a great teacher and a wonderful friend. Everyone is always available to help out each other. It’s like a big happy family. I am working with lots of women and only one man. And he is our janitor, Chuck Pirtle. He takes full pride of his work and does a remarkable job. Anything you ask him to do, he’ll do it right away.  He is very respected. He doesn’t chitchat like we women do but if you ask him anything he will respectfully answer you back. He is minding his own business and because of him our school is always clean.

I have worked at many other places before and I am proud to say that I feel like I am at the right place. When I talked to my girls at the end of the day they always ask me, “Mom, how was your work”? And my answer is always, “Great”. One day my daughter said to me how is it possible everyday you are having a good day. I told her, “it’s possible and everyday is a good day at my work”. We’re all working together and respecting each other’s boundaries. On this Thanksgiving I am grateful to each of you individually for all the things you do for me. I truly appreciate you all and feel blessed to work with you! 

Happy Thanksgiving!