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SERENDIPITY: A FORTUITOUS HAPPENSTANCE

karenringalls9 Comments

I first learned the word serendipity when Marcus Bach gave a lecture about it some thirty-five years ago at a church I was attending. The word caught my attention and I fell in love with it and all that it means.

Serendipity is magical, good fortune, mysterious, the work of angels, and a part of God’s plan. It is finding something good without looking for it!

The word, serendipity, was first coined in 1754 by Horace Walpole based on the Persian tale The Three Princes of Serendip, who in this fairy tale are “always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of.” It is considered to be one of the most difficult words to translate. Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin is considered to be serendipitous. The same is said about the invention of the microwave oven.

Serendipity in Action

  • A serendipitous time for me was when I chose to see the gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Matthew Boente, in Edina, MN. At the same time, my husband was sharing with our friend and jeweler about my health. Our friend said, “There is only one doctor for Karen to see and that is Dr. Boente. My niece is doing her residency under him.” I did see Dr. Boente for a few years before moving to Florida. He recommended my current gynecology-oncologist, Robert Holloway, MD. I attribute my present health to both these physicians.
  • I traveled to the northern part of the U.S.A. to do a book reading/signing at a Barnes & Noble bookstore for Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir, and to seek future opportunities to spread the word about ovarian cancer. The audience consisted mainly of friends, but four people were there because of God’s plan or purpose. One woman read about the event in the newspaper where there was a two-sentence announcement. She was a 14year, Stage III survivor. “When I was diagnosed, I didn’t think I’d see another Christmas.” We hugged each other knowing we are sisters doing what we can to help other women.
  • Another woman in the front row sitting alone. Every time I looked in her direction, her eyes were on me and she wore a beautiful smile. She came to get information for her neighbor, who was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her neighbor did not feel well enough to come, so this young lady gave her neighbor the gifts of kindness, generosity, and her time. God bless them both.
  • “Please sign my book for a dear friend who has ovarian cancer. She planned on coming herself but was unable to,” were the words of a smiling elderly lady. When I handed a book to her I noticed a brace on her left wrist. I gently placed my hand on it, and she said, “Oh, my husband has Alzheimer’s, and he….” I wrapped my arms around her and told her that she was an angel so willing to help her friend and yet be there constantly for her husband.
  • For the third lady, all I know is that her name was Jane and that she was in Barnes & Noble to buy a book or two to read on her trip to Ireland the next day. While she browsed the shelves, she heard my voice due to the microphone, and being drawn to the subject she stood in the back and listened. She bought the last book. “Here is a picture of me and my mother. She died 4 months ago from ovarian cancer.” We were once two strangers but now became new friends.

There is no doubt in my mind that God led my husband to visit our jeweler that particular day and for each of these women to be at that bookstore that night and at that time. Often, we call it serendipity, which is God at work. Thank you, God.

How many serendipitous events do you recall? Is serendipity just “good luck”? Is it the work of guardian angels? Are they little miracles? I leave it to you to answer in your own way.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Your comments are welcome and much appreciated.

INTERDEPENDENCE & INDEPENDENCE: JULY 4TH

karenringalls13 Comments

Our wedding anniversary is the 4th of July.

A good friend, Stan Hamerski, always sends cards for birthdays and anniversaries. This year he improved Hallamrk’s message by writing: “Karen and Jim celebrate their in-ter-de-pend-ence.” That is, we are dependent on one another and each other; also we have mutual interrelations.

Thank you, Stan, for once again, sharing your creativity and thoughtfulness.

  • The 4th of July celebrates our independence from the British government. The Declaration of Independence was signed on this day in 1776.
  • Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
  • How many signed it?
  • Who had the laargest signatuver?
  • Can you recite the preamble?
  • Why are fireworks used to celebrate the 4th of July?

We do need to be independent of foreign governments. We do need to have inter-dependence with those to whom we are wedded.

Here are the answers:

1. Thomas Jefferson

2. 56

3. John Hancock

4. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

5. The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. The ship’s cannons fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies.

Now, sit back and enjoy this video of a July 4th celebration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWJTqxGBB2A

GENETIC COUNSELING

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CDC BLOG

Who needs genetic counseling:

  • Those with a personal history or family history suggestive of a hereditary cancer syndrome.
  • Had a previous genetic test 3-5+ years ago, but you may want to consider additional testing.
  • Multiple family members with the same type of or related cancers.
  • Rare cancers
  • Ashkenazi Jewish history.

Benefits of genetic counseling:

  • Genetic screening can help calculate the likelihood of a fetus being born with a certain disorder.
  • Provides peace of mind or information for better understanding and decision-making.
  • Appropriate testing will be given.
  • Decision making will be made based on scientific information.

Heredity risk for uterine cancer is about 5 percent. Surgery is the primary treatment for endometrial (uterine) cancer. 

Genetic testing may be appropriate for ovarian cancer:

  • You’ve had or been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
  • You’ve had at least two types of other cancers.
  • You’re related to someone with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
  • You have Lynch syndrome. Women with this inherited condition have a 9% to 12% chance of getting ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
  • You have at least one relative who’s had cancer and meets the criteria for this type of genetic testing.
  • You had a negative genetic test more than 3 years ago. Testing technology is always improving.

Two main genetic factors increase the risk of cervical cancer:

Other gynecologic cancers:

Genetic test results aren’t always clear-cut. If your test result is negative, you might not be scanned for the mutation. But you could still have another type of genetic change that hasn’t been linked to ovarian cancer yet. A “variant of uncertain significance” result means the lab found a mutation that may or may not be linked to ovarian cancer.

A negative test doesn’t have to be the end of your genetic testing. As with an uncertain result, check with your doctor or genetic counselor to see if there are other options.

Find a Genetics Specialist

There are various ways to access genetic counseling services, including in person, by phone, and by video conference.

Find a genetic counselorexternal icon using the National Society of Genetic Counselors directory.

I welcome your feedback, questions, and comments. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read this blog.

IF ONLY I….

karenringalls11 Comments

                       Do you sometimes say to yourself:

If only I had not worked so much…If only I had been a better parent or better child…If only I had tried more things or taken risks…If only I had spent more time with loved ones…If only I had pursued my dreams…If only I had taken better care of myself…If only I had done more to help others…

As we travel through life how many times have we bypassed opportunities, were not in a kind or generous mood, or abused our health? Leave “if only’s” behind and keep moving forward.

Ethos3
  • Do not be afraid to open doors, at least peek inside or perhaps walk through them.
  • Look at each moment as an opportunity to do or say something nice or helpful.
  • Your body is the only one you will have, so cherish and nurture it. What you do today may well determine your health for tomorrow.
  • People come into your life for a reason, whether family or friends. Learn from them, love them, and let them love and teach you.
  • There are always risks to any decision or action, take the risk and learn from it.

The hardest thing and the right thing are often the same. (Isaac Slade)

Move forward with love, and forgiveness, and you will learn and grow. YOU WILL LEAVE “IF ONLY” BEHIND.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I welcome your comments.

STRONG WOMEN; STRONG MEN.

karenringalls6 Comments

The movie, Steel Magnolias, is about strong women always helping and supporting others through difficult times.

What makes a strong woman?

  • She is a fighter
  • …knows what she wants
  • … respects vulnerability and honesty
  • …will not shy away from intimacy
  • …empowers others.
  • …needs integrity, respect, and consistency
  • …knows her purpose in life.
  • …can be intense and hard to handle
  • …loves unconditionally
  • …is full of positivity and productivity.

https://ideapod.com/10-qualities-strong-women-men-cant-handle/

The male characters also showed their strengths and were loving, kind, and helpful to the women. Traits of a strong man:

  • Has goals and dreams
  • Respects others privacy
  • Comfortable taking the reins
  • He is NOT possessive or jealous
  • He is a strong communicator
  • His support is unwavering
  • Has a great sense of humorhttps://www.yourtango.com/love/traits-men-strong-partners

Every year, the Teal Magnolia Luncheon raises funds for research and awareness/education about the five major gynecological cancers. Teal s the color representing all these cancers, and the name comes from the movie.

The annual luncheon was started over 20 years ago but was discontinued several years ago for a variety of reasons. Last September a group of us brought it back and with 52 people in attendance, we raised $3500. In May of 2022, we welcomed 140 attendees and raised $15,650. Every penny went to gynecological cancer research. If you would like to donate, please go to bidpal.net/teal

We do these lunches for the estimated 100,000 females diagnosed with gynecological cancers each year of which 32,000 die. If a female has any or all of her reproductive organs, she is at risk regardless of her age. Even preteens have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and teenagers with cervical cancer.

Our committee and volunteers included care partners, survivors, patients, health care workers, and family or friends of those who have passed away, They each demonstrated their strength, passion, dedication, and love for this cause. They were like the characters in Steel Magnolias: STRONG PEOPLE.

How are you living your life? Answer the questions below. Then make changes that will make you STRONGER.

  • Do you have the characteristics of a strong person?
  • How well do you handle problems (large or small)?
  • Are you reliable?
  • Trustworthy?
  • Give love unconditionally?

The answers you provide are yours alone. Be the person you want to be.

Thank you for visiting my blog today. Your comments or questions are always welcome.

TWO BRIGHT LIGHTS

karenringalls15 Comments

THIS IS A TRIBUTE TO TWO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE JOURNEYED ONWARD…

ARLEIGH CASTLE WAS MY ROLE MODEL AND LIKE A MOTHER TO ME, WHO I “ADOPTED” AS MY AUNT ARLEIGH. SHE WAS THEATRICAL, FUN, SPIRITUAL, AND ALWAYS THERE TO HELP ANYONE. SHE WAS IN SUMMER STOCK, SOME TELEVISION COMMERCIALS, AND WORKED FOR CAPITOL RECORDS. AUNT ARLEIGH PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY IN HER MID-90’S.

JIM TONJUM WAS OUR SON-IN-LAW, WHO WAS LIKE A SON TO US. HE JOINED ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS AT A YOUNG AGE AND DEVOTED HIS LIFE TO HELPING OTHERS. HE LOVED BOXING AND WAS OFTEN SEEN AT THE GYM HELPING TROUBLED YOUTH FIND THEIR WAYS TO PEACE AND HEALING. JIM DIED UNEXPECTEDLY IN HIS HOME WHILE EXERCISING. HE WAS 58.

HEALING AFTER LOSS BY MARTHA HICKMAN IS A BOOK I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. IT IS A SERIES OF DAILY SHORT DEVOTIONALS.

AS MY TEARS FLOW OUT, LOVE FLOWS IN.

“I SEE,” SAID THE BLIND MAN…

karenringalls17 Comments

There are a few versions of this phrase:

  • …and picked up his hammer and saw.
  • and waved his wooden leg.
  • to his deaf wife.

The phrase is known as Wellerism, named after Sam Weller in Charles Dickens ’ “ The Pickwick Papers. ” A Wellerism is a sentence or saying written to poke fun at pre-established clichés and proverbs. The mind behind Wellerism is to show that they’re wrong in certain situations, and enough can be made in this paradoxical tone. https://gnurtpro.com/i-see-said-the-blind-man-1646203357

Why am I sharing this phrase? The reason is that since my diagnosis of Adult Macular Degeneration (AMD), six years ago, it has become progressively worse to the point that reading, writing, and such activities are quite challenging. Large fonts (18-24)are now required. I see a retina specialist, take AREDS eye vitamins and wear sunglasses outside and even in the house if the sun is shining brightly through the windows. Otherwise, there is no preventive treatment for the dry form which is what I have.

On the right side of this photo is what my eyes could become if the AMD advances much further. I pray that it does not happen.

Lakeshore Eye Care

I share this only to explain why I have been less active with writing blogs, reading books, and leaving reviews. It has been challenging to read the blogs and emails I receive daily. However, I have learned about adaptive tools on my computer, Kindle, and iPhone to make these activities less challenging.

Just as when I received the diagnosis of cancer and had a 50% chance to live five more years, I chose to live each moment with as much love as I could AND bring awareness to women about gynecological cancers. When my eyes became dramatically worse in a two-month period of time, I chose to continue the same lifestyle of love and awareness. Being bitter and angry does not promote healing or contentment.

I pray that the AMD does not progress any further, but if it does, I pray for the strength to “adjust my sails” like a ship in a storm. It is the set of the sails, not the direction of the wind that determines which way we will go. Jim Robin (https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/sails-quotes).

My new phrase and motto are: I see, said Karen, as she picked up her book and read.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Your comments are always welcome and give me joy.

APRIL: AUTISM MONTH

karenringalls10 Comments

AUTISM :

  • It affects 1-270 people around the world.
  • A complex brain disorder.
  • Affects social, behavior, and communication.

My book, Learning About Autism: One Mother’s Journey of Discovery and Love, is available on Amazon, Barnes, and Noble, and signed copies are available from the author. This book tells the story of Carol Tucker, who started the first charter school for autism in the state of Florida. She dedicated her life to helping children and adults with autism and other learning disorders.

AN EXCERPT:

Carol began her quest for Justin which continues to this day

She recognized Justin’s autism before his physicians or social workers. She saw that there was more to that young child than other professionals did. Carol was always seeking the newest information about conditions, behaviors, treatments, and therapies for both boys.

Teaching is in her blood. Her aptitude to teach, interact, and help any handicapped child or adult is remarkable. Her assertiveness and self-confidence led to Justin’s admission to the Morning Star Catholic School. She fought for improved classrooms and developed behavior plans and teaching methods.

Carol’s many gifts came together with the planning, development, and survival of the Princeton House Charter School (PHCS). Her leadership skills proved invaluable with the start and continued growth of this school as one of its founders and Director. Being a leader requires integrity, honesty, communication, and empathy. Carol used those attributes when in contact with various government agencies, public and private officials, and those parents with special needs children.

REVIEWS:

  • This book is both a resource and an eyeopener. Challenging, heartwarming, and true.
  • This is a great book that I recommend for those looking for advice and those who want to be inspired and understand.
  • The love and care this book represents are so amazing! Carol and her family have done amazing things for the special needs children they have come across in their lifetime. 

Carol Tucker, had requested that ALL PROCEEDS GO TO GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER RESEARCH. Unfortunately, Ms. Tucker passed away from ovarian cancer in October 2022.

Thank you for your support and interest in autism.

AGE-ING OR SAGE-ING?

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WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE?

From the time we take our first breath we are in the process of aging. How long we age and what we do during those years determines how content we are with our lives.

SAGING INTERNATIONAL defines sage-ing as “…a way of living the second half of our lives that is joyful, fulfilling, and meaningful…involves personal and spiritual growth, making deeper connections with our friends and family, developing new passions, and giving back through service to others.“ https://www.sage-ing.org/

My grandmother lived her 92 years as a sage. She never stopped pursuing knowledge about spirituality, history, and cultural customs to better understand the world she lived in. She shared what she learned with small groups at her church and in the community.

I believe it was Mark Twain who said that we are only as old as we think we are if we did not know how old we are. And Satchel Page said, “How old would you be if you did not know how old you are?”

A Chinese doctor I went to for many years always asked, “How young are you?” no how old.

The theologian, A. R Bernard, wrote “Life is God’s gift to us. What we do with it is our gift to God.” http://www.quotes.com

Take a few moments to ponder these quotes about old age:

"Let us never know what old age is. Let us know the happiness time brings, not count the years."   (Ausonius)

"Old age: the crown of life, our play's last act." (Marcus Tullius Cicero)

"Live your life, and forget your age." (Norman Vincent Peale)

AND, TO END WITH SOME HUMOR:
http://www.facebook.com/maxine

Thank you for reading this blog. It shows you are a wise person.

The Month of March

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  • The third month of the Roman calendar.
  • Beginning of spring in the southern hemisphere.
  • Has 31 days.
  • Has the Full Worm Moon.
  • The daffodil is the month’s flower (new birth, love, and joy)
  • Aquamarine is its birthstone.

What can we learn from this month?

  • Forgiveness releases the soul.
  • We always have the opportunity to change.
  • We can overcome any challenge.
  • Fear can be overcome.
  • There is always hope.
  • Believe in yourself
  • And, know God is with you.

Important dates in March: 2022:

  • March 1: Mardi Gras: final feasting day before start of Lent.
  • March 2: Ash Wednesday. Beginning of Lent
  • March 7: Pure Monday in Greek Orthodox Church beginning of Lent.
  • March 8: International Women’s Day
  • March 13: Ides of March
  • March 17: St.Patrick’s Day
  • March 20: Spring equinox (northern hemisphere)
  • March 29-31: stormy days
  • March 30: Doctor’s Appreciation Day.
http://“March brings breezes loud and shrill, stirs the dancing daffodil.” ― Sara Coleridge.197

“March brings breezes loud and shrill, stirs the dancing daffodil.”

― Sara Coleridge.