Where does time go?

Twenty-three years ago, my first child was born - Eliza Lillian Ganster.

After 38 hours of labor, I was delighted to see my little one for more reasons than one, but like many new moms, I wasn't sure how I would feel once the baby had arrived. I shouldn't have worried.

As soon as I saw that tiny baby with her dark curls and light-grey eyes, the world was hers. Over the years, it hasn't always been easy and at times, downright difficult. But today she is an amazing young woman. So, happy birthday little one.

I love you so.

Who shall I carry for you?

Good things, good people and good times all rolled into one... Who shall I carry for you? Cancer. It may be your mother. It may be your uncle. It may be you. At some point, Cancer touches everyone’s life. In 2004, my brother, Jack, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Eight years later, he is healthy. Because of his fight with cancer, Jack founded the non-profit organization, Survivor’s Outdoor Experience (SOE) to assist other survivors. SOE provides cancer survivors with informational and recreational programming to enhance their lives. With that thought in mind, Paul and I will be once again be taking on the 34- mile one-day Rachel Carson Trails Challenge on June 23rd. There are so many fund raisers these days, but yet I wanted to honor my brother and others who have faced a battle with cancer (or any life-threatening illness or battle) while raising funds for SOE. This year, Paul and I will dedicate one mile of the Challenge for your loved one – it can be someone you lost to cancer, someone fighting cancer, someone you wish to honor for any battle. For that mile, we will “carry” them with us, pray for them, think of them and use their strength as inspiration for our challenge that day. If you wish for us to “carry” your loved one, it would be our honor. Please let me know the name of the person you wish for us to carry. If you wish to make a donation to SOE, that would be great, but I am only hoping to honor all survivors, whether or not they are still with us. (Jack’s belief is that a person becomes a survivor the moment they are diagnosed). Please let me know if you wish for us to carry your loved one. If you wish to make a donation to SOE or for more information, visit http://www.survivorsoutdoorexperience.org/hiking-for-a-reason. Thank you so much! With love, Kathleen (Who couldn’t do this without the support and love of my husband and hiking partner, Paul.)

Good things...last year, my daughter Eliza Lillian graduated from Duquesne University. Here she is with my mom, Lillian "Dolly." I love this photo and love that they had this moment together. Good times...with Mother's Day just around the corner, I feel like the luckiest woman alive. I have three amazing children, two wonderful step-daughters and both of my mothers (Dolly and Marion) in my life. We almost lost Marion mom last summer, so this Mother's Day is especially important. We celebrate all of these "Mom" things on Sunday. Good people...to all the mothers out there. Not only biological mothers, but those who have stepped to the plate and helped out as teachers, coaches, scout leaders, good aunts, big sisters, neighbors, and a million more other roles. Happy Mother's Day!

Be inspired...

Good things...it's easy to forget how good life is somedays. We complain about minor things that can seem pretty big. But we can't forget the good things...if you forget, Emmanuel Kelly will remind you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W86jlvrG54o

Good people...Emmanuel Kelly reminded me that a bit of a weight gain or stalling on a story isn't that big of a deal. As we approach our most Holy of Days, let's imagine all the people leaving for today...imagine there's no countries...imagine being as brave as Emmanuel....

Good times...loving life as much as Emmanuel, having a smile as big as his.

You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one...thank you, Emmanuel Kelly.

"Never judge a book by its cover"

Good things...anyone who knows me, knows I hate cold weather. The winter this year in Western Pa. was unbelievable. I'm so thankful that we don't usually have to worry about natural disasters here. As I watch the flowers opening up, the turkeys strutting by and the trees starting to bud, I feel my energy renewed.

Good people...a friend shared this link with me of a young man who appeared in Britian's Got Talent and it moved me to tears. It is a story of talent, weight and most of all, friendship. Watch it, but have your hankies handy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsNlcr4frs4

Good times...enjoy spring in your neck of the woods and remember, in the words of wonderful, 16-year-old Charlotte (Jonathan's singing partner in above-mentioned link), "Never judge a book by its cover."

Setting a goal...

Good things...I started training today for the Rachel Carson Trails Challenge. The Challenge is a 35-mile-in-one-day hike. Whew. Can't believe I am going to do it again. That's my goal - what is yours? Read more about this Challenge.

Good people...my brother Jack is the creator of Survivor's Outdoor Experience and he posted this moving link. Watch it and tell me how you appreciate life.

Good times...I train and hike with my husband, Paul Sauers. We always have a great time and encourage each other on during the tough times. They are amazing times.

Taking time to be grateful

Good things...the last time that I posted, I was collecting toys for the homeless. Thanks to the big hearts of my friends, family and the children of Hampton Township School District, we were able to collect over 250 toys. I am blessed to have such generous folks in my life.

Good people...well, obviously, the people mentioned above! With the New Year here, I have started a "Gratitude Journal," writing down at least five things every day that I am thankful for. I have coerced my husband in to doing this as well - he is a chemist with a whole different thought process than writer me, but he is getting into the groove as well. He is a good guy.

Good times...as I write this, I am getting ready to go watch my 17-year-old play basketball. The photo above is him a few years ago during football season. Where has that time gone? A friend of mine said she misses when her kids were younger and she would go watch them play sports. I am cherishing this time.

Be grateful, enjoy your days and be well.