Faith, Religion, and Standing Tall

Posted by Barbara Techel

 

Daily Word is a subscription I subscribe to. It it is my time with God. I believe in what is my God, which I believe is also the Universe, which we are all a part of. I am often struck at how each day’s lesson speaks to me. It helps balance me and keeps me moving forward. Today’s Faith lesson resonated deeply on many levels.

Much of my growing stronger and standing tall in who I am has also come from a 10-inch tall wiener dog who rolls around in a doggie wheelchair named Frankie. Some of you may have heard of her. <wink>

I’m working on a book right now about what I’ve learned from Frankie. One section in my book talks about my faith. I was raised a Lutheran, going to church most Sunday’s as a little girl. But then my parents divorced and going to church was not something I did with my mom and siblings.

For a while in my life, I struggled with not having been confirmed. But as I’ve grown older I realize I am of no particular religion. Feeling not good about being confirmed, for me, was because I felt I got caught up in what society felt was right. I’m not saying being confirmed and going to church, or being a certain religion is not a good thing. If it works for others and helps them- then I think that is great.

But for me personally, I don’t find a religion that 100% agrees with who I am. I feel more of a spiritual person, not attached to a religion. For many years I felt shame if someone asked me if I went to church or not. Like it was bad if I didn’t.

Recently I did a school visit with Frankie for a small catholic school. When I was done with my presentation and the kids were walking by petting Frankie, a parent approached me and said, “Are you catholic?” I felt that same fear rise up in me- like if I wasn’t would that make me not good enough? It caught me off guard that she asked me this question. But I kindly said, “No I am not.”

She said, “Oh, I see. The reason I ask is my husband writes for a catholic newspaper. When he heard about you and Frankie he wanted to write a story about you. But he couldn’t think of an angle.”

Thinking thoughtfully and speaking from my I AM, I said, “Well, I do believe in God and I do believe that His mission for me at this time in my life was to teach what I am teaching with Frankie as my example.” She smiled, nodding her head.

I continued and said, “And you know, I believe animals are God’s creatures He created. What a beautiful opportunity your husband would have to share one of God’s creatures, Frankie, with his readers, helping them understand that pets with special needs are no different than other animals and deserve a chance.”

She seemed to listen to what I said intently, nodding, and then said thank you.

As I drove home, I wondered if her husband would call and do a story. I haven’t heard from him yet. I may not. But I also realized how proud I was to feel comfortable in what I said and what I believed. I also feel Frankie and my story is not about a religion, but so much more.

Standing tall is not always easy in world of many views, but until we do, our soul can’t continue forward. I’m learning that with each step I take and that the only way to truly live is from your own heart.

Nostalgia… Friendship… Change

Posted by Barbara Techel

Friday evening I had my annual Christmas get together, which includes a sleepover, with my dear friend, who I call Sistah V. She calls me Sistah B. Frankie didn’t always come with me to our get together’s, but because my husband John is a bit uncomfortable in expressing her bladder since her diagnoses of IVDD, I am fortunate to bring her with me to Sistah V’s.

 

Frankie and I in front of Sistah V’s Christmas tree, which I am always green with envy over how beautiful she decorates.

Sistah V had a challenging year going almost one year without a job. She is not married so she solely provides for herself. It was a scary time for her, though she handled it with dignity and grace. It was also a time of a welcome change in discovering more about herself. It was a pleasure to watch her blossom.

Her home is the home of her grandparents which she bought a few years ago. She has many fond memories as a young child visiting there. The house was built in the 1930’s. Many things the way they were then, are still there. Cabinets, light fixtures, etc. It is quite nostalgic and comforting being there. Many touches of nostagia every where you look which I share in photos below.

Sistah V had quite the year of change and so I was delighted to have found the perfect gift for her to reflect her journey this past year. A print by local artist, Cassy Tully. Cassy has a collection of paintings called Growing Trees. I chose the Change tree for Sistah V (photo of it below).  And here is the saying on the back:

As the seasons evolve, change occurs in our lives as well. It is important to find a peaceful place to grow. Although a time of change is turbulent, we can always see our vibrant reflection in still water.

The print and especially its meaning meant much to Sistah V and I’m glad it touched her.

The evening and next morning was filled with much joy, deep thoughts and reflection. Her home and being with her is one of my peaceful places to grow… and when one of us can’t see our vibrant reflection in the still water during a turbulent time, we are there to remind each other.

Onward and forward with the photo tour through Sistah V’s home. Wait till you see where she made our morning toast!

 

I loved how the light streamed across Frankie’s face as she sat in the kitchen doorway

 

Sistah V has many vintage treasures! 

 

Frankie “helping” Sistah V open her gift from me. Such a good little elf.

 

A few tears later Sistah V granted me permission to take this photo of her with her Growing Tree print

 

Helping with final touches on Sistah V’s Christmas tree while we listened to Christmas music. I couldn’t help think John Boy Walton would soon be knocking on the door and asking the sisters for the family secret recipe!  If you saw the movie, The Homecoming, this will make sense.

 

Vintage bunnies tucked in an unsuspecting spot that brought a smile to my face when I discovered them.


Sistah V’s branch tree. I helped add final acorn ornaments, icicles, and the one special squirrel.

 

Original fireplace to the home… complete with plug in logs and added leaf string of lights to act as burning embers. I love Sistah V’s creativity!  And Frankie believes with all her heart that the fireplace is warming her buns.

 

An older home can present challenges with not enough outlets when one is cooking up a holiday breakfast treat. So the coffee perculated in the dining room on the buffet and our toast was made in the bathroom. Gotta love it!

Sistah V’s home complete with nothing less than a touch of vintage cardboard cut out santa.

A New Wheelie Dog In Town!

Posted by Barbara Techel

There’s a new wheelie dog in town! Well at least in the town not far from me. Her name is Kahlua or a.k.a. Miss Lu or Tink. She was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor August 25th. She was given two months to live. Yup, count it out on your fingers, Christmas Day will be four months since her diagnoses. She is still pretty much the same, though her mom feels somewhat improved.

Because of the brain tumor this has affected her back legs and walking. Other than that, you wouldn’t know she has a brain tumor. Kahlua’s mom knows me well since she makes all my Frankie t-shirts and tote bags. So she knew getting Miss Lu a wheelchair was a viable option.

Miss Lu stopped over today to show us her new wheels from Eddie’s Wheels! She is still adjusting to them, but we hope in no time she will be buzzing around fast as a speeding bullet.

As far as her brain tumor, well we continue to pray for her and ask if you could send a little prayer to the big guy upstairs too. She’s a miracle so far with almost outliving her 2 month prognosis. We love you, Kahlua!