Thursday, May 8, 2014

A GIFT OF PRAYER FOR A FELLOW BLOGGER.... AND A-Z REFLECTIONS POST...

Hi everyone...

I hope you have all recovered from the A-Z challenge. I read some amazing posts over the past month as well as wonderful reflections post. Mine will be up in the next day or so. 

Today is the first Wednesday of the month, and most of us in the blogosphere know what that means. It's time for another segment of the Insecure Writer's Support Group or the IWSG...

My positive attitude is being tested today. A dear blogger friend of mine, Melissa Bradley of Melissa's Imaginarium, is currently in the hospital. She was admitted for hip pain. But sadly a huge mass was found in or around her lymph node. The biopsy is today. We can only hope an pray for the best.

SO please, take a moment and send a prayer, wish, or positive vibe toward Melissa in Trinity Hospital in the south side of Chicago.

You were all so wonderful and supportive of me when I was having eye issues a few months ago, so I know the power of prayer and good energy. We are a VERY POSITIVE FORCE to be reckoned with, and I know it will surely help Melissa.

So this is weighing heavily on my mind today. I have other insecurities about writing, but nothing that I can't handle. As we all know time can be a gifted friend. All good things happen in time and so this will happen for me.

The most important thing to remember EVERYONE is NEVER and I mean this VERY STRONGLY.... NEVER take your health for granted. Eat right, leave your computer screen and exercise at least a half an hour a day. Keep sugary drinks, additives, and processed foods at bay. Take care of YOU. Nothing is more important because If YOU DON'T, you can't be there for the ones you love! Never forget this. DO it for them...

On that note, please visit the other members of the group here. We are growing. We are strong. And thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh we are together....

Have a wonderful day everyone and give a hug to the ones you love...


Update... I spoke with Melissa today. She is doing fine for the most part, but no news on the mass. Hopefully I'll have some news later today to share with you...

Also,

Here is the Link to my A-Z reflections post... Enjoy the rest of the day everyone...


64 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Prayers for Melissa today. Thanks for letting me know last night.
I do watch what I eat and go to the gym several times a week. I don't just want a long life - I want a healthy long life.

Denise Covey said...

Hi Michael. Shocking news about Melissa. Thanks for sharing. My prayers are winging her way. I pray for her speedy recovery if that's what's meant to be.

Good advice about looking after ourselves. It's all too easy to forget our health in the busyness of life. Finding time to exercise and reduce stress is a constant need for all of us.

I've been trying hard to contact Nancy Williams for some time now. I fear she's not well either. Have you heard anything of her?

Keep well Michael.

Denise

Murees Dupè said...

I will pray for Melissa. Having problems with your health is not easy or wished. Your words are so true and i should take better care of my health.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I heard about Melissa's health issues today. She's in my thoughts. I hope it goes well for her.

River Fairchild said...

I'm keeping Melissa in my thoughts. When something like this happens to one of us, it's a shocking wake-up call to do everything we can - both for our own health and for others. Hugs to you, Michael, for reminding us to be good to ourselves.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Wishing Melissa all the very best.

Julie Flanders said...

I was so shocked to read about Melissa on Alex's blog earlier. So sorry to hear that news and I am sending all kinds of positive thoughts her way.

~Sia McKye~ said...

What a scary time for Melissa! She's is in my thoughts!

It only takes a few upsets to make you realize just how important your health is. Losing someone also makes you realize how fragile life is. I agree with your thoughts on taking care of oneself. Just takes some proactive steps each day.

Sia McKye Over Coffee

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's terrible! I will be praying for Melissa.

I went vegan years ago for animals, but I've stayed the course for my health.

Melissa said...

I was so sorry to hear this. I'll be praying.
Thanks for organizing and encouraging us in this, Michael.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Alex... I'll be going to Mother Cabrini's shrine soon to add my prayers. She was an amazing champion for the poor and did so much for their healthcare all over the world.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks, Denise...

Sorry. Haven't been in touch with Nancy for well over a year now.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks so much, Murees,

Michael Di Gesu said...

I appreciate it. Thanks Natalie.

Michael Di Gesu said...

I know it is, River.... and THANKS...

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thank you, Annalisa.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Julie.... I know Melissa really appreciates everyones's support.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks, Sia... you are so right about that.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks, Melissa...

It's the least I can do.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Smart thing to do, Diane. Our health is so important.

Robin said...

Prayers going out to your friend. Prayer is a POWERFUL thing.

As you say, our time here is limited. It is so important to take care of these bodies. We need to be better to ourselves!

Nicki Elson said...

My second prayer of the day for Melissa was just sent up. He listens, and we are indeed a force.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

My prayers are with Melissa. She must be so frightened. I was there in a way not too long ago myself. I pray the Father sees her through this valley of the shadow. Thanks for being a good friend

Laura Clipson said...

Excellent advice, people often forget to look after themselves. A healthy lifestyle can do wonders.

Nick Wilford said...

That's an excellent reminder, Michael. We can get so caught up in our writing and cerebral activities that we forget about the cerebral part. I should thank my four dogs, because they demand two good walks a day and they're a handful. :) Heard about Melissa from Alex, I'm sending all my best wishes. Positive energy does help.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I was feeling sorry for myself today (crazy busy and cranky!) when I heard Melissa's news. I felt like such a whiner. She has been in my prayers all morning!

I've been doing better being healthier. I was feeling so tired, I knew I had to change how I was living. (actually my boys did a sort of intervention...mom you have to take better care of yourself, sort of thing. So, I am doing it. I don't need my kids stressing over my crappy diet choices!)

Crystal Collier said...

Wonderful thoughts, Michael. I'll definitely send a prayer of two, and I'm going to hug my littles right now. =)

Loni Townsend said...

Prayers and well wishes in Melissa's direction. And I agree about health. If you fail your body, your body will fail you.

Stephanie Faris said...

I will pray for her. That's scary! But often these things are found to be benign. I hope that's the case this time.

Janie Junebug said...

Melissa, I'm praying for you, and I won't stop.

Love,
Janie

cleemckenzie said...

I read about Melissa this morning. She's in my thoughts and I hope she feels the positive power of her connections out here in cyberspace.

How kind of you to ask for support for her.

Michael Di Gesu said...

So true, Robin ... and thanks!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks, Nicki... we are indeed.

Michael Di Gesu said...

I always take care of my friends, Roland... Thanks for your prayers.... I just got back from the shrine of Mother Cabrini.... she hears and helps.

Michael Di Gesu said...

So, true, Laura...

Michael Di Gesu said...

Yes. Thank you, Nick.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Elizabeth.

Situations such as these put our stupid little annoyances in perspective.

PLEASE take care of yourself! You are so loved by us that we DON'T WANT ANYTHING to HAPPEN to YOU!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks, Crystal. I appreciate it!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks, Loni!

Michael Di Gesu said...

I pray that you are right, Stephanie... We'll be finding out soon.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks, Janie....

I know she appreciates all the prayers. I just spoke with her and told her how we are all praying for her.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Lee. She's a close friend one of two blogger buddies I am close with here in Chicago.

Liza said...

Saying a prayer for Melissa. And one for you too, Michael.

Michelle Wallace said...

Keeping Melissa in my thoughts and prayers...
God bless you too Michael. You are such a thoughtful person.

Jennifer Hawes said...

Added Melissa to my prayer list. I don't ever want to take my health for granted! Keep us posted.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

So sorry about Melissa, but with the power of prayer she will heal.

Your positive words are a blessing, Michael!

Mary Montague Sikes

S.P. Bowers said...

So sorry about Melissa. I'll keep her in my prayers. You're right. Taking care of ourselves is one of the most important things we can do.

SK Anthony said...

Oh Melissa, my prayers are definitely going out to her. Sigh.

Juneta key said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Juneta key said...

Definitely sending prayers to Melissa and family, and a football size team of angels too in that request. That was a very beautiful and thoughtful post. Glad your eye is better.

Best Wishes and Prayers
Juneta at Writer's Gambit

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Saying an extra prayer for Melissa. Hope she gets good news.

Al Diaz said...

I've been thinking on Melissa and sending her positive energy. Hopefully everything will be alright.

HistorySleuth said...

Good advice. being mentally & physically healthy is good for the brain too!
History Sleuth's Writings - IWSG

dolorah said...

Sending positive vibes to Melissa.

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers to Melissa...

Hope you are doing well, Michael! So glad to hear you survived the winter. My sister has been giving me weather horror stories. You must visit me in AZ when you need some warmth! :)

JJ said...

I am sending all my best to Melissa. I believe that works.

Jack said...

I am so so sorry to hear that!!!! I will be praying for her!

Mark Means said...

Thanks Michael, this is the first I'm hearing of Melissa's plight and I'll be sure to keep her in my prayers.

Some great advice on living a healthier lifestyle, as well, and it's something we can never hear enough.

Cherie Reich said...

I'm definitely thinking of Melissa and wish her well.

Unknown said...

Sending Melissa all my best! And you're so right, Michael, our health is everything. I got some ugly test results just this morning. Currently I'm processing and dealing with them. My first reaction was NO, but lab tests don't lie, twice. All we can do from that point is do better. Take care of ourselves. Make the necessary changes. Thanks for the reminder. :)

Mark Koopmans said...

Thanks for the update on Melissa and please let her know she is in our family's prayers.

Sending best wishes to her and hope she gets better *soon* :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Michael .. oh how very difficult for her and her family - my thoughts to them and to you .. and thank you for letting us know - not an easy time - Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Wonderful, sincere post, Michael. I found out the hard way how important it is to take care of ourselves. My body had to land me on my butt for me to wake up and take steps toward health. I'm just thankful it happened now, in my thirties, I have time to learn and build :)
My thoughts and prayers are with Melissa and her family. Enjoy your weekend!
Jen