mayday, mayday, mayday

Just an update for those who play Trivial Pursuit: mayday is from the French phrase m'aidez which means (you) come help me. It is the distress signal and is said three times in a row to make sure that those who hear it know that it is a real distress signal. The call is from those in "grave or imminent danger and who require immediate assistance."

So there you have it, folks! I have done my research! You are welcome. ;)

School Daze . . .

David made it through his heart surgery just splendidly. He had a wonderful intensive care nurse the first night after his six hour surgery who made him get up early the next morning and sit up in a chair. We were all amazed when he was allowed to sit up and eat eggs the very next day. He was very alert soon after the surgery. We are so grateful to our friends and family who came to be with us during this difficult time. We could feel the prayers. Not everything was easy, but he has virtually recovered now.

Soon after the short recovery David traveled to Houston to attend an AP conference. I went to Galveston to stay with some friends and to drive him home. We had a great time at the beach house. Good food, good friends, good scenery, good times.

Today was my first day back to school for the year. I'm ready enough!

David has been back since August 5th. He is definitely ready.

Yesterday I dropped off Haley at college. She is a UTD Comet now. She is having fun, I'm sure. We got her room all fixed up and looking cute. She goes to Comet Camp soon, and then she will start class after much "orientating."

The Dallas Cowboys are playing tonight for the very first pre-season game of the year. The Texas Rangers have been winning, but are 5 games out behind LA. Speaking of LA, I got to "go to there!" Haley and I had a blast visiting my sister and Ellen and JR. We took the WB tour, went to the Craig Ferguson Late Late Show, ate at In and Out Burger, Bob's Big Boy, Porto's. and had Stacia's crepes! We also went to the happiest place on earth, Disneyland! It sure was fun! We made some wonderful memories and had such a good time. Oh, and we visited the Griffin Observatory and looked through the giant telescope.

There have been two meteor showers the last couple of nights, but I missed them. The first night it was too cloudy. The second night I was too sleepy.

I am in a daze getting ready for school to start. The summer literally flew by. I just cannot believe how fast the earth is spinning round and round these days.

I'm just shamrockin' on in my school daze!

Mayday, Mayday . . .

When someone is in trouble in the old movies, they say, "mayday." I don't get it! Why do they say that? I'll have to research it.

I am happy this day of May. It happens to be mother's day. My mother is amazing. That is all there is to that. I could not say enough about her to give her the credit she deserves. I just know that I am glad to be a little bit like her. I am definitely not exactly like her.

I hope I am a good enough mom. That is the best I can do! My kids have practically raised themselves. They teach me stuff now. They don't really want to listen to me anymore because they KNOW they really are smarter than I am!

I guess my biggest "mayday" cry for help is about David. We met his surgeon this week and scheduled the big heart surgery. The day they will replace his aorta valve and "root" is June 15. It will be a 4 hour surgery, intensive care stay for 1 - 2 days, and at least one week in the hospital.

I have a lot to do before then. We have our spring play this week! It involves 40 middle school kids! Then I've got my class performances (3 of them) and an encore performance of the spring play. We call it Dramapalooza! It will be great, but I'm still nervous.

The end of school is always busy with map testing, final exams, AP tests for Haley, and just finishing up, packing up and saying goodbye for the summer. Tyler is already home from SMU. He got home last night and is a little worried about his grades this semester. Oh well . . . he knows what he needs to do.

This is just a random blog today regarding a day in May. I feel like I am just reporting news to catch up. "Real blogs" are still to come . . . stay tuned.

Have a wonderful May Day!

WOW! Time Really Does Fly!

So a lot has happened since the New Year. Our family has been visiting a new church. We like it so far. I got to see my parents yesterday at their house for Easter Lunch. As usual, it was beautiful and wonderful. We had a great time visiting with my mom and dad and some other friends who are very special to us.

In March, my students did a great job in the One Act Play, and we have completed a new round of auditions for our spring play.

My oldest son turns 20 years old next week! My 17 year old daughter will be graduating from high school in just a matter of days. My "baby" is such a teenager suddenly. I just can't believe it! I want to sing "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof and shed a tear or two just thinking about it. Everyone knows I am such a crybaby! So what, it's OK! I love my kids, my husband, and my life. I can cry if I want to, right?

Our family has some news . . . some good, some not so great.

The good news is really good . . .

David, my husband, after several years of prayer regarding his career, has accepted a new position. He is now a high school social studies teacher! He absolutely loves it. I warned him that it would be difficult, but he is willingly taking on the challenge and is having a blast.

And now for the "not so great" news . . .

At his last cardiology check up, David found out that his heart is not as strong as it should be. Some people might not know the whole story, so here is the quick rundown.

When David was eight years old he had open heart surgery to repair his aorta valve. Dr. Denton Cooley was his surgeon. The operation was successful, but they knew that he would have to have a new valve one day. That day came in October of 1992. David was 30 years old, in seminary, a full-time minister with two small children and a somewhat demanding wife. ;) We had so many caring friends who took such good care of us. The prayers poured in. Looking back now, I know I was just in a whirlwind of worry and emotion. Perhaps I did not appreciate everything that people did for us at the time, but what I did know was that God was watching over us because I felt so peaceful and calm. Our family members, friends and church family made sure that the kids were taken care of so that I could stay at the hospital as much as possible. I know I was scared, but I also felt that overwhelming feeling of peace that passes understanding that only God can give. We got so many cards, prayer cards, and notes of encouragement from people all over the world. It was very touching. For those of you who helped us out in our time of need, thank you! You may be reading this now wondering if it made a difference. Believe me, it did! You touched our lives in a way that makes a difference in eternity.

Now, 16 years later, David has to have another open-heart surgery. It will probably happen in June, after the school year is over. He will have his aorta root replaced by a surgeon at Baylor Hospital in Plano. We admit that we are once again scared and overwhelmed. The bills, the recovery time, the risk involved are enough to put me right back in that whirlwind of worry again. However, I know that God has a plan. He is in complete control. I have faith that He will bring us through the surgery with a new purpose and vision. He will provide my "Texas shamrocks" along the way to help us through by giving us faith and encouragement, just as He has always done.

If you will, please put us on your prayer list and on your church's prayer list. We will feel the power of your prayers.

Thanks for reading this, by the way! Comment if you would like to. We would love to hear from you. Stay tuned! I'll post updates as we go.

Life is precious! Make it count where it really counts!

With love,

Shannon

Dear David,

I love you. Twenty-two years ago today we exchanged vows, shared our hearts, and gave rings to one another to demonstrate our true love and commitment to each other. You are a blessing. As I look back and reflect on my memories of that monumental day, I have to let you know that you have given me more than I ever dreamed or asked for in a husband. I know that God brought us together to share our lives, rejoice in the birth of our three wonderful children, and go on adventure after adventure hand in hand forever.

You are so patient. I know I'm crazy! You put up with all my schemes and ideas. You even listen to me and pretend that I am making sense. Sometimes you actually agree with me, and that amazes me.

You are generous. Your willingness to help others is inspiring. You have sacrificed so much for God's kingdom. I'm so thankful you have sacrificed so much for our family. Please know that I know how the road has been tough at times, but you have always given of yourself and poured out blessings on so many people through the years. God has and will use you to teach, inspire and disciple people because you are ready to give your time and resources to do so.

You are a man after God's heart. I know you are searching for God's will constantly. He will lead. Keep your faith just as you always have. Your patience comes in handy when life feels like it is on hold. Realizing that we were brought together 22 years ago to embark on a journey together reaffirms my own faith that the path ahead will lead to where ever He leads. I know you will be willing.

I'm excited to go out with you tonight! We will share a fancy dinner, talk about how we met, remember the good times and a few of the hard times that brought us even closer together.

Happy anniversary, David! Every second of our 22 years together has been a blessing. Thank you for being you!

Counting Days

New year, new days to count down! I'm content with 2009 so far, thank goodness! The days are flying by and I am barely counting them. I'm surprised it is already the 9th! Goodness gracious. I'm still asking some hard questions in spite of my desire to keep things simple and not complicate my brain with too much analyzing. Some of my questions as of late are:

How can I really help people? Really?

Do I have to get my own act together? Really?

Is my "mindset" wrong or is it just how I am?

Do I need to change, or am I OK just as I am?

Does anyone out there really give a flip? Really?

Does this list sound depressing to you, or just profound?

Seriously, I'm confusing myself by trying to figure everything out all of the time and it is making me tired. Here is what I do know:

I am grateful.

I am loved.

I do love.

I do care.

I hope.

There. I'll continue counting the questions and the days this year. Perhaps one of these days there will be a few more answers.

Until then . . . 9, 10, 11 . . . . . days to make the world a better place.