Making a BIG Difference, One Step at a Time

It never goes away. But what if 'it' could?

'It' is Juvenile Diabetes. And it affects millions of people every day. People like Rachel. As a baby, she was sick a lot. Her parents didn't know what to do. Tests were run. Nothing showed up. No one knew why she wasn't eating or walking anymore. Finally, her dad reached out to an uncle in the medical field who asked the right questions. A urine test was done and, at only 14 months old, Rachel was diagnosed with T1D or Type 1 diabetes. T1D is an autoimmune disease that comes on suddenly and can strike children or adults at any age. If you or someone you know has diabetes, you know it requires watching your diet carefully and testing your blood sugar 6 times or more a day.

While the disease is unfortunate, the diagnosis came just in time for Rachel. Without it, and immediate treatment, little Rachel would have died. Today, she is a beautiful 12 year old who loves life but she does admit, "Living with diabetes is hard at times. I've had to miss out on some stuff with my friends--like sleepovers, and sometimes it's hard to always be careful of what I eat. It is hard to participate in sports sometimes because you have to keep checking your blood-sugar and get snacks so you don't go low. I have to go to the nurse 3 times a day at school which makes is hard to keep on top of what is going on. I have good friends and brothers that watch out for me and make sure I am doing okay. I love having my pump--it is so much better than when I had to take shots. I am grateful for all that I CAN do, but I look forward to the day we have a cure."

Here's the deal: JDRF, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, is searching for a cure. Rachel hopes to see that happen in her lifetime. I'd like to be a part of making that happen. And I'd like for you to join me.
This year, I'm not asking for a lot. I know many of us have felt the crunch of the current economy. I'm only asking if you would donate $1. If everyone will do just that, we, as a collective group, can make a BIG difference. Click here to donate now.

On October 6, 2012 I will be walking for the cure in Elon, North Carolina. I am part of the LabCorp Walkers team, a group of individuals, just like you, that care enough to make a BIG difference, one step at a time.
As the leader of the type 1 diabetes community, JDRF unifies global efforts to cure, treat and prevent T1D. I feel pretty good about that and that's why I have supported them for the past 10 years.

If you would like to read more of Rachel's story and others like her, click here. And if you cannot offer monetary support at this time (or even if you can), I'd like to ask a personal favor: how about saying a prayer, right now, for those suffering from diabetes? You CAN make a difference!

Thank you for your support!
God bless,
Jean Bailey Robor

Something Is At Work Here

Fate?
Coincidence?
Or maybe something more.
In my home, we use natural gas for our heating unit and water heater. So, one summer day a few weeks ago, when there was no hot water, my first thought was Oh no! Cold showers! My second thought was I hope I don't have to replace the water heater. Besides, it didn't seem like that long ago, maybe a few years, since this water heater was purchased. Surely, they last longer than that.

I called the gas company to come and check it. Now, you might have guessed that I would first check it out a bit myself. But, no. After all, that thing is down in the creepy basement and, frankly, that basement with its dark corners and crawl spaces, creeps me out. (Hence, it's 'creepy.') So, let someone who's getting paid to creep around down there check it out. (Some days I'm such a girl.)

The guy from the gas company came over and simply re-lit the pilot light. Voila! Hot water! He took a look around and couldn't figure out why the pilot light had gone out. Everything seemed to be working just fine. And this is where fate, coincidence or something more comes in.

I had followed him down to the basement. (It's never as creepy when someone else is with you and in broad daylight.) We talked about the water heater and then he voiced another concern. "I think you need to have a heating & air technician check out your furnace there." The furnace is the heating unit that I refer to as the big, green monster. It's a big green metal box-like thing that's been in the house longer than I have. So when he pointed out the soot on the side and voiced his concern, I took heed. I called Steve who regularly services it each year. And, every year, he's a little surprised that the old thing is still alive and kicking.

When he came out to check it, this is what he found, minus the technician lingo: the big, green monster had to go. Not only that, but it was emitting carbon monoxide. Steve told us that meant, if we had turned it on, sure it would have heated the house, but we might have died in our sleep. The whole family.

The thought of my family members at risk, in our home, which should be a safe haven, was sobering.

Now, I don't know why the pilot light went out on the water heater. I don't know why the man from the gas company just happened to notice the soot on the heating unit. All I know is that this series of events may have saved not just my life, but all our lives.

There's no doubt. Something is at work here.

Some people will call it fate.
Some may call it a series of coincidences.
Forever, I'll call it a God thing.

It's true: Romans 8:28 says, "All things work together for good to them that love God..." In the beginning, having cold water was a minor frustration. (At least until I stepped into the cold shower, then major frustration!) Thinking of buying a new water heater was a bit more frustrating. In the end, replacing the heating unit, despite the inconvience and financial burden, was a blessing.

In my heart, there is no doubt.
It's a God thing.

Keeping the faith,
Jean

Social Media? It Works for Me!

I knew 2012 would be a good year. I just had a feeling. Do you ever get that? Somehow it just feels like good things are coming even when you can’t see what’s coming. It all started way before 2012 when I first discovered social media. You know, Twitter, Facebook, etc. I had no idea how valuable my discovery would be.

Today, I use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn regularly to stay connected, make new connections, promote ideas, services and products and, let’s face it, goof off a bit at the end of the day. I believe in sprinkling in some fun with your business.

Over the years I’ve come to realize that, even though social media can work for me, it can also be a time-sucker. That’s why I think it’s so important to be aware of the time spent and the reasons why you’re using it in the first place.

For pleasure:

Tip #1- Be sure you’re aware of how much time you’re spending online each day.

Tip #2- Don’t allow social media to get in the way of face-to-face relationships with friends and family.

Tip #3- Have fun but be aware that anything you post online is there to stay for the world to see (including your spouse, your kids, your pastor, your boss and your mother).

For business:

Tip #1- While connecting electronically is important, there is no substitute for face-to-face and phone conversations to make a strong connection.

Tip #2- Post regularly; stay current. (Use HootSuite to schedule posts and post to multiple social media sites simultaneously.)

Tip #3- Get the word out about yourself, your products / services BUT be sure to offer value to potential clients (i.e. helpful articles, tips to make their lives easier, etc) and, above all, be a friend.

Because of using social media sites, I’ve gained exposure that I never would have gained otherwise. I’ve sold products, acquired clients and speaking engagements. In fact, just this week I was featured in a newspaper article. And I didn’t even have to ask for it. It all started when a reporter contacted me via Twitter. You can read the article here. (By the way, I just love that my local newspaper sees the value in using social media.)

It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to build your presence, build your brand and stay current. You have to be interesting and approachable. And, whether you’re using social media for business or pleasure, never post when you’re emotional. We all have our moments and there are some moments we should just keep to ourselves. 

2012 isn’t over yet. And although I’ve experienced a lot of good things, I have an idea, like my mom says, the best is yet to come. How about you? Do you feel it? We’re only halfway there. Will the last part of 2012 bring good things for you? Believe it! And use social media sites to help make it happen!

To your success,

Jean

For more information on how to get started using social media, email me. 

A Day for Fathers & Making Memories

Fathers Day weekend. In the United States, it comes along once every year in June. As the story goes, it was first celebrated in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA. William Jackson Smart was a Civil War veteran and also a single parent. One of his six children, Sonora, after hearing a Mother's Day sermon, told her pastor fathers should be honored as well. She suggested the date of June 5, William's birthday. Because the pastors did not have time to prepare their sermons, the holiday was deferred to the 3rd Sunday in June. It didn't become a national holiday for many years after that, but according to Wikipedia, that's where it got its start. That was in 1910; one year before my own dad was born.

As Father's Day approaches, I begin to think of dad. I think of my childhood. Some of my fondest memories are playing catch, barefoot in the front yard. Well, I would be barefoot, the feel of cool green grass beneath my feet. Dad would always wear his black work shoes and white socks. Same ones he'd worn to the local textile mill where he worked until he retired.

Sometimes, if I was really lucky, he'd let me help him in the garden. I say 'let' because it felt like a treat. He was pretty particular about his vegetable garden. He had a green thumb like I'll never have. We would pick juicy ripe tomatoes, ears of sweet corn, crunchy cucumbers and beans. I loved it, especially when he'd let me wash off a tomato fresh from the vine and sink my teeth into it. There's nothing like that juicy goodness.

The only thing I didn't particularly like was picking beans. Every year he would plant green beans and butter beans. I just wasn't good at picking them. He would go behind me and, just when I thought I'd done a good job, he'd show me all the beans I'd left on the plant. And, this man of few words, would use those times as a teaching opportunity. Without me even knowing I was being taught. Somehow, he helped me realize a strong work ethic, to never do a job halfway, even when it's not fun.

So, yesterday, with this year's Father's Day approaching, I decided to visit my dad. I turned off Highway 70 and the first thing I noticed were the flowers. They were gorgeous and they were everywhere, dotting the landscape. As I parked against the curb, I noticed that across the way, were other women, visiting their dads too. I kicked off my shoes and felt the cool green grass beneath my feet as I walked over to see dad.

 I looked down at the marker he and mom had picked out together so many years ago. I saw his name and then 1911-1996. The memories flooded in as I dug my toes into the grass. It was quiet. I felt at peace. For a few moments, I drank in the memories of the fun times we had together. And I was thankful for this day, this day that was set aside for us to honor and remember our dads. 

After a bit, I began walking back to my car. I glanced back over my shoulder at the marker and whispered, "See you later."

The further I walked, I felt emotion welling up within me. My heart felt heavy. I missed him. By the time I got to the car I knew that, any minute, I would probably shed some tears. And then, it happened. 

It's been said that God has a sense of humor. I think this day confirmed that for me. Without any warning, as I opened the door to my car, in the midst of the peacefulness, the quietness....

My car alarm went off! 

I scrambled for the key, for anything, to make it stop. It seemed to me it blared on and on forever. I could only imagine what the other people across the way were thinking. Finally, success! It stopped. I sat there, feeling the stress melt away. I began to breathe again. And somehow, in that moment, I felt emotion welling up inside me and....

I laughed out loud. 

That's when I knew, without a doubt, that God has a sense a humor. And somehow, I could just see my dad, looking down on the scene, with a big grin on his face. 

The sadness had passed and only joy remained. 

Father's Day. A day for fathers and for making memories. In the past, I often found myself dreading the day. In fact, sometimes I would even skip church and try to pretend it was just another day. Not anymore. Thanks to my Heavenly Father, this Father's Day is memorable in a good way. And, somehow, I have a sneaky suspicion that my own dad may have had a hand in it too. The same kind of 'hand' he'd used when he taught me life lessons when I didn't even know I was being taught. 

Only time will tell. 

Happy Father's Day!

Celebrate Life!

Jean

A Day for Mothers & Making Memories

None of my children live in the same town I live in. Therefore, it’s always interesting to see who makes contact first on Mother’s Day. We are a family of “text-ers” so I couldn’t wait to see whose text would come in first. Would it be my son, my firstborn? Or perhaps my oldest daughter who is now a mother for the first time? Or maybe my youngest, the daughter who is more responsible than I’ll ever be?

As I wondered, I tiptoed downstairs, opened the front door gently and plucked the Daily Times from the front porch. Carefully, I placed it on the table where my own mother would find it. Then I placed her Mother’s Day card on top, just so she wouldn’t miss it. She hasn’t felt well lately, not good enough to join me for church, but I knew that sometime during the morning she would enjoy reading the morning news along with her breakfast.

I busied myself getting ready, picking out just the right outfit and putting on the “war paint.” The wonders of age-defying make up never fail to amaze me. Just then, I heard it. The soft chime of a text message coming in.

I picked up the phone and smiled. My first Happy Mother’s Day text. From my first born and his lovely wife. Sweet. Later, the new mother chimed in; she would come by later today with a gift, and her hubby and baby girl. I could hardly wait! I finished getting ready and headed downstairs.

Mom was up and we exchanged a few pleasantries. The card had warmed her heart. I reminded her that, as soon as she felt better, I would follow through on her promised Mother’s Day gift: a manicure.

I slipped into church, a third row seat. I breathed a prayer of thankfulness, thankful for my mom, for my children, for my new granddaughter. So many blessings. Then a little green blinking light on the phone in the seat next to me caught my attention. Another text? But no, it was a missed call. And now I had a voice-mail. From my youngest. Again, I smiled.

Since I was in church, (I mean, the time of fellowship was over and the sermon was about to be delivered) I wouldn’t just pick it up and listen to the voicemail. But I did (and this is just between me and you) text my daughter to make sure she didn’t need anything. (You never stop being the mom.) All she sent back was: Listen to the voice-mail.

As soon as I got into my car after the service, I did just that. A sweet Mother’s Day message from my baby girl and her boyfriend.

They remembered. I love that.

So, even though none of my children live here, in this town, they do live here. 

Everyday. 

In my heart.

Wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day filled with opportunities to make memories or sweet remembrances of times past,

Jean

March Madness & Mad About You

The oddest thing happened when I tried watching the game today. The TV channel, that local CBS station that the NC State v. Georgetown game was to be shown on, was blacked out. Some days my TV is fickle. Go figure. And on today of all days. On this day when we North Carolinians are hoping to see if State would make it to the Sweet 16, those final 16 teams on the way to the final NCAA tournament game in New Orleans. And, just for the record, March Madness is a single elimination NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) basketball tournament and this 3rd round’s winners advance to be a part of the final 16 teams, then the Elite 8, the Final Four and on to the championship.

As I channel-surfed, trying to find another channel that it might possibly be on, I found Joel Osteen. Now, Joel is THE man for positivity. And I seldom turn down an opportunity to feed my soul with uplifting positive thoughts. While he wasn’t speaking about sports teams, he did encourage us to speak to people what we believe they can become. Maybe you see the potential for greatness in someone but they just don’t see it yet. You can make a difference by speaking greatness into their life. Joel used the example of Oprah and how, when she was young, someone had told her she was pretty. Until then, she had not believed it; she didn’t have confidence. But, because one woman simply complimented a little girl, it started her on the path of believing in herself.

So, as I kept up with the scores and play-by-plays online, I was reminded again of how simple, how easy it is to make a difference in the lives of those I come in contact with each day.

And while “March Madness” almost always refers to a really exciting basketball tournament, this month I challenge you to create your own “March Madness.” Remember that the God of the universe is mad about you. He loves you and he loves the people you come in contact with each and every day.

Today, you have the power to speak greatness and belief into the lives of others. Likewise, you have the power to speak negativity into their lives. Choose wisely. And make a positive, lasting difference. Change a life today.

Oh, and by the way, one of the first teams to make it to the Sweet 16 is NC State! Go Pack!

Mad about you,
Jean

Two Special Moments, One Beautiful Baby

They had told me. ‘They’ being all the grandmothers I know. They had told me that being a grandma was the best, that there was nothing like it, that it was incomparable. They were right.

As a new grandma (a.k.a Mimi), I can attest that there really is nothing like it. Of course, I’ve only been Mimi, officially, for 70 hours and counting, but I can tell you that it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.

The day of Maddie’s birth began much like any other day, except that I started the day earlier than usual, could hardly sleep the night before and felt so much excitement I could hardly stand it. Okay, so it wasn’t quite like any other day. In fact, I was so anxious to get to the hospital, I had to set my cruise control to keep from speeding on the highway…and on the side streets. Let’s face it. I lived on cruise control the whole way; it just wouldn’t do to get a ticket on the day of my granddaughter’s anticipated birth.

After much waiting and anticipating, the hour had finally arrived. In the waiting room, the father of the new dad got a text message (thank God for technology!) that read: Call me and put it on speaker phone.

As relatives and friends huddled around the cell phone (and, yes, it was rather like a football huddle), we found out Maddie had been born! And, just in case we might have doubted or thought this was some kind of joke, Maddie made herself known with an announcement of her own. Almost, as if on cue, the group’s audible “Awww…” carried through the waiting room in unison. Then, again as if on cue, we were silent, listening to Maddie’s sweet cries.

Expectantly, we waited by the nursery window to catch a first glimpse of ‘our’ Maddie. After a bit, there she was, with dad close at hand. I’d never seen him smile so big, except maybe the day he married my daughter. This was truly a special moment for all of us.

Cameras and cell phones clicked as pictures were taken. The excitement mounted. Every little movement, cry and yawn captured. We crowded by the window, stepping back only to give another member of our little troupe a closer look. After taking a few pictures, I realized, here we were, all together, rejoicing. All except MY baby girl.

I quickly texted her: How’s Maddie’s mama?
My daughter responded: I feel like I’m in a dream. But at least there are good French fries here. LOL

I wondered. Were there French fries or was this some crazy drug-induced figment of her imagination? I texted again: Can I sneak back there?
She responded: Yeah, but no boys allowed. I’m not decent.

I smiled. I love that girl’s sense of humor and the way she can turn a phrase.

The second special moment of the day was about to begin. I slipped away from the group of “oohs and ahhs” and found my way back to her room. There she was. My little girl. Now, not just a woman, but a mother. We spent a few sweet moments together before the nurse came to help make her ‘decent.’

And the French fries? They were real. It felt good that someone was taking good care of my little girl….and her appetite…after so many hard hours. And I realized how God is like that. When we’re alone and the people in our world are focused on other things, He’s there for us, taking care of our needs.

Two special moments and a beautiful baby. It just doesn’t get any better than this.

Those grandma friends of mine? 'They' were right.

Jean
a.k.a Mimi