It's easy to love someone when there are no difficulties. In reality, all relationships endure hard times. These short stories are about couples whose love has passed the test of life's hardships, illnesses and the passage of time. They are inspirational and heartwarming. We would all be lucky to experience this kind of love once in our lives. If you have, consider yourself truly blessed.
ONCE, I CAUGHT SIGHT OF HOW WOMEN DESEREVE TO BE LOVED
"I carried an old lady's shopping bags up a staircase in an underpass. She thanked me and timidly asked me to help walk her to her house. She told me she was in a rush because her husband waited to meet her whenever she went outside. As we approached, I saw a nearly blind man walking with a cane outside of the lady's house. He came up to us and took his beloved's heavy bags from me. I immediately recalled how often I was too lazy to meet my girlfriend on the way home from the supermarket or from the train station."
I WON'T GIVE UP ON YOU
"I lost my leg when I was 19. I was dating a girl at that time, and we were very much in love. After a while, she suddenly decided to move abroad, claiming that she wanted to earn some money for us. I wanted to believe her but was convinced that she was lying. I told her we needed to break up and that it would be better for her. One month later, my doorbell rang. I took my crutches, opened the door and there she was. I didn't even manage to get a word out before she slapped me, and I fell down. She kneeled down beside me, hugged me and said, "You're an idiot! I didn't run away from you. We're going to the hospital tomorrow and there's a prosthesis waiting for you. I went abroad to earn money, so you'll be able to walk again - do you understand?" I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I couldn't utter a single word - I just hugged her tightly and cried."
 |
I WILL SACRIFICE FOR YOU
"After giving birth to our son, my wife's vision started to get worse. She was already wearing glasses, but it suddenly got really bad. I couldn't stand to see her suffering, so I took a second job and accepted some online work, as well. I worked day and night and couldn't get any proper sleep the whole year. Finally, I saved up enough money for corrective eye surgery. My wife recently returned from the hospital, and she was amazed at how clearly, she could see everything. The past year was tough on me, but I do not regret it one bit, because now I have a healthy son and a happy wife. They are the most important people in my life."
A HEALING LOVE
"My mother was struggling with a heart problem, and I lived with her for one week while my father was away on a business trip. He was due back yesterday and while we were sitting in the kitchen waiting for him, I noticed how beautiful she looked, despite being so thin and pale. There was a serene expression on her face, but her hands were shaking. Suddenly, we heard the lock turn and my mother jumped up and ran to my father, embraced him tearfully, and mumbled something into his shoulder. He hugged her in return, and I just stood there, watching them and smiling. My father's love is my mother's greatest remedy."
 |
YOU ARE PERFECT IN MY EYES
"I met a funny, kind, and educated young man on the internet. He was also very handsome. We used Skype to stay in touch for several years. After a while, I understood that I loved him and he said he loved me, but he was afraid to meet. I insisted on meeting and traveled thousands of miles to see him. It turned out that the young man was disabled, and he couldn't walk. We spent 3 months together and we quickly got engaged. He is the best and he is perfect for me."
ALL I NEED IS YOU
"I'm sterile. I kept it from my first girlfriend for a long time because I was afraid that she would leave me. When I finally told her, she actually did leave. I was depressed for a year and my other relationships all led to nothing. About 6 months ago, I met a girl and fell madly in love, but I was afraid to tell her. Yesterday, I told her everything and she just looked at me and said that we could adopt in the future. I was so relieved that I started crying and I knew then that I wanted to marry her."
True love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart. - Honore de Balzac
MARILYN PARKER 2/5
KHALIL BATSHON 2/9
HEATHER BLAZIS 2/23
KEVIN KRAMER 2/28
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Valentine’s Day is on the way, and for most couples, this special day is about an opportunity to show their love and affection for each other. Well, this year you can impress your sweetheart, family and friends with your knowledge of some historical fun facts about this day of love.
1. In 2011, Iran banned Valentine cards, gifts, teddy bears, and other Valentine tokens as part of an Islamic republic backlash against the spread of 'Western' culture.
2. The popular Valentine’s Day candy, candy hearts, started out as medical lozenges for the throat. Boston-based pharmacist Oliver Chase invented the machine that produced small medical lozenges. When he saw the popularity of these small pop-in medicines, he turned them into candy with cute messages on them.
3. Valentine’s Day is a day when people all around the world send and receive cards. It is second only to Christmas in this regard.
4. Penicillin, one of the greatest scientific discoveries and the world's first antibiotic was introduced to the world on Valentine's Day in 1928.
5. Groundhog Day was originally observed on February 14th.
Groundhog with Valentine💓
6. The first Valentine was sent from prison. Charles, the Duke of Orleans was imprisoned after a war, and he sent a love poem to his wife.
7. We can thank Richard Cadbury for boxes of chocolate. In 1861, Richard Cadbury invented the first chocolate box. Always the businessman, he realized that he could capitalize on Valentine’s Day by producing chocolate boxes and marketing them as something to be given to your sweetheart.
8. St. Valentine, to whom this romantic holiday is dedicated, was quite the rebel. Emperor Claudius of Rome outlawed marriage because he believed that single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine went against his decree and performed wedding ceremonies in secret.
9. Approximately 6 million couples are said to get engaged every year on this romantic holiday.
10. The popular medieval folk belief that birds choose their mates on February 14 made doves a favorite symbol for Valentine cards. The dove was sacred to the Roman goddess, Venus, and other love deities, and was known for choosing a lifelong mate.
Love Birds 💖
In the last few years, we have all experienced new challenges that have affected our mental, physical, and social well-being. Many of us have felt tired and stressed, which is why wellness and self-care are more important than ever before. Our wellness journey is an ongoing one, and we have to prioritize our emotional and physical health. Here are some ideas to care for the many dimensions of wellness, so we can nourish our bodies and nurture our minds.
WHAT'S THE MAGIC NUMBER OF STEPS TO PREVENT WEIGHT GAIN?
(CNN) Taking 8,600 steps a day will prevent weight gain in adults, while already overweight adults can halve their odds of becoming obese by adding an additional 2,400 steps, that's 11,000 steps a day, according to new research. Studies show the average person gains between 1 and 2 pounds each year from young adulthood through middle age, slowly leading to an unhealthy weight and even obesity over time. "People really can reduce their risk of obesity by walking more," said study author Dr. Evan Brittain, associate professor in the division of cardiovascular medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
The new study also found key benefits for chronic diseases and conditions: "Diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, depression, and GERD showed benefit with higher steps," Brittain said in an email. "The relationship with hypertension and diabetes plateaued after about 8,000 to 9,000 steps but the others were linear, meaning higher steps continued to reduce risk," he said. "I would say that the take home messages are that more steps are better."
It's yet another study illustrating the powerful impact that walking and other forms of exercise have on our health. In fact, if you get up and move for 21.43 minutes each day of the week, you cut your risk of dying from all causes by one-third, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An increase in steps can help with chronic conditions such as diabetes and depression, the study says. Current physical activity recommendations for adults are 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, dancing, bicycling, doubles tennis and water aerobics, and two days of muscle-strengthening activity each week.
 |
"Physical activity is just absolutely magnificent," Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, told CNN in an earlier interview. "And when you blend that with eating a more plant-based diet, de-stressing, sleeping enough and connecting with others — that's your magic recipe," Freeman said. "It's the fountain of youth, if you will."
Lower obesity risk with more steps Activity trackers allows researchers to get more accurate data that can be compared with health records. The study analyzed an average of four years of activity and health data from more than 6,000 participants in the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program, dedicated to research on ways to develop individualized health care. Participants in the study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, wore activity trackers at least 10 hours a day and allowed researchers access to their electronic health records over multiple years.
"Our study had an average of 4 years of continuous activity monitoring. So, we were able to account for the totality of activity between when monitoring started and when a disease was diagnosed, which is a major advantage because we didn't have to make assumptions about activity over time, unlike all prior studies," Brittain said.
People in the study ranged in age from 41 to 67 and had body mass index levels from 24.3, which is considered in the healthy weight range, to 32.9, which is considered obese.
Researchers found that people who walked 4 miles a day — about 8,200 steps — were less likely to become obese or suffer from sleep apnea, acid reflux and major depressive disorder. Sleep apnea and acid reflux respond well to weight loss, which can reduce pressure on the throat and stomach, while exercise is a cornerstone treatment for depression.
The research study also found walking 10,000 steps a day lowered the risk for dementia by 50%; the risk decreased by 25% with as few as 3,800 steps a day.
Establishing healthy habits is a challenging but important part of maintaining your wellness. Small actions and simple activities like these can make a big difference in your holistic health. The holistic approach to health care focuses on the health of the entire body and mind and not just parts of the body.
1. What did the calculator say to the pencil on Valentine's Day? Answer: You can always count on me.
2. Who always has a date on Valentine's Day? Answer: A calendar.
3. What did the stamp say to the envelope on Valentine's Day? Answer: I'm stuck on you.
4. What do you call someone with a cold on Valentine's Day? Answer: Lovesick.
5. What flower gives the most kisses on Valetine's Day? Answer: Tulips.
|
6. What did one penny say to the other penny on Valentine's Day? Answer: Let's get together and make some cents.
7. What are two birds in love called? Answer: Tweethearts.
8. What's the most romantic ship? Answer: Courtship.
9. What did the paper clip say to the magnet?
Answer: I find you very attractive.
10. Why do skunks love Valentine's Day?
Answer: Because they are scent-imental!
Little baby skunks 💓
Gia, AFTER.
Before & After Rescue Dog Transformation
Who can resist a heartwarming makeover, especially when it involves a sweet dog? Whether they were abandoned, lost or mistreated, these down-on-their luck dogs were in dire need of a loving presence in their lives. That's where caring animal shelters, pet rescues and foster parents come into the picture. With lots of love and much-needed TLC, these rescue dogs started thriving — inside and out. These before-and-after transformation pictures speak for themselves. Hopefully, it will inspire you to adopt a rescue pup of your own.
Gia, BEFORE
This big, sweet baby, Gia was found in a fast-food parking lot eating garbage almost 2 years ago. Now, she's happily living with her new family and obviously, very well fed and adored.
Please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or a pet rescue if you have room in your home and heart for a new furry family member. Trust me, you'll be so glad that you did. 🐾❤️
GROUNDHOG DAY 2/2
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY 2/3
NATIONAL PIZZA DAY 2/9
GALENTINE’S DAY 2/13
VALENTINE’S DAY 💕 2/14
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY 2/17
PRESIDENT’S DAY 2/20
NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY 2/20
MARDI GRAS 2/21
ASH WEDNESDAY 2/22
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
AMERICAN HEART MONTH
LIBRARY LOVER'S MONTH
Lilith Luckett, age 3
These sweet little girls are Amy Luckett's (D-15) daughters.
Lilith is pictured above, and she just turned 3 in December 2022. Her favorite color is pink, and she likes all animals, especially dogs. Lilith also likes going to the zoo, the "Frozen" movie, and ‘helping’ to cook.
She attends Preschool at the Chestnut Street YMCA.
Annie (pictured below) is Lilith's big sister who will be 6 years old in March. Her favorite color is aqua, and she likes puppies, dance, drama, the Louisville Nature Center, and painting.
Annie is in Kindergarten at the Lincoln Performing Arts School.
Annie Luckett, almost 6
Show your love this Valentine's Day with some homemade treats for those near and dear to your heart. Here are some easy and delicious recipes to make for that someone special in your life this February 14th. They'll love you for it. 💓
 |
|
HEART-SHAPED BROWNIES
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup unsalted butter
4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
4 oz. semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 tsp. salt
6 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Vanilla frosting, for decorating
|
|
|
|
 |
-
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt.
-
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating between each addition, then add the vanilla.
-
Turn the mixer off. Add the flour and then beat just until combined. Remove the dough and separate it into two equal pieces. Shape one piece of the dough into an 8-inch square, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. (This will be the white portion of the cookies.)
-
Return the remaining piece of dough to the stand mixer bowl, and with the mixer on "low," add in the red food coloring, drop by drop, until it reaches your desired pink color. Remove the pink dough, shape it into an 8-inch square, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge.
-
Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
-
Remove the dough from the fridge and cut each square in half to form two rectangles. Wrap half of each color of dough in plastic wrap and return it to the fridge. Place the white dough in between two pieces of wax paper and roll it into a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Roll out the pink dough between two separate pieces of wax paper until it is a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick.
-
Peel the top layer of wax paper off of the white dough and then peel the wax paper off one side of the pink dough and use the other side to transfer the pink dough on top of the white dough. Very lightly roll the two layers together.
-
Starting at the shorter end of the rectangle, roll the dough as tightly as possible into a log. Repeat the rolling and stacking process with the remaining dough in the fridge. Wrap the logs in wax paper and then plastic wrap and refrigerate them for 1 hour.
-
Remove the dough logs and roll them on the counter several times so they don't develop a flat side. Unwrap the dough logs and place the sprinkles in a large, shallow dish. Roll the dough logs in the sprinkles until they are completely coated. Re-wrap the dough logs in wax paper and plastic and refrigerate them for 4 more hours.
-
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350ºF and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge and slice each log into 1/4-inch rounds. Place the rounds about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets, as the cookies will expand when baked.
-
Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes until pale golden, and then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.
BROWN SUGAR BLONDIES
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup to 1 1/3 cup M&M's
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and set aside. Melt 1/3 cup butter. Add 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar and mix well. Cool slightly. Add egg (beaten) and vanilla and blend well. Add flour mixture, a little at a time, mixing well. Mix in 2/3 cup M&M's. Spread in 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan. Sprinkle 1/3 to 2/3 cup M&M's on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Store in airtight container at room temperature.
|
VALENTINE PARFAIT CUPCAKES
Ingredients
1 box devil's food cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
12 oz. whipped white frosting
1 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips (6 oz.)
2 teaspoons shortening
tiny candy hearts to garnish
|
Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
Make and bake cake as directed on box for cupcakes. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Spoon frosting into decorating bag fitted with large round tip. Pipe dollop of frosting on top of each cupcake.
In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and shortening uncovered on High 1 minute, stirring once halfway through heating. Drizzle melted chocolate over frosted cupcakes, sprinkle with hearts and enjoy.
A Chocolate Raspberry Cake is perfect for Valentine's Day.
A good point.
TRUTH BOMBS are described in the urban dictionary as surprising but true statements. A fact or piece of knowledge that, when told to a listener, is devastating to the listener's argument or world view.
New Yorker Seth Phillips has gained a cult following for his truth bombs that protest anything from loud engines, phones that shatter easily, “x” in espresso, and other very specific, small things that add up to our daily lives. He has a whopping 7.5 million followers on social media. Phillips has gone mainstream enough that fashion giant Zara has capitalized on his popularity by selling "Dude with Sign" shirts in their summer collection.
And, of course, there’s always something new to protest. Such as, hot coffee in summer or verifying you’re not a robot online. Those of us who have had enough of everything will get a chuckle out of this series.
JOHN TORSKY 2/12
MICHAEL GARTON 2/20
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY!
Trix and Willy
THE FIRST DOG'S OF DISTRICT 15
Meet CW Jennifer Chappell's canine kids, AKA The First Dog's of District 15, Willy & Trix. Willy is a 10-year-old miniature dachshund and Trix is a 12-year-old Brittany. Both are pure-bred and were adopted from breed-specific rescues when they were 6 (Willy) and 4 (Trix). Both were old show dogs. They spend most of their time snoozing but love bebopping around D15 on walks, especially if the squirrels are out and about. She also has a 15-year-old cat named Heinz.
"They're all my little senior sweeties," Jennifer said.
Trix and Willy napping.
Trix and Willy, dogs of leisure. 💕
'WOULD YOU RATHER' QUESTIONS ARE GREAT CONVERSATION STARTERS AND JUST PLAIN FUN.
1. Would you rather get a lot of valentines from people you don’t know very well
or get just one from someone who is special to you?
2. WOULD YOU RATHER have bright red skin or have your heartbeat loud enough for everyone in the room to hear it?
3. WOULD YOU RATHER receive valentines by email or in a hand-written valentine?
4. Would you rather host a Valentine’s Day party or be a guest at a Valentine’s Day party?
5. Would you rather receive a mushy valentine or a funny valentine?
6. Would you rather spend Valentine’s Day with your family or spend Valentine’s Day with your friends?
7. Would you rather go to a Valentine’s Day party with great food but not much else to do or go to a Valentine’s Day party with no food, but with really fun games and activities?
8. Would you rather eat heart-shaped dog treats or eat rose petals?
9. Would you rather drink love potion to make someone fall in love with you or shoot two people with arrows to make them fall in love?
10. Would you rather get a Valentine’s Day kiss from a big, slobbery dog or a Valentine’s Day kiss from a camel?
Always.
I pray for equality, unity and peace in every city in our country. Equality for all people everywhere. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.
Amen.
|
