Tuesday was a normal day—went to my office, had an appointment in Georgia, and then….
I got into my car and a strange light came on my dash. I looked at the radio area and it said to check my tire pressure. My left rear tire only had 22 pounds in it! I was close to Costco so I headed there. I’ve never dealt with them about tires, but I do shop there frequently since they opened. I drove to the side that said “Tire Center” and there were chains across each opening. I got out and asked a couple of workers if the tire center was already closed and they said no and the manager was right there talking to some other workers. I went over to ask him if someone could look at my tire. He said that normally you go through the front door but since I was already back here, pull a little closer to the building and he would get someone. He didn’t say it in a nice way. I told him that I didn’t know. A very nice guy came out and checked all of my tires and he said, yes you only have 22 pounds in this tire. He checked to see how much my tire was supposed to have and put in the air. I then parked in front and went in for about 45 minutes. He had 32 pounds of air in my tire. When I came out, it has 28 pounds of air. This time I went back inside to the tire center and the nice guy was there at the counter and I told him about my tire. He asked if my car was at the side and I told him no, but I would go get it. When he felt of my tire this time, he felt a nail. I asked him if he could fix it and he told me no BECAUSE IT WAS A NON COSTCO TIRE! I told him him that it was 7:30 p.m. and I live in Marion County, what was I going to do? He put 39 pounds of air in my tire and said that should get me home.
When I got off Signal Mountain Road I drove into WalMart’s tire center. I ran into the door and asked if I could get my tire fixed because it had a nail in it. They asked if I was the woman on the interstate with a nail in her tire and I laughed and said there must be another woman out there with the same problem. I learned later that my daughter had called and they said if I got there before 8 p.m. they would fix it. My son-in-law was trying to call me when I got to WalMart and I just didn’t have time to answer. I walked into WalMart at 5 minutes before 8 p.m.
I thanked God for WalMart and they didn’t refuse me because it was a NON WALMART tire! I was scared that I would have a wreck or blowout on the interstate. Something needs to change at Costco.
DR
7/14/11
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Dreams
When I was growing up, I watched Perry Mason every week and I wanted to be “Perry Mason” when grew up. Life was so miserable at my house, that I couldn’t wait to graduate from high school and get out of there. The only problem was, back then girls didn’t leave home and get an apartment—it didn’t look right. So, I did the next thing—got married. I stayed married for 18 years and for all of those 18 years, I heard the comment “be content with what you have.” Well, I had nothing and I didn’t realize how miserable I really was. Dreams? I lost sight of that totally. I thought my life would always be the way it was.
I did always dream of having a baby. All of my friends were having babies, why couldn’t I? My husband and I went through many tests and I even took fertility pills. Another lady I worked with was also taking fertility pills and became pregnant. I just couldn’t handle it anymore and I stopped taking fertility pills. One night our pastor prayed about faith and I thanked God that he was going to give me a baby—I didn’t know how, when or where, but I knew that God would answer that prayer. The next night I prayed for a brown haired, blue eyed little girl. God answered that prayer! I do believe in miracles and I have been the mother of that brown haired blue eyed little girl for 40 years. She has blessed me with two wonderful grandsons.
The worst time in my life was when I went through a divorce after 18 years of marriage. That was a very dark period for me and I lost sight of any dreams whatsoever. I found a little magnet that said, “It’s never too late to become what you could have been.” I still have that magnet. I remarried and I have to say that the 25-1/2 years I spent with Charles were the most wonderful years of my life. He taught me new words—instead of “problems”, they became “challenges”. He told me I am smart. He built me up all of the time. I was raised in a very negative family and he pointed me toward positive thoughts and actions. I began to have dreams again.
I feel now that I am too old to become “Perry Mason”, but I have learned that I have many talents and I try to use them.
The reason I’m even writing this about “dreams” is because I attended a meeting last night about the new Dream Center at The Crossing. This Dream Center is going to help others recapture the dreams that they lost and feel that they can’t recapture. I want to help others find the happiness in finding their dreams again like I have. Right now, I’m searching for what lies ahead for me. My plan was to live the rest of my days with Charles, but that didn’t happen. He was my great love and the best example of a Christian I could have had in my life. He helped me work my way back to my Christian life.
Just remember, “It’s never too late to become what you could have been.”
DR
7/8/11
I did always dream of having a baby. All of my friends were having babies, why couldn’t I? My husband and I went through many tests and I even took fertility pills. Another lady I worked with was also taking fertility pills and became pregnant. I just couldn’t handle it anymore and I stopped taking fertility pills. One night our pastor prayed about faith and I thanked God that he was going to give me a baby—I didn’t know how, when or where, but I knew that God would answer that prayer. The next night I prayed for a brown haired, blue eyed little girl. God answered that prayer! I do believe in miracles and I have been the mother of that brown haired blue eyed little girl for 40 years. She has blessed me with two wonderful grandsons.
The worst time in my life was when I went through a divorce after 18 years of marriage. That was a very dark period for me and I lost sight of any dreams whatsoever. I found a little magnet that said, “It’s never too late to become what you could have been.” I still have that magnet. I remarried and I have to say that the 25-1/2 years I spent with Charles were the most wonderful years of my life. He taught me new words—instead of “problems”, they became “challenges”. He told me I am smart. He built me up all of the time. I was raised in a very negative family and he pointed me toward positive thoughts and actions. I began to have dreams again.
I feel now that I am too old to become “Perry Mason”, but I have learned that I have many talents and I try to use them.
The reason I’m even writing this about “dreams” is because I attended a meeting last night about the new Dream Center at The Crossing. This Dream Center is going to help others recapture the dreams that they lost and feel that they can’t recapture. I want to help others find the happiness in finding their dreams again like I have. Right now, I’m searching for what lies ahead for me. My plan was to live the rest of my days with Charles, but that didn’t happen. He was my great love and the best example of a Christian I could have had in my life. He helped me work my way back to my Christian life.
Just remember, “It’s never too late to become what you could have been.”
DR
7/8/11
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Some Days Are Diamonds
Today started just like any other day. I had a phone call to meet some people at a house to measure some rooms. My real estate friend is out of town and we always help each other with our clients. This particular couple I had talked to before when they bought another home about three years ago. A few months ago her 19 year old son drowned and then a couple of weeks later their home burned to the ground. Thankfully, her other son, daughter, and animals made it out alive. I told her about my husband and mother dying last year and I told her I just could not imagine losing my child. Maybe someday she would know why. She told me that she knew exactly why her son had died. This son had witnessed to her husband over and over and not long before he drowned, he told the step father, “what if everything I’ve told you is true?” You see, the stepfather was an atheist. The night of the son’s drowning, the stepfather had a dream. In it, he said it was completely dark but he knew that the stepson was beside him. He said that he could see a bright light—brighter than the sun—but you could see through it. As they got closer, the step son, said I need to go on now and you must go back. Everything I told you is true. The stepfather woke up. As the son was being buried, the stepfather fell down on his knees and asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior.
As I drove over to show my new listing, I was still thinking about what she had told me and how miraculous that was. The people I met at my listing were a nice couple with two young boys. They have a daughter. They were so nice. The man told me they haven’t been back from Africa very long. I asked why they had been in Africa and he told me they were missionaries there for about 6 years and have come back to put their children through school. They were in Zambia. I told him that my sellers had been missionaries to Honduras and the man had been a bush pilot flying missionaries into Honduras. My sellers and I prayed over this listing that the right people would come along to buy it. The man said everytime they pass the house, they feel drawn to it. I don’t know if they are the ones or not, but for me I have had a very blessed day.
Yes, I can say that this was definitely a “Diamond Day”.
Dr
7/5/11
As I drove over to show my new listing, I was still thinking about what she had told me and how miraculous that was. The people I met at my listing were a nice couple with two young boys. They have a daughter. They were so nice. The man told me they haven’t been back from Africa very long. I asked why they had been in Africa and he told me they were missionaries there for about 6 years and have come back to put their children through school. They were in Zambia. I told him that my sellers had been missionaries to Honduras and the man had been a bush pilot flying missionaries into Honduras. My sellers and I prayed over this listing that the right people would come along to buy it. The man said everytime they pass the house, they feel drawn to it. I don’t know if they are the ones or not, but for me I have had a very blessed day.
Yes, I can say that this was definitely a “Diamond Day”.
Dr
7/5/11
Monday, June 27, 2011
Anxiety
I have to admit that I do have a lot of anxiety. The definition of anxiety is “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.” Charles used to say that I would worry that I didn’t have anything to worry about. Lately though, it seems as though so many things have “popped” up that I almost went out of control. I then realized that God is in control of my life and all things happen for a reason. Sometimes we find out and sometimes we never really know, but I do know that all things work themselves out.
The thing that I miss most about Charles is that whenever I would get this way, we could talk and he would always put a funny twist of any situation and make me laugh. Boy, I really miss that. Now, I put my total trust in God that He will work everything out. Sometimes, I can swear that I can hear Charles telling me something funny that I can depend on. I even went to the doctor to make sure that I’m not having a nervous breakdown and the doctor told me that I am fine and handling everything ok. Yes, I even have my sense of humor back and I can actually laugh about most things again. I’ve always said that God has a sense of humor and he picked me to find the humor in a lot of things that happen in my life.
Do I sit around and moan and groan? Sometimes I do and then I pull my boot straps back up and continue on. Life is not meant to always be easy. If life were easy, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the good things that come our way.
I loved being married to Charles. I loved our life and I loved him more than words could every express. But, I am beginning to enjoy the new life I have now. I have truly enjoyed being with Christi and shopping and eating out and just talking. I feel as though I have been welcomed back into the real world. I love my grandsons and now today I’m going to let Jonathan drive us to the “dump.” Yes, I hold my breath, but he needs driving experience. I have gotten too involved with Christopher’s problems, but he is going to be ok. I’ve learned to listen to Scott (my son-in-law) and get to know him better. And, I miss my Tag that I had for 11-1/2 years, but I so love my little Yorkie, Chloe. She “talks” to me! She is so loving and so much fun! Yes, I miss my mother. I miss being able to call her and our trips to Hamricks together. I miss my dad, even though he is still alive. My dad is not the same anymore. It is so sad to see the people you love grow old and die. This is life!
As you can see, my life has many “new” beginnings. I’m “anxious” to see what God has in store for me.
DR
6/27/11
The thing that I miss most about Charles is that whenever I would get this way, we could talk and he would always put a funny twist of any situation and make me laugh. Boy, I really miss that. Now, I put my total trust in God that He will work everything out. Sometimes, I can swear that I can hear Charles telling me something funny that I can depend on. I even went to the doctor to make sure that I’m not having a nervous breakdown and the doctor told me that I am fine and handling everything ok. Yes, I even have my sense of humor back and I can actually laugh about most things again. I’ve always said that God has a sense of humor and he picked me to find the humor in a lot of things that happen in my life.
Do I sit around and moan and groan? Sometimes I do and then I pull my boot straps back up and continue on. Life is not meant to always be easy. If life were easy, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the good things that come our way.
I loved being married to Charles. I loved our life and I loved him more than words could every express. But, I am beginning to enjoy the new life I have now. I have truly enjoyed being with Christi and shopping and eating out and just talking. I feel as though I have been welcomed back into the real world. I love my grandsons and now today I’m going to let Jonathan drive us to the “dump.” Yes, I hold my breath, but he needs driving experience. I have gotten too involved with Christopher’s problems, but he is going to be ok. I’ve learned to listen to Scott (my son-in-law) and get to know him better. And, I miss my Tag that I had for 11-1/2 years, but I so love my little Yorkie, Chloe. She “talks” to me! She is so loving and so much fun! Yes, I miss my mother. I miss being able to call her and our trips to Hamricks together. I miss my dad, even though he is still alive. My dad is not the same anymore. It is so sad to see the people you love grow old and die. This is life!
As you can see, my life has many “new” beginnings. I’m “anxious” to see what God has in store for me.
DR
6/27/11
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Choices
Charles died 14 months ago today. I thought I could never face another day without him. Well, here I am and I am happy. Yes, I still think about him and I still miss him. But during the past 14 months, I have learned a lot of things about myself. I like my life. We make choices everyday—what to wear, what to eat, who to see, etc. The choices I’ve had to make are: living alone and liking it or disliking it—I have chosen to like it. I have chosen to be happy and find new things to do. It seems that I have entered into a fourth life.
My first life was lived as Diane German with my parents. I was so quiet and withdrawn. Friends I have now do not believe that, but when I was young I never talked. That’s the way life was when I was growing up.
My second life was lived as Diane Gasaway. I was married for 18 years and we had a daughter, Christi. Actually, that was a bad choice I made. Getting married at 18 was just too young. But, that was the choice I made and I’m glad that I have my daughter, Christi, as a result of that.
My third life was and still is being lived as Diane Rizzo. I married Charles for all of the right reasons. We were madly in love and until the day Charles died, he always said we were still on our honeymoon. I really miss him. He taught me a lot of things. I told him before we married that I would never be submissive. He told me he wanted me to be independent and learn to do things on my own. I have to admit that I truly was submissive but it was easy. The man spoiled me and treated me like a queen. Now, everyday was not perfect—we had our ups and downs—we were human. But, I have to admit that I usually got my way. I love clocks and he made me a lot of them.
Now, I’m in my fourth life. I’m still Diane Rizzo, but who am I really? What lies ahead for me now? I don’t know, but I do know that I am still making choices of what I want to do. The last year of Charles’ life, I realized that “things” are not what makes me happy. We enjoyed his last months together. He wanted to go to bed and hold hands and talk. Now, I have the company of my little Yorkie. She doesn’t talk but she sure acts like she wants to. I enjoy little things. I enjoy my family more. I’m listening more.
Choices make up our entire life. What would I have done differently? Probably nothing. Right now, I love my life, and I want to live everyday to the fullest. I do have some things on my “bucket” list. I’ll have to write about those—but another time.
Take the time to grieve—it’s part of life.
DR
5/22/11
My first life was lived as Diane German with my parents. I was so quiet and withdrawn. Friends I have now do not believe that, but when I was young I never talked. That’s the way life was when I was growing up.
My second life was lived as Diane Gasaway. I was married for 18 years and we had a daughter, Christi. Actually, that was a bad choice I made. Getting married at 18 was just too young. But, that was the choice I made and I’m glad that I have my daughter, Christi, as a result of that.
My third life was and still is being lived as Diane Rizzo. I married Charles for all of the right reasons. We were madly in love and until the day Charles died, he always said we were still on our honeymoon. I really miss him. He taught me a lot of things. I told him before we married that I would never be submissive. He told me he wanted me to be independent and learn to do things on my own. I have to admit that I truly was submissive but it was easy. The man spoiled me and treated me like a queen. Now, everyday was not perfect—we had our ups and downs—we were human. But, I have to admit that I usually got my way. I love clocks and he made me a lot of them.
Now, I’m in my fourth life. I’m still Diane Rizzo, but who am I really? What lies ahead for me now? I don’t know, but I do know that I am still making choices of what I want to do. The last year of Charles’ life, I realized that “things” are not what makes me happy. We enjoyed his last months together. He wanted to go to bed and hold hands and talk. Now, I have the company of my little Yorkie. She doesn’t talk but she sure acts like she wants to. I enjoy little things. I enjoy my family more. I’m listening more.
Choices make up our entire life. What would I have done differently? Probably nothing. Right now, I love my life, and I want to live everyday to the fullest. I do have some things on my “bucket” list. I’ll have to write about those—but another time.
Take the time to grieve—it’s part of life.
DR
5/22/11
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Happy Birthday Christi
Forty years ago I was doubly happy—God gave me exactly what I had prayed for—a brown haired, blue-eyed baby girl. Of course, I didn’t know exactly what color your eyes were yet but I did know you had a full head of hair and it was dark! You were so beautiful! You were also born on the Friday before Mother’s Day. I was finally a mother and I was so happy.
You have made me happy for 40 years and blessed me with two wonderful grandsons. You’ve done a good job with those boys and I’m proud of them and you.
As you grow older, I want you to never stop believing in yourself and also that God is still in the Miracle Business. I have seen you grow in your walk with God and I so admire your dedication. I love seeing your creativity in everything that you—decorating, weddings,--just everything that you touch. Yes, you can do anything that you set out to do. You’ve even drawn me into part of that with my baking. I have so enjoyed baking wedding cakes, anniversary cakes, and especially sharing my baking knowledge with Jonathan. It has even become a “family” affair when you do these things and it has been fun when even your dad and my wife-in-law join in.
I wish I could be around to see you when your grandchildren and great grandchildren see what a great person God has molded you into. I knew when I prayed that God would give me my baby girl that He had a plan for you. I just didn’t know how much.
I want you to know that I love you and I always will. God answers prayer and sometimes we have to wait for his answer and sometimes He answers pretty quickly. But, remember to always pray in detail. You don’t want to pray for just a car—ask for the specifics, like a van that seats 8, plenty of room to carry all of our equipment, dependable, good on gas. Because if you just ask for a car, you might end up with a two-seater sports car and you know that would never work.
Happy Birthday and Happy Mother’s Day
Mom
DR
5/6/11
You have made me happy for 40 years and blessed me with two wonderful grandsons. You’ve done a good job with those boys and I’m proud of them and you.
As you grow older, I want you to never stop believing in yourself and also that God is still in the Miracle Business. I have seen you grow in your walk with God and I so admire your dedication. I love seeing your creativity in everything that you—decorating, weddings,--just everything that you touch. Yes, you can do anything that you set out to do. You’ve even drawn me into part of that with my baking. I have so enjoyed baking wedding cakes, anniversary cakes, and especially sharing my baking knowledge with Jonathan. It has even become a “family” affair when you do these things and it has been fun when even your dad and my wife-in-law join in.
I wish I could be around to see you when your grandchildren and great grandchildren see what a great person God has molded you into. I knew when I prayed that God would give me my baby girl that He had a plan for you. I just didn’t know how much.
I want you to know that I love you and I always will. God answers prayer and sometimes we have to wait for his answer and sometimes He answers pretty quickly. But, remember to always pray in detail. You don’t want to pray for just a car—ask for the specifics, like a van that seats 8, plenty of room to carry all of our equipment, dependable, good on gas. Because if you just ask for a car, you might end up with a two-seater sports car and you know that would never work.
Happy Birthday and Happy Mother’s Day
Mom
DR
5/6/11
Monday, April 25, 2011
Ladies Spring Soiree
I’m getting excited about dressing up. I know that sounds crazy, but when I first heard about the “Ladies Spring Soiree”, I said what the heck is that? Well, we’re having a luncheon based on dressing in your Derby Best Attire. The more I thought about it, the more excited I have become. My thoughts especially went back to the movie “Pretty Woman” and how beautiful Julia Roberts was when she dressed up to go to the races. Christi and I went shopping for hats and I do believe that we will look our best. In my teenage years, I used to wear a hat all of the time and I even found a picture of me with a large hat on. I loved hats. I have even decided to buy a dress! Yes, this body has not had on a dress in many years. It’s a little scary when I think about it, but I also get excited about playing dress up.
Some of the women have asked do they have to dress up. Oh come on, let’s dress up and have fun! You can wear jeans any ole day. Let’s look prim and proper for a change. You know, we may just start a new trend!
DR
4-22-11
Some of the women have asked do they have to dress up. Oh come on, let’s dress up and have fun! You can wear jeans any ole day. Let’s look prim and proper for a change. You know, we may just start a new trend!
DR
4-22-11
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