Changes and Blessings

     January blew in with many changes, surprises and blessings for me. I changed positions at work and am settling into my new role. The shift has been so much easier because I have such a great team.

    I am still testing as much technology as I can for the visually impaired. I have been working with the OrCam for awhile and still marvel at the advancements in technology. I can barely envision what the future holds for those who are blind and visually impaired. Video magnifiers and CCTV's have come a long way in enhancing the lives of those with low vision. 
    
    I use my handheld video magnifier every day and the keychain money reader is wonderful. There are also many great programs for the computer and apps for the smartphone that make navigation and color coordinating much easier.

   Taking advantage of more of the technology available is just one of many changes that came in with the new year.

   I started writing a book last fall and I imagine it will be finished by late spring but that is not the big news.

  Before I get to the big news, here are a few words I would like to share with my son.

For Andrew

What I Learned from a Six-Year Old

I miss the morning banter
   that spilled between coffee
grounds and Lucky Charms.

I remember how you
lined up the marshmallows
     on your spoon

both of us smiling
    because you always
saved the stars for last.

Somewhere after the
   first sip of dark roast
and before we
   slipped out the door,

"Mom, why do trees
get bigger when we get
close enough to touch them
    but the oak tree in the
back yard looks so small when I
play with Brock next door?"

   I told you it had to do with
        scale and perspective.

I watched wisdom spit
   itself through the tiny
gap of six-year old teeth
as you began to draw the world
   in a different alignment.

Tonight as Lucky Charms
  spill from the sky,
I realize you are the one...
who taught me perspective.

© Cheryl Wilcox January 26, 2016


    I have spent quite a bit of time traveling down memory lane reflecting on magic moments with my son.

   My heart is full as that magic is about to begin again. I am going to be a grandma this fall!

   Congratulations to my son and his girl Heather. May this blessing bring you all of the joy, love and happiness your hearts can hold.

Love always
Mom

Happy New Year, Bucket Lists and Dreams on Brick

     Have you ever noticed that life is as unpredictable as Ohio weather? We have had a mild winter so far and I counted every blessing as I watched the snow fall today.

     How many of you have made New Year's resolutions? I thought about dieting, exercising and tackling my bucket list. The older I get the shorter the list gets because I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to give most of them at least one go around. Don't worry, I have a few left. I still want to tackle that mountain in China and meet a friend for tea. This could be the year. I imagine if I think about it long enough, I will find a thing or too to add because if there is one thing about life that starts the moment we are born, is that it changes.

     My New Year's resolution is to live and love with all that I have. Moments are to be cherished and people are to be loved. Sounds simple doesn't it? What I have found is that there are so many things holding people back. Maybe it is past experiences or the fear of getting hurt. Get over the fear because being afraid of it does not stop it from happening so why not grab life for all its worth and live it? Love like you have never loved before. Life is short and...it is an amazing gift.

     Those that know me well know that every day I take a moment and write down a thought, a reflection or a memory and add it to a jar. At the beginning of the New Year I start another jar and empty the contents of the first jar on my desk and spend a couple of hours reading its contents and cherishing memories. It also gives me the opportunity to see the trials I have survived and the blessings I have received. I want to thank each and every one of you for contributing to the contents of the jar. There are memories shared with family and friends and even a stranger or two. My life has been enriched by each of these moments.
   
     Things have changed a lot in my world. I have taken a different position at work and I am still learning what it entails. I have tackled many firsts and some second firsts. Who said the first time happens only once. That is a story for the next blog post.

     I have battled a few vision issues but I have had some humorous moments along the way. Last week I installed some new software so I should be online a bit more.

    Two thousand and fifteen was a tough year, as I had to say good-bye to many whose love and light had an impact on my life. Their gift is their legacy and each will always hold a special place in my heart where the light always shines. Last year was also a year of cherishing old friends and making new ones.

    About 15 months ago I started writing poetry and columns again. It has been a wonderful experience and I have had the pleasure of meeting some great writers, some of whom I have featured in this blog. I will resume the regular Writer's Corner in the next blog post.

    I want to share another Blog with you. It is created and written by a very talented friend of mine. Her words and work inspire many. Take a moment and enjoy. Feel free to send some submissions and comment.

    http://dreamsonbrick.com/

Spread the word

    I am always looking for writing inspiration so if you have any ideas, please send them my way.

   Until the ink spills again wishing you each the happiest of New Year's