Perhaps because my father’s name, Pasquale, meant “Easter”, his favorite holiday was Easter.  We will gather around the Pane di Pasqua tomorrow, the “Bread of Easter” that Nonna lovingly made for him each year, to celebrate his first Easter in a heavenly realm.  Nonna told us that the seven hard-boiled eggs baked inside the soft, sweet braided dough, symbolized the Seven Last Words of Christ.

As with Spring comes renewal: thank you to Tepel Brothers Printers for the visionary renovation of the Coraggio Book 4 cover texture and coil; to Devereaux Beauchaine for colors that POP like spring growth, and to Harriet Tepel, Martha Harper, and Amy Roberge, for the invigorating cover unveiling celebration!

May the new Coraggio Book 4 bring Hope to this season of Promise and inspire those who hear the six Coraggio talks now through April.  check out the dates and locations on this website’s home page for a talk near you!

On this day we honor the courage of those who protect our nation’s freedom. As this year’s St. Thomas More Award recipient I wish to also honor those whose Moral Courage protected our freedom to express our belief in God and openly worship in Houses of Faith.

At Red Mass, Oct. 2014

On the last day of Pain Awareness month, check out the “State of Pain” in Michigan report. The report was picked up by the Associated Press and media outlets around the country heralded Michigan’s resources for accessing pain treatment and management. http://wnmufm.org/post/mi-agencies-address-chronic-pain-management

Read the recommendations of the Michigan Advisory Committee on Pain and Symptom Management; and all the best practices and pain self-management tips here: http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-35299_63294_63303_45947—,00.html

Driving home with the tempest’s clearing skies behind me and

a phenomenal rainbow in front of me

…the promise of a marvelous week ahead!

Myasthenia Gravis Awareness month came on the heels of grieving my dear Papa’s passing.  A minor flare in symptoms served as a good reminder of the mind-body connection.  Even though I am consoled by the blessings through his life and his last days, with recognition of facial muscle weakness and inability to draw a deep breath, I made a conscious effort to say out loud each morning and before sleeping,

        “I am well, I am well…All is Well”.

As I affirm that I love every working muscle and every muscle needing a little encouragement, wellness settles into body and soul.

With only four days left of MG Awareness month, I invite you to “Like” the Facebook “Coraggio—Lesson from an Italian Grandmother” page, and while there grab some courage and join me in shouting, “With Courage I Can!”

Tuesday’s Funeral Mass was a beautiful celebration of the life of mio Papa; a father who imparted to his children the importance of Faith and Famiglia.

We will miss your vibrant stories.

We are grateful for the lifetime of Patience, Wisdom and Love.

Extreme heat can worsen symptoms of Myasthenia Gravis.

But did you know that extreme cold can also exacerbate symptoms of this neuromuscular disease?

After diagnosis, it was suggested I to try to select my environs as if a hothouse orchid – moderate temperatures.

With the sub-zero wind howling against my window tonight, this Southern-Italian-blooded girl rather imagines the viticoltore (grapevine grower) who caringly selected the spectacular setting in this photo for his beloved crops.  Nestled along the Naples, Italy, coast, near the homes of cousins Flavio and Daniela Starnone, the soft Mediterranean breeze soothes the plants from the summer heat.  Yet the caretaker of the vines knows the modest winter temperatures will nurture the purplish globe fruit to optimal sugar content and succulence—without bringing harm.

Tonight I am reminded to care for myself as the viticoltore does his grapevines.  It is okay to turn the thermostat up a couple more degrees, nestle under a fluffy comforter with my photo album, and convey myself to a sunny seaside stroll between the rows of a Neapolitan vineyard. Salute and stay warm!

For those of you who struggle for hope this day…I reflect on the hope of the rosebud outside my window. As darkness fell each night this week I yearned for it to bravely endure despite frosty air.  At dawn’s first light I rushed to glimpse—Yes! Vibrancy amid the grey!—its endurance brought me amazement’s inspiration.

A Rosebud’s Hope

The hope of the rosebud, that no matter how dark and despairing the night, it must continue, to bring the full potential it bears. For the bud knows that by its mere existence at the break of the dark, desperate struggle, its exquisite beauty and miraculous endurance will shine inspiration upon all whose gaze it greets.  Hope.  Always Hope. Spero sempre.