My dose of courage for the day?  Meeting Jamie Spore, Ms. Wheelchair Michigan, prior to her recognition on the Michigan House Floor.

competition platform was:

 “To empower others to persevere with hope through life’s challenges.”

Jamie’s words, example, and beaming smile charged me with inspiration and encouragement.

Thank you  to The Big Show Radio and TV host Michael Patrick Sheils to tell early morning listeners about ways to manage your pain! Tune in at 4:34 minutes to hear about Gov. Snyder’s and LARA’s links.

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.