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FROM MY HEART TO YOURS, A WARM WELCOME ************************************** FROM MY HEART TO YOURS, A LOVING AND WARM WELCOME: At this magnificent time of the year, when there is a rebirth of all that is beautiful and soothing to the soul, something deep within our core reminds us that this is a good time to give thanks. With the arrival of Mother’s Day, we are drawn to the women we so deeply love who have devoted their lives to being there for us and our children. Whether they are near or far, or, perhaps, no longer with us physically, they are definitely with us in spirit. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and love as we honor and remember the powerful healing and loving, energetic intentions of these amazing women. Whether this group of women includes for you, personally, your mom, grandmother, aunt, wife, sister, teacher, neighbor or friend, this is the time to let them know how you feel and to celebrate them and the gift of their love. This issue’s article is going to be in the form of two beautiful letters. The first is the deeply touching and heartwarming story and letter by Kim Wencl, whose daughter, Liz, died in an off-campus house fire while at college. The coincidence of the discovery of the letter expressing Liz’s love for her mom when Kim most needed it, appears to be more of a recognition of need by Liz of her mom’s pain, than a “coincidence.” However, you decide for yourself.. The second letter is written by a young mother, Mary Ellen Winn, who, at the time she wrote the letter, was battling Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Mary Ellen wrote a letter to the Virgin Mary at a time when she was concerned about the need for healing, so that she could be available for her own children and the children she taught. The letter is a testament to the power of a mother’s faith and to her hope for healing. In addition to my Special Quotes, I bring to you today some Expressions of Love for the special moms in your life – taken from cards which have been sent to me over the years. The authors, I believe, but am not absolutely certain, are the creative writers for Hallmark, who seem to be so effective in expressing what the heart so genuinely feels. May these expressions of love bring you comfort on this Mother’s Day and every day of the year. **************************************
A FAVORITE EXPRESSION OF
LOVE -from Hallmark
It’s just a kitchen table, much the worse for years of wear, With MEMORIES in each scratch and stain from all that happened there – The pain that never would come off, a scissor nick or two, the dent where something heavy dropped, a bump of dried-up glue… the scorch left by a cookie sheet, worn and faded where HANDS WERE HELD and elbows propped and countless stories traded. It doesn’t show the teardrops, and it has no voice to tell the SECRETS shared, the JOYS revealed, but those are there as well. Around the kitchen table, Life was HAPPY and SECURE, and my heart will feel that love as long as memories endure. On Mother’s Day, I can’t help but wander back through all the MEMORIES I’ve cherished through the years…memories that keep you CLOSE IN HEART today and every day. (I grew up living much of my life at my mom’s kitchen table and am even writing this now at our own kitchen table. Do things really change? They do in the sense that she has been gone since 1993 and though I am aware that she knows just how I feel. I still miss her very, very much and just wish I could give her a huge hug. Whispering the words, “I love you mom, wherever you are,” and sending her all the love my heart can hold is the best that I can do at this moment.) ************************************** ARTICLES OF HOPE AND LOVE: PART I: KIM AND LIZ WENCL’S STORY: THE LETTER Shortly after Kim Wencl’s daughter had died in an off-campus house fire , USA Today had run a front-page story concerning their research of the problem dealing with fatal off-campus house fires in the country since 2000. Kim had known about the article and had notified friends and family about this. Though she had initially been excited about the release of the story, she actually re-experienced a myriad of all too familiar feelings of grief, trauma and pain as she read the article which included her daughter’s picture. In her words, it left her having a “sad-bad day.” She tried to bury herself in her work. As she went through her e-mails at work, she suddenly discovered a familiar e-mail address, that of Jan, her daughter’s high school French teacher. Kim had remained close with her after Liz had died. Jan wrote that she had been cleaning out files when a file folder fell on the floor. It was labeled, “Liz Wencl’s Essay.” When Jan opened the file, she found a letter written in French that Liz had written to her mother, in response to an assignment from her teacher. Liz had promised her teacher that she would share it with her mom “when the time was right.” Kim wrote: “Receiving that letter was no coincidence. I believe with all my heart that my daughter is still with me and she knew I was having a difficult day. She reached out to me from heaven to let me know just how much she loves and misses me, just as I love and miss her.” The letter, Kim wrote is “a constant reminder of the power of our love.” She finished her story with: “Just as God’s love for his children never changes, the love that my daughter and I share never changes. It will live for all eternity.” What follows is the English translation of Liz’s letter written in response to the assignment: “Write a letter to your Mother or Father and tell them what they represent in your life.” Dear Mom, I know that you love me. You show me each day that it is true. Don’t think you are a bad mother. It isn’t true. When I look at you, I realize how much I am loved. When you are feeling bad, don’t forget that I truly love you. I would like to be able to be a better daughter. We argue sometimes and that makes me sad. I feel bad and unhappy if you cry. I remember one time when I was little and you would hug me and say, “I love you so much, Lizzie. My Little Darling, sit here with me for just a little while. Those times were so special for me and you made me so happy, and I felt like nothing could ever hurt me. I used to wish those moments would never end. To be cuddled up next to you like that today would be like a dream come true. Mom, I feel sad when you feel sad. And, when you are happy, I am happy. You are my mother and I would never choose anyone else. Without you, I would never be who I am. I love you with all my heart. Kisses, LIZ ************************************** PART II: A MOTHER’S PLEA FOR HEALING The following is a letter shared with me by Mary Ellen Winn., a woman of remarkable strength and courage. At the time this letter was written, she was in the middle of treatment for Stage IV Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It needs to be noted that Mary Ellen’s mom had recently died and she was without any real family support, something which would have been so helpful in helping her care for her three children while she was in treatment. Friends had formed a group called Angels for Mary Ellen. In addition to having so lovingly cared for her, as well as having prayed for her, they had brought a statue of the Virgin Mary to her home. Given that she is Catholic, she said she was very comfortable praying to the Virgin Mary and felt the need to write her a letter. Mary Ellen told me that she felt Mary was right there listening to her as she wrote to her. The pure and authentic manner in which she addressed the Virgin Mary, single mom to single mom, moved me deeply, and it seemed extremely appropriate to share this with you as we give thanks to those who have been there, mothering us with their love. March 26, 2008 Dear Mary, How appropriate it is for me to pray to you in the year of the third millennium for the opportunity to watch my three children grow up. Just like you, I am a single mother and my children don’t have any close family other than me. I know that you are their family too, but children need a warm mother’s shoulder to lean on, just like I need your guidance. Please don’t let my prayers go unanswered. Please allow me to watch my children grow up and as the Irish blessing goes: see their children’s children.” I pray daily for you to help lead me on the right track to healing. I pray to be cured of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and for my tumor not to invade my lung. I pray to you that I may live a little longer so that I can have this opportunity of making a difference in the world. This is not only for my own children but also for the children that I teach. I am not afraid to die and meet God. I just would like to stay with my family on Earth a little longer. They need me too. Everything I have been reading repeats that you do not let any prayers go unanswered. Please hear mine. Mary Ellen The Post Script to this letter is that though Mary Ellen did need to complete the full six treatments of chemotherapy, which did take a significant toll on her body, she learned that by the fourth treatment, she was in remission. What is especially interesting is that on the same day she learned that she was in remission, she also received another gift of good news.. Her principal had called to let her know that she was being offered a full contract for the following year. At that point, she said that she knew that, without a doubt, her prayers had been answered. ************************************** A FEW QUOTES FOR THE SOUL: Hope….With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. Eleanor Roosevelt Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” Mother Theresa Hope is really all about keeping your options open; that is, it’s about being open to all possibilities. It is an integral part of the extraordinary, the mysterious and the miraculous…and it is definitely life sustaining! Susan Barbara Apollon Love is the great miracle cure. Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives. Louis L. Hay ************************************** CATCHING UP WITH SUSAN: APPEARANCES, PRESENTATIONS, BOOKSIGNINGS… Life has been so wonderful. This past Sunday I had the joyful honor of being a part of the the Cancer Survivor’s Day Celebration of Life at the Doylestown Hospital in Bucks County, PA. It was my pleasure, as their Keynote Speaker, to share stunning stories of my patients and others who have survived their cancer with grace. Following the presentation, during music and refreshments, I signed copies of Touched by the Extraordinary which the Cancer Center so graciously had purchased for their patients. Meeting and speaking with these extraordinary brave, strong and courageous souls moved me more deeply than I can express. My heartfelt thanks to the Center for enabling me to be a part of this remarkable event. The DVD and CD, entitled, Harnessing the Power of the Will to Live, will soon be available for anyone interested in hearing or learning about those who have survived cancer.. A portion of the proceeds will be returned with appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the Cancer Center of The Doylestown Hospital. For further information, please call Matters of the Soul at (215) 321-0632. The CD is $6.95 and the DVD is $9.95. ************************************** On April 13th, I had the pleasure of speaking at The DSI Institute (Hospital) of Bucks County with Dr. Beth DuPree and gifted medium and psychic, Joseph Tittel. What a wonderful day! I spoke of The Healing Power of Love, sharing stories of how loved ones continue to let us know that their love for us is eternal and that they are there for us when needed. A DVD and/or CD is also available of this presentation. Again, a portion of the proceeds of the sale of each CD will be donated to the Healing Consciousness Foundation. The CD is $6.95 and the DVD is $9.95. For information, please call Matters of the Soul at (215) 321-0632. ************************************** On May 29th, it will be my honor to speak at the Awards Dinner Dance of the graduating class of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and to present the Simmy Ginsburg Humanitarian Award. This presentation will be given to the doctor chosen for his or her humanitarian presence and actions. I am always sincerely moved to be in the presence of individuals who by their compassionate actions have proven they are genuinely and selflessly committed to being of service of others. ************************************** On June 3rd, I have the privilege and joy of again speaking with Gilda’s Club in Warrington , PA. This presentation will be entitled: Tips to Creating Happiness and Peace. I always look forward to sharing an evening with this delightful group of souls who have traveled down a very real healing path. ************************************** EXCITING NEWS! INTUITION IS EASY AND FUN, IN BOOK AND CDS , created by Yanni Maniates and myself, is in the process of being produced. We are very excited about their release, which, hopefully, will be by early June. Stay tuned for more information. ************************************** SUSAN HIGHLY RECOMMENDS: My dear friend, Yanni Maniates, who is a superb teacher of meditation, is one of twelve meditation leaders in the free Peace Meditation Program which is a part of Ten Million Clicks for Peace Project. If you are interested in participating in this exceptional program, you can sign up at The Peace Meditation Program which is being offered for free every week on Tuesday evenings at 6:15 pm PDT, 9:15 pm EDT. It's part of a way to spread peace across the world. There are 12 different meditation leaders who offer a variety of traditions and meditation types. Each session lasts between 30 -45 minutes. Yanni is one of the meditation leaders. To sign-up for the free Peace Meditation ongoing series (you only have to sign-up one time) - go here now. The Peace Meditations are recorded in case you can't make the sessions and the recordings are available to members of Ten Million Clicks for Peace. If you want to become a member of Ten Million Clicks for Peace, it won't cost you a penny. And, if you do join, you'll get access to all of the recordings and other great material, too. Of course, you can donate to the cause if you choose to and you can also become a "Peace Promoter." Just go here now to view an inspiring and informative 4 minute video and learn more about Ten Million Clicks for Peace. As a member you will also get to download several Peace Meditations that Yanni and the other Peace Meditation leaders, have posted gratis just for you. ************************************** ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: DYING WAS THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME by Bill Hablitzel, MD, continues to be praised by my patients and so many others who tell me that the book has brought them inspiration and even to the brink of tears, at times. A must read. THE WILL TO LIVE AND OTHER MYSTERIES by Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, (author of the best seller, Kitchen Table Wisdom), is an outstanding collection of remarkable and inspirational stories of those who have survived the most serious illnesses and also includes her thoughts regarding Mystery, as well as the personal aspects of Dr. Remen’s journey with Chrone’s Disease. Available through Sounds True. Excellent for anyone dealing with a life-threatening illness HEATHER O’HARA’S NEWSLETTER :A TOUCH OF GRACE Heather’s newsletter, A Touch of Grace, represents a stunning and beautiful collection of photographs, poetry and articles. Reading Heather’s newsletter is such a treat. Check it out A Touch of Grace for yourself. You can sign up for her letter by going to: http://www.QuantumGrace.com/april2008newsletter.pdf
FINALLY, IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE MAY BE DEALING WITH THE DIFFICULTIES OF LIFE,
INCLUDING LOSS OF LOVED ONES, HEALTH, HOPES AND DREAMS, PLEASE, PLEASE,
CONSIDER AND IF YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONE EITHER HAS ISSUES WITH BEING UNABLE TO READ FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, OR IS IN THE HOSPITAL, A NURSING HOME OR AT HOME IN BED, PLEASE CONSIDER THE 11CD COMPLETE AUDIO VERSION OF TOUCHED BY THE EXTRAORDINARY. Please call (215) 321-0632 for special prices for this newsletter only. ************************************** SUSAN’S THOUGHTS ABOUT SPEAKING TO YOUR ORGANIZATION: You were born with extraordinary gifts and abilities which can enable you to have the peace, joy and life for which you have longed. I have spent my life researching how we can develop and harness these abilities, and I love empowering others by sharing the results of my work in seminars and workshops. In fact, it is my passion to help you find whatever you need, whether it is developing your intuition to better your life or to enable you to know what you need for healing. I look forward to speaking to your group, sharing the newest research in a warm and comfortable style, while speaking about significant issues related to dealing with loss, illness, intuition, healing and empowerment. I also bring to my audiences wonderful stories shared with me by those I have interviewed that demonstrate just how powerful we are as human beings. If you would like to arrange to have me speak to your group, please call (215) 321-0632 or e-mail me at susan@mattersofthesoul.com. **************************************
FINAL SENTIMENTS: A
SPECIAL EXPRESSION OF LOVE …………….
A DAUGHTER (or A SON) REMEMBERS… I listen for her still…. a phone ringing can send me winging back into my memories of her, and remembered laughter lights my day. I look for her still…in familiar places Where the sense of her presence lingers like a fragrance, And I feel the warmth of her arms around me again. Forever, I will be her daughter (or son) – Trusting in her love, Delighting in her praise- these beautiful gifts from my mother live inside my heart… and I listen for her still. I always will. ( At the end of a long day, after all these years, I still park my car in my garage, walk the few steps to my laundry room door, and, while turning the key, so often think of something special I want to share with my mom. In that same instant, my heart breaks just a bit, as I realize my communication with her will need to travel by way of heart waves, rather than phone lines. But that is ok. I know she hears everything my heart has to say, especially, the “I love you, mom.” ) May you always be surrounded in the energetic Light and Embrace of Love. With Warmth, Love and Light,
Susan
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