Favorite # 78:Abbi Heilig, teacher, volunteer, adventurer

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
Abbi at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro

Abbi at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro

Following Passion and Dreams

Have you ever longed to quit your job and travel the world? Although most of us don’t have the means or opportunity, I know someone who did just that.

Abbi Heilig had aspirations of climbing the corporate ladder, but after working a 9 to 5 job for several years, her yearning and passion took her to another place. Gifted in teaching others about “wellness,” in her desire not only to travel, but to share her knowledge, she found a way to travel as well as make a living.

Taking a class in Florida to be a yachti in 2012, Abbi now works and travels on luxury yachts. With one trip sometimes lasting three months, it was in between one of those assignments, she took enough time off to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. While there, making a connection with an orphanage through The Foundation for Tomorrow, she taught classes on how to eat healthy, grow your own vegetables and Yoga. The classes were so well received, teachers plan to continue using their new found knowledge.

When asking Abbi’s mom, Debbie Heilig, how she feels about her daughter’s worldwide adventures, she said although she does worry, in the final analysis, you have to let your children go. Abbi credits her mom and dad for giving her a wonderful childhood with lots of opportunities to grow and develop. She sees those years as laying the foundation for giving her the strength and courage to follow her dreams.

Perhaps Abbi’s dreams of traveling the world may not be everyone’s vision of fulfillment, but for Abbi it has been. Asked if someday she plans to settle down in one place, she said, “Maybe,” but for now, she’s content with helping people by spreading the message of “wellness” where ever she goes. I suppose the lesson to be learned from Abbi’s story is that sometimes in life, it’s necessary to take risks to accomplish a goal or calling, even when friends and family don’t understand.

To read more about Abbi’s adventures and the path she took to get there, click here. You can also follow Abbi on her blog. With over a million children in orphanages in Tanzania, Africa, if interested in learning more about The Foundation for Tomorrow and their goal to help these children, check out their website.

Do you know someone who stepped outside the box to follow their dreams? Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

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Favorite #77: Mom’s Unconditional Love

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
In this photo, Mom is surprised by friends and family at her 90th birthday party.

In this photo, Mom is surprised by friends and family at her 90th birthday party.

Never Ending Love

Is there someone in your life who has been your rock or loved you unconditionally? For me, that has been my mom.  Although the theme for this blog might fit better closer to Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day, there’s no time frame on unconditional love, especially from a mom.

With unconditional love being action and not just a feeling, while researching what unconditional love is, I discovered different opinions with some even wondering if unconditional love is possible. To me, it means no matter what happens the love one person shows for another will not change. As a Christian, I see that kind of love as a reflection of God’s love for his children. As a daughter, I’ve seen that kind of love from my mom for me. Even when we have disagreements, it’s not long until the phone rings and all is forgotten. Mom says life is too short to stay mad or even be mad in the first place.

At 93, Mom loves life and living, getting up everyday thankful to be alive and thankful to God for his mercies. The only thing she complains about almost daily is the cold. I remind her it’s suppose to be cold because it’s winter. Laughing at that, she asks me to put more tape and plastic over her windows and doors. I’ve covered her windows and doors so much this winter, the plastic on them is almost an inch thick. However, knowing she would do the same for me, I try to be patient with her requests.

Growing up during the Depression, one of twenty-one children, Mom had to learn early on how to get along with others and be content with what she had in order to survive. Living that kind of lifestyle provided lots of unique experiences and thus family stories, which she is passing on to me.

If interested in reading more about Mom’s story, click on this Salisbury Post hyperlink. Included in the column are not only pranks Mom played on her dad back in the day, but also thoughts about modern day technology and relationships.

Is there someone in your life who has given you unconditional love? If so, leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

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Favorite #76: Project 2 Heal

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
Bean is Born, a true story.

Bean is Born, a true story.

            A Ministry of Love

I first learned about the non-profit organization, Project 2 Heal, from a friend and local author, Peg Robarchek. Involved with this organization, it was while helping me edit a book not long ago, that she explained Project 2 Heal donates Labrador Retrievers to special needs children. Giving unconditional love and acceptance, these dogs also help with rehabilitation.

Founder, Charlie Petrizzo, started Project 2 Heal because he knew the difference a Labrador Retriever made in his recovery when sustaining two life-threatening injuries as a child.While it’s true a Labrador Retriever can’t heal, they can make the process a little less painful and give hope to the spirit.

The children’s book, Bean is Born, is the true story of one of the Project 2 Heal puppies, Bean. Born with myasthenia gravia, in the story, Bean feels different for many reasons, including not being able to run and play like other puppies. In addition, he also has trouble swallowing.

As author of the book, Peg felt a real connection to the story because she saw firsthand the difficulties her sister faced from a disability. Growing up during a time when people were less educated about disabilities, Peg said her sister often suffered taunts and the ridicule of others. Seeing the book as a way to honor her sister, Peg jumped at the chance to write it. As author of 26 novels, Peg has quite the talent and tells the story beautifully, with Chad Lewis illustrating the text to perfection. More about Peg can be found on her website.

Living with his family in Waxhaw, NC, Bean often visits schools and community events throughout the United States sharing his story and that of Project 2 Heal. All proceeds from the sale of Bean is Born goes directly to that cause. http://www.project2heal.org/

Congratulations, Project 2 Heal! Because of your love for helping others and your service to the community, you are my favorite organization of the week. If you would like to learn more about Project 2 Heal, click here. You can also follow Bean on Facebook.

Do you know of a non-profit organization serving the needs of your community in a special way? Leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

Info taken from the book, Bean is Born, was used with permission.

 

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Favorite #75: Renewed Friendships

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Dicy McCullough
Rose, Shannon and Larry together again.

Rose, Shannon and Larry together again.

Memories So Sweet

New Year’s Day for many often brings thoughts of resolutions and change. For others, thoughts of “old acquaintances” and long ago relationships come to mind. Although New Year nostalgia can inspire a desire to rekindle past relationships, other events such as class reunions can be the catalyst for that desire as well.

Several years ago, Shannon Ade and Larry Childers renewed their friendship at a Gypsum Elementary School class reunion that was over fifty years in the making. As a result of that renewed friendship, they realized they had a mutual admiration for their 8th grade English teacher, Mrs. Rose Julian. Wondering if she was still alive, they began searching for her on the internet.

After two years of searching, they finally discovered Rose this past April through a column in a local newspaper, the Salisbury Post, which mentioned that she had been a music teacher. Knowing Rose not only taught English but also music in Kansas, Shannon and Larry wondered if this could be “their Mrs. Julian.” Making the necessary connections, they indeed discovered it was. It didn’t take long after that discovery until Shannon and Larry began enjoying long conversations by phone with Mrs. Julian, making plans to visit her in North Carolina.

That visit and what followed has been a source of joy for Mrs. Julian because not only did she reconnect with two past students, but she now has two new friends.

I’m happy to say it was my column in the Salisbury Post that brought Rose, Shannon and Larry together. Although it’s true most of the time a writer doesn’t know the difference they’ve made in someone’s life, once in a while it’s nice to see.

If you would like to read the Salisbury Post column about Rose, click here. To read about the reunion in North Carolina, click here.

What about you? Do you have a story to share about a long lost friend or teacher? If so, leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

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Favorite #74: Family Traditions

Posted on December 30, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Christmas fun at grandma and grandpaw's

Christmas fun at grandma and grandpaw’s

Building Memories 

While it’s true Christmas has come and gone, the memories of time well-spent with family and friends lingers long after the presents have been put away or forgotten.

Memories of Christmas Eve services, performances of the Nutcracker, leaving cookies and milk for Santa or playing games with cousins are just some of the traditions many families look forward to each year.

About 18 years ago, our extended family began playing a game we call “Dirty Santa.” For this game, each member of the family over the age of two has the opportunity to choose a wrapped gift from under the tree. Sometimes the gifts are great and sometimes they are “gag” gifts, but the unknown is what makes this game both fun and scary. Some of the more notable “gag” gifts through the years have been toe art, sardines, “tacky” Christmas sweatshirts (which have to be modeled) and a bed pan.

While it’s true we have fun celebrating as a family, that fun is tempered with the knowledge not everyone is so lucky. Teaching our children and grandchildren Christmas is not just about “getting things,” but giving, we participate in service-oriented projects such as Samaritan’s Purse shoebox ministry, serving food at a local mission, or donating items to local charities.

Whatever your family tradition(s), just know the memories made and the love shared will reap benefits for years to come. If interested in finding new ideas for your family celebration next year, Pinterest is a great place to look. Scrolling through pinterest boards, recently, I found an interesting idea I want to try called “Christmas jars.”

Best selling author, Jason F. Wright, said he and his family started this tradition years ago when he began collecting spare change in a jar. Donating the money to needy families at Christmas, Jason has seen first hand the blessings this act of kindness has been for the recipients. Excited others across the nation have joined in this meaningful gesture, Jason shares some of their stories on his Facebook page. His novel, “Christmas Jars,”  gives deeper insight into what this act of kindness means and is available on Amazon.com.

Another great place to get ideas for Christmas is Katrena Allison’s blog, How to Keep Christmas Meaningful and Special for the Family. Katrena includes both do’s and don’ts, such as decorating for someone who isn’t able and guarding down time so as not to get exhausted. Having a number of blogs about the holidays, she includes one we all should read, How to stay within a budget.

Do you have a favorite Christmas memory or tradition you’d like to share? If so, leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

 

 

 

 

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Favorite #73: First-Grade Teachers at Woodleaf Elementary School

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
The world's a better place because of teachers like Mrs. Thompson.

The world’s a better place because of teachers like Mrs. Thompson.

Innovative Teaching

Teachers have so many duties these days it almost makes your head spin to think about it. Always looking for ideas to inspire students and improve achievement, they get excited when seeing positive results from their efforts.

Looking for an idea last year to help their students understand the concept of money and develop personal responsibility, first-grade teachers at Woodleaf Elementary school incorporated into their classroom the concept of children earning money for jobs.

The money, of course, is play money, and although fun, the concept is far from play. Children can save their money for big ticket items, or spend more frequently for smaller things such as paper, pencils and treats. One of the first-grade teachers, Cassie Safrit Thompson, said this project has not only taught students the value of money, but also an understanding of how hard their parents must work in order to provide for them.

With the entire first grade team on board, Cassie said, “We’ve really integrated our “money system” into our daily classroom routine, so it’s a natural part of what we do each and everyday. We pay the students at the end of the day for the amount of money they earned for their behavior that day. Once a week we pay “salaries” and change our weekly jobs. Usually every other week the students get to choose a reward to buy from our catalog. They pay monthly rent and are required to pay for supplies like glue sticks and erasers if they run out of their own.

“I use this economic system in my classroom because the benefits and lessons are endless. The students take a lot of pride in earning money, and most of them are very serious about earning their daily money and doing jobs to earn their salary. Opportunities present themselves often to make real-world connections and have discussions about earning, spending, and saving. It’s a system that offers rewards and consequence with clear expectations for the chidren. Lastly, it’s fun and exciting for them! After all, who doesn’t like to make money?!”

Scott Jenkins, Assistant Managing Editor for the Salisbury Post, highlighted in a column, recently, the implementation of this idea, including quotes from the children about their learning experiences. If you would like to read more about this innovative concept and the learning that is taking place at Woodleaf Elementary School, check out the Salisbury Post link here.

Congratulations to the first-grade team at Woodleaf Elementary School, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Finney and Mrs. Currie! Because of your willingness to inspire children by trying new ideas and concepts you are my favorite teachers of the week.

Do you know a teacher or teachers who are inspiring students? If so, leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

 

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Favorite # 72: Salem Lutheran Preschool

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Dress up is fun.

Dress up is fun.

Salem Lutheran Preschool

Looking back when my two daughters were growing up, I remember many milestones, with one of those being their first day of preschool. After checking out different programs in the community, I choose a church preschool and was excited to know my daughters (five years apart) would be learning and growing in a caring and loving environment. I was never disappointed, as they often came home telling me about new things they had learned, or sharing some great adventure.

Now I’m entering into that same kind of experience with my two-year-old grandson, Carson, at Salem Lutheran Preschool, in Salisbury, NC. Even though he’s attending a different preschool from his mom, I can tell it, too, has a caring, learning environment where children thrive and are happy.

Once a week I have the privilege of driving my grandson to school. On the way, sometimes I ask him where we’re going and he’ll answer, in his two-year-old voice, “We’re going to preschool.” As soon as we arrive, he knows where we are and can’t wait to hop out and get his day started.

While talking with the director, Dana Robertson, one morning not long ago, she shared some of the goals the faculty and staff have for the children in their care. Along with the goals is the philosophy that each boy and girl is a child of God, unique and special in their own way. Using that philosophy as their standard, children are given opportunities to explore, experiment and ask questions. The hope is through these experiences children will develop a new independence in the world both inside and outside the home, developing friendships along the way.

Following is a quote from the preschool’s mission statement: “Under the leadership of caring, qualified teachers, classes provide a balance of age-appropriate creative art, music, devotions, outdoor play, story time, dramatic play and group activities.”

People in both the private and public sector of education can talk about goals and philosophies all day long, but the proof of the message is in the development and response of the children.

All I can say is that I see the proof every week when spending time with my grandson. Sometimes he sings one of the songs he’s learned and sometimes he tells me about a special event, like when the fire trucks came. There’s no doubt in my mind Carson’s already learning that learning can be fun. What an awesome gift to give to a child.

Congratulations, Salem Lutheran Preschool! Because of your willingness and devotion to prepare the next generation for the future physically, socially, intellectually and spiritually, you are my favorite place of the week.

To learn more about Salem Lutheran Preschool, check-out their website here.

(The following photo was taken of the two-year-old class posing for the camera. My grandson is the one with the really big smile). Photos used with permission from Salem Lutheran Preschool.

Smile for the camera.

What about you? Do you know of a preschool in your community making the world a better place one child at a time? If so, leave a comment, message on Facebook, or email dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

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Favorite # 71: Dentist, Dr. Jonathan Huffman, DDS

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Dr. Jonathan Huffman and patient

Dr. Jonathan Huffman and patient

             Giving Back

During the Christmas season, sounds of music can be heard everywhere. You’re probably thinking, what has that got to do with a story about a dentist?  Well, when I think of Christmas music, one song that comes to mind is, All I One for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth.

As an elementary music teacher, I’ve used that song a number of times for Christmas programs throughout the years. Even though it’s really cute, sung by a child, it’s not so cute when someone is having real dental issues.

When that happens, it’s nice to know there are caring dentists who are willing to give back, not only in their practice, but also in their church and community.One such dentist is Dr. Jonathan Huffman, DDS, of Salisbury, NC.

Recently, I talked with him about how being a dentist must be a calling. While he admitted it was, he said he didn’t find his calling until after joining the Navy in 1993. Growing up with parents who did the best they could, Jonathan said there was never any extra money. So, not wanting to waste his parents’ money, and not sure what he wanted to do after one year of college at Western Carolina University, he joined the Navy.

Jonathan believes his assignment to work with a dentist at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia was one of the best things that ever happened to him. He loved working as a dental technician so much, he decided to go back to school to become a dentist. Working out details to attend college at night for undergraduate requirements, after his enlistment, Jonathan finished his course work at UNC-Chapel Hill, graduating in 2002.

After graduation, Jonathan joined Dr. James T. Mitchell’s practice in Salisbury, NC, later becoming sole owner of the practice. His goal is and has always been to provide gentle, caring and comprehensive care for his patients. Staff members say he accomplishes that goal through his easy going manner, which may explain why one of his patients, living in Japan, continues to schedule trips to Salisbury for dental work.

Caring not only about his patients’ physical needs, but spiritual ones as well, when a patient is having a problem, often they ask Dr. Huffman and his entire staff to pray with them.

While it’s true patients love Dr. Huffman for his caring ways in the office, it doesn’t stop there. Believing in the Christian mandate of serving others, it’s not unusual for Dr. Huffman to be found at the local care clinic, volunteering his time and services for patients who couldn’t otherwise afford the procedure.

Even though Christmas is the time of year we generally think of giving back and serving others, it’s inspiring to know there are people in this world who view service as their mission in life all year long.

To learn more about Dr. Huffman’s story, check out the following Salisbury Post hyperlink. To learn more about his practice, check out his official website page.

Dr. Huffman, because of your willingness to use your talents in serving others, you are my favorite person of the week.

Do you know of someone who gives back to the community? If so, leave a comment, message on facebook or email, dicysm@yahoo.com

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

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Favorite #70: Writer, Blogger, Friend, Katrena Allison

Posted on December 1, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Writer, blogger, friend, Katrena Allison

Writer, blogger, friend, Katrena Allison

Connecting through Writing

While it’s true we should be thankful all year long, Thanksgiving provides the opportunity to reflect on our many blessings, surrounded by family and friends.

I’m especially thankful for friends like Katrena Allison, who are always looking for ways to help others. As a little girl, Katrena was one of my piano students. Losing touch until several years ago, Katrena and I reconnected when I published my first children’s book, Tired of My Bath. Seeing me at the Daniel Boone festival in Mocksville, NC, Katrena was one of the first to buy my book. Since then she has been one of my biggest fans, with her daughter, Abigail, even having a quote in my latest book, Tired of Being Little.

Excited to reconnect at the festival, I soon learned Katrena is not only a freelance writer, but maintains several blogs, teaches online classes, and in her spare time, teaches group fitness classes at the YMCA. If that’s not enough, she’s a single mom to three beautiful daughters.

When I began writing my blog, Katrena was kind enough to give advice, even volunteering to be a guest blogger. Submitting four guest blogs in 2012, she wrote about the similarities between writing and playing the piano. To check out those blog posts, click here.

Katrena says her journey as a writer actually started with journaling when she was just a child. Although this type of writing might never be shared with the world, she believes it could lead to a written work of art that may inspire others. Taking a quote from one of her guest blogs, she said, “Those who have found a way to re-sew the pieces that have become the patchwork of life may find a beautiful and inspiring new quilt pattern through the written word.”

There’s no doubt Katrena has the gift of the written word and especially has the gift of inspiring children through her educational games. Working with her own children, Katrena has learned to mesh together many ideas that led to creating fun interactive games designed to help with learning concepts for school. Those ideas and games eventually became part of her educational blog.

Noticing her talent at writing games for children, I asked Katrena if she could do the same for me. I was amazed at the quality of not only the interactive games, but also the word searches and printables she developed for each of my five books.

After Katrena developed the programs, my web designer, Will Gordon, incorporated them onto the home page of my website. I’m truly thankful for the expertise of both Katrena and Will because now those games and activities are more than just a dream, they are a reality.

Katrena, because of your gift of writing and your willingness to use that gift in making this world a better place, you are my favorite person of the week.

Check out Katrena’s blogs at the following links:

http://travelncwithkids.blogspot.com/

http://www.wildflowerbouquets.blogspot.com

http://studentsurvive2thrive.

http://love2travelwithkids.blogspot.com/

 

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

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Favorite #69: Miracles

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Dicy McCullough
Garrett, only a few days old

Garrett, only a few days old

Giving Thanks

This time of year our thoughts turn to turkey, cornbread stuffing, pumpkin pie, family and friends. While it’s true in the USA we have much to be thankful for, some of us have more to be thankful for than others. This year, I’m in that category.

This past January, my husband, Michael, and I were blessed with our second grandson, Garrett. You’re probably thinking, another proud grandma, so what’s different about this story. Well, the difference is when he was only ten days old, we almost lost him. If not for prayers and a doctor that remembered textbook symptoms of a unique disease, this Thanksgiving could have looked a lot different.

Born with a rare genetic condition called galactosemia, Garrett’s condition caught everyone off guard. With only two children born in NC each year with this condition, it’s so rare, most people, including doctors and nurses, have never heard of it.

Having baffling symptoms, Garrett was admitted to the hospital on a Thursday, but it took until Sunday for a possible diagnosis. After the diagnosis, doctors began to explain the condition.

Most people have two genes that break down sugars, while some people like my daughter, Kristin, and her husband, Brian, only have one. Having one is not a problem, but having none is. Unfortunately, because Garrett inherited from each of his parents the one gene that doesn’t break down sugars, he has none, thus galactosemia.

A few months ago, a reporter for the Milwaukee Sentinel, Ellen Gabler, emailed Kristin for an interview about Garrett. Ellen said she had been investigating newborn screenings across the country and through that research had discovered baby screenings are sometimes delayed due to forms and records being sent through the mail, instead of electronically or courier. For Garrett, that meant a delay of at least four days. Ellen wondered if these delays could have been prevented.

Not only because Garrett has galactosemia, but also because he was extremely sick in the hospital, doctors aren’t sure of the long term effects for him. Sometimes there can be delays in speech or motor skills, but we are hopeful. There’s no doubt Garrett’s one of the happiest babies I’ve ever seen. Even when he feels bad, he still looks up and smiles.

We as a family know how lucky and blessed we are to celebrate Thanksgiving this year with Garrett. How about you? What do you have to be thankful for?

Leave a comment, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.

To read Ellen’s column in the Milwaukee Sentinel, click here for the link.

Thanks,

Dicy

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com

www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog

 

 

 

 

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