Friday, September 23, 2011

The Little Pink Books - Sharing HOPE!

Inspirational speaker and author Maryann Makekau is on her 19th book tour in 20 months! This time she's back in Tennessee, where she was interviewed on WGNS and shared all about The Little Pink Book Series and her other hope-filled books. You can hear the inspiring story of the book series on the radio interview here. These books for children whose loved one has cancer have helped countless children and adults, for we all have a child inside who is, at times, also in need of healing. Follow the links above to learn more about this series that's attracted national attention by bringing HOPE to those walking through cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

It all began when Maryann's life-long friend, Vicki, a second-grade teacher in Tennessee, was diagnosed with breast cancer. When they couldn't find a book to help Vicki explain her diagnosis to her "ducklings," Maryann decided to write the book herself. That was some twenty months ago and, since then, several titles have followed, including When Your Teacher Has Cancer, When Your Mom Has Cancer, and When Your Mom's Cancer Doesn't Go Away. I am blessed and honored to serve as copy editor and Spanish translator for this book series as well as for The Little Patriot Books (When Your Mom Goes to War and When Your Dad Goes to War), written to help families cope with deployments.

Future titles addressing other medical conditions that impact individuals and families, such as Alzheimer's disease, are on the horizon. Stay tuned for these hopeful resources to help children & families thrive, and spread the word! We can all partake in the joy of sharing HOPE!

Because Hope Matters,
Dr Mari

Find out more at Hope Matters. Share HOPE!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Dr Mari's Health & Hope Corner: Life's Extras - September 2011


Life's extras at Leu Gardens. Orlando, FL.
Follow this link to Life's Extras, this month's Health & Hope Corner, where I share about my husband's discovery of a bigger plan in the midst of suffering. This column is a "small thing" I do "with great love," as Mother Teresa taught. It is published monthly by Hope Matters, whose mission it is to spread hope to those walking through the stormy seas of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, or through the uncertainty and stress of military deployment. I have the privilege of serving as their translator, copy editor, and contributing author. Through books, workshops, special events, and advocacy efforts, Hope Matters provides tools, resources, and hope for tough journeys.

Enjoy this month's Health & Hope Corner, and may we all learn to rejoice as we discover life's extras in the midst of our struggles.

Blessed by sharing hope,
Dr Mari

Sunday, September 4, 2011

I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin, in Memory of My Uncle

This song is posted to honor my uncle, Tío Ahmed, who went to be with the Lord earlier today. I am thankful that I was able to see him last March, when we gathered to grieve as a family the loss of my little cousin. I rejoice to think that they are now reunited where there is no pain or suffering.

As we remember those we love who are no longer physically with us, we can honor them by living fully every moment that we have left on earth. Let us all be thankful for the gift of life and choose to give it away to bless others. Today, I'm thankful for Tío Ahmed's humility, goodness, and generosity. I pray that he is soaring like an eagle right this moment.

"Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord." (Psalm 31:24)


Saturday, September 3, 2011

Snoopy Humor on Saturday Morning

Anyone feel like Snoopy today?

Blog Archive