January 15

Recently, I asked you to take a one minute vacation to your favorite place in the summer. It is a great way to get out of the cold and enjoy the summer. It is a fact of mind over matter.

I learned about one minute vacations from my Aunt Arlene. Arlene was diagnosed with cancer at age 58. She was given 6 – 8 weeks to live at the time of diagnosis. Arlene had a positive attitude and a deep faith in God. She celebrated life for 15 months after the diagnosis. I remember seeing her in the hospital toward the end. She told me she had just taken a vacation to her home. I asked her to explain and she told me about the one minute vacation. She said that lying in a hospital bed all day was too much for her, so she closed her eyes, relaxed and allowed her mind to go home.

While on her vacation at home she enjoyed the following:
· The sunshine on her arms and legs.
· The smell of flowers in her garden.
· The sounds in the small village of New Holland, SD.
· The taste of home cooking.
· The view in her yard.

Arlene know how to make the best of a less than ideal situation. She celebrated life to the very end.

Blessings
Robin

PS – I love you Auntie Arlene!