Just Mom...

Paw Print in the Sand...

2011-07-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

On July 10th, 2011, I took OwieBowWowie to the beach. I wanted to see the impact of his paw print in the sand. Most would look at Owie and think that he is just a stuffed, plush, dog that is given to children in hospitals, but when I look at Owie I see more. I see dark eyes that smile, and a face that reminds me to live each day with purpose. Because ultimately he was created for one thing... and that is love!

As we walked along the beach we noticed all the people who were walking in the sand, but didn't look down to notice the beautiful pebbles or the message they were sending...

Pebbles in the Sand

So, Owie and I decided we would see if we could change that. We picked up pebbles and began writing messages in the sand... We wanted others to find:

We wanted them to see...

And to know that if one digs deep enough...

They will...

That...

Change the world...

When we were done, Owie went and hid by the shore.

He wanted to see how long it would take for others to look down. To notice that hope and love were everywhere, and what he found...

A child noticed and turned from his father to see the message in the sand...

Then it happened...

Two girls started picking up pebbles and writing their own message in the sand.

Love just started to grow...

Then I had to pick up my pebbles to share my own message... Reminding everyone to keep going. To stop at nothing to accomplish their dreams...

Within a moment a man came up and asked me about Owie. "Excuse me, but can you tell me why you and your little friend are going along the beach writing messages in the sand?"

"Of course." I replied. "This is OwieBowWowie, and he was created to give love and comfort to children who are hospitalized and in need of a friend. We thought we would take the unnoticed pebbles and turn them into comfort."

"Do you really think it made a difference giving away words?" The man asked.

I thought for a moment and then smiled. Every time we get a donor, we send out a thank you card with this little story....

As the old man walked along the beach at dawn he noticed a youth ahead of him picking up starfish and flinging them into the sea. Finally, catching up with the youth he asked, "Why are you throwing starfish into the sea?" The young boy turned and said, "The stranded starfish will die if left in the morning sun!" But the beach goes on for miles and there are millions of starfish," countered the old man. "How can your effort make any difference?" The young boy looked at the starfish in his hand and then threw it to the safety of the waves.

"It makes a difference to this one!"

So, the next time you see a...

Owie is sending you a simple reminder that he....

And never forget... It's never to late to give hope and love away...

To give today... please log onto: http://www.iloveowie.org/

As the sun sets...

It brings hope that tomorrow is going to be a better day... And when tomorrow arrives...

Don't forget to spread your wings and fly...

Onward by faith...
Gina and Owie

How Many People Does It Take To Comfort 20 Million Children?

2011-02-05T14:22:00.000-08:00

This past week I was thinking about the amount of time it takes to make something happen, and being the age that I am... always makes me think of the "age" old question that was posed in a Tootsie Pop commercial.

How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?

If you've never seen the commercial the dialogue is as follows.

A young boy begins: "Mr. Cow... "

Mr. Cow: "Yeeeeesss?"

Boy: "How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?"

Mr. Cow: "I don't know, I always end up biting. Ask Mr. Fox, for he's much clever than I."

Boy: "Mr. Fox, how many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?"

Mr. Fox: "Why don't you ask Mr. Turtle, for he's been around a lot longer than I? Me, heheh, I bite!"

Boy: "Mr. Turtle, how many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?"

Mr. Turtle: "I've never even made it without biting. Ask Mr. Owl, for he is the wisest of us all."

Boy: "Mr. Owl, how many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?"

Mr. Owl: "A good question. Let's find out. A One... A two-HOO... A tha-three..."

Mr. Owl: "A Three!"

Boy: "If there's anything I can't stand, it's a smart owl."

Narrator: "How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop? The world may never know."

The End!

Being in the comfort business, and daily... asking others to donate gifts of comfort to children who may never get a gift when they are ill, made me think.

There are over 20 million children (per year) who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, and there are days when I wonder how many people it will take to get every single one of those children their own OwieBowWowie!

Like a Tootsie Pop, if one bites the center too soon, yes... the taste is splendid, but then the experience is over. When we wait... have patience... and enjoy the journey, that's when we actually see exactly how long it took to arrive somewhere.

I can't wait to see how long it will take to bring comfort and joy to the over 20 million children who are hospitalized. I'm learning that it's not about time, but about people, and I'm hoping that today... one more person takes a bite out of comfort, and one more child is comforted.

So, here we go.

How many people does it take to comfort 20 million children who are hospitalized?

One day... the world will know!

Onward by faith!
Gina

The Simplicity of Being Noticed...

2011-01-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

Last week my granddaughter came for a visit. She was with me for four wonderful days, but she's nearly three so you can imagine that my time was spent keeping my eyes completely on her.

She is very busy, and loves life. She has no fear and wants to experience all that is within her reach!

One afternoon I took her to the mall. It was a cold day, so I figured I would take her to the little play area, and let her meet new friends.

What I discovered was amazing.

When we arrived there were 50 children all shoeless, running around, and each child toted a parent. I so enjoyed watching her introduce herself to the other children, and loved when a child would fall she would stop running, and help the child up asking, "You okay?" When they would reply or nod, she would continue on running.

At one point she stood in the middle of the play area and started to sing. She was singing so loud that I began to walk near her to tell her to please be quiet, but then I noticed that no other parent even noticed she was singing. Each parent only had eyes for their child, and that is when I realized why it's so important to give gifts of comfort to children we don't know.

If a child is hospitalized, and without a parent, than whose going to watch over them?

Then I started thinking about the word donor. On my drivers license reads: Donor. Which means... in the event of an actually emergency I would like to "donate" my eyes... my heart... my lungs... any part that another person can benefit from, I want them to have it.

And those who donate Owie's to children, donate the same things.

They give their eyes, and a child is watched over by Owie.
They give their heart... and a child is loved by Owie.
They give their lungs... and a child can breathe better knowing that someone loves them.

To all who "donate" to a child, may you truly know all that you give.

Onward!

Owie is loved...

2010-12-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Today I received an email from Beth, who is the Child Life Specialist at Northridge Hospital which read:

Hey Gina,

Just wanted to send you this picture from a very grateful patient. She loves her OwieBowWowie and has been carrying it with her everytime she leaves her room!

I immediately wrote her back and asked if I had permission to share her picture, and was told permission granted.

Owie with his new friend

She then included this note:

I want you to know what a difference her Owie made for her. She was highly anxious to be here in the hospital. Her mom said she could hardly get her to go to the doctor that day and sadly, after the doctors, she ended up here. She was very nervous and a little withdrawn, but after I gave her Owie she lite up and couldn't stop cuddling with it. Thank you so much for everything you do, I want you to know what a difference it really makes!

The reason I'm sharing this with you, is because each person needs to know how much your donation is appreciated by a child, their parents and the hospital staff.

While we can't promise to cure cancer, or solve the problems of the world... we can promise to make sure that each and every one of your donations will be "personally" delivered to the hands of a child who needs to find comfort.

We have no idea how the world would work if there wasn't such incredible people in it.

Praying all who reads this message... a wonderful day!

Onward!
Gina and Owie

A Mother's Heart!

2010-12-01T07:56:00.000-08:00

Last night I was in my office working, listening to KLove Radio. I always listen to KLove because it plays the music of my heart.

Anyway, a mother named Jesse, came on the radio sharing her heart. Her daughter has cancer and is not doing well. In the midst of this mother's fear, she was trying to find "hope" and "faith!"

Being a mother myself I know firsthand that the thought of losing a child is a mother's worse nightmare. We give birth to our children hoping and praying that their lives become the better of what we hope for, and when the realization hits that our child is ill... where do we turn?

I've been blessed to experience the beauty of giving birth, the beauty of life, and to see the beauty of death, but there is no beauty when one feels that all their "hope" and "faith" is no where to be found.

I know that when one is at the end of their life they've only ever asked me two questions:

Is there a God?
Is there a heaven?

I believe that without God, there is no hope, and without hope, we have nothing to put our faith in.

So today... if anyone finds themselves reading "a mother's heart," please pray for all the mothers who are looking for "hope" and "faith" today. I know that sometimes it feels as if we'll never find it, but if we just keep going... we'll end up exactly where we're meant to be.

Onward by faith!

A Mother's Heart...

2010-11-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I was in my office working when the phone rang.

"Hello!"

"Mom, this is Heidi. I'm calling to tell you that Shae passed out and hit her head on the concrete, and the ambulance is getting ready to take her to the hospital."

As a mother my heart stopped. Shae is my youngest daughter, and while she is not a "child"... she is my child.

I immediately got in my car and for over an hour my thoughts raced--- Would she be okay?
Would she have any brain damage?
Would I have to get her a helmet to wear so if this ever happened again, I could protect her?
Would my heart jump out of my chest before I arrived?

When I finally arrived, I found my "baby" tucked in the back room, wearing a neck and head brace, and her body wrapped from head-to-toe. I went to where I could see her face, and it wasn't until I saw her eyes, that I knew my baby was frightened. She was waiting to go get a CAT Scan on her head, and an x-ray on her neck, and has we waited for the results all I kept thinking was how one minute my child was out at the beach, enjoying her day, and the next... she was strapped to a hospital bed.

To keep her spirits high her sister kept taking pictures of her, (maybe to use later on her Facebook page) but whatever the reason- we found laughter within our worry.

After Shae had all her tests and we were told that she had a minor concussion, and that she needs to eat every few hours to keep her blood sugar alive and well, we were finally able to leave the hospital.

When I got in my car to drive back to her apartment I realized that a child's age has nothing to do with a mother's heart and wanting to comfort our children.

I then promised myself that from this day forward... Owie needs to be able to get to all the children. Made me realize how many children go to the hospital and then leave the same day. So, since I believe that all things happen for a reason, I believe her concussion will not be wasted, but used for good.

So, just know that if your child ever gets an owie, and you want to give them a gift of comfort… you know where to find us.

Onward by faith!

A "fur real" miracle...

2010-09-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Seems these days that everyone I run into say the same thing, "I could really use a miracle right now!"

I believe that each and everyone of us are given a job to do. Some are accountants, bankers, doctors, and yes... there are even those who aspire to be an Indian Chief. Each one of us has a dream to follow, and most are looking for the miracle to get us there.

A few months back I too way praying for a miracle. I needed to see that my dream of finding donors to comfort the 1,000 children at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles was possible. As I was asking for a miracle I felt a gentle breeze touch my shoulder and I looked out my office window.

What I saw?

A miracle.

Outside my window is a brick wall. There is no life that forms on my brick wall. It's the hottest place to be because it gets direct sun after 8:00 a.m. It's just simply... HOT!

I looked down and there I saw it. A Tomato plant was growing. Somehow a tiny seed had fallen through the crack between the brick wall and the concrete, and was growing. So, I decided to see how long it would grow.

Each morning, for the past few months, I've been walking outside to see the plant. I've looked over the fence to see that my neighbor has nothing but a rock pile behind the fence, so he hasn't been watering it. Where common sense would tell me that there is no way this plant should be able to grow, a plant is growing.

This morning I walked out, and there they were. Little, green tomatoes growing on the vine. The plant had produced its fruit.

So, today... if you think that despite all the odds that you are not able to do something that your heart KNOWS is the right thing to do, just know that despite all the odds, YOU WILL BE FRUITFUL!

And, if you've seed a miracle and you'd like to share it, please add it and share. Miracles are one of those things that we shouldn't keep to ourselves, but share them with the world!

Onward by faith!

Gina

The Sparrow

2010-06-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

This morning when I got up I noticed that my dog, King, was circling our swimming pool. We have a swimming pool that is the home to over 100 Koi fish, and until this morning, he never took an interest.

So, my husband walked outside and found two baby Sparrows that had fallen in the pool. One didn't survive the fall, and one hung on the side of the pool for dear life. The one that survived I put in a box, and immediately called the Wild Life Rescue. I had to go to work, and there was no way I could nurse the bird back to health.

My husband agreed to take the time to deliver the bird. He only had to go 12 miles, but Southern California brings lots of traffic, and what should have only taken 15 minutes took over an hour.

When he arrived a nice man met him and said, "Are you the one with birds? One bird lived, and one bird died. Is that correct?"

My husband said, "Yes" and opened the box.

The minute he opened the box the tiny bird flew away and into a tree.

Needless to say my husband wasn't thrilled that he drove over an hour to let a bird out of a box, and he called me at work to let me know that he could have done that at home.

When he first told me the story I laughed, but as the day progressed all I could do was think of that tiny bird with a will to live that was so strong, he held onto the side of a swimming pool, and then when the box opened he took all the strength he had left to fly.

Maybe all he needed was a quiet place to rest, dry his wings... and then when the opportunity arrived to change his circumstance... he flew.

The reason I'm sharing this story is...

Next time you find yourself in a place you don't want to be, hang on until you can arrive at the place you belong.

Onward!

KABC News and Hearts of Gold...

2010-05-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

Good news everyone.

Owie is going to be on KABC News Thursday (May 6th) at 4:00 p.m. If you're able to, please watch so you can see what it looks like to give gifts of comfort to children at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

Also, you're invited to please join us for the inaugural Hearts of Gold Reception and Gold Party. A Benefit Owie BowWowie and Friends Foundation.

YOU and YOUR FRIENDS can turn your unwanted gold and platinum into CASH...And show off your heart of GOLD!

Bring your unwanted gold & platinum jewelry…and YOU leave with top dollar for your jewelry… and you help comfort hospitalized children facing illness and injury alone. NOTHING comes out of your pocket and OwieBowWowie and Friends benefits from the night’s transactions!
The event is: Thursday, May 13th
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Best Western Thousand Oaks Inn 75 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Appetizers and soft drinks hosted by Best Western Thousand Oaks Inn
No-host bar Music by harpist Jessie Daniels
All Gold Party Participants who trade their gold / platinum for Cash are automatically entered to win A Spectacular $1,250 Jeweled Necklace
Donated by Steve Weiss and Kirk Jewelers

RSVP TODAY to justmominc@yahoo.com or call Maureen at 805-304-4966.

And... we are still counting down. Our 30 days are up on May 13th. We are still 72 donors away from meeting our goal of 100 monthly donors who donate one "Owie" per month. Please donate at: www.owiebowwowie.net

And... a free way to donate is to go to: http://tiny.cc/voteowie and all you have to do is vote! We have the opportunity from the Pepsi Refresh Grant to win 250,000, but only if we get the most votes. Please add us to your favorites and vote daily.

Onward towards the goal!

Gina and Owie

Day Seven and counting...

2010-04-20T20:51:00.000-07:00

Well, today was a wonderful day. Owie was blessed with two more donors. Now we only need to find 74 more donors who want to comfort the hurts and hearts of a child each month. I would like to personally thank Richard Norris and Janette Kinnally for their generous donations today.

And...

For about eight years I've always signed off with the word "Onward!" A few years ago I was looking through an ol' book and I found this-

I have no idea who the author is, but its titled: Direct Road to the Hamlet of Contentment

And it reads: Cross the stile of self-denial, thence on the path of temperance, over the hill of benevolence, along the stream of purity and down the vale of kindness, and just beyond the view of the rock of Resignation the hamlet comes to view... Traveller! Onward, with God's Blessing!

Our hamlet is Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

Maybe I wrote it down for moments such as today, because being that the hamlet is Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, I'm reminded to travel onward looking for others who will give their heart in the form of an OwieBowWowie to a child who needs a hug!

Onward towards the goal!

Gina and Owie

The end of the fifth day...

2010-04-17T22:04:00.001-07:00

Today I read: Behind your clear vision must be the purpose to realize it; to bring it out in tangible expression.

I would like to personally thank:

Janice D. Moon
Cheryl Brennan
And... Marie White for donating a tangible expression of comfort.

Now, we only need 76 more donors who will donate 1 OwieBowWowie per month to 12 different children.

Will you be a donor?

All it takes is $35.00 per month, and there is no greater purpose to give than to see a child SMile...

And... Owie is a wonderful "tangible" expression.

Owie and I will be back tomorrow with another update.

Onward towards the goal!
www.owiebowwowie.net

Gina and Owie

Owie gets flowers and a donation

2010-04-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Today I was at work and in walked Robin Denker, from Kitchens By Design. She was carrying the most beautiful Orchid, and a card. Before she left all she said was, "Make sure you don't lose the card!"

When I opened the card there was a lovely note, and a donation for an Owie.

What a beautiful gift that was.

I was having a sad day today because I lost my cousin yesterday to cancer, and she personally walked in a gift of comfort. The minute she gave me the gift... I was comforted.

It's not often someone shows up with a gift and a hug, and what she did was remind me of what Owie does for children.

He comes into a child's hospital room with a hug and makes a child SMILE.

With Robin's donation we are now only 79 away from making our goal...

Please log onto: www.owiebowwowie.net and help keep Owie going. He's about to lose his fight of being able to comfort children, and that would truly be a loss.

Onward towards the goal...

Gina and Owie

The end of day two and onward to day three...

2010-04-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today is April 15th, a date that most people don't want to remember. Taxes are due.

But, this date to me represents many things. My grandparents were married on this date in 1937. Someone I was very close to, passed away on this date, and I was able to be with her when she passed on.

And today... my cousin passed away. His name was Stephen Richardson, and he was just fifty years young. The father of three daughters, and the husband to just one wife, he managed to live his life as successful as one man can hope to leave... with all those he loved by his side.

This evening when I called my Aunt, we spoke of the past weeks of his life. He had cancer, and had to have four major surgeries in the past six weeks. She spoke of his final weeks and how he wasn't able to speak because of the tubes that were inserted in his throat to help him breathe. His last words were spoken using his hands, as he would try and sign to her. Words like "I love you." or "See you tomorrow." Even... "I can't wait to go home." The words that we seem to say so effortless on any given day... there are many who at this moment can't speak to those they love.

For the past few days I've been in tears. The thought of having to let Owie slip through my fingers because I can't seem to find 50 people who can donate $35.00 per month makes me cry.

As my aunt was telling me about my cousin all I kept thinking about was all the children I've met over the past 20 years of my life who also had tubes down their throat and were not able to speak to those they loved or even worse... had no one to speak to because no one was there.

So, in memory of my cousin Stephen who endured his last weeks in silence I would like to ask everyone to close your eyes and picture someone you love in a hospital room right now, alone, tubes down their throat and not another person with them to bring them comfort. Now picture a child that you've never met. A child who has no family or friends who are able to visit them and they sit in silence waiting for an angel to appear.

You can be that angel.

For a donation of $35.00 per month you can become an ArF Angel to 12 children... who at this moment... doesn't have a friend.

You might have to give up a cup of coffee... or a day at the tanning salon, or even lunch out with a friend, but the thought that you just comforted the hurts and hearts of children you've never met, will forever be... priceless.

So, in closing on my 30 days of Last Call for Owie I just want to say...

PLEASE HELP and DONATE NOW. Please go to: www.owiebowwowie.net

Today we were blessed with two more ArF Angels. I want to thank:
Pam Flores
and...
Wendy Babcock and Tony Biasi

Now we are up to 20 monthly donors and only need to find 80 more in 28 days...

Please mail this tiny blog to everyone you know... 28 days and counting!

ONWARD TOWARDS THE GOAL!

Gina and Owie

Day Two begins of "Last Call for Owie!"

2010-04-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Well, the first day of Owie’s 30 day journey ended marvelously. We began our day with 10 monthly donors that have continued on since last year, and our new monthly donors who have paid or committed are:

Debra Collins
Sherry Couch
Cheryl Couch
Debra Jodry
Smile Therapy
Marie White
Terry and Maureen Whalen
Gina and Kenny Woods

So, on our first day of our Last Call Campaign we have picked up 8 more donors!

Now we only need 82 more people to donate one per month for a year!

We also have three who donated one for our next delivery. Thank you to:
Caroline Earl
Colleen King
And my friend from down under… Nathan Hague of Australia Now.

We received two cash donations that will be applied to the purchase of 1 OwieBowWowie...

Sonya Collyer
Debra Newell
Both donated $5.00, so a few more of those and one complete set will be delivered from many. Love it!

And… I want to thank ALL OF YOU who took the time to attach the link to your Facebook page, or forward it on to your friends in your e-mail list. Sharing the message is just as valuable as writing a check. It only takes one.

I would like to personally thank Nathan Hague from Australia who is working hard to help us comfort the children at CHLA. It’s interesting to me how a man so far removed from my own backyard is working to share us with his world. I guess I’m getting to see firsthand why we go to other countries. Our hearts know no distance when the sound of its beat is calling our name.

I also would like to thank Brett Lane and Jeff Friend who have become a friend of Owie’s, and is teaching me how to use Social Networking. They are my friends on Facebook, and I highly recommend that you look them up, and Nathan too.

Owie needs everyone to make this happen. He can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Please keep passing this message to everyone you know. The beginning of day 2 begins!

Please donate at: www.owiebowwowie.net

Will be back tomorrow night to give you another update.

Onward!
Gina and Owie

Last Call for Owie's....

2010-04-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

This morning I got up and did what I normally do— grabbed a cup of coffee, and then came and sat down at my computer to get busy, when immediately I began to cry. You know the cry… it’s the tears that fall when one realizes that they are about to lose a friend.

I have a friend and his name is OwieBowWowie and he is donated by others and then he’s given to children at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Many people know the reason behind Owie, but just in case you don’t, I’ll give you a quick synopsis.

Here it is: Over twenty years ago I met a young girl who had cancer and was alone. She had no family or friends who were able to visit her and she is the reason Owie was created, he has one mission… to love and comfort a child who is terminally ill and has no family or friends who are able to visit them. Owie was truly created so a child wouldn’t be alone if they passed away when their hospital room was empty. There… I’ve said it. The thought of a child passing on alone was not an acceptable thing to me.

The reason I’m sharing this is because I want to say something.

Years ago I used to sew comfort quilts. Someone would let me know that there was someone who was ill, alone or dying, and I would make a quilt or prayer flag and send it anonymously. I made over 1,000 of them like that. There was no card with my name on it, nor was it even delivered from me. Then when I started donating Owie I would hand-sew him. He wasn’t great, but he was personally made with love, and donated to comfort.

Then one day I was at the gym and I met a man. He asked me for an OwieBowWowie that he could give to a child, so that afternoon I went home and made him one. The next day I brought him his Owie, and he said to me, “Man, I wish I could give these all the time!” Then another person said, “Yea Gina, look how many kids there are that are alone and if you could make these so we could do it too, that would be great!” The more people who found out about Owie all said that they wanted to give one too, but when I gave these people the opportunity to do so… it never happened.

This is what I learned "yesterday" that has brought me to "today."

I gave that man an Owie to give to a child. I paid for it... I made it... I gave it. Then he, inturn, got to give it away. Now, had I said to that same man... I'll give you one to give, but it will cost you $35.00 I'm not sure if he still would have wanted to give it.

The reason I’m sharing this story is this. Maybe not everything we do is meant for other people. I was content making Owie in the evenings, and then sending him off to be donated. Owie didn’t need to be manufactured in bulk; he just needed to be donated with love.

For the past five years I have dedicated my life to a dream: To comfort the hurts and hearts of children who are terminally ill and are alone. I will always give gifts of comfort to those who are ill, always, but now I need to know if others want to do it too.

Owie has 30 days to find 100 people that will donate one Owie per month. We have ten, so we need to find 90 more. If I can’t find them, then I’m going to have to let my friend go.

So, this is my last attempt to see if you or someone you know would like to donate an OwieBowWowie to a child for 12 months. Your donation would be $35.00. per month, and we’ll give you one for free. (Donate 12 and get one free)

You get the “Barker’s Dozen!”

That donation includes: OwieBowWowie, his blanket… an activity/coloring book and he’s hand-delivered in his own personal carrying to a child at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. AND... we'll send you pictures or a video when your donation is delivered.

A dream can only happen when we dream the same dreams. My dream today is to comfort 100 children at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles per month. Is it your dream to comfort one child per month who is alone and might pass on alone?

You know people keep telling me it’s the economy… the depression… everything I hear is always so negative, but I don’t believe that. I believe it’s when we give to others that is when the world starts turning in the right direction.

And… the giving world is big. There are millions of non-profits to give to. I would even suggest that before you decide to give to Owie, see if that is where your heart is. If your heart is giving medical supplies to Africa, than contact me, and I will give you the name of a woman that does that. Or if you want to walk for a disease, than please go and walk… just do one thing each month for another, and eventually no one will ever have to ask for a single thing again!

All I know is this… If one can’t fight for a friend than who do we fight for?

Please go to www.owiebowwowie.net and donate today.

Please pass this blog onto everyone you know. Last call deserves a SHOUT OUT!

Onward by faith…

Exercising for Owie...

2010-04-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

Last week I came home from my part-time job at Keller Williams, and was getting ready to work my full-time job with Owie when I decided to eat some cake and ice cream before getting back to work. So, I dished up my snack and then turned on the television, (and I know I said out loud) “I'll only watch something for a minute.” The moment I turned on the television here was this guy exercising. As I ate my cake and ice cream I couldn't help but realize how fat I had become. I've been so busy working (at a computer) all day that I realized that reaching over to pick up a pencil was not considered exercising.

When I got done eating I turned off the television, came back to my computer and ordered the darn exercise program.

So, last night when I got home from work I yelled to my husband, “Did my box arrive?” When he told me that it did I ran in the house and ripped it open. I then changed into my stretchy clothes and inserted my DVD and began. Within a moment I realized why the exercise program is called, Insanity. One truly has to be insane to want to work that hard.

But… now I have an idea.

I've decided to exercise for Owie. Children are always running laps around the school yard for non-profits, so I decided that I'm going to do the same thing. I have 20 pounds to lose, and this exercise program is for 60 days.

So my question is, "Who would like to sponsor me $1.00 or more a pound?"

I have 60 days to lose 20 pounds, and every dime of it would go to Owie and Friends to give Owie's to children at CHLA.

I've decided it’s hard enough giving up ice cream and chocolate just so I can look better… there’s no incentive there, (I know I’ve been dieting for years) but if I do it for a child... there is where the incentive arrives.

Let me know if you want to donate and sponsor an OwieBowWowie, and help a child become the BIGGEST WINNER.

Onward towards the goal!

The importance of communication...

2010-02-04T13:54:00.001-08:00

Today I drove down to Hollywood and did a screen test for a host on a new television show. The show is going to be about religion. Not "a" religion, but many religions. A few weeks back I answered an advertisement for those who were passionate in what they believed, and had no intention of changing their belief and why.

Today I was interviewed by a man who is an Atheist. It was the most comfortable moment of my life. My husband used to be an Atheist, so I felt as if I knew this man. He had questions for me, that months ago, I would have ran out crying, but being that I've learned so much from my husband, I didn't run.

For the first time in my life I stood firm for what I believed and why.

And this is what I want to say...

As I was listening to him speak of the way Christians behave I saw much of what he was saying in me. Because I believe so strongly in what Jesus had to say about who He was, and is, I used to get defensive if someone didn't agree with me.

In my younger years I was one of those adults that got tired of watching people of religion fight about who they thought Jesus was, so one day I opened my ol' Bible, and simply said, "Jesus, who are you?" I read through the whole Bible (Old Testament and New) and what I personally found was Jesus telling me who He was. When I got done reading I didn't need to ask anyone else, or find a church that would explain to me the details of His life. I had read it. I had accepted it as the truth, and as the man who was interviewing me today for the show said... "Your name is Gina Woods, and you believe in Jesus Christ. Is that correct Gina?"

All I could say was, "Yes, my name is Gina Woods and I believe in Jesus Christ!"

The questions he had for me were amazing and insightful. Here's a man that doesn't not want to believe in something, he's just not seeing the something that I believe in. I believe that one day he will find the answers he is personally seeking.

The whole concept of the show is to take the major religions of the world, find a host to represent each religion, and let them talk it out.

I think the show is brilliant. That's why I went.

He also said, "You believe you belong to a superior group?" I replied, "I believe I belong to an elite group! I belong to a group of people who are sinners. I've seen them cheat, I've seen them lie, and I’ve seen them steal. I've seen them because I'm one of them. I'm as scattered as they come. I've been divorced. I've lied to those I loved because I was afraid to tell them who I was, or what I had done. I've done things I'm not proud of, but when I learned that everyone I know had something similar to share... I learned that my group was elite.

We are just individuals that (at times) make the wrong choices and “lead” people in the wrong direction, and that is why I personally follow Jesus. He’ll never lead me to the wrong place.

The reason I'm sharing all this is because I write to people all day long. That's seriously my job. I design toys for children who are ill. I pray for those who are dying, and at the end of each day someone I have met (either personally or through this contraption) has passed on.

So, after the interview that I had today I just wanted to say, "My name is Gina Woods, and I believe in Jesus Christ.

And if you'd like to tell me who you, and what you believe, I would love to hear from you.

Regarding the job-
It was the nicest thing I've ever done in my life. I got a call-back and got to chat with two Atheists, and again... I never had such a grand time. I got to talk to two of the nicest people one could ever meet, they just didn't agree with what I had to say, and I didn’t agree with what they had to say, but when we were done... we all agreed. It was great conversation. We each learned about the “real” person inside the body. They're finishing up the rest of the auditions, and will let me know if I got the job, and if not....

Onward by Faith

The Milestone

2010-02-03T06:33:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up and was thinking about the word: Milestone. The definition is: A stone marker set up on a roadside to indicate the distance in miles from a given point.

For months I've been stuck at a fork-in-the-road, and have been wondering if I've been heading in the right direction? Do I need to go back and retrace my steps? Take the other road?

Then I came to my milestone.

Understanding that we only leave markers so one: we can find our way back or, two: others will be able to follow. I had to figure out what my marker represented.

If I turn back today and never reach my destination then who will make sure that children who are alone in the hospital, receive their gift of comfort? AND... if I don't leave markers on how to get there, and something happens to me, how will others know which roads to take to keep going.

I guess that's what the fork-in-the-road means. We come to our milestone and we each have to decide to either turn back or keep going. It's not a question about taking the wrong road, it's a question of whether or not we can find the road we're supposed to be on, and stay the course.

So, today I'm marking this milestone, and leaving a message written on my rock!

My marker says, "ONWARD!"

What does your milestone say?

Onward by faith!

Dogs...

2010-02-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

Today I looked up on the shelf that houses photographs of my children, and within each frame was our dog, Nellie. It’s funny because whenever I would pose the children for a picture she would come behind them and pose too. It was as if she knew what a picture was, and she too wanted to be remembered. Nellie always happened to be wherever my children were. If we went to the grocery store, she rode along with us. If we went to the lake, she went too. From the moment I saw Nellie, I fell in love with her.

My ex-sister-in-law's dog was having puppies. I had never seen a dog give birth before so I asked her to please call me when she went into labor. When her dog began popping them out she called, and I grabbed my children and away we went. A miracle was happening, and I didn't want any of us to miss it. When we arrived we heard, “In here. She’s having another one.” This tiny, beautiful, white and black-spotted, Australian Shepherd had arrived, and after her mother had finished cleaning her off, she yawned... that was the moment I said, "We'll take her!" Six weeks later, Nellie came into our home, and our lives were never the same.

Nellie was something different for everyone, but each of our best friend. She drove with me to take the kids to school. She went down to the barn with me every morning as I fed all our farm animals. She would watch the baby pigs under the heat lamp, or lick one for me to help stimulate the baby's breathing. She would be wherever I needed her to be, and I loved her. When we had a Pumpkin Patch, and thousands of children would come, Nellie would wear her bandana around her neck and stroll around the pumpkins making sure no children were left behind. She was amazing.

A full-time helper with my children, I always felt at peace when my children would go off on our farm to play. I always knew that with Nellie by their side, they felt comfortable not being alone, and I felt comfortable knowing that Nellie would stay by their side, and never leave them alone. She would watch over them until they were either in the house safely, or I had come to collect them.

My children would tell you the same thing. Each of us, even though she's no longer with us, will always remember her. There's always that one special dog who wins your heart forever. Nellie went on to have her own puppies. We kept one of her daughter's, Bell. She too turned out to be as kind and loving as her mother. Then Nellie's granddaughter, Mollie, (Bell's daughter) turned out to be loving and kind, but not the smartest tool in the shed. We actually had given Molly away and the person who took her brought her back three days later saying, "This is the stupidest dog I have ever seen! She should be put down." We graciously took Molly back into our home, and she was with us for 15 more years. Between Nelly, Bell and Molly, my children never walked into their home without their best friends waiting for them.

It's funny how a moment can bring back a memory. This morning I came and turned on my computer and OwieBowWowie was sitting on my desk. When I looked over and saw him I said, "Good morning Owie." I immediately stopped, and realized that even though he's stuffed, he's truly comforting. For the past 5 years (since the first time I pulled him out of the box) he's been sitting on my desk. Just as Nellie was always next to me, Owie is always on my desk. There's comfort in knowing that whether it's a real dog or a stuffed one... what makes comfort real is that you can depend on it. You know it's going to be there for you when you walk through the door.

Each month there are over 1,000 children who are admitted into CHLA with a life-threatening illness, and 42-percent of those children don't have family or friends who are able to visit them. In order for us to make a delivery we need to donate no less than 100 OwieBowWowie's. That way each child will not be left out that day.

So, without even thinking I looked at Owie and asked him what he thought I should do. He didn't say anything, but I could see through his eyes that he's confident 100 donors will arrive soon.

Are you one? If so go to www.owiebowwowie.net to donate a gift of comfort to a child. Comfort is the best gift a child can received.

Onward by faith...

2010-01-30T07:02:00.000-08:00

It’s interesting how each person can have their own blog.

A web log: A place where a person can post their thoughts and wonder if anyone is actually reading it?

When I first started writing I didn’t quite understand that others could read what I had written. It’s almost like looking through someone’s window at night. The person in the house can’t see out into the darkness, but the person outside can see into the light.

That’s what blogs are to me. I’m in the house and my readers are standing outside watching my life unfold. Almost like a silent movie. Maybe I should start adding music to my blog, so depending on my mood… the scene will be set.

I also like writing because I’ve always worked from home. I was a hog farmer (for 20 years) and you try talking to a pig. They’ll squeal on you every time, but has for a conversation… Never happens.

I’ve decided to blog my business back to life. I need to pep talk myself into the how-to-get-to-the-next-level-of-where-Owie-needs-to-be!

In the past few weeks many people have shared their opinion with how I got to today. I’ve paid for the services of many, and I’m finding that what I paid for wasn’t as accurate as the amount they requested that I write on the check.

I’m learning the value of finding experts. My new motto is: Listen and verify!

And, since I like to share knowledge with others, did you know that if you log onto freecreditreport.com that their free credit report is not free. Nope. It’s not. Might look like it is, but it wasn’t. There’s a secret button that you press (or at least I pressed it) that said, TRY. I tried, but it still charged! Again… another lesson that nothing in life is for free!

Today I’m finishing up my 2009 financials, working on a presentation for an upcoming fundraising event and meeting with a wonderful woman from Cedars Hospital. Today is the beginning of the beginning. I’ve learned that in life nothing ever ends. The story just changes. I love that about life. Always and forever changing. It’s never too late to try something different!

And… is today the day you want to donate an OwieBowWowie for a child at CHLA? If so, please go to www.owiebowwowie.net.

Onward by faith…

Opening the door...

2010-01-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

In August of 2005, I had started a Just Mom House Cleaning Service. For $20.00 an hour I would arrive at a home, dressed in overalls, and toting my cleaning supplies.

I was on a mission. I had 500 OwieBowWowie's, and 400 BleuBlue Bunnies arriving at my home, and somehow, I had to pay for them. The day they arrived I was at work. My best friend, Melody, came over and waited for the UPS delivery. At 10:00 a.m. she called my cell and told me the truck had pulled into my driveway. Anxious to get home, but not yet finished with my cleaning, I had to clean as quickly as I could so I could get home.

OWIE HAD ARRIVED!

Today I was looking through pictures and found a few of when I first arrived home, and opened the door. Melody had grabbed my girls and the three of them carried the boxes inside. By the time the last box was brought in, there was no room for us to move around, but the first phase of my dream was complete, and sitting comfortably in my home.

The in-between part of these five years was all the research. Giving them to children in hospitals; having Child Life Specialists read the books, and watch the children interact with Owie.

Another big part of that time spent was my business plan. When I first started, what I thought my market was, and what my market turned out to be were two different things. I thought everyone would want to give to a child without my having to be a non-profit, but truth-be-told... that was not the case.

Now, I'm a non-profit; restructuring, adding new Board of Directors, and finding like-minded people who too want to give gifts of comfort to children at CHLA.

Last weekend I had a meeting gathering those who want to help make OwieBowWowie a success. Each of these people I will learn a great deal from. The one thing I’ve learned is to be truly successful; one needs to surround themselves with others who know much, and want to share their knowledge. When I walked into that meeting I only knew so much. When I walked out of that meeting, I knew more.

This is the “more” of what I learned. All I can do is what I know. I know comfort and I know how to write, so I’ve decided to write about what I know.

I know that I cannot do this without help. Just as Melody and my girls helped me by carrying in all those OwieBowWowie’s that day in August, now I need donors who will continue to help us carry them into CHLA. My prayer is that one day every child who is alone will receive their own personal OwieBowWowie.

Please log onto www.owiebowwowie.net if today is the day you want to give a gift of comfort to a child.

Onward by faith!

Don't Look Back... Your Life No Longer An Option

2010-01-27T23:48:00.000-08:00

There's a card in my office (actually, it's really a small space nestled inside my 600 sq. foot home)... but none-the-less, it's my office- now back to the card.

There's a card in my office that reads: Don't Look Back... Your life No Longer An Option. On the card is sketched a crossroad, and a young girl walking past the fork-in-the-road, carrying her nap sack and knowing there's no going back to where she came from. Every morning I come into my tiny space within my world, and I look at that card. There were moments... I believe when that card kept me going.

This evening I came in my office and there sat the card, only this time when I read it, it looked different. I felt as if the road I took was the wrong road, and that I have to look back so I can get to where I'm going, because I don't have much longer to get there.

Twenty years ago I had a dream, so I worked many jobs, put what money into the bank I could, and when I had just enough, I quit all my jobs and came home so I could show the world what my dream looked like.

My dream was to design a comfort toy so that children who were suffering from a life-threatening illness and were alone, would have a friend. The friend my heart designed is named, "OwieBowWowie". OwieBowWowie is a soft, plush dog with bandaids, made with love, and specifically for children in hospitals. He also comes with a blanket, activity/coloring book and is delivered in a carrying box.

Five years ago OwieBowWowie came to life, and from the moment I pulled him out of the box... I fell in love with giving comfort, and immediately shortened his name to "Owie".

The problem is... Owie needs help. I'm having to go get a full-time job because the expenses of giving are great! This evening I was sending out resumes, and I felt as if I was quitting. For a moment I felt as though I had let down the children who have no family or friends and are in need of an Owie. Now, I know he's just a stuffed, plush toy, but to me... he's more than that. He's a friend to those who have no friends when they are sick. He's a comforter. Listener... As long as someone loves him, he's real, and I guess I do. I love him, and all he represents.

A friend once said to me, "Owie is the cure!" She was right. The one thing we all need is love. Love always cures what ails us!

And the bottom line is this:

Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is in need of 1,000 OwieBowWowie's per month.(That's how many new patients they see. (Many of them with no family or friends who visit them.)

Northridge Hospital would like Owie to be given for their children who are physically abused (beginning from age 6 months to 18 years.) They need 2,000 per year. Many abused by those who are supposed to love and care for them. Again... lacking a comforting visitor while going through their emotional and medical treatment.

Cedar Sinai wants them...

The list goes on-and-on.

I've never in my life written anything like this before, but before I give up on giving gifts of comfort to a child that might not receive a visitor, with the possibility of passing on alone... I've got to ask.

If someone happens to read this tiny blog... please log onto: www.owiebowowowie.net and just buy one Owie. The cost is $35.00 and each Owie is hand-delivered to a child at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles.

If you can't do it, will you pass this onto a friend? Please pass this onto anyone you think would read it.

I know miracles happen every day, and Owie and I just need a small one!

Onward by faith...
Always,
Onward by faith...

The Circle of Life...

2009-11-04T06:48:00.000-08:00

Within my world of what I do, I'm surrounded by those who are losing the ones they love. Every week I receive at least one or two e-mails from a friend or an acquaintance who is getting ready to bury or has buried someone they love.

Within my world of what I do, I'm surrounded by those who believe different things. When one is faced with death, one takes the time to ask themselves what they believe.

Within my world of what I do, I too had to make my peace with my life and my death, because in the end of life all we have to leave the ones we love is who we were and what we stood for.

During my life I have read many things about life and death. I've read many biographies of those who lived before me, and I watch those who live amongst me. I read my worn ol' Bible daily, because I learned years ago, the majority of religions believe there was a Jesus, so for me... I decided to leave religion behind, and just read.

Today I read something in the book of Ecclesiastes that I found brought me comfort. It reminded me that each of us are just here for a certain amount of time, and that when we are gone all that will be left of us are the memories that others keep within their hearts. I've seen spouses remarry and love another. Others replace us within our jobs, and even our friends move on with their lives and we become but a memory.

Within my world there are children who are sitting alone right now who are dying of a terminal illness who need a friend. The older I get, and the more I understand that my time here is limited, I'm getting bolder to ask others to take a moment TODAY and donate an "OwieBowWowie" to a child. Ultimately the goal of the gift is so a child can see that someone remembered them. And when someone remembers us that is when fear is replaced with love.

From the Book of Ecclesiastes:

4 Generations come and generations go,
but the earth remains forever.

5 The sun rises and the sun sets,
and hurries back to where it rises.

6 The wind blows to the south
and turns to the north;
round and round it goes,
ever returning on its course.

7 All streams flow into the sea,
yet the sea is never full.
To the place the streams come from,
there they return again.

8 All things are wearisome,
more than one can say.
The eye never has enough of seeing,
nor the ear its fill of hearing.

9 What has been will be again,
what has been done will be done again;
there is nothing new under the sun.

10 Is there anything of which one can say,
"Look! This is something new"?
It was here already, long ago;
it was here before our time.

11 There is no remembrance of men of old,
and even those who are yet to come
will not be remembered
by those who follow.

And... I want to "thank-you" for taking the time to read my little BLOG. I believe each person who writes one is doing nothing more than:

Bringing
Love
Offering
Galanty

Please donate an "OwieBowWowie" to a child today: www.owiebowWowie.net

Onward!

It's a Wonderful Life

2009-10-20T05:15:00.001-07:00

I just had the most amazing dream, and I wanted to write it down as to never forget it.

My dream played out like the movie, It's a Wonderful Life. For those who don't remember that film, it takes place in the fictional town of Bedford Falls shortly after World War II and stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve gains the attention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers) who is sent to help him in his hour of need. Much of the film is told through flashbacks spanning George's entire life and narrated by Franklin and Joseph, unseen Angels who are preparing Clarence for his mission to save George. Through these flashbacks we see all the people whose lives have been touched by George and the difference he has made to the community in which he lives.

The movie was simple, sharing that one man made a difference in the lives of many, but what the movie didn't focus on was that in order for George Bailey to make a difference in the lives of others, others had endure hardships so George could make a difference in their lives.

In my dream, I was blessed to watch my life play out like the movie. I saw me reaching out to others when they needed help, and others reaching out to me when I needed help. It was exactly like the movie, the only difference was within the ending of my dream, it wasn't a room full of people coming together to bring me the prize, but a room full of people all sharing the prize.

I realized that it's not one person who makes life wonderful, it takes everyone. It takes the good with the bad. The ugly and the sad. The ups and the down, the sickness and the health. The richer and the poorer. It takes every bit of life to make life wonderful, and maybe dreams are not designed so we can see our future, but were designed so we can remember our past, and those who we passed through life with.

I just wanted everyone to know that if you're reading this, then you just became part of my life, and I want to thank you for helping to make it wonderful.

On Sunday, October 20, 2009, OwieBowWowie and Friends delivered 115 OwieBowWowie's to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and I'll bet you if I asked any one of the donors if they felt their life was wonderful because they gave a gift of comfort they would each say, "It's not the giving of their gift that makes their life wonderful, but the one who is receiving it."

Now, we're onto finding donors for the month of November. We only need 1,000. It truly is a wonderful life. And... everytime you become a donor you become an, "ArF AnGeL", and as George Baily was told from his guardian angel, Clarence, "Everytime a bell rings, and angel gets his wings."
Onward!

Right your life...

2009-10-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

Last evening I went and listened to Joni Eareckson Tada speak on "How to be a Christian In a Brave New World". For those who don't know who Joni is, she is the founder and CEO of Joni & Friends, an organization accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community.

Joni was in a diving accident in 1967, which left her a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, and unable to use her hands. After two years of rehabilitation, she re-entered her community with new skills and a fresh determination to help others in a similar situation. Joni penned her experiences in her international bestselling biography, Joni, and has been given numerous awards. She is the author of more than 35 books, but when she speaks she shares none of her words, but the words she has read from the Bible.

It's interesting to me how each person's life is unique. We each wake up in different places, go to different jobs, know different people, like different foods, enjoy different music, and have different beliefs.

During my life I've lived in many places, had many jobs, I've known many people. I'm not a big eater so my food choice is simple, and depending on what mood I'm in, depends on the music in which I listen to- BUT... the one thing that has never changed for me is my belief.

I have a non-profit that gives comfort to children. When I first started, I would give a toy, and a scripture to go with it. I never had a single complaint from anyone until I started giving them out in quantity, and that has always interested me. I never could understand how giving my heart through a scripture verse was offensive, especially when(to me) the words I was giving represented love and hope for those who were hurting.

In order for me to keep giving I had to take scripture out of the books. I had to be respectful to others,their thoughts and beliefs, and many of my friends could not believe that I would continue giving if I had to take my heart out of it.

I believe the one thing I've learned from knowing what I believe is that I can take scripture out of the books, but the Jesus that lives within my heart is there forever, and as long as He's within my heart... my gift still remains the same.

And, when each donor gives a gift of comfort to a child then they too are able to send their heart, and that is what makes the gift of giving such a personal thing.

Today my prayer is that everyone takes a moment to write your life, because when you are able to pen it on paper that is when you "right" your life. We each deserve the same love and respect to be able to be who we are... where we are...

Onward by faith...

Moving Onward...

2009-09-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I’ve been receiving personal e-mails, and phone calls from those I have yet to personally meet, but have met because our hearts seem to know each other.

People who are going through their own adversities of life―but are not quite sure how to deal with the emotional side of their issues.

Within my lifetime I have been blessed to experience many things. As I sit here reflecting on the moments that used to bring about heart palpitations, loss of sleep, and fear I am reminded that those moments are now just a beautiful memory. I believe with all my heart that the adversities we overcome are what show us the growth within our lives. Without something to compare our lives to, we would have nothing to see how much we’ve grown.

Being that I am in the comfort business I didn’t get here because I had no idea what it was like to need to be comforted. I arrived to today because I was searching for the meaning of comfort. I wanted to personally feel the definition of comfort: To soothe in time of affliction or distress, and what I learned firsthand, was that when I was able to soothe another during their time of affliction or distress, that is when I received the effects of comfort.

It will be four years in January that I quit my job to start OwieBowWowie and Friends. The dream of soothing a child during their time of affliction or distress was something my heart needed to do.

Before my surgery I had forgotten the reason I had started OwieBowWowie and Friends. I was getting so caught up in the bills, the paperwork, the Government hoops, the economy, the naysayers, and for a moment my anxiety began to get the best of me. It almost killed my dream.

Now, nearly six weeks after my surgery I can see why I needed to have the surgery. It wasn’t to remove the tumor, but to remove my stress. It was to bring me back to the place where my dream began, and remind me to not let the fear of the unknown stop me, but move me.

Wherever you are today don’t let the fear of the unknown get it your way… Knock it out of your way, and then move “Onward!”

Now for the rest of the story...

2009-09-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Five weeks ago, on August 19, 2009, I got up at 4:30 a.m., and was at the hospital by 6. Within a few hours I would be prepped and wheeled in for surgery, and I learned that morning that within all of life's uncertainties I can pen that my heart had no clue what my outcome would be.

When the nurse was done taking my vitals and inserting my I.V., I pulled my "OwieBowWowie" out of my overnight bag and gave him a hug. I wanted to see if the comfort we provide children in hospitals actually worked. I wondered if their cuddly form and cute face would give me the hope and comfort that children need before they go through their surgery and too wonder about their outcome.

I was pleasantly surprised when I held my "OwieBowWowie" in my arms and he did. He made me smile.

When I awoke from the anesthesia I felt something lying on my chest. Not able to completely open my eyes, I reached down to feel what was upon me. When I was able to sense its softness, I knew that "OwieBowWowie" was right there with me. As I pulled him up (where I could see him) I smiled. For the first time in my life I was able to experience what the children feel when they too wake up from their medical procedure holding their "OwieBowWowie". It was a moment in time I will never forget.

A few hours later, while I was still in recovery, I asked the nurse who put "OwieBowWowie" in my arms. She said that all the nurses were wondering the same thing.

I believe that there are angels’ amongst us, and sometimes it takes an angel to remind us the importance of what we do, and why we do it.

I was very lucky after my surgery to receive the news that my tumor had no sign of cancer, and that I would be able to leave the hospital knowing that my surgery was a success.

Unfortunately, I ended up having a minor setback, and am slow to get back to work, but as I get stronger my heart is more eager to comfort children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

The one thing I did learn is age does not bring declining in fear. There is no age that escapes the uncertainty of it, and maybe even children are better at handling fear than sometimes we adults are. I know for me I was afraid of my life ending too soon, and not because I am afraid to die, but because I want to watch my children grow old, and their children enjoy their youth.

I once met a little girl named Jenny. She and I had become friends and she had no family. Her doctor needed to tell her that she had brain cancer and wanted me to sit with her in the event she needed a mother's hug. The doctor bent down and in a playing (French) accent said, "Mademoiselle Jenny. I want you to know that I'm sorry, but you are sick, and have cancer in your brain. I'm going to have to do surgery to make you all better. Do you understand what it is that I'm saying?" Jenny looked over at me smiling and then looked back at her doctor and said, "Oh sure... I'm not mad as hell, I'm just sick!"

We should all look at the world in such a way!

Onward by faith...

Somewhere Over the Rainbow...

2009-08-05T15:42:00.001-07:00

On June 1, 2009, I got up and went to (what I thought would be) a simple doctor's appointment.

On June 2nd, I found myself in an unfamiliar place, having to have an ultrasound. Not knowing what would the outcome would be. I decided I would allow myself to enjoy the journey. Whatever may come... I'll accept!

On June 9th I received a phone call from my doctor sharing the news that I was to see an Oncologist. It wasn't what I wanted to hear, but knowing that I had promised myself I would accept whatever may come... I made my appointment, and decided to enjoy the rest of my day. What a wonderful day that was.

On July 25th, I found myself, again... in an unfamiliar place. I was placed in tube, dye was inserted into my body, and a doctor would look beneath my skin to see what was to come next!

On July 28th, I found out that only a biopsy will give me the answers the doctors and I are seeking, and within a matter of weeks I will find out whatever may come!

I believe that this has truly been the best experience I have ever had. Being that I design and manufacture comfort toys for children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, I've been able to experience (first hand) what the more than 20 million children (per year) go through daily. They each wake up wondering... what may become of their day!

I also realized that there's nothing better than being given the gift of a childhood. When I was a child I used to love watching the movie, The Wizard of Oz. The movie was simple. About a little girl name Dorothy, who lived on a farm with her uncle and aunt; but dreamed of a better place, "somewhere over the rainbow". But after a dream, she quickly learns... there's no place like home!

I believe that's what I've learned too. We might think the world has something better for us, but when we are finally face-to-face with adversity what we truly learn is There's no place like home.

I feel like I finally understand why each of us follow our "Yellow Brick Roads". We each have a different road to take, and as soon as I'm well enough... you can bet that I'm going to set out to find others who will help me give gifts of comfort to children who are looking:

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high,
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star, and wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
Away above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.

Somewhere over the rainbow,Bluebirds fly.
Birds fly over the rainbow.
Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow...
Why, oh why can't I?

Now, I'm off to find the Tin Man, The Lion and the Scarecrow, because it takes many friends to reach our destination!

Onward by faith...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0-um0pHTAg&feature=related

Remembering...

2009-07-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today I looked around my office and it seems that "my" space is occupied by words:

"BELIEVE"

"FAITH"

"HOPE"

"LOVE"

"INSPIRE"

"IMAGINE"

"DESIRE"

"BEAUTY"

"REACH"

"SMILE"

"HUGS""

"CHANGE"

"JOURNEY"

"ONWARD!" Etc...

As I looked around and read each word I could remember the exact moment when I placed it in "my" space. My vision. Where I could (at a moments notice) be reminded of what I was seeking.

When I was done "remembering" I took OwieBowWowie outside and placed him in a tree. I sat with him in silence and asked myself this one simple question, "Why?" Why, in everything I could have done with my life... why an "OwieBowWowie!"

When I found the answer to the question I was seeking, I snapped his picture and placed it on my desk.

I simply wanted to change the world... one "owie" at a time.

Now, onward to finding those who want to change the world with me!

What made you buy an OwieBowWowie for a child?

2009-07-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks I have been meeting with those within the Corporate world, and my meetings all seem to end the same way. Each person posing the same question.

"How are these OwieBowWowie's profitable?"

It seems my definition of "profitable" and the "profitable" world in which I'm living are two very different definitions.

I would truly like to know why you choose to purchase and donate an OwieBowWowie to a child at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. I know why I started this non-profit, but I would just like to know why you chose to donate a gift of comfort.

We all give for different reasons, but in the end... the result are the same. Someone was remembered. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Onward!

And I think to myself... what a wonderful world!

2009-07-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

Louis Armstrong was correct when he recorded the song, "What a Wonderful World". Written by: Bob Thiele and George David Weiss.

The song reads:

I see trees of green........ red roses too-

I see them bloom..... for me and for you-

And I think to myself.... what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue..... clouds of white-

Bright blessed days....dark sacred nights-

And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world.

The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty in the sky-

Are also on the faces.....of people going by-

I see friends shaking hands.....sayin' how do you do-

They're really sayin'... I love you.

I hear babies cry... I watch them grow-

They'll learn much more...than I'll never know-

And I think to myself .....what a wonderful world .

Yes, I think to myself... what a wonderful world!

Today I watched as the world seemed to bury a man whose theme in life was to never grow up. He lived in a place called, "Neverland" and seemed to long for each moment that he was able to be a child.

As I watched the world rally to get a seat at his memorial I realized the importance of getting the gift we simply call "childhood". Of being able to play in peace, and without being followed in each moment of an ordinary day. Being able to see all the things that are within our "Wonderful World".

Every day I think about all the children that spend their childhood in-and-out of hospitals and I wonder if they think to themselves, "What a wonderful world..."

A shared secret... If you get a moment to donate an"OwieBowWowie" for a child today, please do so. Some children truly live in "Never" land... because they don't. They don't get the opportunity to grow up. Please help us bring these children the comfort they so deserve!

A Mother's Day gift to remember...

2009-05-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

As I wrote last Wednesday, my youngest daughter moved out. After 25 years of parenting I found myself at a crossroad and wasn’t sure which route to take. As I was going about my day I stopped at the post office and begrudgingly went in to get my mail. I wasn’t doing anything quickly, and all I could honestly think about was where did my past 25 years go?

Grabbing my mail I happened to notice that there was an envelope addressed to Mom. I quickly opened the letter and when I pulled out the card I cried. My middle daughter, Heidi, lives in Santa Cruz, and had mailed me a handmade card with a picture of the two of us. The year of the photograph was 1992. Heidi was six years old and we were at the Nevada County Fair in Northern California. At the end of our day Heidi and I rode the Ferris Wheel together. Heidi loves horses, and I when I saw the ol’ photograph I could remember the exact moment when she kissed me and said, “I love you mommy. Thank you for riding the horse with me.”

When I came home I immediately put the card by my desk, and have been thinking about the significance of that picture. My children all had a mother who rode the carnival rides with them. Took them to the park, and watched all their recitals. They each had a mother who took them to the doctor when they were ill, and sat up with them in the night waiting for their fever to break. My children had a mother when they needed one the most, and all of a sudden my passion to comfort children hit me like a ton of bricks.

There are nearly 8 million children a year who do not have a mother or father to comfort them when they are sick, and uncertain. No one to give them the kisses and hugs they so desire, and this is where I need your help.

Mother’s Day is just a day away, and I was hoping that this Mother’s Day you would donate an “OwieBowWowie” to a child at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles in the name of your mother. Being a mother myself, that’s exactly what I want my children to do. Give to a child who has no one to give a gift to.

Please log onto http://www.justmom.net/ and give today, and please forward this tiny request to everyone that you know!

I promise to let you know when your comfort has been delivered, and I promise the child you give a gift of comfort to will never forget the moment someone reached over and kissed their heart!

“Loving a child is a circular business… the more you give, the more you get, the more you get, the more you give.” Penelope Leach

The importance of giving...

2009-05-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

Last week my youngest daughter moved out, and all of a sudden I understood what an empty nest looked like. I immediately found myself reflecting over the past 25 years of my life.

What I saw in my "reflection" was my "affection" for my children, and all of a sudden letting go didn't seem to hurt.

A few days later my daughter called me. She had become quite ill and needed her mother. I quickly got in my car and drove to her aid, and all of a sudden I started thinking about the 8 million children a year who are diagnosed with a terminal illness who do not have a mother to come to them when they need them the most, and I realized the value of what it is I've been trying to do.

There's nothing greater to a child than knowing that someone loves them that much.

Each day all I can do is pray that somehow; my tiny blog, web site, and e-mails of my heart will be read by others who want to help, and as each person comes forward to help... another child will know that someone loved them that much!

Onward by faith...

www.justmom.net

Listening to the needs of other...

2009-02-15T08:02:00.000-08:00

The other day I called a woman who lived in New York. She was in need of something, and when I heard about her need I actually had something that I could give. I tried e-mailing her, and the e-mail bounced back. I tried calling her, but the phone just rang. Finally I e-mailed a friend who knew her and asked her to give the woman my number and call me. Within 15 minutes the woman called, and for the next 20 minutes I sat in silence as I listened to her tell me all that she needed. When I finally had a moment to speak... and I truly only said, "Well, you know..." before I was interrupted.

She then said, "Okay Gina, I have to run, but if you know of anyone who can help me, please have them call. I have to go!" She hung up before I could even explain to her that I had called to help her, and because she was so busy talking she missed what she needed.

So, in my attempt to collect donations for the children who are at Childrens Hospital I'm going to share that I need to find those who would like to give a gift of comfort to a child. We are a 501(c)(3) so your needs of being given a tax donation are provided for, and when you purchase a toy for a child their need of a gift of comfort will be provided for.

If anyone ever reads this tiny blog, and would like to call me and share that you would love to help, I promise you... I will listen! (805) 497-0534.

Onward!

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step...

2008-12-17T15:45:00.000-08:00

Every day I take a moment to read through ol' books and publications to read the thoughts of others. I love to read what others think

20 years to arrive to today!

2008-12-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

People open their business in order to sell things. They hope to become busy so that they will have to enlarge their business, then sell more things, and grow rich, and eventually not have to come into their place of business at all. Isn't that true?

But, are there other people who open a shop with the hope of being sheltered there, among such things as they most value- friends or tea cups or books- and with the idea only of making a comfortable assertation? They will become part of the block, a part of the street, part of everybody's memories. They will sit and drink coffee in the middle of the morning. They will get out the familiar bits of tinsel at Christmas. They will wash the windows in spring before spreading out new stock. Shops, to these people, are what a cabin in the woods might be to somebody else- a refuge and justifications. Written by: Alice Munro, from "Open Secrets".

How exciting it is to finally to be able to share with others a simple way of comforting the hurts and hearts of children. Just Mom's journey is actually just beginning. It took nearly two-decades to arrive here. Today we will begin reaching out to others, and if you happen to find us before we find you, please don't hesitate to reach out and contact us. Onward by faith... Gina

We pray "Just Mom" becomes a place where others can find comfort. Whether you're on the giving end or the receiving end... "Welcome!" www.justmom.net