The Polar Plunge -Melbourne Copsicles

Hello Everyone! Well, I am wasting no time with what time I am granted. This year, I will be dedicating more focus to the Special Olympics, beginning with the Polar Plunge this weekend. Members of the Melbourne Police Department, including myself, will be taking the icy cold plunge into an ice filled wave pool at Disney's Aquatica.

Special Olympics supports intellectually challenged children throughout their entire lives, and funds are raised through law enforcement activities and sponsorships. I ask that if you can, please donate a dollar, or two, or whatever you can spare, to our team, "The Melbourne Copsicles" so we can our part to support these amazing kids and adults.

From my own challenges this past year, I can tell you this; I would not have been able to do much at all had I not had the support, mental and physical of my family, my friends, and YOU. So this has quickly become near and dear to me and I feel that God is using me to help support this and other upcoming events for this wonderful group.

Remember when I said I wanted to run a half-marathon in 2010? Well, when April rolls around and we do our part of the Special Olympics torch run - guess who will be running with the group? Yep, yours truly - that is how committed I am to this project to help others in need. I hope that you find, in your heart, to help me help them. I will post pictures as the events unfold. You can donate on our page at: http://www.firstgiving.com/arlatweedy

Thanks so much and God bless you!

January 12, 2010

Wow - January 12th and by the grace of God, I'm feeling fairly good! I did 30 minutes on the exercise bike and another 20 on the treadmill! I know it might not sound like much, especially coming from me - a retired soldier, but, 3 months ago, I could hardly sit up by myself,or walk to the mailbox without great pain.

I can't describe the joy I feel inside - I'm just so excited to wake up each morning... I don't ever want to lose this amazing feeling - what a gift. I started back to school to finish my Master's Degree, and although I'm taking what I hear is probably the hardest course, I'm not afraid....I'm diving in and giving it my all!! WOOHOO! And....keeping my fingers crossed.... :)

Whew, now if I can just keep the energy spurts coming!! LOL Happy January!!

Already this year, my thoughts are with so many whose health has not been so good as of late. My brother Johnny, my brother-in-law Hassell, my sister, who is having a knee replacement soon, Ms Shirley K, a veteran, who passed away yesterday, and Adrienne, who continues her battle with breast cancer. I saw Adrienne today and she looked beautiful. I know she didn't feel so great, but she is a woman of faith, and it was clear to me that God's armor is protecting her....

My brother had open heart surgery and is holding his own and my brother-in-law had two stints put in today; thankfully they are doing better, and my sister is looking forward to walking without pain once again after her surgery.

I believe, that even when we think, and wish, and hope, things were different, that all is as it should be in the world as it is HIS plan, and we must keep the faith and believe in HIS love for us. HE has given me a new inspiration to live and love each day, and so be it - I am, one minute, every minute, at a time, and it's a great feeling!!

Love to all~

The New Year

Well, the holidays were a joy, albeit busy, but I savored every single moment as I realize things could have been different this year.

I am still under doctor's care and require yet another surgery, but it should go smoothly. I have an upcoming CT Scan that will likely determine whether there is anything else going on in my body - that and a CA15-3 blood test. Personally, I "feel" all is good.

My co-worker's daughter got great news - in lieu of being a Stage 4, they staged her at a 2B. The difference in the two stages is vast and could very well be the difference in her life. I was so pleased upon hearing her news that even though I don't really know the young woman, it overwhelmed me into tears.

My thoughts for the New Year are this - maybe in the past, I was just moseying and getting by, but I am more determined than ever to really live life and not just merely exist in it. (I recently heard that from a friend)....

I hope that you too choose to enjoy and savor every single moment you are granted - life changes so quickly. Thank God for all the miracles....

Cheers to the years ahead! Happy New Year and love to all!!