THE BLESSING- AND CURSE- OF A TO-DO LIST

When you’re in charge of more than one person, say by running a business or keeping track of kids, it helps to collect and organize information about everyone’s schedules, be it in a list or calendar. Externalizing your daily priorities clears some space in your head for other things that need to happen, or, in other words, helps your mind stay sane and uncluttered. Making a to-do list should be more empowering than disheartening, but toeing that line can feel like walking a tight rope. Between work for Wish with the Sky Foundation and being a mother of 4, here are some insights I’ve learned over the years.

Having everyone’s schedules in one place is a blessing. In a perfect world, you wouldn’t have last-minute meetings or pull out important flyers from your child’s backpack the night before something important is happening, or other unpredictable event like car trouble or illness. The beauty of a to do list is that you can ideally shift around your priorities to accommodate these snafus. It can also be a nice reference point that brings you back to center when those outside forces come into play- all you have to do is refer to your list and get back on track!

When your to-do list starts becoming a script for your life, or you start getting anxiety around completing all the items in a given day, you have probably crossed the line from helpful into harmful. If writing down a list of what you have to do in a given day is stressful, it might be time to find a new approach to getting organized. You may even consider breaking up with to-do lists altogether- and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. You might consider reimagining the way you approach a to-do list. One alternative is the 1-3-5 list, where you pick one “big” thing, 3 medium level things, and 5 small things that you will accomplish. For other alternative list structures, take a look at this article from Work Awesome.

Rather than nixing to do lists altogether, it might be a good idea to build in some balance. Create some time, be it a couple hours each day, or setting aside the weekend, to be agenda-less. It doesn’t mean you have to float around and do nothing, just that you mentally free yourself from creating a list. After all, an agenda does not make life any more or less important. Let yourself (and your kids) enjoy a bit of time here and there without worrying what you’re supposed to go to next.

Moderation is the key. For the important things, like meetings, practices, rehearsals, etc., it’s important to keep track of what’s going on. But if every waking moment is dictated by this list, it will start to feel more like a burden than a tool. Life wasn’t meant to be an itemized list of things to check off! Not accomplishing everything you’d initially hoped to in a day is ok- you are wherever you need to be in a given moment. The to-do list is a guide, not a rulebook.

COPING WITH TRAGEDY

“Hate. It has caused a lot of problems in the world, but it has not solved a one yet” -Maya Angelou

There’s a lot of madness going on around the world, our country, and sometimes even our own backyards. It can be a tough pill to swallow, and even more difficult to have conversations about tragic events to young children. In light of recent events, here are some ideas on coping with events and teaching our children to do the same.

For many people, being proactive is an important part of making sense of and overcoming tragedy. Rather than staying stuck in the past, or the problem, becoming proactive helps you look for a solution and focus on the things you can change. It also forces you out of your own head, which is important to tap into but is easy to get stuck in during periods of grieving. Volunteering or reaching out to others are great ways to do this.

It’s okay to grieve. While there’s certainly something to be said for “going through the motions,” bottling your emotions hinders your recovery process from a tragic event. Feel what you need to feel, without judgement. If you have kids, allowing yourself to do this encourages them to grieve as well. Another important part of the process is allowing others to help you if you need it. Many of us feel the need to shoulder our burdens and grief, isolating them for fear that they will spread and contaminate the lives of others. It’s a normal fear, but unnecessary. If these people were struggling, you would want to help them in some way- so let them help you if they offer.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers-so many caring people in this world” (Fred Rogers). Remember that for all the grief and terrible events that occur, both isolated and everyday, that there are good people in the world who are willing to help. That’s one of the only things that restores faith in humanity and the world- remembering and being able to find the truly good things. And in times of confusion, it’s a good for children to understand that when there is bad, there is just as much good surrounding us.

When something tragic happens on a larger scale, it can make our individual efforts feel almost insignificant. Who cares if I donated a pint of blood? What difference does my volunteer work make? No one person can save the whole world, but our individual efforts do add up. And when it comes down to it, the most important thing you can do is surround yourself with the people you love at home, because the world always needs more love: “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family” (Mother Teresa).

THOUGHTS ON EXPRESSING GRATITUDE

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, it is the parent of all others”- Cicero

Gratitude lists and journals are often suggested as a “pick me up” for people to get out of their own head. It’s a great exercise, and many people report that it works. The idea is to actively acknowledge what we are grateful for, which will help bring those positive feelings to our awareness and shift our mindset from the negative to the positive. Doing something every day to express gratitude- whether it’s using a gratitude journal, calling someone to thank them for their presence in your life, or simply saying “thank you” can help shift your mood.

The first step in expressing gratitude is to tap into the things you are grateful for, no matter how simple or trivial. Like anything else, this might require a bit of practice, and if you’re having a particularly difficult time in general, it may take a bit more work.

The next step is to find a way to channel it: “Gratitude requires awareness and effort not only to feel it but to express it” Bonnie D. Parkin. Some ideas for expressing gratitude include journaling, writing a letter, making a phone call, or paying it forward somehow. Gratitude journals have gained a lot of popularity recently (after all, Oprah has one!). If you decide to go that route, it’s recommended to make an entry 1-3 times a week. It doesn’t necessarily need to be an every day thing. Be diligent but don’t make it a chore- otherwise you risk making it a chore. You should set aside some time each day to write in your gratitude journal, but give yourself a range of items rather than a set amount (like 3-5). If you have more, great- don’t put a cap on it!

Why express gratitude? Anne Lamott explains it in this quote: “Gratitude is peace.” Having and showing gratitude have been linked to increased positive feelings, including optimism. In the wake of a terrible day, just being aware that you have a few things to be grateful for can give you a surge of good feelings- enough to know that it will all turn out alright, no matter what is happening at this moment: “When you change the way you look at things the things you look at change” (Dr. Wayne Dyer). Expressing gratitude can also increase our feelings of interconnectedness. No matter what method you choose- writing, praying, speaking to another- you sometimes experience a surge of compassion for certain people in your life. If that’s the case, you may even want to reach out to them and let them know!Expressing gratitude is an easy way to snap out of a bad mood. It also allows you to foster feelings of optimism, goodwill, connection, and overall positivity. Another bonus of gratitude is that it can be expressed in a variety of ways. I’ve given some examples above, but trust me- there are many more! If you cannot find anything to be grateful for, consider this quote: “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude” (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

BEING A ROLE MODEL

“Children learn more from what you are than what you teach” -W.E.B. DuBois


One of the most terrifying things about raising children is that you have a constant audience. Whether you realize it or not, your children watch you from day one. They’re picking up on your actions, and we only really notice when it gets parrotted back to us. Maybe you catch someone trying to put on lipstick, stomp around in someone else’s shoes, or repeat a word that you really hoped they didn’t hear. It’s in those moments that you realize how much of an impact you have on them. You’re their role model, their example of what it is to be an adult and be human. Like I said, terrifying. We are so aware of our perceived faults and inadequacies, it’s difficult to take a step back and remember that to our children, we are the example.


Just because we have a constant audience doesn’t mean we need to bear the burden of trying to be perfect all the time. This can do more harm than good, because we’ll inevitably fall short (to our own chagrin). Seeking perfection is a journey with no destination, an impossible task. It’s okay to be flawed, as long as you have a positive attitude, treat yourself and others with kindness and respect, and simply do the best you can with what you have- that’s what really matters. “There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent” Mahatma Gandhi


One overlooked aspect of parenting is the relationship we have with ourselves. You know the saying “You can’t feed others from an empty cupboard?” It’s true- if you don’t at least have a little love to give yourself, where will you find it for others? Another difficult truth- children will notice if you do not have a positive relationship with yourself, and this sometimes shapes their own concepts of self-love. It’s an instance of leading by example, like telling our kids to wear their seatbelts- it’s probably a good idea to put our own seatbelt on, as well. Along those lines, we can tell our kids it’s important to love yourself, but it doesn’t carry a lot of weight if we’re not demonstrating it. It’s all a learning process: “It’s not only children who grow. Parents do, too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it myself.” -Joyce Maynard


Although at times it seems as though your children never listen, they are certainly always watching: “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them”- James Baldwin. We may not be perfect role models for our children all the time, but if we are mindful about our words and actions on a daily basis, we can provide them with dedicated parents worth imitating from time to time.

PERFECTING THE ART OF COMPASSION

“See the light in others, and treat them as if it is all you can see”- Dr. Wayne Dwyer

Somedays, you feel as if you’ve reached the end of your rope. You spilled coffee as you herded your children out the door, simultaneously leaving your lunch on the counter, getting cut off in traffic when you were already running late…And all these little things add up, draining you of your patience and overall goodwill. By the time you get to work, or class, or wherever it is you need to be, you have officially decided “It’s going to be a terrible day.” And, because of this decision, you may take it out on others who you encounter through the rest of the day.

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise, but once you have mentally taken on the attitude that it will be a terrible day, guess what? You have just vastly increased your odds of having a terrible day. But what’s a person to do when it feels as though the world is conspiring to put you in a terrible mood and derail you? Perhaps practicing compassion, as crazy as it may seem!

First and foremost, remember to be compassionate towards yourself on these days. After all, you are human and cannot be expected to have perfect days all the time! If you lost your temper or said something unkind, try not to let it be a dark cloud on the remainder of your day. Take a breath, apologize to anyone you need to, and forgive yourself. When we think of compassion, we often overlook ourselves. Some might think it is selfish, but think about it: you cannot feed others from an empty cupboard. If you don’t practice compassion towards yourself, you can’t truly give it to others.

Second, if it is another person who is testing you (perhaps the person who cut you off in traffic earlier in the morning), remember that they are humans too, and for all we know, they could be having a rough morning as well. So, before you fly off the handle at the next person who rubs you the wrong way, take another deep breath (or two or three- there’s no such thing as too many deep breaths). Remind yourself that this person has thoughts and feelings too, and is fighting a battle that you cannot see or know about. Just as the quote at the beginning of the post suggests, this person has an inner light and redeeming qualities that make them lovable. Remind yourself of this, and love them in spite of their limits. Eventually, the anger or resentment you feel towards them in that moment will leave. It may take some time, but you will feel all the better knowing that you acted from a place of compassion rather than anger.

When we practice compassion in our daily lives, no matter how trying or difficult the day may seem, we become better people and the world becomes a better place for it. Some final words of wisdom to take with you today: “Let us fill our hearts with our own compassion- towards ourselves and towards all living beings” Thich Nhat Hanh

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4 (NIV)

       Our shield of faith is very important. "Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." Ephesians 6:16  When we think of the word shield, we envision soldiers holding off their enemy and using their shield to block incoming attacks, no matter what direction they might come from. This is exactly true, as we need to be sure our own armor is deployed every second of the day.
       When speaking of faith, Jesus said if you had faith as a mustard seed you would be able to speak to a mountain and it would move. We know that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen. Sometimes we might pray for something in faith and when it is not answered in the timeframe we would like, we start to question God. The truth is God knows what's best for us and we must learn to trust in Him, even when He doesn't do what we ask.
      The story of  Peter in the Bible is a good example of the power of using our faith and the outcome of not trusting in God. The disciples were inside a boat watching and were afraid when they saw Jesus walking on the lake. They actually thought he was a ghost! Peter called out to Jesus, "Lord if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," Jesus replied. Peter got out of the boat and was walking toward Jesus. Everything was fine until he felt the wind and saw the waters moving. He became afraid and started to sink. "Save me!" he cried out. Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter. "You of little faith," He said to his disciple. "Why did you doubt?"
      The story shows when Peter trusted Jesus, ignited his faith, and focused on God, he did fine walking out on the water. It wasn't until Peter had given in to his fear that he started to sink.
      As we all pass through our own floodwaters in life, finding refuge in Jesus and activating our shield of faith is key in holding our own head above water. When we stay in faith, no matter how long it might take, God sees our pain and will bring us through what we are facing.
"I will go before thee and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron." Isaiah 45:2 (KJV)

                                            

MAURICE LAMKIN JR. AMELIORATION ACT PETITION IS NOW READY TO SIGN!

"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete." --R. Buckminster Fuller--

    I hope everyone is having a great evening! The Maurice Lamkin Jr. Amelioration Act Petition, to bring about much needed Flu Vaccine reform, is now ready to sign! Please watch our new video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KvqvTWSqz8 and then visit www.flushotgonewrong.com too sign the petition! Thank you for the continued support and Together, we CAN make a difference in people's lives!                    
                                                       

Through Tragedy Comes Good

'Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed." -- Psalm 57:1

   Our journey has definitely been like a roller coaster ride of sorts ---going uphill, downhill, and many twists and turns along the way. I often think of the song, 'Need You Now' by Plum:

                              "Standing on a road I didn't plan
                                  Wondering how I got to where I am
                              I'm trying to hear that still small voice
                                  I'm trying to hear above the noise

                               How many times have you heard me cry out
                                    "God please take this"?
                               How many times have you given me strength to
                                      Just keep breathing?
                                        Oh I need you
                               God, I need you now."

     The words in this song have often rang true for many of us. Whether standing on a road we didn't plan or completely blindsided by unforeseen circumstances, life can all too often leave us broken and bewildered.  During certain periods, when we find ourselves treading through the darkest moments, it's not always clear how to dust ourselves off and figure out how to rearrange the now shattered pieces. We know in this world bad things do happen to good people all too often, and when tragedy does strike, it knows no race, color, or creed. It is then we must dig down deep inside ourselves to a place we didn't even know existed and muster up every ounce of strength and courage. The many miracles and blessings witnessed along our own life changing passage has forever impacted me in so many ways and has shown the importance of staying in faith, especially in the moments it seemed pointless to do so!
     As we know from many stories in the Bible, sometimes the greatest things can come out after people have went through their hardest tribulations. Look at what happened when Moses was in the desert for forty years. When he finally was called out by God, he went on to successfully complete one of the greatest deliverance missions there is.
      As we all pass through our own floodwaters in life, finding refuge in Jesus is the key to being able to hold our head above water. We have to remember, no matter how tremendous the pain and grief might be, we are still in control of our reactions in those trying times. You may ask yourself, as I did so many times before, "How can I keep going?", "Is there really a light at the end of this tunnel?" These questions can be very perplexing, especially when the tunnel seems never ending. I believe the answers lie in our ability to stay in faith through all of the agony and tears. When it feels as if we can't give anymore and have reached our wit's end, God reveals a way for us to reach the light.
      I knew my son, Maurice's, life was meant to touch others. I hoped his story would one day make a difference in people's lives. Over the years, in the midst of the greatest obstacles/adversities of my life, I prayed for God to show me the best ways to accomplish this.
      I felt God laid it on my heart to start a nonprofit organization that would grant wishes to brain injured children and also to write the book about my son's story. The Maurice Lamkin Jr. Brain Injury Foundation was soon founded www.wishforthesky.com and I then worked diligently to complete, 'Flu Shot Gone Wrong,' an unvarnished account of how my son's life was transformed perpetually after receiving the vaccine and the love, faith, miracles, and countless lessons learned along the way www.flushotgonewrong.com ! At first, I wasn't sure I'd be able to convey the right words or even have enough energy to complete such a task. I thought to myself, How can I do this with no formal writing training ?--- I'm just A Mom ---
      A Mom who finds pleasures in the simpler things of life---that first cool sip of iced tea, gazing wondrously at a rainbow, and tucking the kids into bed at night.
     A Mom who would give anything for her children and never expect to travel down such a tortuous road.
     A Mom guided by God and on a mission to help her fellow mankind and have the story of my precious son heard.
      I soon realized that the book was one of the ways God would use to reach out to people, so for the next year and a half, I worked assiduously at it. Every word I've written has been like reliving our journey all over again. I am still amazed with God's astounding goodness, and He has opened my eyes even more through my writings.
      I am very excited to announce that the official release date for 'Flu Shot Gone Wrong' is March 10, 2015. You can now order copies and e Book download cards on the Tate Publishing website at: https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781633671256 ! My hopes are for people to become more informed when deciding whether the flu shot is right for their child or loved one, and will also benefit from our experience. It is my prayer that Maurice's story will inspire you to never give up and to know, no matter what trials may come against you, God loves you and will never leave your side! God has promised us beauty for our ashes and wants us to lean on Him in our greatest times of suffering. We must always remember that when you stay in faith, God turns tragedy into good.
   "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20
     
                                           

The Truth Behind the Flu Shot

As parents we are often faced with tough decisions regarding our children's well being. We love our kids and will protect them by any means necessary. The heated debate of whether or not to vaccinate our children is one that has been around for longer than you might think. Benjamin Franklin noted in his autobiography that he lost a child to smallpox and regretted not getting him the inoculation for it beforehand. Whether for religious or personal reasons, this decision is one a parent definitely struggles over. I never really thought of the possible dangers from vaccines until my first born sons' life was transformed perpetually after receiving the Flu Shot. I of course had empathized and prayed for families with vaccine horror stories, but never did it actually hit home until my first born lie on Life Support forty days and nights, shortly after receiving the Influenza Vaccine. Witnessing him go from a happy, healthy little boy who loved to sing and dance to a child  plagued with hospital stays, developmental set backs, and never the chance of caring for his self again... has definitely put me into the anti-vaccine category. Our journey caused me to do thorough research on the safety of vaccines, with an emphasis on the safety of the Influenza Vaccines. I am a firm believer in Genesis 50:20 'You intended to harm me, but God meant it for good, to bring about the saving of many lives' I pray that by the sharing of my son's story and our families journey, people will benefit from our experience. If Maurice's story keeps even one person from experiencing the pain he has endured, then my mission is complete. About a year and a half ago God laid it on my heart to write the soon to be released, 'Flu Shot Gone Wrong' book www.flushotgonewrong.com and to start www.wishforthesky.com, as ways of reaching people and letting them know the dangers of the Flu Vaccine. Please read the following article which shares other important information:

Hundreds of People are Afflicted with Guillain-Barré Syndrome Every Year from the Flu Shot

As can be seen in this report and other reports from government payments for vaccine injuries, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is the most common side effect and injury due to the flu vaccination.

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome? Here is the definition the CDC gives:

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder in which a person’s own immune system damages their nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. GBS can cause symptoms that last for a few weeks. Most people recover fully from GBS, but some people have permanent nerve damage. In very rare cases, people have died of GBS, usually from difficulty breathing.

Compare this to the CDC definition for Polio:

Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that lives in the throat and intestinal tract. Up to about 72% of susceptible persons infected with polio have no symptoms. However, infected persons without symptoms can still spread the virus and cause others to develop polio. About 24% of infected susceptible persons have minor symptoms such as fever, sore throat, upset stomach, or flu-like symptoms and have no paralysis or other serious symptoms. About 1-5% develop aseptic meningitis with stiffness of the back, back, or legs, and in some persons increased or abnormal sensations a few days after the minor illness resolves. These symptoms typically last from two to ten days, followed by complete recovery. Less than 1% of polio cases result in paralysis of the limbs (usually the legs). Of those cases resulting in paralysis, 5-10% of the patients die when the respiratory muscles are paralyzed.

Here is one story of a man who nearly died from GBS resulting from a flu shot, and here is a recent story of a nurse that was awarded $11.6 million after being paralyzed by the flu shot.

The fact that GBS is one of the side effects of the annual flu vaccine is well known and documented. The package insert of the flu vaccine even lists a warning regarding GBS:

“If Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has occurred within 6 weeks of previous influenza vaccination, the decision to give Fluzone should be based on careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.”

Did you know that? Are you screened and asked questions prior to receiving a flu vaccine to see if you have any risks based on pre-existing conditions?

How many people are injured with GBS due to a flu shot?  According to the CDC, “no more than 1 or 2 cases per million people vaccinated.”

Is this rate accurate? We don’t know. How many people might be afflicted with GBS and not make the connection to the flu vaccine? The CDC states that “an estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop GBS each year,” and “about two-thirds of people who develop GBS symptoms do so several days or weeks after they have been sick with diarrhea or a respiratory illness.”

Let’s assume the government’s estimate of GBS injuries due to flu vaccines is accurate (1 or 2 cases per million people vaccinated). How many people does that translate to who are becoming injured (or killed) by GBS as a result of the flu vaccine?

According to the latest statistics (September 2014) listed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services here, there were about 944 million doses of the flu vaccine distributed between 2006 and 2013.

So by the government’s own statistics, the flu vaccine is causing about 269 people per year to become injured (including some deaths) with GBS. This is out of 3,000 to 6,000 cases of GBS in the U.S. per year. Could vaccines actually be responsible for a lot more?

The Flu Vaccine Contains Mercury, a Well-known Neurotoxin

While mercury in the form of thimerosol has been removed from most childhood vaccines, it remains in the flu vaccine, which is recommended for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and just about the entire population. Mercury is a well-known neuro-toxin, but it is such an effective preservative, that it is used in bulk, multi-dose containers of vaccines. In fact, U.S. law requires it.
The majority of the flu vaccines in the U.S. come from these multi-dose containers, which contain mercury as a preservative. You can choose a “non-mercury flu shot,” meaning a flu shot from single-dose vials or pre-filled syringes where the preservative is not needed, but that is no guarantee that mercury is not present. Minutes from a government meeting on vaccines reveals that even in these single dose flu vaccines sometimes “thimerosol is present in trace amounts as a result of the manufacturing process.” (Source – page 7.)
This should surprise no one, since the government’s position on this matter is that mercury in vaccines is safe. Implementing safeguards to ensure mercury is kept out of vaccines for those who don’t want it would be too burdensome to the drug manufacturers who need to manufacture them in large batches to keep costs down.
You should also be aware that senior CDC scientist Dr. William Thompson has recently come forward as a whistleblower to reveal that the CDC has withheld data from vaccine safety studies that did not support the official CDC position on vaccine safety. In a recorded phone conversation with Dr. Brian Hooker, Thompson stated that injecting mercury into pregnant women creates a “clear and present danger” to the unborn child. The CDC whistleblower stated that mercury in vaccines causes “tics” in children, and that these tics are 4 times more prevalent in kids with autism. (Story here.)

The Flu Vaccine is Big Business

There is a reason why the flu vaccine is the most dangerous vaccine in the U.S. causing the most injuries. It is an annual repeat vaccine that the government wants ALL citizens to take every year, including infants, pregnant women, and seniors. From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services report here, no other vaccine comes close to the flu vaccine in distribution. Yearly sales in flu vaccines exceed 134 million doses, while all other vaccines combined total just less than 200 million doses.

According to sales statistics from 2013, the revenue of annual flu vaccines is increasing. For example, Walgreens’ 2013 sales report shows flu shots increased from 6.9 million doses in 2012 to 7.5 million this flu past season.

Does the Flu Vaccine Prevent Serious Illness?

This is the big question that needs to be answered to justify mass vaccinations and documented lives destroyed by the flu vaccine. Those marketing and pushing for the vaccine want you to believe that the minority need to be sacrificed for the greater good of the majority, and that the flu vaccine is effective.

But where is the proof the flu vaccine is effective? Is this a scientific fact, or simply a belief to support a billion dollar vaccine industry that cannot be sued for damages?

The media and most medical professionals often state that the flu causes anywhere from “3,000 to 49,000 deaths each year.” The CDC’s website, however, states that this is just an estimate, and that they actually do not even know what this number is.

- See more at: http://healthimpactnews.com/2014/government-pays-damages-to-vaccine-victims-flu-shot-most-dangerous-with-gbs-and-death-settlements/#sthash.KfCp5Vz0.dpuf

Flu Shot Gone Wrong: An Inside Look Through a Mother's Eyes

                                             Mover of Mountains
                                               Helen Steiner Rice

                 Faith is a force that is greater than knowledge or skill,
                 And the darkest defeat turns to triumph if you trust in
                 God's wisdom and will,
                 For faith is a mover of mountains --- there's nothing
                 man cannot achieve
                 If he has the courage to try it
                And then has the faith to believe.



      I have always loved this poem by Helen Steiner Rice. It beautifully sums up the way we must handle unexpected adversities that come our way. It is very hard to not be petrified when you are facing the hardest times of your life. At times, the walls can feel as if they are closing in around you and the weight of the world has been unfairly placed upon your shoulders. So what are we to do? How can we make sure consternation won't overtake us? The answer to these questions lie in igniting our Faith. I know these feelings all too well and it took me a long time to figure out how to turn my darkest hours into triumphant lessons, insights, and an impenetrable relationship with God.
     I was only twenty six years old when our world changed forever. My angel, Maurice, had just started kindergarten. My baby girl, Mariah, was fourteen days old and my toddler, Malik, had just turned two. Still recovering from giving birth a couple of weeks earlier and also in the midst of my own soul-searching...I drove my sweet boy to get a Flu Shot. I always dreaded getting my children any vaccines...just the stories you hear sometimes were enough to make any mom cringe...but never could I have imagined what was about to take place! Looking back, I now know that each journey, no matter how onerous it might be, is filled with many lessons and miracles along the way. Lessons we would have never been taught if it wasn't for that life-altering situation that caught us completely off guard, trying to make sure we would never find the strength to get back up again! I would like to share with you the Preface in my soon to be released, 'Flu Shot Gone Wrong' book, where I give an unvarnished account of how my vibrant son's life was transformed perpetually after receiving this vaccine. This story is not only about remaining steadfast in the face of tragedy; but also truly encompasses the true meaning of love, faith, and the ultimate will to survive!

                                                         PREFACE

      I have learned that life is never predictable and can throw many curve balls at you along the way. It is also beautiful and mysterious, filled with great treasures and unforgettable memories. The secret to getting through the arduous times, I think, is learning how to deal with them. We have all gone through adversity and had to be unyielding to overcome our own tribulations. During certain periods of our life, especially the profoundest moments, it can feel as if we are somehow being tested. In my son's story you are about to read, I have felt this way many times. It was as if God was watching to see how I would handle what was going on.
       Do I really have what it takes to keep getting back up? This question would constantly linger in the back of my mind. The answer was yes. Even though life knocked me down to my knees, God had equipped me with the power to get back up. I just didn't know it yet.
       Having experienced firsthand the way a tragedy can happen in the blink of an eye, I know what it's like to see your whole world shattered and have to find a way for the pieces to fit again. The old saying "God never gives you more than you can handle" would ring in my ears as I found myself crying, curled up in a ball. Through the darkest hours, I came to see God's strength and peace at work.
      I have learned that even the greatest tragedy can bring about hope, strength, and inspiration. I can honestly say, if not for my faith and strong relationship with God, I never would have been able to make it through the most strenuous time of my life.
      It has now been nine years since tragedy struck our family, namely my son Maurice. There were days I didn't even want to get out of bed and days I wished I were someone else. With God as my refuge though, I made it through and learned many valuable lessons along the way!
      I am writing this book in hopes other people might benefit from our experience. If Maurice's story keeps even one person from going through the pain he has endured, then my mission is complete. I pray this book inspires you to never give up and always cherish each day to the fullest.

                                                                                         Love and peace,
                                                                                           Michelle Mouille


Thank you for taking the time to read a little behind my 'Flu Shot Gone Wrong' story. I will also post a sample copy of the first chapter of the book, within a couple of days. Please visit www.flushotgonewrong.com and 'Like' the new Flu Shot Gone Wrong Facebook page to be eligible to win a Kindle Fire and copy of the soon to be released book! https://m.facebook.com/flushotgonewrong

Overcoming Tragedy: A Mother's Fight To Save Her Son And Divine Lessons Learned Along The Way!!!

       "In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive"...Lee lacocca


     Hello and Happy Tuesday to all! Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Michelle Mouille....a mother to four beautiful children --- Maurice my fifteen year old angel, Malik my twelve year old basketball wiz, Mariah my ten year old pop princess, and Malani my nine year old vivacious gymnast--- I am president/founder of the Maurice Lamkin Jr. Brain Injury Foundation that grants wishes to brain injured children, and a new author.
     I have just completed a book, which is about to be published titled "Flu Shot Gone Wrong," where I give an unvarnished account of the most tragic and personal battle my family has ever known...and Overcome! There was no way of knowing that after my son received what seemed to be a simple vaccine at the tender age of five, our lives would be completely shattered and we would find ourselves tested in every way imaginable. My worst fears were coming to pass right before my eyes...my first born would have to battle through forty days and nights on Life Support, a sea of surgeries, hospital stays and developmental set backs...but relentless faith would prove to surmount all!!!That's the thing about tragedy and adversity...it can blindside us, trying to make sure we will never be able to get back up again. I have learned that our darkest hours are sometimes what brings about the greatest inspiration, hope, strength, faith, and love. The key is discovering how to make it through our tribulations, without letting them overtake us. I will talk more about the book and my son's story in future blog posts, exploring these questions and more in great detail. I believe the parable of the farmer who owned an old mule is a perfect example of overcoming adversity. The story tells that the mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule making noises. The farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided not to try and save him. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him! It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, he should shake it off and step up! This he did, blow after blow. No matter how painful the blows, the old mule fought through 'panic' and just kept shaking it off! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and bruised, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him....all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. I have found this to be very true in my own plight as well. The old saying "God never gives you more than you can handle" often rang in my ears as I found myself crying, curled up in a ball. Through the darkest hours, though, I came to see God's strength and peace at work!
      I am new to the world of blogging, so please bear with me while I figure out the specifics of "maintaining a proper blog." Rather than trying to conform my blog around the way I see others designing theirs...I will just promise to be sincere and try to use every post to reach, inform, and empower the lives of others.
      As mother's we all love our children, wanting them to be happy and healthy. We often put our own needs/wants to the side in order to make these goals realities. There's nothing we wouldn't do to keep them safe....but sometimes this great, unpredictable, yet beautiful mystery we call 'Life,' sends us a curve ball... which is exactly what happened to me and my family. It can somehow feel as if we are being tested in this life. I know I have felt this way many times before. Have you ever felt as if God is watching to see how you would handle a certain situation? I know that I have. I will be using this page to blog not only about the upcoming book and my son's story, but also as a means of letting out my innermost feelings on all kinds of topics that I feel will be helpful, such as: selfless acts of love, giving, trusting God, igniting our faith, relaxation techniques, living with fibroids, life after brain injury, holding on to your inner child, vaccine reform, finding our own 'super nanny' within ourselves, 'comfort foods', overcoming anxiety....and many many more. I believe God has equipped each of us, in our own special way to inspire and help our fellow mankind, and that's what I pray my blogs to accomplish. I welcome and will greatly appreciate any feedback, questions, or comments you might have on any blog posts or just our plight in general. I would love to hear any of your own inspiring stories or how you overcame a tragic situation.
        William Shakespeare said it best with his quote: "Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head." I would like to share with you a couple of inspiring stories from well known people in history. Sir Winston Churchill had a speech impediment when he was a young boy and it took him three years to complete the eighth grade. He overcame all of that and became the British prime minister and recipient of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1953. Walt Disney also had his own share of tribulations to overcome. He had a great business idea when he was young, but found himself with no funding to start his business. He approached many banks for loans but they all turned him down. He didn't let that stop him and after visiting hundreds of banks finally found one to give him a start up loan. The well known Disney parks and brands were then brought into our lives. Adversity seems to strike all of us in this world. And when it does it knows no race, creed, or boundaries. We must dig down deep inside to a place we didn't even know existed, and muster up every amount of courage, faith, and strength possible. It is then, through our ignited faith in these darkest moments we will come to see our spiritual, physical, and mental being awaken and flourish like never before. I have seen so many miracles and learned so many divine lessons, along our own journey that I will share with you in future blogs.  These are miracles and lessons which wouldn't have been possible without our 'detour' and we have definitely grown in every way possible through our journey and trust that God always has a plan, even in the midst of tremendous suffering. I will close this blog with two Bible scriptures that have always soothed me in my roughest hours. "They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it's roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" Jeremiah 17:8 (NIV) ...This last scripture is very touching to me and I believe in wholeheartedly: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" Genesis 50:20