Be strong! Be courageous! For the Lord your God...is on your side!

Early this morning I'm outside, sipping coffee, and praying. It's chilly, the skies are grey and so is my mood, Today I'll attend the funeral Mass for a friend's husband who lost his battle with cancer.

I feel sad. I feel lonely...but God won't leave me there...

My phone dings.

A text pops up.

It's welcoming words from a dear friend. A holy friend. A just-what-I -needed friend! 

My heart jumps. A smile spreads across my face as I realize it's another 

gentle reminder: We may feel alone, but we are never alone.

Be strong and courageous! Do not be frightened, do not be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9.

Making the Most of Now...

Just before Thanksgiving, I completed the latest rounds of ongoing cancer treatments.There were some rough days, but soon afterwards, things got better again. 

The best way to describe my health is to say it feels like an unpredictable wild animal lives inside me. On the worst of days, it's attacking; debilitating. On better days, it's simply crouched nearby, growling. At best...it's lying in the corner....quietly making its presence known...it's there...it's always there...ready to pounce...

I've learned to listen to its cues. I've learned to modify my life. I've learned what's important and what's not.

And I've got a dream. As crazy as it sounds, my book, My Emmaus Walk; True Stories of Faith, Hope and Inspiration, is calling me back into life. 

Recently, (with exceptions) I've been able to make a simple plan and that simple plan has been to speak to groups about the book's message...the glorious reality of the presence and the love of God in our everyday lives...because He's here, you know. .the good Lord is with us...here and now. ..always and everywhere...

Isn't that something worth shouting about? 

It's my passion. It's my life. It's my reason for being.

So, dear Larann Wilson, Steward for Children and Family Ministries at St. Mary Magdalen parish - a heartfelt "thank you" for the opportunity to speak to parents of the religious education classes earlier this month! What amazing work you're doing! What an engaging group they are! What a joy it was!

And to Oakmonte Village Assisted Living Facility in Lake Mary, for allowing me the privilege of reading excerpts from my book to a group of residents who gathered for the stories...thank you! thank you! How wonderful was that?!

And to the woman who bought a book for her daughter who was having a 'hard time' and she thought the book would encourage her. Aren't you thoughtful? 

And to the nurses in the infusion lab at the Cancer Institute who wanted copies of my book...what a blessing! Thank you! You are instruments in the hands of God in more ways than one. I pray the words in those pages bless all who read it.

I'm thankful for so much...for this stage of life, and for all it took to get me here. I'm thankful for my dear husband, Joe, and his unshakable support. I'm thankful for my daughters and my sons-in-law. I'm thankful for my grandchildren. I'm thankful for the blessing of my extended family. I'm thankful for my faith. I'm thankful for my friends. I'm thankful for my coworkers (yes, I still consider you that!) I'm thankful for the good times and even the struggles. 

And today, as I inch forward, I'm thankful for the dreams planted deep within. So, Josie, I look forward to speaking to your group next week. 

May God bless us all, as we fix our gaze on him.


And the God of all grace...after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.   1 Peter 5:10

More cancer treatments and an unexpected remedy (not the crackers)

Sandra, my cleaning lady, is richer than me. 

And I don't mean monetarily.

As these latest rounds of cancer treatments take their toll, I am debilitated once again. Except this time, I'm frustrated. I expected to be feeling better than this.

Sandra could see it in my countenance. Her advice? 

"Read your bible," Sandra said. She leaned on her mop.

"Your spirit will lead the body...

Body, mind, spirit...Live in the spirit."

So, frustrated with my aching body, I took her advice. Lying on the sofa, I randomly flipped open my Bible...My gaze fell onto a page, and I began reading:

• For we know that when this tent we live in now is taken down, when we die and leave these bodies,  we will have wonderful new bodies in heaven, homes that will be ours forevermore..(In my suffering, this was actually a freeing thought!)

• How weary we grow of our present bodies. (Yep, I felt weary!) That is why we look eagerly to the day when we shall have heavenly bodies which we shall put on like new clothes. ..(Please, can I do that now?)

• These earthly bodies make us groan and sigh (no kidding - was the Gospel writer living in my home? Could he hear?) but we wouldn't want to think of dying and having no bodies at all.  

• We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will, as it were, be swallowed up by everlasting life. (In my agony, this actually was a hopeful thought!) 

• This is what God has prepared for us, and, as a guarantee, he has given us his Holy Spirit.  (Is that what made me open my bible to this particular passage?)  (Cor 5:1-5)

Sandra was right. Reading my bible sent my spirit soaring above my aching body. 

Frustration departs. Hope prevails.

The picture above is my view in the infusion lab. Cheez Its are my favorite snack to ward off nausea. And there's always a little light reading.

This song is my gift to you today.  Click here for I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin. It says it all.

New life! A cause for celebration!

Have you ever witnessed a birth before? I mean, besides your own. Have you ever been present to the gift of new life coming into this world?

I haven't...until last week. That's when our newest granddaughter was born.

Here's a picture of her being weighed for the very first time...about an hour or so after birth...about an hour or so after I watched her little head begin to emerge. I was freakishly calm, yet utterly convinced this looked impossible...I mean, really, how does that happen?

And yet, within moments, as you see, the impossible became possible...

Words can't describe our joy.  We stand in awe. She's beautiful, born into the loving arms of her holy family.

And, along with that blessed newborn, a divine message was delivered. It's one we can hold in our hearts forever. She's living proof...and so are you.

With God, all things are possible.  Mark 10:27

Are You Looking for A Good Read? True Stories That'll Leave You Inspired?

Five reasons to purchase My Emmaus Walk, True Stories of Faith, Hope and Inspiration:

1. It'll remind you how much God loves you
2. It'll inspire you
3. It'll make you smile
4. You'll make my day!
5. You'll make someone else's day when you gift it to them

Okay, that was hard to do. 

Really, I'd much rather write than promote. 

But, now that the book is done, the publisher flipped the promotion switch into high gear. My head is spinning. Whaaat??? I have to do whaaat?  Promote the book?  Time stands still for no one, and the wheels are turning so fast, that if I stand still, I'd fall down!

So here I am...shamelessly promoting!

And it's okay...

Because I believe this book was written for you...I believe God has something to tell you in these pages... and, for whatever reason, I believe this is His timing...

My Emmaus Walk is now available for purchase at AuthorHouse, Amazon, and bookstores in paperback, Kindle and most e-readers. Please tell your friends and family! Think birthdays! Think Christmas!

But, additionally, let's create a little more fanfare!  Let's make it a little more fun! 

My thinking cap is on...stay tuned! 




If you have any fun ideas, please email me at dtomaselli@cfl.rr.com.  Oh, how I appreciate you!

Drum Roll...Please Stay Tuned...

I always knew I'd write a book...I never knew it would be now...but God had a plan!

Stay tuned!   The grand launch is coming soon!  Amazon...Kindle...

You matter...and I'm so excited to share this with you!   





For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord..  Jeremiah 29:11

By The Grace of God, Who Gets This?

I thought I’d easily find a home for our spare bed. But God had another plan. 

Nobody in my family needed a double bed. The neighborhood gatekeepers declined. The local furniture bank didn't return my calls. The Vietnam Vets truck only accepts small furniture...no beds.

Finally, reluctantly, I posted a Facebook Marketplace ad. Good condition. $50. 

Then I waited.

Someone messaged me. Before sharing my contact information, I visited her Facebook page...and found off-color jokes and condemning statements. My gut said to pass.

Someone else sent four abrupt messages, "Is this still available?" "Send me the address" "I coming" "Hello" (Guess I didn't respond quick enough in the 60 seconds it took to send the first three bullets.) Her Facebook page?  Well...let's not go there.

Then Dina* contacted me: "Mi interesa este articula."  "Is full?"

"Yes," I responded. "Si." 

Dina's Facebook page revealed a smiling mom with two young children. Although everything was in Spanish, I was able to translate some posts, which were kind and inspiring. 

Between her broken English and my limited Spanish, we agreed she'd come the following day.  I provided my cellphone number, asking her to text first.  I waited to share my address.

I spoke with my husband. "Let’s give the bed away free to the right person," I said. "I think Dina is the right person." He agreed.

The next day when I didn't hear from Dina, I felt discouraged.

I should have admitted I'd reduce the price, I should have emphasized it was in great condition.  

I prayed.  God, please send the right person our way. Someone who needs your help.

Later, Dina texted me. That afternoon, I met her, her mother and her two young children. I greeted them with hugs. We were like old friends right from the start.

I learned they are refugees from Hurricane Maria, which devastated Puerto Rico last fall. Immediately Dina got a job here teaching Spanish.  Since the electricity was recently restored in Puerto Rico, Dina’s mom is returning to join her husband in salvaging their home. Dina will stay here and work.

Dina’s mom cringed, knowing parting would be difficult. “I’m thankful for my daughter’s opportunity though,” she said.  The things I take for granted...

They wanted the mattress. "I have linens for it," I said. "They’re in excellent condition."

"Gracias," Dina’s mom said. "I think maybe we can’t afford that...how much is the bed? Fifty dollars, right?"

I raised my hands. "We'll give it to you free," I said.

Her jaw dropped. What?

"Yes," I nodded. "I mean...if you want it...it's yours."

"Oh," she said, tears forming. "We want it. We need it. I don't know what to say." 

She turned to Dina, jabbering in Spanish. As she listened, Dina’s face lit up. She looked at me, extended her arms, delivered a big hug, and said, “Thank you!”

"Don't thank me," I said, pointing skyward. "Thank God."

They could hardly contain their joy. Me neither.

Because that, my friend, is just how God works. 

Whatever your situation, never fear. God is in the details. He's always in the details.

Click here for Casting Crowns' "Until the Whole World Hears'   Thanks for reading!   

* not her real name

Ding! Ding! This round of cancer treatments ended...but Keep the Boxing Gloves On!

Last week's oncology appointment delivered good news!  My numbers are better than ever! 

And I felt pretty good that day!   

Sure, along with the recent rounds of treatments there have been bouts of agonizing symptoms...sure, good days are totally unpredictable...but...

I high-fived my PA..."Wait until next time you see me," I said. "I'll be a new person...someone you've never seen before!"

We laughed.

Admittedly, the ongoing treatments present challenges. 

"It's like having a wild animal living in your system," I told the oncologist. "Sometimes it attacks with force. Sometimes it's in the corner, growling.  Sometimes it's just there...in the room...making a presence..."

I described the agonizing flu-like symptoms. 

"It’s like someone took my skeleton, poured gasoline on it, and lit it on fire..." 

Dr. D. nodded. "That's what the drug is supposed to do," he said. "That's normal." 

Since ongoing treatment targets cancer cells and destroys them, it causes the flu-like response. Although they can't get this cancer into remission, we're fortunate that the drugs, despite their side effects, are keeping it at bay.

So...hooray...it's working! I was elated!

But the very next day, I awoke in agony...the familiar screaming bone pain, nausea, muscle aches, headaches...it all returned...full steam...

That evening, I felt discouraged. My day, spent wrapped in blankets, felt so useless. What's the point of this existence? Is this worth the fight?  

I saw my prayer book on the counter, untouched all day. 

But I left it there. I didn't whisper a prayer. I didn't turn my thoughts to God. I just didn't.

Instead, I whined. I complained. I felt grouchy.  

I knew I was making a poor choice, but I allowed it. I knew better.

Today I awoke, still racked with pain. I recognized the voice of frustration rising within...No way, I thought.  I remembered my prayer book on the counter...Today has to be different. 

I got the book. I can't say I was enthusiastic. I can't say I was invested. I just chose not to repeat yesterday's frustration, so I started reading. I'm not even sure I’d call it praying. I just started reading.

Here's some of what I read:

Dear Lord, make haste to help me. 

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

to make music to your name, O Most High,

to proclaim your love in the morning

and your truth in the watches of the night.  (Psalm 92) 

Let us listen to the voice of God, let us enter into his rest.

As I read, something beautiful began to happen. 

That conflicted spirit within me seemed to rise above the tortured body. I kept reading: Extol the greatness of our God.  (Psalm 145:1)

My spirit seemed to soar, to free itself from this suffering body, to free itself to surrender to the will of God, and, finally, to rest with the One who holds my life lovingly in His hands. 

Outwardly, today resembles yesterday. I've been laying around. I don't feel well. I haven't accomplished anything.

But today's different. I don't feel useless. I don’t consider it a waste. I'm not grouchy.

I gave this day to the Lord, allowing him to take over and place value on it.

And all is well.

When I'm out of strength, music is another beautiful way for me to pray. Click here to listen to Shout to the Lord by Hillsong, and thanks for being here!

Thursday's Thoughts - What's Your Mission?

 

Lately I've had some good days! They're unpredictable, but that's okay! On those days, I feel like I have a virus instead of the full-blown flu! It's a big difference! It appears the latest changes in those cancer treatments gave me two giant leaps forward! 

Hoooooray!

I always thought I'd recover from this cancer journey and jump back into my old life. But it's not like that. Time didn't stand still while I was huddled under the covers. Things have changed. I've changed. My priorities have changed. 

And while we naturally resist change, change is good.

For instance, now I have a laser focus. One thing this cancer has taught me is that here's nothing more important than following the will of God...which can mean stretching out of our comfort zones...or lying in a bed suffering.

The other obvious lesson? Time is limited.

So with that thought in mind, please allow me to share the following excerpt from Henri J Nouwen's book, Bread for the Journey:

Fulfilling a Mission by Henri J Nouwen:

"When we live our lives as missions, we become aware that there is a home from which we are sent and to which we have to return. We start thinking about ourselves as people who are in a faraway country to bring a message or work on a project, but only for a certain amount of time. When the message has been delivered and the project is finished, we want to return home to give an account of our mission and to rest from our labors.

One of the most important spiritual disciplines is to develop the knowledge that the years of our lives are years 'on a mission'. "


Now, with the help of God, let's get on with our day, right? 

Sharing the Art of a Message

I'm sure God puts us in the shoes we are in for a reason, and that reason is to help others who are walking that same path, right?  So, with that thought in mind, I've attended a few cancer group support meetings at Florida Hospital. 

The poster pictured above, dated December 2016, is something I made at one of those meetings. 

While most meetings feature guest speakers or open discussions, this one was different. We were invited to choose images from magazines, glue them to poster board, and, if we wanted to, share its meaning. (I wanted to...Of course.) 

Here's what I said:

"I chose "Make a Difference" because that's what we are here to do in life...Make a Positive Difference in the lives entrusted to our care and all those we encounter in the course of our days; family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, store clerks, strangers.

I added flowers because they represent there's so much beauty in life. 

I added the girl climbing a rock wall and the boy flying in his superhero costume because in order to make a difference...we must  take risks...take a leap in faith...we must talk to the stranger, welcome the lost, give just a little bit more...we must get our of our comfort zones.

The clock represents that time is limited. We must do it - and do it now! We don't have forever.

And the girl on the horse at the beach? Again, there's such beauty in nature.  I find beauty and regrowth in solitude. 

Feed your spirit."

Here's a song that'll feed your spirit...click here for Steve Angrisano's Go, Make a Difference! 

Observing Memorial Day...with growing appreciation for the mission...

We attended Memorial Day ceremony at a local cemetery yesterday, where we saluted each branch of our armed forces, prayed for fallen comrades, and sang patriotic songs. 

The ceremonies, led by a beloved local television commentator, included ROTC members from local high schools, Boy Scouts directing traffic, and honorary members from a Civil War reenactment group. 

Spectators, young and old alike, resembled a sea of red, white and blue. A preschool girl, blonde curls bouncing in the breeze, stood tiptoe on a folding chair while watching the activities. One Marine got up and told his story. Nearby, an elderly woman, accompanied by her daughter, wiped tears while listening to the presentation. When the event dispersed, we took little American flags and placed them on nearby grave sites.

The gun salute triggered the memory of when my older brother was drafted to Viet Nam. I remembered how sad my mom was, how he hated to go, and how that changed his life. I remembered how young and clueless I was, and still am (well, clueless, anyway), and I fought tears. 

I thought about our friends and family that make/made their lives in the Armed Forces. I thought about how they proudly and bravely guard over our nation's well-being...I thought about how their families are just as involved in the sacrifices made for our freedoms...Today, maybe more than ever, my appreciation rises to the sky...thank you.

You are the Archangels of our great Nation, the keepers of our peace, the soldiers of our freedom, the protectors of our safety. 

Thank you for your *mission. Thank you for your service. 

May we always keep the faith, and may we always be, as our founding fathers planned...one nation under God. 

May God bless America!


Want a song? Here's God Bless the USA  by Lee Greenwood. 


*Remember the reference to mission. I'll post a prayer by Henri J. Nouwen later this week regarding mission...our missions...all of us. It's powerful. It'll sharpen your focus. I promise.

Ding! Ding! Time for Another Round (of cancer treatments)!

I started another round of cancer treatments last week. Gosh, six months seem to fly by.

The good news is that I went into these rounds stronger than ever before. It feels like my

system has finally, nearly, rebuilt itself from the destruction delivered from the original rounds of chemo in 2015.  But the ongoing treatments are throwing their own punches, so the regime remains hard.

In recognition of that, my oncologist and I made changes to the ongoing treatments. (The treatments are working on the cancer so now we're trying to improve my quality of life. I'm struggling with side effects.) I thought we'd finally found the right mix last week when no brain scramble happened during the infusion.  That was a huge difference. 

In fact, I felt pretty good. For a few days.

Then came Monday night...this past Monday night...when that mean monster inside me flipped the switch...to agony...and...

I've been struggling again...big-time...

Bone pain. Brain pain. Nausea. Muscle aches. Intestinal issues. It feels like I have the flu...the kind that keeps you wrapped in bed covers...but it's not the flu.

To quote my new oncologist..."That's good!" 

He says the treatment is supposed to trigger my immune system to fight the (constantly populating) cancer cells...and, just like when you feel bad because your system is fighting a virus...it makes you not feel too good.

That comment, which was made at a recent office visit, provided little consolation yesterday while I was struggling. I was overwhelmed with agony. Thankfully, today's better. I'm still in pajamas, but I was able to get out of bed to write this update.

Tomorrow I return to the infusion center for more.  I'm in the  jaws of an unpredictable monster. Sometimes, like yesterday, I'm tired of this...so very tired.

But today, I read this prayer. It realigns everything. This prayer lifts my spirit right out of this aching body.  It sets me free. It gives me strength. 

Maybe you'll find it helpful too. 


Receive, O Lord, all my liberty.
Take my memory, my understanding, and my entire will.
Whatever I have or possess You have bestowed upon me; I give it all back to you and surrender it wholly to be governed by Your will.
Give me love for You alone along with Your grace, and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more. 
Amen.

--St. Ignatius of Loyola

I'll take a sip of this wisdom today...

Trust in the Lord? I'll take that reminder, please.

After all, life can be like a magic carpet ride, delivering crazy, unexpected turns. Sometimes  the way is rough and bumpy. There may be sudden turns and quick drops. 

Hang on. 

Sometimes we don't know where we're going or where we'll end up. There's an awkward step here and a graceful leap there. Sometimes, all you can do is put one foot in front of the other.

Sometimes things go our way; sometimes not.

But I know  this: Either way, it's okay.  

Look up! Because, no matter what happens, it'll be alright.  

You can trust in the Lord.

Remember, this life isn't our end goal. There's so much more to come, and it's heavenly stuff.  

Want to hear a song? Click here for Trust in You by Lauren Daigle. Enjoy!

Are you thinking no one's paying attention? Think again.

"You haven't written in awhile, have you?" my friend says. Another writes, "Hey Deb- haven't heard anything from you. Everything okay?" Then there's this voicemail..."It's been a little quiet from over there...checking in on you..."

Yes, I admit, it has been quiet. It has been awhile.

I could make excuses. I could say I've been working on marketing my column to other states (I have!)...or that I wasn't sure what to blog about anymore (also true)...and that I decided it's time to quit talking about my health (seriously!)...

Yes, I could say all that...but, honestly, the reason I haven't written goes deeper.

As I crawl out from under this blanket of illness, my mind is racing. Even though I can't do most of what I envision, I'm restless.

So my prayer life dwindles. I lose focus. Distractions derail my thoughts. God is expelled. Worry wins.  

Indeed, why write? I couldn't possibly have anything worthwhile to say. 

Then, recently, while visiting our daughter, we attended her downtown church. The message pictured above can be found on the wall across the street from St. Ann's parking lot.

Those big, bright, startling words were the first thing I saw when we arrived. They were the last thing I saw when we left. In fact, that's when I snapped this picture. I wanted to both keep these words and share them.

Because I just needed to hear it.

And maybe you do too.



For everything created by God is good...  1 Timothy 4:4



I'll be back!  Meanwhile, click here for 'More' - an amazing song by Matthew West.

I needed this reminder...

"Is this seat taken?"  I looked up to see Rose, a longtime member of our parish. She was pointing to the chair next to me.

A smile spread across my face.

"No," I said. "It's yours! Sit here!"

Rose smiled, eyes twinkling in delight. She placed her fish dinner on the table and moved the folding chair, which screeched unmercifully across the floor.

Then she sat down, looked at me, and spoke.

"It's good to see you," she said. 

She wasn't kidding. Heck, it was good to see her. It's been a long haul, this cancer recovery. 

Like her, I was once incredibly active in the parish...daily Mass, bible studies, prayer groups, parish council, women's retreats... 

But cancer changed all that. For over 2 years, most of my praying has been at home...much of it from under the bedcovers.  Church has come to me, in the form of friends and neighbors, fellow parishioners and bible study members. I've been connected, just in a different way.

So it was good to be here, enjoying the Lenten fish fry at our parish. (I mean, what's Lent without a fish fry?)

"You're here," she repeated. "It's good to see you."

We stared at each other, beaming. 

"How are you?" she finally asked.  

I gave her a slow nod  "I'm okay," I said. 

For a moment, I wondered: Should I tell her the whole deal? That treatments will never end? That some days are tough and some, like this one, are better?

I decided to say none of that. Instead, I smiled. "Yes, I'm doing well."

She gave me a knowing look. "That's good," she said. It was obvious she could read between the lines. 

She thought a moment and when she spoke, her words felt prophetic.  

"The worst is behind you," she said.

My head snapped to attention. What? With cancer treatments perpetually looming, I'd never thought of it like that before. Who was looking behind? I was just trying to get through.

I'd been so entrenched in the business of fighting the return to good health, that I'd missed the fact that this progression, slow as it is, is still a progression.

I pondered her words, enjoying the sound.

Finally, I responded. 

"Yes," I said. "Yes. The worst is behind me."

I smiled. Broadly.

So did she.

I hope your day is happy as we enter into this holiest of weeks, reminding us that the best is yet to come. 

Thank you for being here and reading. Each of you has helped me in your own unique way, and I hope that somehow my words help you. 

Click here to listen to the Servant Song, which says it all.

Whose life is it, anyway?

                 

Years ago, frustrated with life because it wasn’t happening the way I wanted it to, I found answers in an unexpected stop into a Good Friday ceremony at my parish.

Although it had been years since I’d attended Lenten services, I was tempted to go to church on Good Friday. Each time the idea surfaced, however, I dismissed it. After all, we planned to take the kids out for pizza and I wasn’t going to disrupt our agenda.

But that night, as we motored toward the pizzeria, I noticed the packed parking lot at our church, which was along our route, and it summoned me.

It was late. The kids were hungry. The service was well underway. But I insisted we stop.

We found space on the grass and parked the car. I slung the baby onto my hip while Joe grabbed Jenna and Lynn. Amid mild protests, we rushed across the darkened parking lot and slipped into the back door of the church.

A few empty seats remained, and we slid into them, blanketed by the reverence of the congregation. The church lights were dimmed, and radiance surrounded the life-sized crucifix on the altar, now draped in red cloth. I bowed my head in penitential prayer.

I remember nothing more than gliding into the worship of the assembly, but the song we sang moments later still resonates today: Abba, Father, I put my life in your hands.

Sitting in the back of that church, repeating that refrain, I was able to release my fears, doubts, anger, resentments and judgments. I realized, perhaps for the first time, that it wasn’t my life, but His life within me, that mattered.

I’ll never forget that day.

Maybe you were in that congregation that day. You showed me that we’re not alone in the journey. Perhaps you didn’t know what it meant to me, to be able to join you in worship. Maybe we can give this gift to others. Perhaps, this year, we’ll participate in a service that lifts another soul from the tarmac into the heavenly realms. Only God knows.

Abba, Father, I put my life in your hands.

I finally meant it.

Abba, Father, I put my life in your hands.

I’m trying to live it.

If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give it up for me, you will save it. Matthew 10:39

Thanks for being here. This song, Control, by 10th Avenue North, says it all. Enjoy!