Back to accentuate the positive

Dixie Belotti once again has proved the power of positive thinking and demonstrated how much we need her shining attitude no matter what the time frame.

Seems Dixie was in the hospital recently. The doctors warned the family her health had deteriorated to the point where everyone needed to gather at her hospital room — just in case. Father Brandon was called for Last Rites and Lois and Jim Finch took her rosary beads to her. There were her five children, 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Dixie tells me she had a chance to view her next destination which was beautiful and peaceful — but then she awoke, saw all those people gathered in her room, and felt she couldn’t leave them right at that moment. She opened her eyes and said hello! The family couldn’t have been too astonished because with Dixie’s positive attitude, it was typical of her.

Now she’s back in her house with the lovely Antonia caring for her. She says she is so thrilled to see all her family so much now and wonders what the Lord expects of her now. None of us expect anything but your continuing positive attitude, Dixie. It cheers everyone who has the opportunity to visit you — and we all love you.

*** When delightful 103year-old Dixie concluded the story in a way that only could happen to her, I realized how much I missed you.

My deepest appreciation for the questions and comments from so many of you about “Where was my column?”

Every once in a while a

writer

“burns” out and that happened to me. If I couldn’t give quality I didn’t feel I needed to write. Yet, with your comments I feel I’d better write at least semimonthly columns to keep you updated. So many events have happened and will happen and they often need that extra boost that fortunately I was able to provide.

Also, know Judy Halstead has gone to Ukraine several times and we certainly need her updates — not just because they are interesting but because of their continuing importance in our foreign policy. Others of you have equally important and interesting stories to tell — and I’m ready to listen.

I’ve attended many events during this time off, including, when I could make it, the delightful Lodi Concert Association. Just wish I had been well enough to attend more. There was the yummy Galt Historical Society Tea at Rae House. And what fun to talk about my books at the Morada Garden Club and at the Iris Club. Guess you know, how happy I was to feel better so I could go to the Tokay track meets. Yes, I’m proud of my granddaughters!

*** Positive attitudes are what I notice more and more right now. In the chaos which seems to be enveloping our country and world there’s only one thing that can stop it — being positive in everything we do and not allowing the negative to prevail.

A recent reading said that one positive can eliminate 10 negatives — that we must realize the power of our every gesture because we can move mountains with that positive thought.

*** Where have I been these many months? Unfortunately, not traveling much since October and early November. Instead, learning to enjoy my home in Galt for a reason to be expanded in the next column. And to realize that some of you actually have read my columns over the last three and a half years. I’ve made several new friends as a result of my columns — quite a joy in itself.

My latest physical experience has taught me to accept what happens to a person and move on. All of us face two possibilities as we age. One, of course, is what happened to my parents and first husband. You die early. The other is that you age, sometimes not always in the best of health. What can you do at that point? Of course, you can complain, but why? The other is to accept and move on — maybe a little slower but still appreciative of each day. The results of my realization probably will be a book for older adults titled “It’s Called Acceptance.”

That acceptance is taking each day as it comes, asking the Lord each morning to guide me in my day, and thanking Him at the end of the day (as well as during the day) for each joyful moment.

Look forward to this abbreviated time with you. Do write or call if you have some ideas or important experience or event.

Email: Phone: 209-9124053.

Happy 4th of July.