Be careful what you wish for

In the fall of 2010 I was talking with an old friend who was inquiring on how things were going in my life. I happen to be very blessed because for a day job I get to fly business jets all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Alright, it’s not as glamorous as it may sound (at least, that’s what I tell people) but it does keep me from sitting behind a desk and it usually keeps me out of trouble. I told my friend, Mike, that flying was rather slow at the moment and I had been looking for a small project to keep me busy. Mike is not only a Chaplin for Norman Regional Health System but he also sits on the board for the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI), an organization that sadly, up until that moment, I knew very little about. He told me about a conversation that he recently had with CCFI’s Executive Director Katie Fitzgerald, she had remarked to Mike that one of the needs that they had at the agency was for someone who could help out with a few handyman duties here and there. Well, we’ve all heard the phrase “be careful what you wish for, you might just get it”… and boy, did I get it. I definitely received more than I could have ever expected and my outlook on life will never be the same.

From day one my “Honey Do List” has seemed to just always have a task on it. I have painted doors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, shelves, and the occasional spot on the floor – woops! - along with anything else that would stay still for more than a few minutes. I have hung pictures, photos, diplomas, calendars, paintings, mirrors, bulletin boards, fire extinguishers, clothing rods, curtains, blinds, battery operated lights, fans, Christmas lights, and a giant blue ribbon which I had to designed and built as well. I have spread mulch over the play area, power washed the eves, fixed both gates, built a toy cabinet, repaired numerous desk drawers and children’s chairs, created two large cork boards, built a frame for a bathroom mirror, used enough painters tape to stretch from here to the moon (slight exaggeration), and generally anything else that the wonderful folks at CCFI could come up with. Phew!

This might sound like a long laundry list, but it’s not my intention to paint a bleak picture. The fact is CCFI is a nonprofit organization that has a tremendous task to fulfill and a very tight budget with which to accomplish this undertaking. And within these tight constraints I am continually amazed at the amount energy that the staff at CCFI shows, on a daily basis, to those who are less fortunate and often, overlooked in our society due to no fault of their own. Every time I have the pleasure to visit CCFI, I am continually reminded of the blessings that have been bestowed upon me and these blessings come with an obligation.

Those of us who are blessed have a duty to share those blessings with those who have been less fortunate. On numerous occasions I have been told that the staff has struggled with how they could show their appreciation for the work that I have done. However, they do that very thing, in volumes, with how much care they show for each and every individual that walks through their doors. It’s a job that quite often goes unnoticed and underappreciated, but they do it every day with a song in their hearts and a spring in their step. For me that’s all the thanks that I need. I feel that I am blessed to be a very small part of such a wonderful organization, and on occasion, they even feed me. What else could a single guy ask for?

So, if you find yourself with a little spare time and would like to reach out to those who need it most, by all means give them a call and I guarantee you will be forever changed by the lives that you will touch, or more likely, the lives that will touch you. And who knows, if you’re really lucky, you might even get to work with me. I mean, anything is possible.

- Brian Krause, CCFI 'Handyman' Volunteer

Sun Safety Information: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek & Slide

Here is a fun, short video and catchy guidelines to help your family remember the importance of protecting yourself from the sun. Click here to view the video!

• Slip on a shirt – Put your hand inside the shirt to make sure you can’t see through it to ensure that it will screen out harmful UV rays.
• Slop on sun screen – The American Cancer Society recommends an SPF 15 or higher.
• Slap on a hat – Make it wide-brimmed to cover face, neck and ears.
• Seek shade – Bring your own umbrella or find a nice shady tree.
• Slide on some sunglasses – Make sure sunglasses provide 100% UV protection.

For more information on sun exposure and keeping kids safe, please visit www.kidshealth.org.

Healthy kids = happy kids!

Summertime is in full swing, which means kids are out of school and parents often are anxious for ideas on helping their kiddos stay busy. While the Oklahoma heat sometimes makes it tempting to stay inside during the summer months, it’s important to remember that regular exercise is something children need to be happy and healthy.

 Benefits of Kids Exercising Regularly:

1. Have stronger muscles and bones
2. Maintain a healthy body weight
3. Reduce the risk of developing type 2 Diabetes
4. Sleep better
5. Feel less stressed
6. Reduce the risk for developing some diseases later in life, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol
7. Feel more able to focus on other important tasks, like schoolwork
8. Develop healthy habits that they can continue using as they grow!

On average, children should exercise for 60 minutes daily to receive these benefits. When it’s hot outside, there are lots of ways to be creative about staying active. The month of July provides a unique opportunity to enjoy local attractions as a family, as it is National Park and Recreation month! The City of Norman has many parks that provide play areas for children and shady spots for parents to spend time while watching their kids play. There are also two free splash pads in Norman where families can be active and stay cool. Being active as a family is a great way to build healthy habits for children and fun memories that can last a lifetime!

 - Emily Deardorf, MSW; Children's Therapist at the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI)