Charleston Woman by Charleston Woman

WINTER 2014

COMPLIMENTARY

CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN

Real

SCHRADER

FOWLER Learn more about the owner of Mt. Pleasant Massage Therapy

FINANCING YOUR

FUTURE Meet Ken York of Ameriprise Financial

In this Issue

From the Editor

25 Open Heart 26 A Commitment to Care

Events

Business & Web Directory

www.charlestonwomanonline.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lori Samples Duncan loriduncan86@gmail.com

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Melissa Cooper Crystal Poston info@woman2womanonline.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Lori Samples Duncan Amy Pittsenbarger Elaine Samples Lilli Serral Rachel-Elise Weems Rebecca Vigné

COVER PHOTO

Clark Berry Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY Clark Berry Photography Oh Schmidt Productions Tammy Bevins Photography

2 It’s a New Year!

3 What’s Happening?

Let’s Talk

4 5 7 8 10 12 13

The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry Provides Playful Learning to Our Youngest Citizens The Aiken Trials: Where Champions Start What Does Gender have to do with Retirement Preparedness? Eye Catching Meet Schrader Fowler Bringing Families Together: A Chosen Child Adoption Agency Cornbread & Cashmere

27 Contact our Advertisers

Personal Note

28 The Gift of Children

Professional

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Charleston Woman Magazine Woman 2 Woman Publishing (803) 785-4475 104 Pine Tree Drive Lexington, SC 29073

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. © 2014

14 Financing Your Future 17 Charleston County’s Best Suit

Celebrating the Survivor in You! 18 Meet Chris Powers

Health & Wellness

23 Let’s Get Moving with Catherine Grych www.charlestonwomanonline.com

e have had some crazy weather to start 2014. I know it causes some issues in the transportation industry but I do enjoy a good old snow day. Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the kid in me. At any rate I am glad you are all safe and sound and reading the latest issue of Charleston Woman Magazine. It is always a blessing and a privilege to bring you guys another issue filled with the great folks in the greater Charleston area. I am so excited about 2014 we are getting ready to announce some really great plans for the future of Charleston Woman Magazine! Stay tuned you will want to hear this! Chris Powers is a woman who took her grief and turned it into something beautiful to honor her sister. I have a sister that I love like that. I cannot imagine losing her, I would like to think if I ever did I would find such a beautiful way to honor her! I hope you read this issue cover to cover! It is filled with great information and businesses who appreciate your patronage! From dressing for success to Mrs. Vicki Chamberlain with 20/20 Vision, we hope you enjoy every article as much as we enjoyed choosing them for you. Tell our advertisers you saw them in the pages of Charleston Woman Magazine, they will be glad to see you! We will be hosting the Hat Contest again at the Aiken Trials in Aiken, SC. Come out and join us for some fun! We will be featuring our contest winner in Aiken, Lexington, Midlands and Charleston Woman Magazine! I look forward to seeing you there. God Bless and May 2014 be filled with lots of happiness and joy!

Lori Samples Duncan Editor-in-Chief

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Real Women Women

I do believe weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all connected. I do believe in positive energy. I do believe in the power of prayer. I do believe in putting good out into the world. And I believe in taking care of each other. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Harvey Fierstein

Events

Don’t Become a Statistic

More women die of cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. But 80 percent of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right choices for their hearts involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Make it your mission to learn all you can about heart attacks and stroke — don’t become a statistic. CALL 9-1-1.

Signs of a Heart Attack in Women • Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing,

fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. • Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. • As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/ vomiting and back or jaw pain. If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1...Get to a hospital right away. (National Heart Association, www.heart.org)

What’s HAPPENING? 2014 Pork, Pints & Pearls February 22, 3-7 p.m. 161 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island

Hosted this year on the Grand Lawn of the Family Circle Cup the 2014 Pork, Pints, and Pearls is destined to be bigger and better than ever. Come join us on February 22nd from 3-7pm for all you can eat oysters and BBQ. Enjoy live music from dueling bands Brady Smith & Jefferson Coker Band. Your kids will enjoy playing with the animals in the petting zoo, riding the train and exploring the kid’s zone! Please remember to buy your tickets early since we sold out last year! And watch the weather forecast, our rain date is set for the following Saturday March 1st. windwoodfarm.givezooks.com/events/2014pork-pints-pearls

Breath of Spring Flower Show at Cypress Gardens February 28–March 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cypress Gardens, 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Goose Creek The flower show’s theme is “See the USA” Dean Hall is filled with Camellias, Daffodils and other spring flowers. Local garden clubs compete for Horticulture and Floral Design Awards. In the past few years this show has won State and National Awards. www.cypresgardens.info

Cobblestone Quilters Guild Show February 28–March 1, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Omar Shrine Temple Convention Center, 176 Patriots Point Street, Mt. Pleasant

A Fusion of Favorite Operas and Musicals March 9, 4 p.m. Sottile Theatre, 44 George Street, Downtown Charleston

Chorus Director Ricard Bordas will conduct, and Pamela Nelson will accompany on piano. Proceeds from this, as well as the group’s other concerts, benefit music scholarships given to students studying vocal music and/or choral conducting at the College of Charleston and Charleston Southern University. www.sottile.cofc.edu

Aiken Trials March 15, Gates open at 10 a.m. Aiken Training Track, Aiken

Begun in 1942 as a way to give young horses in training the enlightening opportunity to experience every aspect of live racing, the Aiken Trials has become a time honored tradition as the first leg of Aiken’s Triple Crown events, held annually for three consecutive Saturdays in March. There are six races on the program consisting of five races for two year olds and maidens (horses that may have started in a race, but have never won), running a ¼ mile to 4 ½ furlongs, and one race for older horses that have already won. The jockeys are local exercise riders who have an afternoon in the spotlight after paying their dues exercising horses each morning (in all weather) throughout the year. Occasionally a trainer has brought in a licensed jockey to compete; making some exciting competition for the exercise riders! www.aikentrials.com

View quilts plus quilt appraisals, judging and benefit silent auction. The recipient of the proceeds from the Quilt Show’s Silent Auction will be My Sister’s House which is a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 that provides services, programs and resources to empower domestic violence victims and their children to live free from abuse. The organization also operates an emergency temporary shelter. www.cobblestonequilters.com/show2014.htm

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Let’s Talk

The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry Provides PLAYful Learning to Our Youngest Citizens

he Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry (CML), located in a renovated nineteenth-century train depot downtown on Ann Street, was founded almost eleven years ago by Anne Parker, a Lowcountry photographer, painter and native Charlestonian who wanted to share her passion for art and arts education with the community. Serving Lowcountry children ages Birth – Ten and their families, the Children’s Museum has created a new program which focuses on early childhood, specifically ages Birth to Three.

Early Connections is a free program for the Children’s Museum’s youngest visitors and was developed by CML educators and Jessica Sheilds Flowers, a local early childhood specialist and owner of Ripple. Early Connections aims to bolster school readiness and selfconfidence in Lowcountry children ages Birth to Three. When children enter kindergarten unprepared, they are at a severe disadvantage, and their chances of catching up are slim. According to Harvard University, there is a range of $49 return for every dollar spent on early childhood education for low wealth children.

A child’s healthy development starts on day one. Young children form 700 new neural connections every second. Early Connections provides new experiences on which to build the developing brain foundation. The program builds social connections between caregiver and child, caregiver and caregiver, caregiver and educator and also among the children. During each session, an educator introduces and reinforces playful rituals that enhance communication skills and social connections through eye contact and touch. Studies show that playful social interactions at a young age cor-

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Women

respond to healthy development. CML strives to impart how to continue these connections and learning experiences at home so the child will be ready for school. In one session, an educator reads the book, Feely Bugs, and children are invited to feel each tactile page and encouraged to crawl like bugs. Together, caregivers and children create their own bugs and choose tactile fabrics to attach to their art, such as lace, vinyl and feathers. The FREE Early Connections program is offered each Wednesday in

CML’s Toddler Room at 10:00 a.m. at no cost to families. The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission to engage young children’s potential by inviting families of all backgrounds to explore environments and experiences that spark imagination and stimulate curiosity through the power of play. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, $8 for SC Residents and free for children less than 12 months of age. For more information please visit our website, www.explorecml.org.

THE AIKEN TRIALS:

WHERE CHAMPIONS START

by Rebecca Vigné

he Aiken Trials are fast approaching and the thoroughbreds have been running all year to prepare for the races. The Aiken event will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014. The Aiken Trials is the first leg of the Aiken Triple Crown, the three-weekend-long celebration of horse sports that includes The Aiken Trials, The Aiken Steeplechase and the USC Aiken Pacers and Polo match. This year will mark the 72nd running of the Trials. This Aiken tradition is a family friendly event suitable for any age. The Aiken Trials draws upwards of 10,000 spectators who enjoy a day of outdoor fun that includes extravagant tailgating spreads, assorted vendors, and good-natured side betting. A Mariachi band will travel throughout the tailgates to play songs on request. Food vendors will also be available for those who do not bring a full lunch spread, and shops will be set up for those looking to get some shopping done in between races. Local Aikenite, Julie Stevens, enjoys the races because she says, “We have family come in from out of town, and we invite our friends out as well. We have a wonderful time watching the races with food, fun and fellowship. It is also a great time to see the two-year-old thoroughbreds react to the crowd and react to being in a race. It is great

practice for them for the future!” The Aiken Trials is also full of fun contests such as the Best Tailgate Contest and the Hat Contest. This year’s Trials Hat Contest, sponsored by Woman 2 Woman Publishing, will be held between races at the Paddock. The contest will feature a wide array of creativity, and one winner will walk away with a gift basket full of goodies. Aiken Trials Treasurer, Nikki Bargeloh says, “The hat contest is always a blast. We’ve had everything from homemade hats to ones that were special-ordered from Paris.” Anyone in attendance is invited to participate. Six races complete the program including five races with the younger thoroughbreds, running a ¼ mile to 4 ½ furlongs, and one race for older horses that have already won. Bargeloh encourages the public to come out to the event. “The Trials are always an exciting day. You

never know when you might see the next Classic Winner come through Aiken, like Palace Malice. It’s a fun, family event where everyone really gets an opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close and personal,” Bargeloh comments.

a carriage parade will kick off the races at 1 pm, and the first race will begin at 2 pm. Tickets to the Aiken Trials are available at www.aikentrials.com. Tickets are also available at the Aiken Training Track office, AllStar Tents and Events, Aiken Saddlery, H Odell Weeks Activities Center, Floyd and Green Jewelers, Boots Bridles and Britches in Aiken and Grovetown. The Aiken Trials are on Facebook at www. facebook.com/AikenTrials keeping fans up to date with event information. Aiken Trials Text Club provides members with up to date information on the Trials plus giveaways and may be joined by texting the word Trials to 95454. Pack a picnic, bring your hat, and see the horses at this year’s Aiken Trials!

We’ve had everything from homemade hats to ones that were specialordered from Paris. Tickets for the Aiken Trials are $10 for parking and $10 for individuals in advance. Tickets for the VIP Tent are $75 per person and include the best vantage point near the finish line, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a great atmosphere. Gates for the Trials open at 10 am,

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Japan and the

Jazz Age

February 7 - April 20, 2014

1515 Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC 803.799.2810 | columbiamuseum.org Presented by

Artist Unknown, Songbook, Literary Song, The Trouble with Bright Eyes, 1929 (detail), Color lithograph, 10 3/8 x 7 7/16 in. Courtesy of The Levenson Collection.

The exhibition is drawn from The Levenson Collection and is organized and circulated by Art Services International, Alexandria, Virginia under the title DECO JAPAN: Shaping Art and Culture, 1920-1945. Support has been provided by The Chisholm Foundation and the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation.

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

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Professional photo by Tammy Bevins Photography

What Does Gender have to do with Retirement Preparedness?

W Ken York Women’s lack of confidence in the realm of retirement readiness may be tied in part to planning. Seventy-five percent of men surveyed report that they’ve done at least some preparation for retirement, compared to 70 percent of women. And over half of men (55%) say they’ve contributed to a 401(k) plan, while only 47 percent of women claim they’ve done the same. What accounts for the gender divide? It may have to with the fact that women often face unique financial hurdles on the road to retirement. Three big ones include:

Women are often the ones to take time away from work to care for children and ailing parents.

While caregiving is important and often the best option for a family’s situation, the reality is that spending time out of the workforce – whether to raise children or to provide care for a family member

hen it comes to planning for retirement, women feel less prepared than men. That’s according to the New Retirement Mindscape® 2013 City Pulse index survey, commissioned by Ameriprise Financial. Only 38 percent of women surveyed as part of the study say that they feel on track for retirement (or the remainder of retirement) compared to 46 percent of men. – can have a negative impact on one’s earning potential. There’s no question that this work is admirable, but it’s important to factor in the implications that it may have on long-term financial goals. Women (and men) who anticipate pausing their careers at some point in time to focus on other priorities should consider setting aside extra money at other times when they’re able to do so, in order to offset the loss of income.

In general, people are living longer, but on average women live longer than men.

This results in the need for additional retirement funds and increased health and long-term care costs. Yet, unfortunately, it appears that few people have a handle on how much they need to set aside. Only 15 percent of women surveyed in the New Retirement Mindscape survey say that they’ve estimated the amount of money they’ll need during retirement to pay for healthcare, compared to 21 percent of men. Not only is it important to determine the amount of money you’ll need, it’s also critical to take action. Create a plan for how you’re going to handle healthcare expenses.

Women tend to be more conservative with investments.

While this may not be all bad, defining and taking the appropriate amount of risk with your investment portfolio may be ben-

eficial. As with many things in life, it’s important to have a balanced approach to your investment portfolio. Gender aside, people are feeling unprepared for retirement. As more baby boomers approach retirement age – nearly 10,000 turning 65 each day – planning and preparing for retirement is becoming increasingly top of mind. With fewer years left to build up your nest egg, it’s important to focus on what you can control. Here are five steps you can take to feel more prepared for retirement: • Think about what you want retirement to look like for you and your significant other. Do you want to travel? Relocate? Spend more time with your grandkids? When you have a clear vision of retirement, it’s easier to determine what it will take to get there. • Take advantage of employersponsored retirement plans. Make sure you’re maxing out your 401(k) contributions if you’re able. If you’re self-employed, take the time to establish your own retirement plan. • Consider purchasing long-term care insurance. • Take an honest look at your expenses. Break them into two categories – essential and lifestyle expenses. Determine if there’s anything you could forego on the lifestyle side.

• Focus on saving more, especially while you’re still working. Planning for retirement is complex and at times can feel overwhelming. And it’s not the same for everyone. Each person’s situation is unique. A “must have” in retirement for one person may not be important for another person. The key is outlining your goals for retirement, and then determining a path to get there. Consider meeting with a financial advisor who can help you with this. *Ameriprise Financial created the New Retirement Mindscape 2013 City Pulse index utilizing survey responses from 10,045 U.S. adults ages 40-75. The survey was commissioned by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and conducted online by Harris Interactive from June 6 - June 26, 2013. The national average sample and the 30 U.S. metropolitan areas were each weighted independently to best represent each area. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ likelihood to be online. Ken York, AAMS, is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in N. Charleston, SC. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies. To contact him, visit www.AmeripriseAdvisors.com/Ken.York. Ameriprise Financial does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with a tax advisor or attorney. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2013 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File # 780995 www.charlestonwomanonline.com

Let’s Talk

EYE Catching

by Lilli Serral

photos by Tammy Bevins Photography

icki Chamberlain is not the easiest woman in the world to track down. As optician and owner of 20/20 Vision Center in Goose Creek, South Carolina, she stays very busy. However, when I finally got the opportunity to interview her, I found that she is not only experienced, but also very mindful of the satisfaction of her clients. The people of 20/20 Vision Center are not those nine-to-fivers who simply try to “get through the day”. They ensure the satisfaction and wellbeing of their patients no matter what. The mission of 20/20 is “To help people with their needs and also provide a good local independent optic store for the area” says Chamberlain. When she’s not spending time with her friends or her five yearold granddaughter, Vicki is in full work mode. It’s not unusual for her workday to start at sunrise. “I do safety glasses for plants around the tricounty area, so I visit them starting at seven a.m., then open 20/20 by nine.”

While I was very impressed by her dedication to work, I began to wonder what exactly owning a business like 20/20 actually entails. She explains, “I help customers to find frames for glasses, take measurements to fit the prescription into them, and make them. We have a finishing lab onsite.” It began to occur to me that working in this industry requires a good amount of experience, and Vicki sure does have a lot. “I started in 1978, right out of high school. I worked for a lab for five years, then worked as an apprentice for three years. Then, I took the national exam for the ABO (American Board of Opticians) and got my license.”

Vicki Chamberlain

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If you think Vicki is the only one with a lot of experience at 20/20, it’s actually quite the opposite. “We specialize in customer service. We have three licenses on staff, and everyone here has been in the optical business for years.” Such experience is surely needed when the opticians at 20/20 see patients from age four to ninety every day! However, Chamberlain doesn’t doubt the abilities of her staff at all. She says, “Everything works out great. I have a great staff who I can depend on.” As you can see, Vicki, along with her dedicated staff, strive for the above and beyond when it comes to eye care. In addition to praising her staff, Chamberlain also has appreciation for

‘Everything works out great. I have a great staff who I can depend on.’ the Goose Creek area. “It’s a small town and growing, and the people are great to work with.” Some last words from the optician? On helpful tips for proper eye care, “Everyone should have their eyes checked annually. This is to ensure the health of the eye.”

Vicki and Staff Women

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(843) 797-5711 Monday-Friday 10:00 am-6:00 pm • Saturday 8:30 am-12:00 pm Locally Owned • Most insurances are accepted

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EXTREME

MAKEOVERS We feature several makeovers in this issue – from personal health to landscapes!

CINDY

McCLURE of SOUTHERN COSMETIC LASER

Dr. Nichole

QUINN

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behind Meet the doctor Total Family Wellness

Me etRAJASO the Doctor DEBR. DR. Meet Survivor

THE BAKERS

A Love Story

WALWORTH

N J. HEHR

N | NORTH CHARLESTO | MONCKS CORNER | HANAHAN GOOSE CREEK

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Meet Schrader Fowler THE OWNER OF MT. PLEASANT MASSAGE THERAPY

by Lori Samples Duncan photos by Tammy Bevins Photography

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Let’s Talk

graduate of Vanderbilt University and in the Peace Corp, Schrader Fowler was just over twenty years old when she had her first massage. Schrader shared she had never felt anything like it before. The feeling of tranquility and peace left her soothed and with the knowledge she would have certainly do that again. When I asked her why she chose massage therapy as a career, she took me back to this moment: “ I wanted to help others feel what I felt on that day.” It’s just that simple. A soft spoken, seemingly kind hearted woman with very intelligent eyes and a real love of people was my first impression of Schrader Fowler. She had just given a massage shortly before I arrived at her Mt. Pleasant home and the smell of eucalyptus surrounded us. Maybe it was the soothing effect of her aroma therapy, but I felt immediately relaxed and ready to delve a little deeper into the woman behind the business she calls Mt. Pleasant Massage Therapy. Schrader took me through some of the challenges she faced as a young woman; an accomplished young woman, I would say. Not only did she join the Peace Corp, but she also taught school on a Native American Indian reservation, leaving only after she felt that continuing to teach there would be putting herself in danger. Throughout our conversation, Schrader spoke of times when the challenges she faced seemed insurmountable and how her parents would lift her up during those times in her life. Being a single mother, Schrader Fowler faces other sets of challenges, but she wouldn’t trade a moment of her full life. She is very much a doting mother of her little boy. What seemed to resonate with me after our conversation was how this woman reinvented herself at a time in her life when some women would have been resolved to doing something that they didn’t get a sense of fulfillment from just to pay the bills. Not Schrader. She knew whatever she chose to do, she had to fill a burning need to help others. It is often times hard to get women we

interview to toot their own horn, so to speak, and Schrader was no exception. Although when she talked about her clients and how they would tell her how much better they felt after a massage session, how relaxed they left her, she became animated. It is obvious that her work is her passion. I have heard it said that you should find something you love to do so much

She knew whatever she chose to do, she had to fill a burning need to help others. that you would do it for free, and then get so good at it that people will pay you for it. That is precisely what Schrader Fowler has done with her massage therapy business. If you take a peek at her Facebook Page, you will see a number of reviews singing her praises. For example, once such happy client raves, “Most AMAZING massage I have ever had, I have become a regular because of how fantastic Schrader is. I definitely recommend her to anyone looking for the best massage of their life!” If you have never experienced a massage, we encourage you to call Schrader and schedule yours today. Send us an email and tell us what you thought. What an incredible first massage Schrader must have had those years ago to leave her with such a lasting impression.

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BRINGING FAMILIES TOGETHER: A Chosen Child Adoption Agency by Amy Pittsenbarger

he miracle of a baby’s birth and the joys of parenting are life changing events that most adults hope to experience. Adoption is one path that some choose to take to become parents.

Denice Fisher is the founder and executive director of A Chosen Child Adoption Services. She is passionate about bringing families together through adoption. Her interest in the field of adoption was sparked at an early age, as she had three adopted cousins growing up. She graduated in 1977 with a master’s degree in Social Work, after completing a thesis on adoptees’ right to find out information about their birth parents. Denice founded A Chosen Child Adoption Services in 2002, and has since added a team of experienced and caring social workers who are qualified to assist with all phases of the adoption process. A Chosen Child Adoption Services is a private, non-profit 501(c) (3) adoption agency, licensed by the South Carolina Department

of Social Services. They facilitate up to 15 domestic adoptions per year. With guidance, most families receive a placement within a year or two. The costs generally range from $11,000 to $20,000. According to Denice, “Our staff is dedicated to providing personalized services for every family”. Confidential counseling and placement services are offered to birth parents who are considering adoption. A Chosen Child also assists South Carolina families who are adopting within the U.S. and abroad with home study and post placement supervision services. Placing a child for adoption is an extremely difficult and well thought out decision for birth parents. The birth mother is encouraged to meet the family that

she has chosen to adopt her baby and to also spend time with her infant during the hospital stay. She has the options to choose a name for the original birth certificate, write a letter explaining her decision and to give a special memento as a keepsake for the child. Since A Chosen Child places the infant directly with the adoptive family after discharge from the hospital, there is no need for foster care. According to recent statistics, approximately 95% of adoptions have some degree of openness between birth and adoptive parents. Denice explains, “Open adoption can be a good thing if honest communication is maintained and both sets of parents keep in mind what is best for the adopted child”. The staff of A Chosen Child is available to help moderate contact between adoptive and birth parents, but sometimes that’s not even necessary. “Parents often develop an extended family type of relationship and stay in touch on their own,” Denice explained. A Chosen Child encourages adoptive parents to send pictures and updates of the child regularly for their birth parents. This often helps to make them feel more comfortable

‘Our staff is dedicated to providing personalized services for every family.’

Denice Fisher 12

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with their decision. Adoptive parents are also encouraged to set up a special email address or blog to keep in contact with birth parents after the adoption is finalized. “Providing education about adoption is an important part of what we do as an agency. We try and be active in our community,” Denice explains of A Chosen Child. “We host two events each year that are open to the public. All adoptive families and adults and children who are interested in adoption are invited to attend. This year’s annual Adoption Celebration & Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled on April 12th also planned during November, in honor of National Adoption Month” said Denice. She also encourages adoptive parents to attend a local support group, and recommends the Hearts of Hope Adoption Ministry in Summerville, as well as Journeys Together in Mt. Pleasant. As for how the name of the agency ‘A Chosen Child Adoption Services’ originated, Denice explained, “Adoptees are told they are special, and loved, and we wanted the name to in Wannamaker Park. A special party or event is reflect that!” For more information about creating families through adoption, call Denice at (843) 851-4004 or visit A Chosen Child Adoption Services’ Facebook page or website at www.accAdoptionServices.com.

Cornbread & Cashmere

Allow me to introduce myself… When you think about the south, what do you think of? Sweet tea? Gorgeous landscapes? Country music? As for me, I think about the more important things in life: Food and fashion, of course! SUMMER 2013 COMPLIMENTARY

2013 WINTER IMENTARY COMPL

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| SUMMERVILLE

| WEST ASHLE

My name is Lilli Serral. I’m a born and raised southern girl, student at USC, and author of Cornbread and Cashmere. My mission? To bring you only the best (and yummiest) recipes, trends, and fashion must-haves! I may be a small town girl, but I still have a passion for the eclectic and unique style of the city. Cornbread and Cashmere is designed to capture fashion innovations, trends, and designers from all over and bring them to you! Naturally, my own style has a southern twang, so I love blogging about bringing the big city trends down south! Oh, and how could I forget? C&C also has the best southern eats. You can find anything from cookies, to entrées, to homemade bread! Want more? Visit cornbreadandcashmere.wordpress.com to see my full-length blog. Comment, like, follow, enjoy! Upcoming post: Head over Heels: Spring 2014 Shoes

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Financing

YOUR FUTURE by Amy Pittsenbarger photos by Tammy Bevins Photography

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Women

n this day and age, it can be incredibly difficult to figure out how to balance all the demands of our lives. And for many Americans, finances are one of the most elusive demands of all. Ken York (York & Associates, LLC.) is the Ameriprise Financial franchise owner, and a financial & estate advisor for the Charleston area. As Ken told me, he believes in the old adage of “There’s no ‘I’ in team”, and he and his associates are a team in all regards. He went on to tell me, “I am the leader of this team, however, I’m also a follower when I need to be…it takes a lot to make everything work.” Ken has been in the financial business for going on six years. His colleagues, Augie Ortega (certified financial planner) and Dovie Smith (office administrator) have been in the field for 30 and 21 years, respectively. Their collective experience is 56 plus years, making York & Associates an incredible resource to work with. One of the best perks of working with Ken is that Ameriprise is America’s largest and most preeminent financial planning firm, so know that your finances are in very capable hands!

ily. “They are the reason that I wake up each and everyday with a smile on my face,” Ken says. He has two daughters, Alicia and Gabriela, two dogs, Sancho and Lola, and a wonderful wife, Nathalie (who also works as operations manager and event planner for the company). Ken describes his wife as the total opposite of him, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. “She has, and always will be, supportive and loving, no matter what.” When their family isn’t spending time together at the James Island dog park, Ken is spending time with them individually. “I try to do at least one thing each week with my daughters separately,” he explains, “And my wife and I try to go out, just the two of us, every other weekend.”

‘I am the leader of this team, however, I’m also a follower when I need to be…’

So why should you and your family make the important life decision to work with York & Associates about your finances? Ken says it is first and foremost because of their combined collective knowledge allowing them to be a “one stop financial shop”! They also work diligently to keep in contact with local professionals of all walks, to provide more comprehensive financial advising. Ken told me, “All of these benefits are truly key in giving us the ability to understand, dissect, and ultimately, strategically put together all of the intricate pieces of our client’s financial puzzle.” In addition to being incredibly devoted to his job, Ken is a man who loves his life and his fam-

I asked Ken what kind of financial advice he had to offer people who may have started later in life to start saving for retirement-Start with a detailed and honest budget, and stick to it! Also, it’s important to have a financial advisor who “helps make your life easier and allows time for the finer things in life.” Ken told me he hopes his “dream come true” could help others make their dream come true! For more information on financing your future, call York & Associates at (843) 471-2827 or visit them online at www. ameripriseadvisors.com/ken.york/. www.charlestonwomanonline.com

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;They are the reason that I wake up each and everyday with a smile on my face.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Professional

Charleston County’s Best Suit by Rachel-Elise Weems

ress for Success is a non-profit international organization that has been changing the lives across the globe for 18 years. It began in 1996 when Nancy Lublin, a New York City law student, received an inheritance of $5,000 from her great-grandfather. Rather than spend it on herself, she decided to use the money to instead honor her great-grandfather’s memory by helping other people achieve new beginnings. Since then, the program has grown to encompass more than 125 affiliates in over 12 countries. Today, Dress for Success continues its mission to enrich lives by helping underprivileged women become economically independent. “We provide free professional attire, career development services, mentoring services and a network of resources to help women thrive in life and at work,” said Margret Jefferson, founder and executive director for Dress for Success Charleston County. To qualify for the program, women must have completed a job training program through one of the organization’s referral partners and have a job interview lined up. With those things in place, the women are given an appointment at Dress for Success location where they meet for an interview suiting with a personal shopper to select professional attire. Women also learn interviewing skills and techniques so that outside and in, they are best prepared for their own interview. If a woman is successful in attaining employment, she can return for an employment suiting at which time she will receive one weeks worth of professional attire at no cost. If unsuccessful, she can still return and utilize other Dress for Success career services. “We have a Career Corner where folks come in and actually look for jobs,” explained Jefferson. The Career Corner services include career advisement and access to a computer to continue job hunting. The program doesn’t end there –in addition to suiting and prepping women for interviews, Dress for

Success also offers ongoing support in the form of professional mentorship programs. “We have a professional women’s group for the women who become employed,” said Jefferson. “And when they become employed, we work with them to maintain their jobs.” Mentorship meetings occur on a monthly basis to provide mentees with guidance and opportunities to

for Success woman,” said Jefferson, who had suffered the resulting loss of her own job. That time of hardship served as venue in Jefferson’s own life as a single parent to deepen her both her passion for the program and her faith in God. “My relationship with God has been a true testimony of the struggles that I’ve had; losing my job helped me to truly understand the importance of what Dress for Success is all about,” said Jefferson. “I’m walking in my purpose, and my purpose is to be a servant to all mankind.”

‘We provide free professional attire, career development services, mentoring services and a network of resources to help women thrive in life and at work.’ listen to other professional women speak on career-advancing topics. From 2003 to 2009, Dress for Success Charleston County was able to help change the lives of over 700 women. But in 2009, due to the loss of a financial sponsor, the program was forced to close its doors. “In the time that the program was closed, I actually became a Dress

Jefferson welcomes individuals from the surrounding communities interested in volunteering to reach out and become involved –whether it be through clothing donation, career services or the mentorship program. “We couldn’t do this program without the support of our community or the volunteers from our community,” said Jefferson. For more information on Dress for Success Charleston, visit www.dressforsuccess.org/charlestoncounty or email Jefferson personally at charlestoncounty@dressforsuccess.org.

In September 2012, the program was officially able to reopen its doors and is currently rebuilding its structure. Jefferson hopes to use Dress for Success Charleston County in a powerful way to being changing the lives of underprivileged woman, their families and the communities in the Charleston area. “Dress for Success is a little bit more than providing just the free clothing and career development services,” Jefferson explained. “It’s actually about building relationships with women who want to be able to reach the goals in their life. You have to reach back and give to somebody else.” www.charlestonwomanonline.com

Meet CHRIS POWERS In Her Own Words...

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

Charleston Woman celebr ates the sur vivor in you Real Women

ave you ever known someone whose influence on you impacted everything you would do in life? That is how it was with me and my sister, Jean Powers. Her knowledge, grace and strength were just a few attributes of this amazing woman and it became more evident in her final years as she battled brain and breast cancer. Feeding tubes, tracheotomies, brain surgeries, code blues and countless times in the ICU and never a complaint, never a “why me” attitude, rather the resolve to keep fighting to get better. Sadly cancer, once again took the life of someone far too soon.

by Chris Powers

photos by Oh Schmidt Productions

How lucky I was to have someone like her as my best friend and role model. She taught me to live life to the fullest and we talked so often about our dream of owning a horse farm and the possibility of doing something with horses and healing. And so it was twelve years ago in the summer of her passing and in my deepest pain that I decided to bring our dream to fruition. I woke up one morning that summer and started driving North from Florida and while I was actually headed to North Carolina the drive was just too long so I stopped in Aiken. I pulled right up to The Carolina Company Real Estate Agency without an appointment and asked to see some horse farms. They had several to show me, but the very first one was what I ended up choosing. Down a one mile easement through the Aiken State Park, the farm sits on fifty lovely acres. I saw a pond down the hill on the property and wandered off alone to see it. There I felt my sister telling me to go for it and so in a puddle of tears I stood there resolved to make our dream come true. I named it Two Sisters Farm.

zine in 2005 and it stated this 501c non profit organization was looking for locations around the country for long weekend retreats for women battling cancer. Eureka! That is what I knew my farm was meant to be. A safe haven for women to rest, relax and re-energize. Their premise was whether a woman was recently diagnosed or years out of treatment, if she felt the need to get away, then these retreats were available to her free of charge. And so it began, Two Sisters Farm became a retreat location and I ended up becoming the Chairwoman of Women Beyond Cancer. While there are other locations in the country where we have hosted retreats in the past, Two Sisters Farm has become the main retreat center. There are a host of volunteers who have been with me since the beginning including famed photographer Shelly Schmidt who does photo shoots with each woman during the retreat so they may have a beautiful keepsake of their time on the farm. The Volunteer Coordinator Pamela O’Neil meets and greets the ladies at the airport as they come from around the country to experience a WBC retreat. She spends time during the retreats just “being there” for the ladies and doing whatever is called for at that particular retreat. We also offer complimentary mas-

There I felt my sister telling me to go for it and so in a puddle of tears I stood there resolved to make our dream come true.

I bought the farm searching for my own peace and happiness. Little did I know it would evolve to bring such joy and comfort to others as well. I read about Women Beyond Cancer in a maga-

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sages and therapists Mary Sheehy and Susan Lott, both of Aiken, offer their services which are held down by the pond, not far from where I felt my sister telling me to “go for it”. Also available at our retreats is the amazing Julie Robins of The Aiken Horsemanship Academy. She is such an added gift to the retreats as she has skillfully incorporated the healing energy of horses. If I were to say what I bring to the retreats it is my sense of humor and commitment to ensure a great time is had by all. I have always looked at the retreats as more of an adult girl scout camp where we come and play together in this brief moment of time. We even do sing-a-longs around the campfire with the help of SPCA dog trainer and American Idol hopeful Ann Kinney. My vision has always been the it takes a village approach to the success of these retreats and for the difference they have made in the lives of women dealing with their cancer and recovery. I am grateful to the Aiken community for their continued support and for the many outstanding women who walk this journey with me.

living in the moment that causes the retreats to be so life changing as I have heard it time and again. I have one woman’s ashes spread down at my pond as that was her dying wish to be scattered in what she felt was her tiny slice of heaven on Earth. I have also been asked to speak at a past attendees funeral. Before she passed she asked if I would be an honorary Pallbearer

The beauty of the retreats is that we have no agenda, no schedule to go by.

We don’t do any advertising to promote our retreats, rather we simply have a website, www.womenbeyondcancer.org. Women find us by word of mouth of others who have attended a retreat in the past or by Googling Women + Cancer + Retreats as we are the first to pop up. The beauty of the retreats is that we have no agenda, no schedule to go by. One attendee while on horseback the first day told me how scared she was of what we were going to do to her. I kind of giggled and politely told her not to worry as I had no idea what we would be doing the next hour. And that I believe is the key to the success of our retreats, to just be present. I think it is the freedom of

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Women

at her service and to speak before her congregation. Her sister called me and said the family wanted to understand what it was that caused her dear Bev to be so impacted by the retreat, so I just read to the congregation from the Guest Book she signed before leaving my farm. It went something like this, “As I sit here in my rocking chair on the porch watching the horses graze in the early morning dew, I faintly hear the footsteps of a fellow camper as she readies for the new day. The dogs have come to greet me before they tear off into the woods for their morning romp. I am filled with joy and gratitude to Chris, Shelly and Pamela and the others this weekend whose paths in our brief life have crossed for this precious moment in time…and I am at peace”. Perhaps I should consider changing the name of the farm every time another woman battling cancer comes through my door, from Two Sisters to Three Sisters to Twenty Sisters to One Hundred Sisters. But it shall remain Two Sisters Farm in honor of my sister, the woman who has impacted the lives of so many even in her passing.

www.charlestonwomanonline.com

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Health & Wellness

Let’s Get Moving with Catherine Grych by Elaine Samples

atherine Grych is the Registered Dietician who runs the H2 Wellness program (“H2W”) at Trident Health System. H2W is a national program that lends itself to providing health information through its website, similar to a web MD for various medical procedures, as well as local classes that contribute to good wellbeing. You may have heard it said that the decisions you make today will have an impact on your tomorrow. So it is with our health and nutrition. Catherine and her team at Trident are working to attract more young people to their program, which translates to better quality of life long term. “We want to eat whatever we want today,” says Catherine, “and sit on the sofa watching our TV shows and check social media because it satisfies us now. But realizing that you need to make some healthy changes because long term you are going to reap the benefits of those changes is important.” Catherine advises to keep the various food

‘But realizing that you need to make some healthy changes because long term you are going to reap the benefits of those changes is important.’ groups in mind when endeavoring to eat right, and get back to the basics. “If you know it grew on a tree or in the ground, or you can identify the animal the food came from, the food is going to be better for you than food that is transformed into nuggets, cold cuts, or hot dogs. But usually those are the foods that we see that are more processed or more convenient. And so really if you tie it all in, eating right comes full circle. If you can get away from cooking at home and get away from packing our lunches, you are going to lose

some of that ability to get whole, healthy foods. So to me, I say go with your eggs – and you can’t go wrong with plants.” Catherine advises we should treat our day to day routine like an investment in our future: “You know, you put money into making sure your car runs right. We spend money on our fingernails, hair, and wardrobe to make us look good. What better investment than the bodies we carry around every day? That is what people see when they interact with you; they don’t see your car. They won’t remember what shoes you had on after you’ve walked away. But if you’re healthy and you’re able to communicate that and have an influence on your family, that’s huge.” Little modifications to your regular routine can go a long way. Try making the following changes to get more exercise: • Park farther away. • Go outside and play with the kids when they are playing. • Make more trips when getting the groceries out of the car or doing laundry. • During commercial breaks, touch your toes, do crunches, walk around the sofa, or do arm curls with cans from the pantry. • Take a class at your local health club.

• Make exercise social so that you are doing it with your friends and more likely to stick with it. • Remember, you may not want to go for the run (or walk) on the front end, but you never regret it when you get back! As for making better food choices, Catherine suggested the following: • Frozen veggies minus the cheese sauce are better for you than the frozen potatoes. • Choose the healthy options if you must eat fast food (oatmeal, salads, and apple slices) • Eat a salad instead of a sandwich • Check restaurant menus before you go out and plan what you are going to eat in advance • Schedule exercise just like you would dinner with a friend, and take the appointment as seriously as you would a meeting at the office. • Even though a glass of wine may have health benefits, stick to the recommended 5 oz serving. And if you are not drinking, don’t start. Drink grape juice or eat grapes instead. • Get your recommended health screenings. • Treat your day to day routine like an investment in your future. Start by making little adjustments to your routine, so that you do not feel overwhelmed. Over time, the little things can make a big difference. So, let’s get moving! www.charlestonwomanonline.com

Announcing

Carolina Women’s Care An d th e obstetr ics/gyn ecolo gy prActic e of C y n t h i a t. L a w t o n , M . D .

Dr. Lawton’s friendly approach and emphasis on patient- and family-centered care are welcome additions to the Lowcountry’s excellent medical community. Carolina Women’s Care offers early and extended hours appointments to meet your busy schedule.

now aCC epti ng n ew pati ents

Call 843-851-3800

Gynecology Residency at University Health Systems,Pitt County Memorial Hospital and Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

Dr. Lawton attended Clemson University and earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. She completed her Obstetrics and

104A Morgan Place Summerville, SC 29485 843-851-3800 CarolinaWomensCare.com

Are bowel control issues

DESTROYING YOUR LIFE? If you are suffering from accidental bowel leakage, let Dr. Margarita Murphy help you. Using an innovative, minimally invasive new treatment option, Dr. Murphy will have you back enjoying your life in no time. Dr. Murphy is one of the top in the country for the most patients treated with this system. She is also one of the few instructors of this treatment in the U.S.

Let the expert help you!

Call for an appointment.

M. Margarita Murphy, M.D., FASCRS

(843) 853-7730

Board Certified Surgeon | Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon 1439 Stuart Engals Blvd. | Suite 100 | Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 www.colonsurgeonsofcharleston.com

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OPEN HEART

Interview with Gastrointestinal Surgeon Dr. Margarita Murphy by Lilli Serral

r. Margarita Murphy of Gastrointestinal Surgical Specialists in Mount Pleasant truly does it all. The surgeon and medical director of the Rectal Endosurgery Center of the Carolinas has a different schedule nearly every day of the week, yet still makes sure she leaves the office early enough to spend time with her family. From the moment I began to speak with Dr. Murphy, I could tell that she loved her job. Even though she has a busier schedule than most people and works in different offices and hospitals throughout the week, she takes what comes at her with a genuine smile. On her workweek, she explains, “On Tuesdays I see patients of every age in our office. I love the variety of patients I see. On Wednesdays I do smaller surgeries at the outpatient surgery center. I do a lot of colonoscopies, which are important once you reach the age of fifty. On Thursdays and Fridays I’m back in the office seeing patients.” Dr. Murphy’s medical aspirations began at an early age. I asked her what made her want to work in this field. “ Since I was young, I always wanted to be a doctor. I like making people ‘better’. I started medical school in Colombia when I was eighteen. I had just finished high school. I ended up finishing medical school in the United States. I started out in general surgery and had great mentors in colorectal surgery. I loved it as a specialty. I get to experience so much as a surgeon. I have a great lifestyle.” Dr. Murphy’s Colombian heritage and bilinguality is a definite perk when working with surgeons from other countries, and even continents. “I have people come from all over to watch me perform surgeries. Some are even from South America.” On the satisfaction she gets from her job, “It is so great to see my patients

‘It is so great to see my patients happy, and how different they feel after coming to see me.’ happy, and how different they feel after coming to see me. It’s amazing how I can give them their life back. The best thing is when their spouses come to thank me. It makes my day so great.” So what does she do when she’s not working? “I’m a busy mom! I have a six year-old boy and a four year-old girl. They are my greatest accomplishment and I’m so proud of them. They are the greatest. I’ve even changed my business hours for them. My weekends are devoted to them. We love doing things outdoors together!” Dr. Murphy is definitely content with her life at this point, which is a huge accomplishment. “ In five years, I hope I’m doing the same thing I’m doing right now. Life is great. I’m so privileged, and I’m doing what God wants me to do. Sometimes I’ve had doubts, but he’s told me I am in the right place. I’m doing his will when working with my patients and kids. I’m setting an example.” www.charlestonwomanonline.com

Health & Wellness

A Commitment to Care F or over 20 years now, Tricounty Radiology has been a leading imaging provider in the Tricounty area. Their 14 locations statewide, including three alone in Charleston, offer a variety of imaging services such as MRI, Open MRI, CT, Ultrasound and X-ray. Furthermore, each office is dedicated to providing patients with not only the highest quality of service at the most affordable rates, but doing so in the most comfortable, friendly outpatient environment in the business. The end of the year is one of the busiest times for many individuals, not only in their personal or professional lives but their medical ones as well. Many doctor’s offices and hospitals across the country see their greatest influx of patients from October to December. Individuals with high deductible plans often become eager to squeeze in medical appointments before the annual resetting of deductibles in January – particularly when outof-pocket cash becomes tight after holiday expenses. Once reset, patients must pay their deductibles regardless of their medical needs or where they receive care. They can, however, help determine the amount they will pay toward those deductibles by deciding where to invest it. Choosing wisely can mean the difference between receiving or neglecting critical medical treatment until a patient can build up an adequate cash flow. “Typically, Tricounty is 40 to 60 percent less than area hospitals,” said Kirsten Jones, Regional Director for Tricounty Radiology of Charleston, S.C. One of the reasons for this difference comes through their globalized billing. Unlike other facilities, Tricounty Radiology sends patients one consolidated bill rather than an assortment of separate professional and technical bills. “So, for the patient

Celebrating, Motivating and Educating

by choosing Tricounty, their test is less expensive.” In addition to paying less, patients can expect to receive more personal, hassle-free service. “Hospitals can be overwhelming,” explained Jones. “Our offices are also different than a doctor’s office; we’re a much more comfortable, familyfriendly environment.” From the moment a patient enters the office from the door-to-door parking, rests easily in one of the serene waiting areas and are cared for by the friendly staff, they know they are in good hands.

most hectic of schedules –whether it is early morning hours before work, after school in the evening or even night hours with MRI’s available until 10:00PM. “We try to cater to patients and just have a lot of conveniences that a hospital might not be able to provide,” said Jones. One such convenience includes a commitment to timeefficiency. “We offer 24-hour report turn around time,” said Jones. With three local ACR Board Certified Radiologists standing by, it’s a guarantee that all of the Tricounty Radiology locations can stand by with confidence.

Tricounty Radiology also offers flexible hours to oblige even the

But of all the commitments to services they offer, Tricounty Radiol-

From the moment a patient enters the office from the door-to-door parking, rests easily in one of the serene waiting areas and are cared for by the friendly staff, they know they are in good hands.

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Women

ogy is most proud of their commitment to the individual. “We pride ourselves on our customer care,” said Jones. “I think a lot of patients’ physicians will say ‘you have to go to the hospital for this exam’ – but just really know that you do have a choice when deciding where to go for your tests.” Tricounty Radiology tries to honor that choice providing the best possible care to not only the patient during the actual testing procedures, but their family and loved ones as well during a season of worry or hardship. “The patients come first,” said Jones. “It’s about their care.”

Business & Web Directory Adoption Services A Chosen Child Adoption Services.......................................................13 www.accadoptionservices.com Art & Entertainment Aiken Trials.................................................................................................9 www.aikentrials.com Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of the Lowcountry...................................................4 www.explorecml.org Columbia Museum of Art.........................................................................6 www.columbiamuseum.org Auto Care Holt Transmission Service........................................................................6 www.holttransservice.com Eye Care 20/20 Vision Center...................................................................................9 www.2020visioncentersc.com Financial York and Associates, LLC..........................................................................6 www.AmeripriseAdvisors.com/Ken.York Health Services Back2Health Physical Medicine Clinic.............................................. IFC www.goosecreekchiropractics.com Gastrointestinal Surgical Specialists......................................................24 www.colonsurgeonsofcharleston.com Trident Health................................................................................... 24, BC www.tridenthealthsystem.com Hotel Wingate by Wyndham.............................................................................22 www.charlestonwingate.com, www.lexingtonwingate.com Photography Tammy Bevins Photography................................................................IBC www.tammybevinsphotography.com Specialty The Crescent Olive...................................................................................27 www.thecrescentolive.com Massage Therapy Mt. Pleasant Massage Therapy..................................................................9 Real Estate Miler Properties..........................................................................................6 www.milerproperties.com

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A Personal Note

can tell already 2014 is going to be a great year. It has started off just the way I like it – surrounded by family and close friends. In the last three weeks, three out of my four children had a birthday! Can you believe it? Trey and Abby are exactly two years and one week apart. He turned 18 and Abby turned 16 years old. Ryan, my sweet baby, just turned 7. He still likes to cuddle but not every day, and it is selective cuddle time – only when he needs it. On those days when I ask to cuddle, he might say – “Mom, I am big boy now.” Time flies. When I started the magazine, Colton was our baby. He was only two. He is our only summer baby, and is eleven now. It seems like yesterday Trey and Abby were babies. I can remember carrying a diaper bag and a car seat, while trying to hold a little two year old hand all at the same time. I wonder now how did we do that? Yet, I also remember loving every single moment. I try not to think about Trey’s upcoming graduation and how Abby is beginning to assert her own independent spirit, or the way my younger boys aren’t little babies any more. I heard someone say once that all parenting really is - is the process of letting go. From the first moments the umbilical cord is cut, we are teaching them to be independent of us. Every milestone is one day closer to the day they will have their own homes and families. Recently I was thinking of the time in our country when people lived in family homes and children lived on adjoining land. I think I was meant to live in that time period, where I could keep them close all their lives. Maybe it seems silly, but as a parent, do you ever stop worrying? Do you ever really feel comfortable going to bed at night when they are no longer living in your house? Of course when I shared my desire to buy land and deed a parcel to each of them locally, Trey and Abby were appalled …. (I am sure I don’t know why) and Colton and Ryan had different responses. Colton said,” I don’t need my own house, Mom. I am going to live with you and Daddy forever.” (My cup runneth over.) And Ryan said, “That is great! I want to live beside you and Daddy forever with my wife, and our five children.” (He has always wanted to be a dad one day.) I have to smile at moments because they are all so uniquely and wonderfully created. Four puzzle pieces that fit into our family frame so perfectly. I am so blessed to call them mine and to have this opportunity to share them with you. I hope as parents we all consider the gift each of our children are to our families and appreciate that gift daily. Who knows what tomorrow brings? If I leave my house one morning and never make it back home, what will be the last words my children heard me say? Will they be kind? Will they be loving words? Will my children be filled with the knowledge they are loved and cherished? I hope so. God Bless and may 2014 be filled with many blessings! Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Lori Samples Duncan

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What is Your Heart’s Age? Find out in minutes with ouR h e a R t h e a lt h p R o F i l e R

Answer a few quick questions and discover important information about your cardiovascular health. It’s free and easy! * Compare your actual age to your heart’s biological age * Calculate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease * Prioritize your most harmful cardiovascular risk factors

To take the profiler, visit TridentHealthSystem.com or scan the QR code above.