Please Help!

Hello!

As most of you know, I am going back to school to become a nurse. I've applied for a scholarship through The Great American Cookie Company and need your help! The 25 essays with the most votes will be evaluated to receive a scholarship and I would really appreciate all the help I can get! Please go to the link below, find my essay submitted on April 25, 2010 (Haley from Hurst, TX) and vote for me! 

You can vote once per day per computer. Thank you all so much in advance for your help and support!

Please feel free to forward this to anyone that might be able to help.  I've made my blog un-private as of today so you can just send them here.

VOTE HERE! 
http://www.greatamericancookies.com/greatamericangrad.html

A Moving Prayer

At each of the shrines in Japan there were areas for prayers.  People write prayers on little pieces of paper, wood, or bits of cloth.  The pictures below were taken right outside of an area where people pray for their children who have passed away in some way or another and for fertility.  There are tons of tiny statues that people take care of on a religious basis.  It is sort of a grieving process for parents that lose a child; they take care of the little child statue as if it were their own child.  They put little coats on them when it is cold and make sure the area is clean.

The Shrine

Thousands of little prayers

I thought this particular prayer was beautiful and very moving.  I can't make out a few of the words that I could read in person, but here it is:

Dearest B, May the peace of God that passeth all understanding be upon you now and forever. Love always, Mom

And to B and all .... peace and love and compassion. Every breathe, every moment, every memory a pleasure, a jewel beyond price. Follow the way. Love and peace until we meet again. XO, Dad

Japan

More Exciting News....

I have been so crazy busy that I forgot to mention that I got a nice letter from UT when I got back from Japan.  We have lots of decisions to make!