Reflections

My Rock

My Rock

It’s been at the “center” my entire life. It’s the sole reason my parents purchased the piece of property it sits on. It’s come to symbolize faith, family and fortitude. It’s a rock, and quite a large one. It sits in the backyard of my childhood home which I now own with my sister after …

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Jar Emptying Time

Jar Emptying Time

Although everyone doesn’t practice Lent or share their faith in the same way, I firmly believe that taking a period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving as Lent prescribes, gives us time to reflect, time to prioritize what matters most and time to put our faith back at the center of our lives. A time to …

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“We” Did It!

“We” Did It!

Yesterday, with the incredible support of family, friends, sponsors, colleagues and GE, I ran 26.2 miles to honor the 1 in 26 that have epilepsy, registering 126 Matty Moo Teammates and raising almost $15,000 in donations for the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern NY. Like anything in life, this took a “village” to achieve and I …

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Dad’s “Final” Message

Dad’s “Final” Message

FRANKLIN – Richard Martin Rumenapp, also known affectionately as “Rick”, “Ricky” and “Rubber”, age 72, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully with family by his side Saturday, May 1, at Albany Medical Center. Rick was born at Fox Hospital in Oneonta, on January 13, 1949, to Henry and Hilma Aleksa Rumenapp, immigrates from Germany. As a …

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Look Closer

Look Closer

My mom’s unexpected passing last fall has been a challenging adjustment to say the least. Settling her estate, making arrangements, taking care of my kids as well as my own emotions has been overwhelming. It’s only recently that I’ve begun to decompress which has led to a deep sadness and mild depression including a feeling …

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What Meaning Will You Give?

What Meaning Will You Give?

The sound of the Facetime shattered the morning silence. It was Megan. It was 7am. Nothing good has ever followed a call this early from her. Nothing. At 16, it was a car accident shortly after getting her license. At 18, a season ending ankle sprain her freshman year of college. My mind raced. Now …

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We Still “See” You

We Still “See” You

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I cannot help but think about my mom and how this year we won’t “see” her. It certainly will be different as her sudden passing has left a hole in our hearts and an “empty” seat at the table. Yet, as I reflect more, I am so grateful for what …

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What Will Yours Say?

What Will Yours Say?

Life is short. How will you spend it? What will you do? Who will you help? What impact will you have on others? What is the purpose of life? All questions I was faced with when I sat down to write my mom’s obituary after her sudden death… MILFORD – Carol Ann Ferguson Rumenapp, 72, …

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Filter and Worry Free

Filter and Worry Free

As I stood on the shore gazing across the water, a woman walking by abruptly stopped and asked “what are you looking at?” I paused, taken off guard  by the question.  “The lake”, I replied.  “Why, is there something out there?” She asked.   Again, I paused. Surprised by her question and more surprised that …

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