Crazy Cat Lady Mews

Archive for the ‘Family Life’ Category

“The only differences between the Herod of old and the Herods of today are in the weapons used and the number of victims. Herod used swords and spears to kill the Holy Innocents. Today’s Herods use abortion, “The Pill” and other chemical weapons. And whereas Herod killed a relatively small number of babies, today’s Herods have butchered literally hundreds of millions … with no end in sight!”

January 22, 2013, marks the 40th anniversary of the legislation that legalized abortion: Roe v. Wade. The organization called NARAL marks the anniversary with a campaign called “Blog For Choice.” NARAL is an acronym whose meaning has evolved over the years from “National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws” to “National Abortion Rights Action League” and finally, “National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League.” Apparently they have had identity issues over the years, similar to Planned Parenthood and their very recent change from use the term “pro-choice” to catchy little phrases such as “Reproductive Justice,” “Only you know what it’s like to walk in your shoes’ and “Decisions about reproductive health are personal. You can help keep them that way.” 

Back on December 19, 2012, I put an image on my FB that read “It’s weird to see a president who has no problem with abortions in the third trimester stand against violence towards children.” This was in response to the shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary school, in Connecticut.

Since that time, I have had several discussions with various people about abortion. I have asked people who identify themselves with the “pro-choice” moniker to explain what that means. Unanimously, everyone I have spoken to has said that if a woman should be able to “choose” to “terminate” a pregnancy.  A consistent comment among many was,  ”I wouldn’t do it, but I don’t think I should take away the “right” of a woman to “control” her body.”  

Some people undoubtedly ask, “Well, what if  it is from rape or incest? Should a woman have to have it around as a constant reminder of that act of violence?”

I countered with since when is a baby an “it”? How does one justify an act of murder to counter an act of violence? Does the unborn ever have a “choice” in how they are conceived?  

 I still cannot come to grips with the fact that so many think it is okay to murder a baby nor how this murder is a somehow seen as “choice” or “reproductive justice.”

In office as the President of the United States of America is the single most pro-abortion president that this country has ever had. For those who question this, I will remind them that Barack Obama has consistently opposed bans on late term abortions, partial birth abortions and has voted against providing care to babies born alive after botched abortions. That last one is particularly disturbing to me. How could a man, who professes to be a good father, no less, vote against giving care to a baby who survived an attempt to murder him or her through a botched abortion. It smacks of evil.

 I will never think of the “pro-choice” supporters as anything other than “pro-abortion.” I do not even have to ask them what they mean when they say “choice” because it is very clear that they mean women should have the opportunity to take the life of the unborn at will, whenever they “choose.” 

To join other pro-life folks in this movement, check out the Facebook Page called Ask Them What They Mean By “Choice” Day 2013.

For more on Barack Obama’s record and views on abortion, this page gives a pretty good summary of his pro-abortion stance: http://www.thepoliticalguide.com/Profiles/President/US/Barack_Obama/Views/Abortion/

Love is like an earthquake: unpredictable, a little scary, but when the hard part is over you realize how lucky your are.
~Anonymous

Today marks what would have been my parents 54th Wedding Anniversary. Four years ago, my folks renewed their vows at the 4:00pm Saturday  Mass on their actual anniversary, May 10, 2008. For years, my parents were regulars at the 4:00pm Mass; it was wonderful to share their special renewal with the church community of Sacred Heart Church. What my dad did not know was that we arranged to have family and friends meet us at the church.

The officiating priest had asked me to write up something about the history of their lives together; in the end, he made me read it during the Mass. This was so very difficult for me because at the time my dad was terminally ill. As I read my piece, I could see the emotion and love on the faces of my dad and mom. I ended up editing out many of the things I had written because it was just too emotional. In honor of my folks, I am sharing the full text of that essay.

For Patricia and Gene, laughter, love and patience are the glue to a successful marriage.

Throughout the past 50 years, many things have changed. The bar where they met back in April of 1956 went out of business. St. Pancratius, where the couple was married on May, 10, 1958, was torn down and later rebuilt. The Old Prague, where their wedding reception was held, was destroyed in a fire. The Wagon Wheel Resort, where they honeymooned, was closed down years ago. Even though all of these places are no longer around, Patricia and Gene have continued to celebrate good times and bad times, together building a beautiful marriage and family.

It all started with a dance…

In our family, it is well known that Patricia and Gene have a life filled with music and dancing. Whether it is dancing at a formal event or teaching their children how to do the Jitterbug and Waltz in the living room, the couple has been long admired for the way they move together across the dance floor. Records have often been piled on the old record player – Elvis Presley, Bill Haley, Johnny Mathis, Dean Martin and so many others. Gene would grab Patricia and off they would be dancing across the rug. Their dancing is a good metaphor for their marriage – it does take “two to Tango.” Even though all of their steps may not be perfectly executed, where one may falter, the other picks up the misstep, moving them forward in unison.

And along come the children…

Patricia and Gene have been blessed with six children and twelve grandchildren. Thankfully, they were also blessed with a good deal of patience and lots of humor! Through the years, the couple was actively involved in scouting and with Sacred Heart church.

Favorite memories in our family include the many family vacations, weekly Sunday breakfasts or dinners and hosting big family Christmas parties.

Many vacations were spent traveling the country, camping and sightseeing. Gene would get the old Volkswagen Van ready for the trip – adding in that left-foot gas peddle (so he could drive longer amounts of time) and turning that middle two-person seat sideways before loading the camping gear, luggage, six kids, Grandma and the dog into the vehicle. Patricia would make sure all of the food was stashed, along with all of the kid’s clothes. Up on top of the VW went the old blue canoe and off the family would go to so many places – New Mexico, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Canada, Washington D.C., the Virginia’s, Missouri and so many other places.

Every weekend, the family would attend Mass. The big treat was always going out to breakfast together. Patricia and Gene were good sports taking the six kids out to eat! Sunday dinners were eaten at the dining room table, using the china and fine glassware. On certain holidays, like Mother’s Day, Gene would take everyone to the Millionaires Club, near Ford City. The kids loved going there and Patricia would get a break from making Sunday dinner! 

Every year, Patricia and Gene would host a Christmas Day party. The grandparents and many extended family and friends were always invited. Weeks before, Patricia would enlist the aid of the kids to get the house ready. When the house decorations went up, Gene was the one untangling the Italian lights. On Christmas Day, family and friends would arrive with food to share, gifts to exchange and hugs all around. 

The children marry and along come the grandkids…

As their children married and began their own families, Patricia and Gene moved smoothly into the role of grandparents. They are known by the grandkids as “the fun grandparents.” Their home is always open for grandkids who decide to stop by and mooch a grilled cheese sandwich and a hug. Some of the grandkids compare going to their house as “Christmas everyday” because the welcome is always sincere. 

A marriage so blessed…

In a time when divorce is so common, it is encouraging to see a couple like Patricia and Gene celebrating their 50^th wedding anniversary. Certainly the years have not all been easy, but throughout them, the couple has chosen to continue their “dance,” to pick up where the other falters and keep on going. Congratulations and may God continue to bless them. 

Sadly, my father passed away on September 3, 2008. While he is not of this earth any longer, we all feel his presence through the laughter of one another and our children.

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us;
when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us;
when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels
to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.
~Washington Irving

Snug and cozy in my mother’s arm, adorned in my Baptismal gown, here I am in one of  my first family photos. As I look at this photo, I not only think back about growing up in my family, I also try to imagine how it must have been for my mom to have four kids within 4 1/2 years. My folks went on to have two more children after me, bringing the grand total to six – three boys and three girls.

As a parent of three now-grown sons, I have gained a certain appreciation for my parents, and especially for my mother. Juggling the schedules, the sibling rivalry, the good times, the bad times…my mom made it all look pretty easy. Sure, there were times when she would get a bit frazzled, but she always got through those times quickly. From my own maternal perspective, I can see that the old phrase “When Momma’s Happy, Everyone is Happy” seems especially true. And as this Mother’s Day approaches, I thought I would share a short list of things to do to keep your own mother (or other woman in your life) happy. Here goes:

1. Listen. Don’t just pretend to listen. Listen and really hear what your mom is telling you. Give some verbal feedback. Something resembling a real word, rather than a grunt or shoulder shrug, is appreciated.
2. And then do it! You know that stuff you just listened to? Make sure you actually follow through if she asked you for some help!
3. Help. Do your share of household chores. Mom’s are busy. Dad’s a busy. Kid’s are busy, too. However, no one person should be stuck doing all of the household chores.
4. Clean up after yourself. This is different from doing your chores. Everyone makes messes. If you cook some food for yourself, clean up all of your dishes. Don’t forget the sink, too! When you do your laundry, be sure to take it out of the washer AND the dryer. Put your shoes away. Put your backpack away.
5. Be nice. Attitudes are catching. Ever notice how someone being crabby makes you crabby? Being nice works the same way. Bring your good attitude home and show it off often.
6. Do it without asking. Do we really need to point out the full garbage or litter box? Does someone need to tell you to feed the barking dog? Why wait to be told? Just do it! Mom’s notice when things get done!
7. Share a meal. There is nothing I like better than sharing a meal with my family and their friends. Take time for those family dinners. As kids get older, it’s harder to do and takes a bit more planning, but it’s worth it. If your mom wants to have a meal with you, it’s her way of saying, “Hey, I love ya and want to spend a bit of time with you.”
8. Gifts? For me, gifts do not make me happy. I will admit to liking a card from my loved ones. The best “gift” is the one where you give of yourself, your time. You can’t go wrong there!

Will all of the above make for a perfect family? Will all of it make your mom happy all of the time? Of course, not, but they certainly can’t hurt!

“President George W. Bush signed the federal version of the Born Alive Infant Protection Act in 2002. The federal bill passed the U.S. House in an overwhelming 380-15 vote, with a majority of outspokenly pro-abortion representatives supporting the legislation. Even after NARAL withdrew its opposition to the federal version of the bill, Obama had continued to oppose the state version.”

The Born Alive Infant Protection Act was passed on the Federal level in 2002. This act provides protection to a baby who survived a failed abortion. When Barack Obama was an Illinois State Senator he voted against similar legislation three times. He was the only verbal opponent of the bill.

The fact that Obama voted against this legislation, on the state level, three times is one big reason why I knew this man would NEVER be anyone I could support in any leadership position. If someone can vote against saving a baby multiple times, that tells me that this is someone who cares nothing for the weakest in our society. This is not a “clump of cells” or a “fetus,” as the pro-abortion folks like to say, it is a child, a tiny helpless child who happened to survive the very process that was “chosen” to kill him or her.

My youngest son, just a day old, snuggled on my bed, while still in Christ Hospital.

I thank Jill Stanek, who was a nurse at Christ Hospital, in Oak Lawn, Illinois, for being brave enough to expose how babies who were born alive during abortions were left to die in a utility room. I find it hard to wrap my mind around the fact that the very hospital where I delivered all three of my children allowed something so heinous to occur, possibly in a utility closet not far from where I was recovering from childbirth.

I wish the mainstream media would pick up this story, but I think Rush Limbaugh was correct when he said, “We talked about it during the 2008 campaign. Nobody wanted to hear it. The hopey-change thing was just too big of a theme.”

I do not often agree with Rush Limbaugh, or Newt Gingrich, who has also been outspoken on this topic, but on this subject, I agree 100%.  If nothing else, it should give all Americans cause to stop and really think about the kind of person they want as President. I want someone who cares about everyone, from the smallest to the oldest.

The quote above is from the article at http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/rush-obamas-infanticide-vote-most-shocking-underreported-significant-story 

Life’s a dance, you learn as you go…”

“Life’s a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don’t worry about what you don’t know
Life’s a dance you learn as you go”
~John Michael Montgomery

Some fifteen or so years ago, my husband and I regularly took ballroom dance lessons. At the time, our sons were young and we really needed some time together away from the house and kids. Our neighbor’s daughter would graciously babysit the boys while we went off to learn how not to step on each other’s toes. It was a wonderful way to learn something new with my favorite guy.

I kind of forgot about our ballroom dance lesson days until I was looking for things to photograph in our home with my newly acquired Nikon D50 camera (a terrific hand-me-down from my oldest son). We received the trophy, pictured above, from our dance instructor, Marge. She gave all of the couples in her class a trophy. What made the trophies special was that they were originally Marge’s trophies. Marge was a feisty older lady, who came here from England as a bride during the World War II days. She danced professional and competitively for most of her life. Marge took all of her trophies and relabeled them for her students. For fifteen years, I have kept this trinket out in our living room, dusting it occasionally but not really seeing it or thinking about what it represents.

David made this piece for our dance instructor, Marge.

As I viewed the photos on my computer, I took a trip down memory lane, hearing the dance music play in my head, remembering how David and I would count the steps together as we pretended to glide along the dance floor. We even decided to perform in a recital, along with all of the other couples in the classes. We practiced that dance for weeks! I recall that we would often dance in our yard, with the music playing over the garage stereo, much to the amusement of our elderly neighbors. They would throw comments at us like: You kids are so cute. Or, my personal favorite: Always keep dancing.

Through the years, even though we have not continued with dance lessons, we have managed to keep dancing. When I look at that little trophy today, I realize that we have kept dancing through our lives. Every kind of step, from the slow to the snappy, we have managed to keep one another focused on the beat of the music, the rhythm of our lives always intertwining. It does not seem to matter if we are dancing at an event or dancing at home. Most of the time, we dance to our favorite tunes in our family room, surrounded by an audience of felines and canines. And as the lyrics above state, we do learn as we go, we take turns leading and following, and most of all, we just enjoy the dance together.

Check out the rest of David’s glass work at the 3 Boy Glassworks website.

“As we mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must remember that this Supreme Court decision not only protects a woman’s health and reproductive freedom, but also affirms a broader principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose and this fundamental constitutional right. While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue—no matter what our views, we must stay united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant woman and mothers, reduce the need for abortion, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption. And as we remember this historic anniversary, we must also continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.”
~Barack Obama, as posted  Jan. 22, 2012, on his blog at http://www.barackobama.com/news/entry/on-the-39th-anniversary-of-roe-v-wade

Two points jumped out at me when reading this statement:

1. The government should not intrude on private family matters.
2. Somehow legalized abortions give women the same rights, freedoms and opportunities as men to achieve their dreams.

Barack Obama's Statement on Roe V Wade, 1/22/12

Seriously?

I read this statement and wondered how this ruling affirms that the government should not intrude on private family matters. In many states, a female under the age of 18 can get an abortion without a parent being aware that she is having a serious medical procedure. In my own state, my underage children cannot get a vaccination without my consent, but my daughter could get an abortion without my knowledge. Is this not intruding on private family matters while also taking away my parental rights?

The government intrudes on the medical care options we have available, from forcing medical insurance on families to deciding what expenses are covered. If you are a patient insured by Medicaid or Medicare, the government decides which medications and procedures are approved for the poorest and oldest in our society, taking medical choices out of the hands of families and their doctors. Universities commonly force students to pay for health insurance, which often automatically cover abortions, even if the students to not want or need that type of coverage. Is this not intruding on private family matters and personal choice?

The government also wants to mandate what our children eat at school and what they eat at home – with many schools making it mandatory that children eat food provided by the schools, paid for by the parents – unless the families are eligible for free lunches. While it is admirable that Michelle Obama wants our children to be fit and healthy, even as she eats junk food and her husband smokes cigarettes, should not parents have the final say on what their own children eat? Is this not intruding, once again, on family matters?

I read this statement and would like to know how legalized abortion ensures that our daughters will “have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.” Our daughters and sons already have the same opportunities to achieve their dreams. Abortion does not somehow make this achievement more accessible to the females in our society than it does to the males.

Legalized abortion does not give women more access to education and careers. There are already other laws in place to ensure that our daughters have the same access to schools and jobs. Parents and families also play a role in determining that all of their children can achieve their dreams, no matter their sex.

Legalized abortion does not afford women who choose to be mothers, along with those who choose not to be mothers, any more benefits than those received by men who are parents or men who are not parents. The President’s statement seems to indicate that abortion somehow gives women equality to men when in fact it does nothing of the sort. Roe v. Wade was born out of the misguided notion by the Supreme Court that a right to privacy extends to a woman’s decision to have an abortion, but that it must also be balanced against the state’s reasons for regulating the procedure: protecting prenatal life and protecting a woman’s health.

I do applaud the part of President Obama’s statement that states we must support pregnant women and mothers, along with prevention of unintended pregnancies. He is right when he stated that we should promote adoption and encourage healthy relationships. We can do these things without promoting the killing of the unborn, who the weakest in our society and do not have a voice. We can also do these things without compromising the rights, freedoms and opportunities for all of our children, no matter their sex.

On this day, in 1973, abortion was made legal in the United States. Since that time millions of unborn babies have been killed. While some may call this “choice,” I call this tragedy. Today, in remembrance of this anniversary, I am sharing the words of others, words of life. To me, life is the only choice. 

“He who denies that human life begins with conception does not need to contend with religion, but science. To deny this certainty of biology is not to express a lack of faith, but a lack of basic knowledge of human genetics, something that is even known by the general public.”
~Ecuadorian Federation of Societies of Gynecology and Obstetrics, April 17, 2008

“America you are beautiful . . . and blessed . . . . The ultimate test of your greatness is the way you treat every human being, but especially the weakest and most defenseless. If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life.”
~Pope John Paul II
“It is a poverty that a “child must die”, So that you may live as you wish. . .
~Mother Teresa

“Simple morality dictates that unless and until someone can prove the unborn human is not alive, we must give it the benefit of the doubt and assume it is (alive). And, thus, it should be entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
~Ronald Reagan 1982

“There are two victims in every abortion: a dead baby and a dead conscience.”
~Mother Teresa

“I feel the greatest destroyer of peace today is “Abortion”, because it is a war against the child… A direct killing of the innocent child, “Murder” by the mother herself… And if we can accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another? How do we persuade a woman not to have an abortion? As always, we must persuade her with love… And we remeind ourselves that love means to be willing to give until it hurts. . .”
~Mother Teresa

“We must not be surprised when we hear of murders, killings, of wars, or of hatred…If a mother can kill her own child, what is left but for us to kill each other?”
~Mother Teresa

“If we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people to not kill each other? Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want.”
~Mother Teresa

Last month, I posted the above quote from Mother Teresa on my Facebook. This led to a fairly lively discussion about what it means to be pro-life and pro-choice (pro-abortion). Some referred to a baby as an “embryo” or a “fetus.” Others believe life begins at conception. I believe a developing baby is always a baby, a life to be cherished.

I believe the choice should be made BEFORE getting pregnant and that if a woman is not ready to have a baby or does not want a baby, then she should prevent a pregnancy from happening in the first place.

This prompted discussion about what to do in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in jeopardy.  I do not think adding the killing of the unborn is a way to deal with a pregnancy resulting from rape or incest. As far as aborting when the life of the mother is in jeopardy, I also believe this is wrong (and I have been in that situation personally).

Some might say that pro-lifer’s are trying to legislate “morality” by making abortion illegal. I say if you really look at our laws, we already legislate morality:

• it is a crime to murder someone;
• it is a crime to steal another’s belongings;
• it is a crime (in some instances) to be dishonest;
• it is a crime to use and sell illegal drugs; and
• it is a crime to abuse your dog.

How is legislating abortion any different? Why do some view it as different? We, as a society, accept that murder and theft are wrong. We, as a society, accept that abusing a dog or cat, or peddling drugs for a few bucks is wrong. Why do we allow the most defenseless human beings to be snuffed out because of some misguided notion that it is a “choice” women should have over their bodies.

I maintain that pro-choice equals pro-abortion. The only one with the “choice” is the mother; the unborn has no choice, no voice. I do not think it is ever right to kill the unborn. I will not be one of those who say, “I won’t have an abortion, but I don’t want to tell anyone else what to do or to take that option from them.” Unequivocally, abortion is wrong. To be pro-choice is to be pro-abortion. The only acceptable “choice” is life.

If you want to accuse me of wanting to legislate morality, then feel free. I will always choose life.

Read more about the “Ask them what they mean by ‘Choice’?” campaign on Jill Stanek’s blog here: http://www.jillstanek.com/2012/01/sunday-ask-them-what-they-mean-by-choice-day/

I originally wrote a version of the following piece in my journal following the delivery of my oldest son. Today, I celebrate the 23^rd anniversary of his birth. I reflect on what I wrote all those years ago and realize that many of my concerns were very real and worked themselves out in their own way and in their own time. I look at my oldest son, along with his two brothers, and I feel confident in writing that my husband and I did quite an amazing job of parenting our sons. We have gone from being mom and dad to three little boys, to being parents of three young men who have the world at their feet. We are truly blessed.

Me, with my first son, shortly after his birth

Everyone tells you what the labor and delivery will be like. Mothers on playgrounds share their horror stories and their pain. Some newly delivered mothers at the obstetrician’s office tell you, while holding their six week old babies, to get the epidural; others tell you the drugs are bad for the baby. Everywhere a pregnant woman goes, experienced mothers seem to be on a mission to give her the nitty gritty on the physical aspects of having a baby. They tell her how long their labors were; they tally the stitches they received. The experienced mothers discuss ill fitting nursing bras, stretch marks and burping babies. As important as all of these things are, most mothers do not share the most important aspect of having your first baby. No one truly prepares you for the emotional impact of holding your firstborn child for the very first time. 

From the moment I first held my son, I knew I loved him. I was in love with him. I was amazed that he was in my arms and no longer wiggling around inside my belly. I counted his fingers and toes; I caressed his tiny ears and nose. I inspected his little face, waiting for his sleepy eyes to open. I was so happy; I was flying on a post-birth high. I felt invincible. I was now a mother. Now what? As I kissed the top of his little misshapen head, bruised from the difficult delivery, it occurred to me that I am “it.” I am the one responsible for this other tiny life. What on earth was I thinking nine months ago? 

My mother always said that having children is not something you just do. She said being a mother is someone you become. As I held that little bundle for the very first time, it occurred to me that I was going to become part of a special group of women. Because of this six pound, thirteen ounce, squirming bundle, I was on my way to becoming a mother. Although I had all the right “gear” for the baby at home, I was not convinced that having diapers, a crib, newborn clothes and a few noisy rattles were going to help me become a mother. Sure, I knew I could feed this child. I knew I could change his diapers and bathe him. But how would I do the really important things? 

My husband, David, and I with our first son, on his first day home!

As I cradled my son against my breast, I had no idea how I would teach this little guy how to live! The tremendous job of raising this child consumed me. How could I protect him from the scrapes and bruises of life? What if he chokes on a grape? What about the inevitable bullies at school? How would I protect him from the frightening claps of thunder during a summer storm? So many thoughts and nightmares swirled in my head. What would I do if he has the same eye problems his dad has? What if his foot does not turn back the right way? Would he be able to walk properly? What if he is allergic to my old faithful dog? Am I crazy? How did my mom cope with this? How on earth did she do this six times?

This is the precise moment I realized my own mom was most likely afraid during a raging storm. It is also the moment I realized that as a child, I did not see that she was probably afraid when the lightning flashed and the thunder shook our house. I always saw her as a strong, brave woman. I knew I could always trust her to keep me safe. Somehow, she was always there to make everything all right. Would my own son look at me the same way? Would he blindly trust me to protect him always? How could I let him trust me when I was so afraid and unsure? 

As I continued holding my son, something inside told me it was going to be all right. I had made it through the labor and the delivery (with lots of help from an epidural). I survived all the physical pain. Although no one had told me what to expect when I held and kissed my firstborn child for the very first time, I realized no one really could. This was one part of life I would have to experience and discover on my own. As I kissed my son for the second time, I just knew somehow I would become a good mother. After all, I had my own mother show me how to do it in just the right way. I just wish someone would have warned me that the first kiss is harder to handle than the delivery. 

Calling Comcast about a bill increase is always fun. For me, it goes something like this:

Me: Hi, Will, yes, I love Comcast! However, my 6 month promotion just ended and my bill went from $110.67 to $131.85 per month. What can you do to make my plan more economical?

Will: Sorry, Mrs. Hoogland, the only thing I can advise is to drop your TV service or your Internet service to the next lower level. We do not even offer the Internet service that you have now; it has been replaced by the faster and cheaper Blast service.

Me: Wait! You mean you guys lowered the price of the Internet service I am being billed for but did not offer me, a longtime customer, this cheaper service?

Will: Well, we did grandfather your Internet service in at that pricing.

Me: Oh, really? You know what, I think I need to cancel the TV portion of the service. What would the price be for just the Internet?

Will: $69.95 per month – but that would be for the FASTER Blast service, not the one you have now.

Me: So, if I just did the Internet, it would be with the FASTER, CHEAPER Blast service and not the one I have now?

Will: Yes.

Me: Okay – then I want to cancel the TV and keep just the Internet.

Will: Ok, let me get you over to the right service person to handle that TV cancellation.

The next dude to take the call is Phillip.

Phillip: Mrs. Hoogland, I understand you want to cancel your TV. Let me ask you are there any channels you like watching?

Me: Sure, Phillip, History Channel, Hallmark, On Demand and a few others.

Phillip: Okay, let me see if I can find something to fit your budget.

(Furious typing can be heard in the background.)

Phillip: How about the same TV with the FASTER internet for the total price of $93.04, with taxes, for the next six months? After that it goes up an additional $20.

Me: Sure! Let’s go with that!

Note to self: I keep the same service I have enjoyed for $17.63 less a month. Even when it goes up $20, it’s not much more than what I’ve paid for the past six months. Of course, I’ve already put a note on my calendar to call to renegotiate in six months.

Not bad for a 15 minute phone call. I think I will use the money I saved to buy a few Groupons to a favorite restaurant.