My Health Battle And What Childhood Swings Taught Me About Resilience | Sandra Hart 

My swings were an abusive mother, a tough marriage and my only daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2014...Prayer, a sense of humor and my creativity got me through. Today, my mother is dead, my husband of 35 years and I are enjoying retirement and my daughter, a cancer survivor, is thriving. ❤

From a nurse here… I’ve seen many family disasters as a result of lack of planning on a deceased patient. Thanks for sharing your experience after your husband’s death. At age 55 my friends laughed when I started paying on my funeral and every few years update my will and wishes. I don’t want to leave my family in a mess as has been left to me and my brother.

I just loved the story of Swings. I too, have loved rocking chairs, swings. Yes, life is full of changes. I'm 73 & my faith in God & knowing He is with me in ALL things, situations. I've have a few minor health issues, no meds & enjoy walking my Shih Tzu daily. I wake up Every day w/Gratitude, thankfulness & the Joy of the Lord....... Take care my sweet friend & you will be in my prayers for complete healing of your heart issues.

My daddy used to push me on the swing at the park when I was a little girl - I loved it!! My skirt would Billow up and I would scream “ higher daddy higher” he also built one for me in our back yard- when he passed away when I was 29 - I cried for years every time I passed or saw children on swings- 🥲I remember him wanting me to enjoy my childhood !! Now I’m 80 years old- As a mom and grandmother and now a great- grandmother I delight to see the children enjoying the swings -and what I had as a child! So happy for the children / So close to my heart as I think of my sweet Dad! And remember how much fun it was! How he wanted me to have fun - Freeing- wanting to fly higher than an eagle!!

I've had many falls off the swing, but I get back on to swing again. I have been in therapy for many many years because I was hurting badly. That led me to a higher power, self love, empathy, patience, and peace. I'm grateful for my journey and falls off the swing, they still happen. So what I got this!

Thank you Sandra, keep on "Swingin' "! Best wishes for much happiness and good health always. I, too, love swings and grew up in beautiful northeastern New Jersey where we had a big back yard with very tall trees and a wooden swing set with a trapeze bar. Opposite the beautiful elementary school built in 1912, we had a wonderful playground near the woods that had swings, a slide, monkey bars and see saws! I was always on those swings!. At my late grandmothers house, built in 1776, on Cape Cod we had a big tree in the yard with a rope swing with a wooden seat. I loved swinging real high on that! Once I had my three daughters, we bought one of those wooden swing sets with the tent up on a platform. I loved to hold my little kids even when they were older babies and hold them on my lap while swinging. I would sing to them, "Swing high, swing low, up to the sky and down we go"! My youngest also had a tire swing years later. She would love to swing on that while making up stories in her head and went on to become a published author of short stories and is a Montessori teacher today. I now have nine very tall gorgeous pine trees near my cottage-like carriage house apartment in beautiful southern NH , not far from the ocean after living on the Cape for 36 years plus. I moved to be closer to my beloved oldest daughter and granddaughter who live in the three bedroom apt upstairs in a lovely old Victorian house built in 1870. The cottage is attached to the back and 19th century carriage house. Over the last few years, I lost my husband after 42 years of marriage, two beloved cats and my beloved middle daughter to Covid when she was 41 years old. She had been in a coma like state for 16 years since she was 25, due to cardiac arrest. All while having MS and now in a wheelchair I hope to get out of someday and walk again! So I've also had to navigate many of life's milestones, "for better or worst"! Life is bittersweet and we learn a lot of lessons here at Life University! Am wondering if I have a good solid branch to hang a swing on one of those gorgeous majestic tall pine trees now? You would love the cottage I moved to that has a small private yard, perfect for letting the dogs out. Only I don't have pets anymore, I prefer to feed the birds and can get my yard certified as a natural bird sanctuary! They're all over the place here! Connecting to nature and the arts are always great ways to heal and learn to move on! "Tomorrow is another day", like Scarlett O'Hara said in "Gone With the Wind"! Many things are gone with the wind, that's life on planet Earth! Try to stay upbeat and remember gratitude, count your blessings, always! Still "swinging" in my own unique way at age 75, almost 76! Still "young at heart"! Cheers~♥♥

Bless your heart, Sandra. I had fallen behind, and didn't know of your health condition. You will be in my prayers. Thank you for everything you shared in this video. I so appreciate your wisdom and counsel for all of us. I'll share some of my life "swings" soon.

This was really lovely...so much talent in you, dear Sandra 😊

I enjoy your videos. Thank you for putting them out there for us to learn from your wisdom.

In the Netherlands where i live wonderful summer temperatures ( around 20 - 25 ˚ C) and much rain now and then but the garden needs it!

I LOVE YOU🤍❤

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I love your videos. ❤❤ When I turned 60 two years ago , I became depressed and anxious about how many years I had left. I turned to RU-vid videos and podcasts to get me out of that slump. I have been on an exercise journey for the past five years. I became debilitated with a severe case of rosacea and ocular rosacea. I know it’s not life-threatening, but it was horrific. I went to a natural path doctor and now on a gluten , dairy and egg free diet. I feel better than ever. It’s people like you that do these videos that really help others. I thank you for your positive messages and keeping me motivated every week. You are definitely a beautiful woman inside and out. Sending my love from Bellville, Ontario 🇨🇦

I had to climb out of a hole so many times 1st awing was losing my son 3 days after he turned 21 years old, next mom, dad and husband, close friends. I'll be 70 in Nov. my faith has brought me through. No family left all have passed came from a very small family. I'm it. Thank you, this channel has helped me so many times. God 🙌🙏🥰

Yes, I had to climb out of the hole I was when my daughter was dealing with mental illness and drug addiction… worse time of my life . But my faith and believe in God saved me ❤🙏🏻

The swings in my life have been frequent, but I have come through them by my relationship with Jesus. I have had the strength to weather the storms, but that strength came completely from Him!

Sandra I love listening to you. You are full of wisdom and faith. I have had health, emotional and financial challenges,I try to remind myself that nothing is forever. What I try to do is not worry, it's a waste of time and life. Everything in our has been written before we got here` what will be will be. Thank you Sandra. Hoping for good health for you.

I'm 72, I've had three tests, running over 3 days which required IV's and light sedation. I was treated very kindly by the medical staff and I received good news but you are right, it is the days leading up to the tests which are hard. I also treated the staff with kindness and thanked each one. I had to be stuck 5 times to get IV started and I felt so badly for the nurse, but assured her it was okay, that this has happened many times and she would get it. Kindness goes a long way. My faith comforts me.

Jn. 16:27 .."for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came out from God." The only person who is able to help me with and through my life's swings is Jesus Himself. And it sounds like He is the One who helps you, too. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, very much found to be a help in distresses. That whole Psalm is amazing too! Thank you for sharing the encouragement that you do, about your life. I am close to being 70 and remember watching Romper Room and hoping for my name to be called out in the magic mirror. Now my hope is for Jesus to call out my name from the Lamb's Book of Life! His precious and great promises are all that I have and will ever need in this world. I hope in His love, mercy and grace. James 4:7 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. 🙏🌹🌸🌷🥀 May He continue to bless you always!

I had to say goodbye to my little dog less than a week ago. We were side by side for 10 years. On that same day, my lawn mower broke. Three days later, upon getting my car inspected, I found I had a bill of 1400 dollars to pay. So it's been a hard week. I'm giving myself time and space to grief over the death of my little companion. It's given me a sense of calm about the other recent big hits in my life. I guess I'm saying that love is the most important thing we have. Keep loving, and the rest will somehow fall into place.

I am also 85 years young....I love your advice for us "elder ladies". I had a swing when I was young and loved swings too. So many of your memories are the same for me. Recently fell in my kitchen and hurt my ankle. No fractures but lots of swelling. This is another swing.

Every word you said is true, Ms. Sandra, nothing is forever. At my 61 years in this earth/world, I have had my share of swings...ups and downs. I also have a lot of faith in my Lord Jesus Christ. He has always been with me. I am strong because He makes me strong in Him. Recently, my employer sold the business, and honestly, I don't know what is going to happen. I cry to God and ask for Him to come through like He always has. I also used to love to go on the swings as a little girl. God bless and thank you for your videos.

Hi Sandra and All: I can honestly say that everyone I know is "swinging". Financial loss, family issues, health problems galore, and through it all we forge forward with faith in Christ. It's comforting to read everyone's comments and know that I am not alone. Thank you Sandra, for creating a safe place for all of us. 🌹

my whole life was a swing that spun out of control on a continuous basis until the ropes finally snapped and i crashed to the ground. here the swinging and spinning stopped and i was able to stop, think and face my life and the ways i contributed to the chaos in it. from there i finally got myself up and off the ground and able to start the way forward. Been fantastic since then

I have had many swings throughout my life. Many years ago my husband left me for another woman, who was much younger. I went on a beautication program for myself And pressed in closer to the lord. They did not last , I however, went on the meet and marry the love of my life . Oh ,how I loved him .He passed away A few years ago and like your husband, he left me in a mess as well.. It took me a few years to get out of it..... It is during our times of weakness that the Lord is made stronger ,that I am made stronger. He is my ever present help in times of trouble. Thank you for your authenticity. Your sharing is so relatable And of great value to so many people like myself.

I appreciate what you have shared this morning, for I am in a "swing" right now in my own life. I am 72 years old and have lived in New Mexico for the past 24 years. But I am now in the process of moving back to the Northwest( Idaho) where I will be closer to my children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even though it is a "coming home" for me, back to the place of my roots, it also feels like I'm starting over again, coming into a whole new place inside.

Praying for you Sandra

I'm only 23 but I feel like I've gone through more swings than the average person my age has. Dealing with mental illness and PCOS hasn't been easy, for sure. What got me through it (and what still gets me through it) is my faith in God and knowing that things will get better. I didn't always think they would though. But something (that I now know was God) kept pushing me along and getting me through everything. The main thing that gets me through everything is my faith in God. My faith in God is why I have faith that everything else will be okay. Doing little things that make me happy as I'm going through a difficult swing helps me too. Although I'm still young, I'm not a child anymore and doing what I did as a child helps too. Mostly knowing that God isn't done with me and that he has great things planned for me is what keeps me going.

I am 64 years old and boy have I had a lot swings in my life! One of the hardest for me was my husband died unexpectedly 4 years ago. I fight the feeling that my life is over by staying positive, active, and in prayer to the Lord above. Thank you for your videos! They are very encouraging. ❤ Now I’m going outside and sit on my porch swing! 😊

You are amazing. I’m on a big swing right now. You have no idea how much this video helped me. We are selling our house after 31 years and I have no idea where we will land. We have kids and grandkids here in WA and kids and grandkids in AZ and I’m so torn regarding where to purchase our next house so I will enjoy the ride wherever it takes me. Saying a prayer for you during your procedure. ❤

Ah that poem! My favorite book as a child was The Child's Garden of Verses. I loved a swing. My grandpa built a wooden swing set for me in the garden. Thank you for your metaphor, we just don't know what's around the corner. We must accept that. When a bad swing happens, I call it pivot, just change your direction. Let it go and move on. All my best wishes for your health!

I’m 71… Jumping rope, Swings, see- saws and trampolines have always been my favorites. I still jump rope several times a week, jump on trampoline with great granddaughter at my daughter’s house, and see-saw and swing whenever they are close by. I enjoy your videos. It’s hot in north Arkansas as well. My Faith Carries me through life trials and tribulations. Waiting is a test for our patience. I always have my kindle nearby to read one of the many books on it. I also silently pray for others. while waiting. I’m praying for you on this journey. My God will never forsake or leave you…❤️❤️❤️

My swings were the death of both of my brothers from Muscular Dystrophy, a very bad marriage, the premature birth of my daughter, my mother's Alzheimer's Disease, my Asthma. I write as therapy, and I exercise to music. It really helps me to cope!

Thank you Sandra. While in the middle of what sounds like a scary swing, you still take a moment to be with us here. Not just to share your story, but to lift us up. You are a wonderful soul and I am so glad to be here benefiting from your spirit. My mom, who I lost a few years ago, used to tell me, when I have troubles that seem to hard to bear, let it go. Don't let the bad things win. Let it go. Then, when I became a mom, I used to tell my children, the weight of the world is so much easier when you have help. Don't try to carry it alone. We are here to hold on with you. In essence, what I am saying is, find your tribe. Whether that be a parent, a sibling, or a friend. Find that soul that hears you and hold on to them. When you are in the low swings, tell them about it, don't hold on by yourself, and let it go. Much love to you Sandra and I hope all goes well with your tests. 💗

Hello Sandra,I’m 70 years old and when I was a little girl I loved swinging in the park leaning back in the swing and enjoying the blue sky’s above me as I swung back and forth. To me that was so relaxing 😊 Thank you Sandra for bringing back those memories. You’re such a beautiful person inside and out. I’m praying for you that your days go smoothly and that you will get back to Arkansas and enjoy that swing! God bless❤❤❤

When I was 50, I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. I was terrified and all I could think about every day was whether I would survive. Well, it will be 19 years in October since my diagnosis. Over time, I became more confident in my survival and didn't allow myself to go to "what ifs". Another difficult time was when my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, 6 years ago. She is my only child and I was devastated and terrified that I would lose her. In order to help her, I had to let go of my fears of losing her. I concentrated and helped her to deal with her fears. I prayed to God and continue to every day to keep her in remission. Swings in life are tough and it can take some thought as to how to get through those tough times.

Sending prayers and good vibes for your upcoming medical procedure. ❤

I hope your health will be on the up swing after this procedure 🫶 Thank you for yet another meaningful and wise video. 🥰💓🙏☀️

💭💭 beautiful Sandra 🩷 💭💭 this video I SERIOUSLY needed to hear 👂🏻 this morning 🩵 💭💭 I’m SO SORRY what your going through/dealing with regarding your health issues💧 💭💭 I’m SO happy though that you’re sharing your health situation with US as it can help US going through either the same thing OR other health issues 💜 💭💭 YOU might remember US chatting 💬 about OUR health (💭 MY health) months back 🩷 💭💭 I have a heart 💜 condition (💭 atrial fibrillation/afib)💧 💭💭 it’s just a SERIOUSLY miserable condition/situation💧 💭💭 I feel I lost SO much of MY life since getting afib💧 💭💭 then I get fixed into getting that ablation which cause MY heart 💜 to be completely different/caused MORE problems like YOU can’t imagine 💭💧 💭💭 life just hasn’t 👎🏻 been the best since OCTOBER 9 2020 the DAY I had that ablation💧 💭💭 SORRY for the rambling 🩵 💭💭 SO I’m in/OUT of the hospital 🏥 a lot💧 💭💭 regarding going through that TEE to check to see if there’s any blood 🩸 clots 💧 💭💭 I’ve had that done 👍🏻 a few times plus shocks💧 💭💭 understand going through it all just for a 10 minute look 👁️👁️ takes 5 hours💧 💭💭 then getting that michael jackson milk 🥛 as I call it drug to put ME to sleep 💤 just the entire process is NO 👎🏻 walk in the park💧 🩵 💭💭 you’re SO brave/strong/have a positive attitude I wished I could be like YOU 🩷 💭💭 I’m NOT 👎🏻 a happy camper about MY situation 🤣 💭💭 I WAS just in the hospital 🏥 a week OR SO ago because MY heart 💜 blow 💣 in afib💧 💭💭 I have a lot of ptsd/trauma from YEARS of this entire heart 💜 experience situations I’ve gone through💧 💭💭 it’s WEIRD though MY last 3 OR 4 er hospital 🏥 visits I did get lucky 🍀 to convert OUT of afib while in the er which is SO bizarre❕ 💭💭 at least I don’t 👎🏻 get stuck having to stay in the hospital 🏥 for 4 OR 5 DAYS SO I don’t 👎🏻 KNOW how this has turned into this NEW situation💧🩵 💭💭 I’m SORRY I’m rambling tooooooo much 🩷 💭💭 thank YOU 🙏🏻 for sharing your health update/journey through this 🩵 💭💭 this is real life SWINGS WE will go through in OUR life 💜 💭💭 I love getting on a swing 🩷 💭💭 just makes YOU feel free/happy/feel like a child again 🩵 💭💭 warm fuzzy feelings when swinging 💜 💭💭 MY mom had a beautiful swing just like the one YOU shown YOU swinging in tennessee mine WAS in kentucky where most all MY family lives 🩷 💭💭 when I would visit I would always get on that swing a lot just loved it SO much 🩵 💭💭 o m g Sandra regarding this south FLORIDA 🌴🌊 humidity hot 🥵 weather it’s SERIOUSLY SO bad SO bad I can’t 👎🏻 handle going outside with MY health condition 👎🏻 💭💭 when I had to go to the er hospital 🏥 a week OR SO ago when I had to get outside o m g I told MY son I SERIOUSLY couldn’t 👎🏻 handle it💧 💭💭 it WAS SO humid I literally thought 💭 I might pass out and I WAS ONLY out on the humid for a short time💧 💭💭 it’s just miserable weather SO definitely be careful please 🩷 🙏🏻💜 💭💭 it’s good 👍🏻 YOU talk dog 🐶 out early morning then wait till late ⏰ early evening to go back out again❕ 💭💭 WE definitely 👍🏻 need to stay hydrated keep OUR electrolytes up 👍🏻 💦 🩵 💭💭 I love YOU Sandra 💋 💭💭 YOU will do just fine 👍🏻 getting TEE YOU will be in/out then home resting in bed 🛌 afterwards it will go fast 💨🩷 💋

I’m 57. 4 years ago my husband build a beautiful swing set for our then 4 year old granddaughter. He built it to hold 400lbs. We live in a forest on the puget sound and it’s glorious to swing on a summer evening listening to the birds and the smell of a campfire. Thank you for reminding us we need to take care of our death duties. I will make that phone call this week. God Bless You Real Good today Sandra. 🪴

After my husband’s death in 2015- I immediately got all my financial affairs in order and paid everything off including my home- do I’m debt free! and pre-paid my final expenses- got my will and family trust in order! I also wrote down who gets what as far as family heirlooms etc- and wrote out how I wanted my celebration of life to go ( if those that remain decide to have one) I didn’t want my two children to be burdened by trying to figure out what to do after I’m no longer on this earth! It is so very freeing! Now I enjoy every moment of everyday in peace - knowing it’s all taken care of and my dear family won’t need to do anything but make a phone call to the mortuary and contact the trust attorney! I highly recommend pre-planning ❤️it gives such peace of mind

Wishing you a good health and a very easy recovery, I'm really on your side and please keep in mind you are strong and you will be fine. You shared your real stories, and I thank you so much. YOU will swing again, Sandra! Waiting here for you to come back. Be blessed! ❤

Your videos are always very timely, it seems. Approaching my 80s, I am taking stock of my life and reevaluating, going through a bit of a decluttering process, when it comes to what I can do and want to do, and what I should give up. For example, will I grow a vegetable garden next year? Will I only plant a token garden because I love it so much? Will I continue my current volunteer work, or look for a different opportunity? I too, have some health issues, as do many of my same-age friends and family, so I will be praying for encouraging results from your upcoming test.

I am 62. I have had various heart issues since I was 3 1/2, thankfully they are all taken care of but not without FAITH, PRAYER, FAMILY AND FRIENDS and PATIENCE. (The latter was the most difficult to learn). My father passed in 2021, my Mom had passed in 2014. I was left with a HORRIFIC mess to clean up…not just financial, but actual “collected” items. On top of me making the promise to him to keep the house in the family. Talk about a swing (that I fell off of many times) I am now thru that passage of time. My son and beautiful DIL now own the home and are in the process of renovating. That too is stirring up some deep difficult memories of my childhood, however; this too will pass and my future grand babies will grow up on my ancestral land. Thank you Sandra for this video, your grace, strength and encouragement. Thank you to all who have commented here. Together we are stronger and can weather the storms.

just turned 70 this year, and you were my Romper room lady. I lived in Cleveland heights back then. Been so good to see your face again !

👏 👏 👏 thank you for sharing Robert Lewis Stevenson,The Swing. This is the poem from my childood that gave me freedom. I had forgotten the author. This poem brought hope into my heart during my turmoil childhood and young adulthood. I would swing oh so high into the sky and saw beauty all around. God's creations in nature are full of wonder and beauty. A healing balm. God open the doors for my nursing training after being told" I was not smart enough to be a nurse but go be a Playboy Bonny." Now retired from nursing I recalled holding many hands during dark and difficult times of former patients. Giving people hope is what I feel led to do now as God directed me during my nursing career. Sandra, you will be ok during your upcoming procedure. I note your breathing is normal, not short of breath during this video as the one earlier when watering your patio plants. I can visualize you know swinging on the swing at your son's home in Tennessee. Have fun! Oh, by the way you are such a blessing to others thus know you will be meeting new friends when you go in for your procedures and your hand will warmth pass love around. The medical staff needs your love more than ever. They in turn will love you back and keep you safe.❤❤❤ 🙏 🤲 ✝️

Swings are the best! Thanks for your words of wisdom. Prayers for you and I am expecting a great outcome. My father who is 89 had blood clots in his lungs, about a month ago, is doing ok. 5 hours is a long wait and miracles still happen. Trust in God and practice mindfulness. You got this! We are so proud of you.❤❤❤❤❤

Its 118 here in Las Vegas. I am 51 and have been going through menopause for the past 4 years. I struggle with the symptoms everyday and i feel like its never going to end.i feel like im living in someone elses body. I feel depressed somedays because i just want my healthy body back. Ive heard this can last up to 10 years. Your videos are so inspiring. Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤

It's always a joy to watch you and listen to your wisdom. We all go through swings in our life and all I think: this too shall pass. I live day by day, that's the way (at least for me) to go through this and ask the universe for help. Thank you Sandra and I'm glad you are feeling good. Blessings 🙏

Thank you for this beautiful and inspirational message Sandra! I am about to embark into the next "swing" of my life. After turning 65 this past January, I decided to retire at the end of the year. Well, circumstances presented themselves and I'm retiring at the end of this month. HOORAY!!! While I am truly excited to be free from the work-a-day stressors, and looking forward to traveling and potentially moving to TN, I am truly concerned about the future. Even though I have all my "ducks in a row", I'm an overachiever in the planning department, and I am certainly overthinking many aspects of retirement. Thank you for helping to ground me, and to realize it's just another "swing" to ride - and I do LOVE swings!! LOL!! Hugs and Blessings from west central Florida!! ♥

My husband and I have recently taken care of our affairs after death. We felt it was something we needed to do so our only child wouldn't be burdened with the legal issues. So glad we did.

How sweet, the child who was mesmerized by you in "Romper Room", is continuing with you in adulthood.

I am 74 and I swing every chance I get with my grandchildren. We have a swing set that accommodates adults. We have a porch swing we put in the shade sometimes. As a child my parents had a swing set and the school had one. Swinging lifts spirits and feels like freedom.

Swing away Sandra, enjoy! Great advise as always. There are days when I get tired and overwhelmed, I sit down and cry and then tell myself "This to shall pass".

❤Dear Sandra, sending lots of love your way❤

I’m in England, it’s cool and rainy. I used to live somewhere very hot but I’m happier in a cool climate at my age now

I just want to thank you, Sandra, for talking about the things you do. You make things seem not so scary and that things and changes are possible. Hope you are having a good day.

It's a cold winter in Australia after an extremely hot summer that went on longer than usual... very draining. Or as a widow with adult children... make it clear what you want for your funeral, make a fair and equitable will. Don't leave a mess for your children fight over.

I absolutely have kept swinging even as an adult. Now I have five grandchildren so I enjoy swinging with them and teaching them how to pump their legs when swinging. I’ve had many swings in life and Faith always sees me thru. Oh gosh, do I know miracles! And you know miracles too. Prayers for your good health. Hugs of love and gratitude, for you, Sandra. 🩵⭐️🩵

Im just 48y. old,but i have a lot of pain in my spine,neck,headaches, and so on.... But im also take my strengh in my faith....in our Lord. In gratefulness,the hapiness in little things, in gardening,in artworks etc.... Thank you dear,you are awesome,lovely and beautyful inside snd outside! Bless you❤😊👍🤗🍀🇨🇭

🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️ Sandra, it is time to eat PINEAPPLE 😂it is a natural blood thinner. Ginger, tumeric, garlic, cinnamon, omega 3, almonds, broccoli and kale and more. I am interested in how important it is to decorate your home as we age. I am finding that it is where I am most days. My muscles are getting weaker etc and the need for getting it in order is becoming increasingly important. I have already given away the important things to my children. What aid solutions do you use? Like bars in shower etc. I am also finding a strong need to collect objects from my childhood like old Avon bottles I remember etc. I used to visit my grandmother's house but both homes are now gone. It is extremely distressing that everyone and everything, besides the family I created, are gone. I asked my grandfather how do you cope when your entire family is dead? He said to look down at the next generation. But this space is really existential. It is though my entire reality has been wiped out by a huge wave and I have been left as the matriarch to lead my family at a time where all I want to do is grieve. It is like floating around in outer space trying to find something of the past to cling to. It is all gone. It is my experience that breaking things down into small steps helps. One step at a time. I have asked about death anxiety several times and still would like to hear your views. It is the curse of being human to know of death. Animals just know to avoid it. But I have just put our 15 years old cat down and think about how she shared her entire life with us. It is a short life. I know that I am privileged to say that I am old. Many people do not make it that far and do not grow old. My memory of a swing is lying across it in the sunshine listening to mowers or swinging as high as I could, pumping those legs forward, and singing "up in the atmosphere etc" from Mary Poppins lets fly a kite, at the top of my lungs!! It is ok to be a nut case as a kid.😂😂❤

Apart from looking really pretty today thankyou for the lovely video ❤❤❤ praying for you and believing that all will be well💜💜💜 much love from Aegina ❣️

Dear Sandra. Emotional swings were tough. Been still introspecting cause and always reaching the middle path. Thank you and wishing you a great health

So elegantly stated✨️ 🙏for you to be cleared ♥️👍😇 Jesus Christ has carried me through everything that life has thrown at us ✝️

I love swings too! Who doesn't? I have really been blessed throughout my life, but there have been emtional swings. Im 73 and 7 years ago lost my 66 yr old husband to early onset Altzeimers. It was a four year process from the time of his diagnosis. Then 15 months later i lost my youngest son to Tyoe 1 diabetes. If God wasnt the Lord of my life, i dont think i could have gotten through it. I do have my other son who lives with me and a granddaughter who lives nearby. I'm oriductive and happy because i know one day I will see my loved ones in Heaven because they too were folliwers of Jesus Christ! Blessings are always there if you look for them. God allows swings to strengthen our faith and rely on Him. Thanks Sandra and all who shared their stories

I have had many trials during my 69 years of life that created so many heartaches, challenges and interruptions. Some of the trials were of my own making; but, the ones that hurt me the most and were the most challenging, were the result of circumstances totally out of my control. Thanks be to God, I have always managed to find my way around, over or through the many brick walls that life has thrown in my path. Every situation taught me many valuable lessons and made me stronger. Through it all, my faith in God has carried me onward!!! Sandra, I pray your upcoming medical test will go well and that you will receive good results. Take care and stay positive knowing many are praying for you!!! 💝💝💝

I love swinging, when I was younger I would swing so high, I would make The swing topple overhead, the joy of swinging high was and is so Exhilarating. Life is a mixture of swings and I think we can find a blessing in all of them Whether it be big or small. 🙏❤bless you Sandra in all that you are going through.

Trying to focus on being thankful for what I do have, instead of what I have lost or missed, has helped me with the swings of life. Thank you for making this video, Sandra. You are an inspiration for all of us who watch your channel. We are so glad the doctors caught that clot. Take good care!

I’ve learned that the swings in life are on-going. Some of life’s journeys, problem situations, and dilemmas are easier than others. I allow myself to get stressed out at first, but then it subsides because even if it’s a different situation, the feeling of just “dealing with it’ starts to feel familiar. Because problems in life periodically occur, and I just have to deal with them, one step at a time, whether I want to or not. Another life journey, another problem, even another sad experience. But the flip side of the coin is that life can be full of good things to enjoy and appreciate. I like producer Norman Lear’s philosophy in life. (He lived to 101) “Over and next” When something is over, it’s over. We’re onto the next. In between is a hammock. He said this philosophy allowed him to stay in the present and be focused. Don’t dwell or rehash the past. I like this.😊

Hey Nana Sandra. 500,000 SUBS !! YAY I just noticed that today. Swings ??? I've got some swings for you and all. Firstly, Before I tell you about "Swings" I will give you the advice when I got on those swings. There is a furnace in your belly. And right now, it might just have an ember within it, but, if you take all the emotions you feel, anger, fear, hurt, pain; Take every negative or crazy thing you are feeling and push them all down into that furnace and let them "BURN !!!" Use every negative piece of energy and use them for positive forward motion. Let them push you forwards and you will get through this. Caveat: There are some swings we might not be able to surmount, like an illness, but you will look good all the way through it. I've been through homelessness, the suicide of a loved one, (that really cranked my alcoholism into overdrive) then my diagnosis of AIDS in 1994. Alcoholism as a whole addiction in itself. Physical, Mental and Emotional abuse ... I'm still alive. I watched over 300 men go to their deaths from AIDS, each had their own "Exit Plan" to avoid unnecessary suffering. I was there for all of that, so not only was I dealing with my own crap, I was sitting shiva with all of my friends because they had been abandoned by everyone in their lives. I don't know why I am still alive today, God must not be done with me yet. We may not be able to cure cancer, and it may come for you, but if you can keep your wits about you and your head screwed on straight, and surround yourself with love and support, you will be all the better for it, even if it means facing your own mortality. Because I faced down my death several times over thirty years now. He came for me, and I said, NO NOPE, NOT GOING. Leave me !!!

❤tha nk you for your words of wisdom..

We love you Sandra. Thank you for sharing your beautiful perspective on life so gracefully.

Just what I needed to hear this morning, thank you Sandra. When I have been on all those swings you mentioned, I think back to my grandparents and their parents who lived in Russian territories and Poland. From what my grandmother told me, our people were farmers and craftsmen, tough sturdy families who took life as it came - I remind myself of that lineage and have also passed this down to my children. It helps to know what we are made of, and the tenacity that’s in our blood and bones. Good thoughts for your check-up and happy you are going to Nashville!❤

Beautifully said and thank you Lord for this Beautiful Soul.❤️

Hello Sandra…I’m now 80 and had many swings. Thank you especially for todays message. It gives courage and hope. X

The swing metaphor is so accurate. I never thought of it before! Yes. I turned 60 a couple of weeks ago. I reflected on all the swings in my life. And how I want to move forward in my 60s and beyond. I guess I I learned my resilience from my mother. She raised 6 children on her own. She kept her great sense of humor to get through the tough times. ❤

Do you attend a church or watch online? I watch online as I have walking issues.

Hi Sandra, it's 86 here in EP TX and it will be 103 today. I pray for a positive outcome from your procedure. Right now, I'm on a back swing. Financial, my house needs work, things just keep going wrong, but I know things will change. I'll be on the up swing soon. As for swinging, I too loved it and still do. I remember I used to wear shorts under my dress since I also loved the monkey bars. I think I'll go to the park near my house and go for a swing. Thank you for your positive videos. God bless.

Ahh Sandra, I still have my copy of Robert Louis Stevenson's "A Child's Garden of Verses" from my gran, and I used to love reading that poem - it was one of my favourites! ☺️ So true about the swings of life - swings and cycles... Thankfully the back swing DOES change direction 🙏😅 Perhaps an audio book will help take your mind off the lengthy wait. I enjoy those Sherlock Holmes audiobooks on RU-vid, and Jeeves and Wooster (PG Wodehouse) audiobooks by Tricky Nicky on RU-vid - and they're not too long so you could listen to a couple of them while you're waiting. Sending you a big hug 🤗🌺

So many swings from the age of ten being in left in charge of my sibling when my mom had to be with my grandmother for surgery a 10 yr old in charge of a 4 yr old and a house! Back then men worked as my dad did but had no idea about kids or household chores. Well I did it so well the responsibility didn’t end once my mom returned. So that was the end of my being a kid. Then a first marriage with someone who put me down yet said he loved me left me when my mother died both controlling people life left me with my child and mortgage no child support tried to make me look like the bad guy but he ran off with the mortgage money. Divorced met a wonderful man who passed away when my next child was 4 2 weeks short of 5 years of marriage. 39 and widowed. Then met my husband now who has had health issues from early in our marriage and the loss of my dad and my own health issues now thyroid cancer surgery twice in as many years and all the ups and downs I feel like I’m on those carnival swings at time with no stopping finances a constant struggle I agree when am I going to enjoy just being alive! Thank you for this video and encouragement and a release of all this !

Lovely video Sandra! 1:17 You always put a smile on my ❤ You look so beautiful and youthful! I too love to swing! Ps...I love your necklace!

We had a big maple tree in the back yard with a swing. We were so poor but we had a loving mother I didn't know we were so poor at that time. Today I found out I have a mass in my lung again. Your video came at a perfect time. Ty for all your inspirational videos. Best to you always.

Thanks Sandra ... you're such an Inspiration to me !

As a child I loved to swing for hours! I was able to travel to the clouds, travel to any where in the world flying on that swing! It was magical!

Yes, my childhood tire swing and I made “millions” of future lifetime dreams. Many dreams were realized but many more dreams were not realized. But, ALL of God’s plans for me were realized. Sandra, I pray for the Great Physician’s plan for your health. I love you❤ 🙋‍♀️☕️❤️🙏🇺🇸

The first thing my dad would do when we moved from country to country when I was a young girl was build me a swing!I loved swings. When my grandchildren were little I pushed them on swings also❤😊

We are all swingers in one way or other 😉 Much ❤ Dear Sandra and Community

I always like swings since I was a little girl😁 Praying for your good test results this week🙏 Hugs😍

Dear Sandra, I love your video today! I am 68 and I too have always loved swings. As a child I spent hours on our backyard swing, swinging high and singing all my favorite songs from the movies of the 60s like the Sound of Music and others. As a mother I always recited Robert Louis Stevenson's poem to my childten and now i recite it to my grandchildren when i push them on a swing in the playground. A few years ago i bought a garden swing for my backyard. Its true, there are so many other types of swings in our lives, emotional, financial and more... life is a challenge, mine certainly is, having faith in a higher power and in myself, and taking it one day at a time, gives me lots of strength.

As someone who is always lost in thought or sometimes over thinking things. I have to remember myself to just be in the moment nothing lasts forever. I will turn 50 in 6 months and I am already thinking about what it will be like and what do I want and from life at this point and beyond. I loved your analogy of swinging, because, I too use to love swinging very high and I would close my eyes and imagine flying of to do wonderful things in life. I realize I still have this belief and it is apart of me, no matter if I’m swinging lo or high, life changes, nothing stays the same and if you are fortunate enough to have the freedom to change the direction you are in and your own life, hold on to that, be grateful for the smallest things. Sorry for the rambling, I wish you well and lots of happiness ❤

I love to swing too! My daughter n law is a school teacher and she told me yesterday that there are no more swings at the school playground. They took them away because they are too dangerous lol. That is hard for me to grasp. I love your videos. I will be praying my sweet friend.

A great message Sandra & you're looking wonderful too ❤

Paul says we do: “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Do you hear some battlefield jargon in that passage -”take captive every thought,” “make it obedient to Christ”? You get the impression that we are the soldiers and the thoughts are the enemies.

Swing, swing, swing, keep the doctor away, Swing, swing, swing, gone to make a bright new day, thanks Sandra 💕💘

Swings!! My life is swinging. My awesome husband of 53 years is showing signs of dementia.

Nothing continues forever✨ both good or bad ... may be there is no bad or good ☯️🔄 it's in our mind through perspective...we hope something but it doesn't be ; after years we say oh my God you cared me🤍

I love you and I’m glad I found you

Praying your will have a good Drs report after your tests. Keep your Faith,always. Your videos are such a Blessing to me. Thank you so much for sharing your time with us,

Sandra, I love that you share your feelings with us and I love watching your videos. Our Father God loves you and he will always be there for you. I also loved to swing .❤️🙏

❤That C&W song Swinging by John Anderson immediately came to mind and I had to find it here on RU-vid...Thanks for causing memory of that classic maybe take a listen 😂 . Thanks too for all your wisewords Sandra , good luck with your procedure🩷🙏