Looking back through the years of my childhood I can vividly see how the seed of touch, nurture and care for others was planted in my heart. My mother was a Registered Nurse. Being a single parent often times I would be in tow as she cared for her patients. In the 1960s visiting at a patient's home or sleeping in an empty hospital room while my mom helped deliver a baby in the middle of the night wasn't against regulations. Mom often mentioned how a good back rub to her patients was part of being a good nurse, and often times I would be the recipient of one of her back rubs. Ahhhhhh.....trusting in the hands that soothed me, like rocking on a wave in a row boat enjoying the summer breeze, no worries, no cares. Then came one of my older brothers and his best buddy......I'd succumb to their "deals" with me to rub their backs for ten commercials (back when they were on every hour instead of twenty commercials every five minutes:-) of course I'd give in hoping in their promise of taking me for ice cream.

In the early 1980s while working as a receptionist for a millionaire in Dallas, Texas I would go around the office at the end of the day rubbing the tired shoulders of fellow co-workers. One day the owner suggested I go to school to become a Massage Therapist. So, to make a long story short I was on my way to training in the wonderful field of Massage Therapy. Through the years of working on people from all walks of life, the Wealthy, the Poor, Mommies in labor, Movie Stars, Brick Layers, Teachers, Office Personal, the Young and the Old and people in Hospice Care I am always amazed how the "dance of giving massage" is such a blessing to the receiver. I've always said that "Massage will take you there." Where? That favorite fishing spot you work so hard to visit a week a year, to the ocean, the meadow, you name it. We crave time off, relaxation and peace. Massage will take you there. Have you noticed how tough it is for most people to relax? I mean truly relax? Without the TV, the computer, medication etc...Being still takes practice, but the rewards are worth it! There is much more awareness and belief today about the need and benefits for Therapeutic Massage. Whether you enjoy a 10 to 30 minute seated massage at your work place, on a pontoon boat or a family reunion or if you choose an hour treatment on the massage table you will never regret it. I encourage you to find yourself a Massage Therapist cross that bridge to health and treat yourself to this most important care.

As a Massage Therapist I am truly a believer and a receiver of regular massage. I consider my treatments just as important as my dental or doctors checkup. Like a tune up or an oil change on my car. This machine of a body God has given me gets tired and achy. Massage releases my tight, sore muscles, causing me to have a better range of motion, a better sense of well being and I become totally relaxed. These treatments remind me to be aware of how my body is feeling. In such a fast paced culture where front porch visits and a daily embrace is often replaced by electronic communication with meals consisting of Tylenol washed down with coffee or fast food. Running from this appointment to that appointment meeting the demands of our often times self imposed too busy schedule (I know I've been there) our poor bodies and total being becomes bankrupt followed by weariness, burn-out, and physical, mental and emotional pain continue in a cycle of the daily grind. No moments of peace, stillness, deep breathing, stretching, and good care of ourselves. Massage assists in body awareness. I've been there in the too busy, stressed full of tension mode and can testify that Therapeutic Massage is the necessity the feels like a luxury.