Another Journey

Ever since I was a participant in the AZ CFR retreat in 2006 I have been "hooked" on CFR. It was one of the best weekends I have every had and definitely a true breast cancer recovery program. I am very honored to state that I have been asked to be the Co-Coordinator for the Arizona Casting For Recovery organization. Actually I will be the Co-Coordinator in Training for a while. There is a lot to learn and I will be learning from the best! Shirley has been the Coordinator since the beginning and does a wonderful job. It is a lot of work and takes a lot of dedication and she gives it her all. She is all about CFR and what it stands for and does for so many breast cancer survivors. I am so pleased that she has asked me to assist her.

American Heart Association Walk & Charities

It's that time of year, February 28th, the American Association Heart Walk and one of the big sponsors is where I work. In the past you have had to register to get a t-shirt, not just from the Heart Association but from work as well. With the economy cutbacks, that is not happening this year. You do not have to register, you do not get a (or two) t-shirts. You donate...however much you would like.
So, how do you ask people for money when so many have been affected by the economy problems. Spouses out of work, homes in foreclosures, trying to keep a place to live, heat, light medical bills, medications and feed the family.....AND you want me to donate money for your charity too?
People who can give will and those who can't...can't. That's just the way it is. All charities will be hurting this year, however if you pick that one charity that you feel stronly about and just give one or two dollars...that's one or two dollars they did not have.

The Health Fight

I feel a bit guilty. I have a very dear, old (I mean in terms of years of knowing each other...since we were in kindergarden) friend that has Lupus. I don't think she will mind me talking about this.

In 2004 (after treatments), she came out to visit and we ended up having a little "pity" party between the two of us and Vodka Gimblets. As we drank our drinks we talked about our health problems. At the end I won the party when I said "yeah, but I could die."

However, if you know of anyone with Lupus I'm not so sure I really did win. It is not a very nice disease. It takes your strength, gives you so much pain, takes your ability to do the simplest things that we all take for granted. It invites all other kinds of diseases and health problems into your body and mind. It can go into remission but the flare ups during this time are very difficult.

My friend had complications from the Lupus and now has stroke type symptoms on her left side. She is a very strong person and is working to get her strength back. You have to...just like with cancer, you have to fight to keep the disease from winning. We visited this weekend and I could see the damage but I also saw her will to survive. She has a very good caregiver in her husband who will see her thru the struggle and help her get stronger.

It's a hard fight and I marvel at how many people everyday encounters this health fight. Cancer and Lupus are just two diseases...there are so many more to be dealth with. Until we find cures that is what we have to do...fight to survive!

Do I or Don't I

Well, it's the time of year when I think about the BUNCO for Breast Cancer Survivors' event. I always think...do I want to do this again this year and than I start looking into the box from last year and boom...yep it is definitely worth the time and effort.
So, I will need to start looking at various restrauants and merchants for items to give a way, raffle and auction. I have some wonderful people that are so giving and this year I hope to tap into another group that want to help.

If you are checking out my blog and want to assist, please let me know. I will start posting more as the event is planned.

Two of My Reasons

I have mentioned Joe and Joci in previous postings but haven't really talked much about them. We have been around them since birth and the bond and love is so strong between us. They truly do make life worth living in so many ways.

Joe is five and so excited that next fall he will start kindergarden. He is all boy but has such a tender heart and soul. When he wants to stop with the hugs and kisses it will break my heart...you know, when they are too "old" to do that stuff. Perhaps he won't get too old. He has an angel face and is very creative and smart. He will be the charmer. His little brain is like a sponge and soaks up everything he sees, hears and reads.

Joci is three and is the boss. She also has that angel face and is so in control. She's the little mom. I can remember the teachers saying that Jennifer wanted to be everyone's mom in school and take care of them...yep that's Joci. She is so girly yet such a little tom boy. She thinks she can do everything Joe does regardless of how physical it is and if she's in pink that's even better. She's a thinker/fixer. She wants to figure it out herself and she usually does and is annoyed if you keep asking if she needs help.

Of course Ron is so wrapped around their fingers. He loves to have them come out and follow him around and ask all those questions. He really loves teaching and telling them things about how things work and how to do things. And of course, rules are different at Papaw's house, he's strict about some things but not many...they pretty much can do and have whatever, whenever, that is of course unless Mom and Dad are around.

I feel so sorry for those grandparents who are not around their little ones and especially the ones that chose not to be. They are missing so much in life.

Little One

I haven't said much about our little one who is 9 months old. He had a really rough start in life and is coming into his own now. His parents, Matt and Kelley, are so loving and guarding and when he cries they are right there. You know how you just don't know how you could love someone so much...they definitely know.
Of course why wouldn't I hold him every chance I get and his grandpa is just as bad...so he loves to be held. He loves lights, noise and movement so he has a lot of stimulation type toys. He will be a year old the day after my birthday...had to have his own day that little one and he came early at that. I feel that he is still playing catch up and will for a little while longer but what a joy he is.

NEW

A new day and future for us all begins today.
I was able to watch a little bit of the festivities today. I can't imagine who would want the position of President of the United States or of any nation for that matter especially in these times. However, it is very refreshing to feel that we are truly on the right path. Not everything that is done will be acceptable by everyone but at least something will be done and I believe changes that have been needed for a long time are now on the way.