Making Memories with Mike's Family

Hello Friends,

In case you have been under a rock, this weekend is Memorial Day Holiday.

Some consider it to be the jump off point to the summer.

I mentioned to you earlier that I had plans to 'chill' and catch up on some things. I have been so busy I almost forgot the importance of what Memorial Day was.

While gathering material for my long weekend, I happen to meet Mike. As with most new acquaintances, I talked his ear off and he patiently listened. When I stopped to exhale, Mike took the leap and began to tell me about his own familys' journey. He has three close relatives that all had cancer in one form or another. He shared with me how they overcame very bad diagnosis to survive and now they were going to be together this weekend making memories.

It touched my heart. What where the chances of three very close relatives being diagnosed with cancer? In a way, Mike's family could honored too. We honor our soldiers this weekend, and rightfully so. Because of their unselfish sacrifices we can enjoy the freedom and options of being alive. We can enjoy making memories like Mike's family.

I guess Cancer Survivors are like soldiers too. But they don't get basic training, they get on-the job-training. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to disrespect our soldiers, cause I am a military brat. And proud of it. And I am also a cancer survivor.

I would not know Mike if I saw him on the street. He and I never saw each other face to face. But I consider him a friend. He helped me through a difficult time today. And as I silently listened to him I could tell he was very proud of his family. They showed courage and might in the face of destruction. Their survival comes on the heals of many past brave men and women who left big footprints to fill. Their bravery is rewarded with medals. And I suppose in a way survival from a cancer diagnosis is like a medal too.

As with many families in our great land, Memorial Day will be celebrated similar to Mike's family. I can remember those past Memorial Days when my Dad was chief cook and bottle washer. So much togetherness, so much love and sooooo many dishes to wash!

So go ahead, Mike's Family, do your thang! Take lots of pictures, give hugs, eat until your belly hurts and there is a long line to the bathroom!

Uncle Bud will probably get drunk and say something stupid, of course he won't remember it, but you will. Your cousin will drag some poor sap into the family fold and you will want to kick him out. Someone will spill something on mom's rug. She will be mad, but she will secretly smile later at the memory. ..
Cause whether you want to admit it or not, that's what REAL memories are made of!

Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day.

p.s. remember those that can't be there

............and thank you Mike for sharing your family with me..........

Home

Hello Friends,

Another holiday is coming and I’m behind the desk. Have no plans to hang out on the beach or fly anywhere. This holiday I plan to sit and catch up on some editing  and maybe catch a movie. 

Times like these make me appreciate the peace of being alone. And I could do quite a bit if I tried. But, who am I kidding?

I’m going INSANE!!  Ahh, I only WANT to be alone when I PLAN it! Not when it is imposed me. Sure, I like things quiet, what can you expect from an ‘empty nester?’

But come holiday time, I LIKE the sound of a family gathering, the smell of burgers and the feel of a cold drink.

So this year, I won’t get to hear those sounds or taste those burgers. Instead,  me and roman noodles will cozy up to my computer and pound out the keys.

Try not to think of me, but if you do…..all I ask is that as you belly up to the bar….and  take a sip for those that can’t be there.alone, holiday

Check out my next blog on Mike’s Family

www.behindthepinkribbon.infoalone, holiday

Technorati Tags: family and cancer,my family,diagnosis,journey cancer,burgers,picnics,holiday and family,roman noodles,starving artists,work,holiday picnics,family gatherings

Helping Others --STAND UP

Hello Friends,

It's been a while since I wrote you-- but don't fret, you can't get rid of me so fast! Ha ha..

Seriously, I've been busy working on a few projects and helping to raise money for a worthy cause. It felt good to do something unselfishly. I went to bed feeling satisfied in a small way.

I know I talk a lot about helping others and doing what you can, but I am appealing to the deeper sense of responsibility in all of us.

I volunteered to help at a local clinic. And I couldn't believe the lack of supplies and resources. Basic things we take for granted were not available to these women! Some had to wait over 6 months to get an appointment, and some had no funds to get perscribed medications.

I won't even tell you about the waiting list for prothestics.

It was upsetting to say the least! All this --in the good old USA!

Oh, sure we have the new health plan, and yes, you can TRY to get emergency aid for food stamps, but what about those that fall in the cracks??

You heard of them, too poor to get insurance and too rich to qualify for state aid.

Now I'm all for the national health plan in some form or other, but that's taking too long!

Some of our female relatives and neighbors can't wait until all the details are worked out. They need an answer now. Cancer doesn't schedule appointments. The local health clinics are overworked and understaffed. Some can't even afford to pay for doctors, nurses and supplies.

We, as a community, a nation, should TRY to step up and give a hand. Lets' look at volunteering one day a month or when you can. Lets' look at donating the price of one cup of coffee per week to a health clinic, you know, every little bit helps.

A non profit group I work with is trying to raise funds for The Patient Assistance Program. They have a raffle going on now, why don't you take a moment and look at some of the items.

Check out, http://www.behindthepinkribbon.info.

You never know- you may come out a winner in more ways than one.

Lets' not let our volunteers, doctors, and nurses think we don't care.

Can we just put our differences aside and help someone?

Think about it, sleep on it, and call me in the morning.