I have volunteered for several years for Relay For Life. It is a cause that I believe in as I have lost several members to cancer and have been affected by it in many ways. My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few years ago, had 43 dyas of radiation therapy and is now CANCER FREE! We are so blessed to have him in our lives! Several members of our congregation have suffered or is suffering from cancer. I just want to make a difference.
Last year, I was asked to serve as a Team Development Chairperson recruiting new teams for RFL. I was able to recruit several teams, however, didn't feel like "that was enough". So...this year, I volunteered to serve as Survivorship Development Chair; actually, I asked to stay in this position for 5 years. I will be identifying cancer survivors in our local community (about a 50 mile radius). My target this year is contacting churches, next year will contact businesses, etc. Our local RFL has never had a Survivorship Chair so this is all new to everyone involved. I have sooooo many ideas and have come to realize that I can't implement them all this year. I am working on my five year plan. I am excited! I am going to make a difference!
I think that cancer survivors and their caretakers are often forgotten about after a short period of time. RFL honors survivors and caretakers one time each year. My goal is to recognize them several times each year. I want them to know that they are special...they are fighters! You must be a fighter to survive!
I was invited to attend the RFL Summit Conference @ the Opryland Hotel November 7-8th. I will be taking 4 classes on survivors/caretakers and also about youth involvement. I know that I will return home with a wealth of information! At that time, I will complete my five year plan!
I miss my grandmother, plain and simple. She walked into the arms of Jesus March 15th and it seems like I haven't seen her in...forever! She lived a long, good life and lived independently until the age of 90. As a matter of fact, she was baking a cake for me when she fell and broke her wrist and hip.
I was very fortunate to be able to grow up near my grandparents and to love her "like a granddaughter should", you know when you cherish every moment with them. I was also fortunate to be near her until her death. I grew to love her not only as my dear grandmother but also as a friend. We talked about everything!
After my divorce 10 years ago, I moved next door to granny. After Autumn would go to bed and I knew that she was "good and asleep", I would lock the house and go to granny's for late night talk and coffee. She always had something baked, either cookies, banana nut bread or a pie. You never lacked for good conversation or sweets when you went for a visit. I normally visited on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Man, what I would give to be able to sit and have a talk....I have lots on my mind that I would love to tell her. She would soak up every word that I spoke.
Cherish every moment with your loved ones, you never know when they will be your last.
Your grandmother sounds alot like mine. She was nerver short of fresh baked goods. I think that is what I miss most. I too feel luck to have lived close by to them and the time I have been able to spend with them.
Christmas ornaments, figurines for Halloween and Christmas, jewelry, and some knitted items (hats, scarves, dragons, and blankets)..I'll repost the pictures on my blog so you can take a look. I lost my great grandmother this summer and I know how you feel :)...How'd you come across my posts? I'm glad you did!
