Skip to main content

For Gratefulness and Giving Back

A toast to a second chance at life!!


I know this is more serious than my usual blogs, but sometimes it’s good to put all the fun stuff in perspective. The plays and the trips, all which fulfill my soul, are not the only things that matter. It’s the people you share those experiences with that matter. As Adam Lambert sings: “if I had you that would be the only thing I'd ever need, yeah if I had you, then money, fame and fortune never could compete.”

That being said, I am the luckiest woman in the world. I have seen more than my fair share of miracles. My prayers were answered even though I didn't know if there was anyone listening. I know the difference between loss and tragedy. It is one thing to lose someone you love to old age and prolonged illness. Loosing someone you care about is never easy. There will always be the hole in your life and heart from that loss.

However, it is quite another thing all together to watch someone your age, who is just beginning their journey, suddenly fall so ill they are fighting for their lives. When remembering back to the “good old days” means remembering being in college just a few years ago and now you are praying they will live long enough to dance at your wedding, meet your future children, or even be able to go to a movie again. It’s an entirely different beast.

But it is a wake-up call. The petty things we focus on no long matter. It turns out they were never important. And even when your loved one pulls through you are never quite the same. For now you know the true meaning of life, how cruel it can be, and how PRECIOUS it can be. At least that was my experience. As I fall off this wagon many times resulting in my obsessing over something trivial, I stop. I remind myself how lucky I am no matter what’s happening. And then I give back. I want to do something for someone else that gets me out of my head space and allows me to focus on something else, someone else.

I am lucky, my friend and family member made it. I am grateful for every moment, laugh, conversation, photograph, visit, and even the tough times, that I know I could have had to live without. Many people don’t get their prayers answered. So I try to be extra grateful for my blessings, especially my loved ones.

Like I said I am a lucky woman.

Even though these particular struggles have passed, I am still learning from them. So I try with every fiber of my being to remember to celebrate those I love. I do not want to take anything for granted or too seriously. I know what a real problem looks like and it’s not standing in the rain waiting for a bus that's not coming (that damn MTA never runs properly.)

I love this poem. I think it speaks for everyone and every tough time.

What Cancer Cannot Do
Cancer is so limited....
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.

Marlo Thomas has a saying she uses to promote St. Jude’s charity around the holidays: “Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not.” She gets me weeping every time that Marlo Thomas!! But she is right, and I am trying to live that saying.


Everyone has their own personal struggles and stories, this was mine. It is with these experiences and thoughts in mind I invite all of you to take stock of the good in your life and give to a cause close to your hearts. I know that in the coming weeks and months there are a lot of walks and charity events coming up. I thought I would give everyone a heads up so that they could plan and participate if they choose to. 

Here are some great charities and links to their upcoming events. 
Be sure to check each link as there are multiple activities for each foundation: 

What are your favorite charities and causes? Do you know of any walks or events coming up?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

For Find Out Friday - Why Do Emery Boards Make My Skin Crawl?

You know that sound a fingernail makes when it scratches against a chalkboard?  You know that feeling the sound of that action gives you? I, like most people, hate that sound.  I instantly feel like scrunching my shoulders up to my neck and closing my eyes.  I feel the exact same way when I am using an emery board to file my nails. This annoying sensation has a name: “grima” which is Spanish for disgust or uneasiness. This term basically describes any feeling of being displeased, annoyed, or dissatisfied someone or something.  It is a feeling that psychologists are starting to pay more attention to as it relates to our other emotions.  Emery boards are traditionally made with cardboard that has small grains of sand adhered to them. It is the sandpaper that I believe makes me filled with grima.  According to studies that are being done around the world, it is not just the feeling that we associate with certain things like nails on a chalkboard or by using emery boards
Post a Comment
Read more

For My Madness During Migraine Awareness Month

Last weekend as I sat staring at the blank page in front of me, I was still surprised and elated that I had an entire day to myself and unlike past experiences it was filled with what I wanted when I wanted it. There were a few rough moments but when I consider the previous twelve hours (and the days to come) have been better than the last week. Especially this last week even though I had braced myself ahead of time, I just didn’t know I should have braced for a more serious episode. I am a chronic migraine sufferer for so many years I don’t quite remember when they started exactly which is ironic because I can remember every special event they have ruined. I remember plays or dinners I was at where I don’t remember what happened but I could tell you what I felt minute by minute. It amazing how the mind works, especially when it’s operated by a migraine brain. In the last few years, specifically the last few years since I have been going to the Montefiore Headac
10 comments
Read more

For a New Chain of Mexican Fast Food: “Dos Toros Taqueria”

When it comes to fast food there are the names we are familiar with: McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Chipotle.  In you live in New York City, there is a new kid in town: Dos Toros.  Dos Toros is relatively new to this area but with any hope there might be one in your town soon.  Started by two brothers, Leo and Oliver Kremer, from Berkeley, California, the Mexican food you find here is inspired by food they loved growing up.  In California, the brothers grew up worshipping Gordo Taqueria, a favorite of Bay Area residents since 1977 (now promptly added to my San Francisco to eat list). Much of the recipes and even decor found at Dos Toros has been modeled on Gordo. Before moving to NYC in 2008, the brothers were living very different lives. Leo was the bassist for the band “Third Eye Blind”. Oliver fresh out of college, considered working in the technology or finance industry. Both disillusioned with their lives, they decided to pursue something they have l
Post a Comment
Read more