Song Lyric of the Day:
I remember when, I remember, I remember when I lost my mind / There was something so pleasant about that phase
Gnarls Barkley / “Crazy”
1:21PM.
Holy cow. I didn’t realize it’s been two weeks since I last updated. Anyhoo, I’m here. Obviously, we made it back from Iowa safely (that recap is in the works). Work’s good and keeping me busy busy busy. I’ve been on poop squad duty since Saturday, petsitting for the parents while they’ve been in Hilton Head with Samantha, Shawn, and Benjamin. Mom and Dad get back tonight, and it won’t be soon enough. I miss my house, my babies, my bed. I also miss Rich, who is out of town on an overnight business trip.
It’s finally here–this weekend is the big event, the American Cancer Society‘s Relay for Life. So I’m once again asking for donations. As my nine loyal readers know, I’m walking in honor of my mom, a breast cancer survivor. Chances are you have also been touched by cancer in your life, so please donate to help raise money toward someday eliminating this disease. You can click here to make a donation on my personal page or click here to donate to the team as a whole. There are also links in the right nav bar.
Obviously, this is an event very near and dear to my heart. It makes me feel good to raise whatever money I can to fight cancer, and I’m very proud of my teammates in their efforts, as well. Which is why it truly pained me the other night when someone I am unfortunately related to through marriage put the event down. This individual, who I will call TA (figure it out), kept on insisting that there should be something more productive for us to do than “walk in circles.” Apparently, supporting cancer survivors, patients, and families, remembering those lost, and building a sense of community while having fun and raising money are meaningless according to him. This came from someone whose own mother is a cancer survivor. Go figure. Keep in mind, this individual freely admitted that he has never volunteered for any charity. He’s donated money, as many of us have, but he’s never actually done any volunteer or charity work. And yet he feels entitled to knock an American Cancer Society event.
A while back, I decided that life is too short and my mental health too precious to subject myself to being around people who make me unhappy. TA is someone who has consistently been argumentative and confrontational at virtually every family gathering, and slamming the Relay was the last straw for me. Which is why from now on, I will only subject myself to being around TA when it’s absolutely essential–the occasions where it will mean something to the family members who I love and respect if I am there.
I know I’m not changing the world. But at least I am doing what little I can to make it a better place and add meaning to the lives of my loves ones. I can only hope I make them proud.
What your doing is a good thing. Don’t ever listen to people like that. Large or small, you are making a difference. This person is obviously selfish, and has no idea what doing something for others is all about.
Pattie,
I appreciate your efforts especially since I’m not fit enough to walk myself at the present time. Maybe one day ! I hope! The world for sure needs the enthusiasm of people like you for these important events. And I know it thrills your parents to death that you work this event!
What about taking video? Maybe Doug could get some shots, or would keeping the camera from thieves or forgetting it or losing it be too much of a hassle? Doug will be calling you sometime to get more details.
Love you,
Momma Carol
Pardon the language, but F “TA”. You know you are doing loads of good by raising money and walking for support. Don’t let a NOBODY make you feel like you are doing NOTHING. You might have to see him again someday, but I sure won’t have to!
Be true to your heart, always. There will be people who will argue any point of action. Good luck on the walk.
Aunt Bea
A Cancer Caregiver