"I can almost see it,
That dream I am dreaming, but there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking, every move I make feels lost with no direction.
My faith is shaking, but I gotta keep trying, gotta keep my head held high.
There's always gonna be another mountain.
I'm always gonna wanna make it move.
Always gonna be a uphill battle.
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose.
Ain't about how fast I get there. Ain't about what's waiting on the other side.
It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing.
The chances I'm taking, sometimes might knock me down.
But no, I'm not breaking, I may not know it.
But these are the moments that, I'm gonna remember most, yeah.
Just gotta keep going, and I, I got to be strong.
Just keep pushing on
Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby it's all about, it's all about the climb.
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa"
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Shari's Mission and the numbers
As you all know by now, Shari needs a bone marrow transplant. In the last month, there have been four drives to help Shari and others like her find their match. In less than one month, Shari's Mission has helped add close to 1400 people to the bone marrow registry in Canada. That may seem like an amazing number, and of course it is, especially to the over 800 people currently waiting for their bone marrow match to save their life.
This adventure is all about the numbers. For Shari, numbers relate to her levels when they are down, and she is neutropenic (An abnormal decrease in the number of neutrophils in the blood). That means it is very dangerous for her to catch any germs, infections, etc for her body is not able to fight off any infections, which is bad for anyone in her situation. But, when her numbers are UP, it means she has engery, can go for walks, can see her friends and family, can go out for sushi (yay for sushi), and means that she is getting stronger every day. Numbers....when Shari was in PMH (Princess Margaret Hospital) the numbers are put up every day after chemo, and we all waited...to see them start to climb which showed us that she was coming out of the bad times.
But now, the numbers means something different. These are the numbers that have been thrown around to me the last six weeks:
- about 27 million eligable Canadians in Canada, and only 250,000 are on the bone marrow registry.
- over 800 people are currently waiting for bone marrow matches
- there are many different types of cancers that need and require bone marrow for a patient's survival.
The question is: how can we raise awareness to the need for people in our community, the city, the province, and beyond to step up and get tested to see if they can save a life.
One Match, is the arm in Canada for this. Once you are in their website (http://www.onematch.ca ) you can read about the who, what, where when why and how about blood services, stem cells and bone marrow. Why should I donate, How can I donate. It is very simple, you do it on line, and they mail you a kit, swab, and send it back....simple...BUT there are other ways as well.
I should also stress the importance of giving blood and platlets. I have a friend who is a regular platlet donor, and I can tell you that he is helping saves lives as well. Shari has had to have lots of blood and platlets to survive. So, every small part, is HUGE to someone else. More than I ever imagined.
As I said at the start of this post, Shari's Mission (http://www.sharismission.com ) has been holding bone marrow drives and will continue to do so, until we find a match for Shari, and beyond, to help all the others.
Our next MAJOR event will be on Monday November 23rd from 4-9pm at Hava Nagila Banquest hall (1118 Centre Street in Thornhill). Shari's brother Rob, is challenging the community at LARGE to support this event. Everyone needs to 'pay it forward' and come out to register. Plain and simple - PEOPLE NEED YOU!
I know that many people are already on the list from past drives for others in need. I understand that. But many of you are not. What YOU need to do is just pass this on, and let everyone you know, know about this. Let them decide if they want to help save a life.
I hope that you can do this. I hope that you agree that you can do your small part to help someone else.
I know that I am probably starting to sound like Jerry Lewis with my pleas for help for Shari and others like her, but it is all true. It is probably easier to help with a bone marrow drive, than it is to help find a cure for Muscular Dystrophy. I am not comparing...I am just sayin'.....
Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions, concerns, want to volunteer, want to know more about....whatever....if I know the answers, I will tell you. If I don't, I will try to find out.
This adventure is all about the numbers. For Shari, numbers relate to her levels when they are down, and she is neutropenic (An abnormal decrease in the number of neutrophils in the blood). That means it is very dangerous for her to catch any germs, infections, etc for her body is not able to fight off any infections, which is bad for anyone in her situation. But, when her numbers are UP, it means she has engery, can go for walks, can see her friends and family, can go out for sushi (yay for sushi), and means that she is getting stronger every day. Numbers....when Shari was in PMH (Princess Margaret Hospital) the numbers are put up every day after chemo, and we all waited...to see them start to climb which showed us that she was coming out of the bad times.
But now, the numbers means something different. These are the numbers that have been thrown around to me the last six weeks:
- about 27 million eligable Canadians in Canada, and only 250,000 are on the bone marrow registry.
- over 800 people are currently waiting for bone marrow matches
- there are many different types of cancers that need and require bone marrow for a patient's survival.
The question is: how can we raise awareness to the need for people in our community, the city, the province, and beyond to step up and get tested to see if they can save a life.
One Match, is the arm in Canada for this. Once you are in their website (http://www.onematch.ca ) you can read about the who, what, where when why and how about blood services, stem cells and bone marrow. Why should I donate, How can I donate. It is very simple, you do it on line, and they mail you a kit, swab, and send it back....simple...BUT there are other ways as well.
I should also stress the importance of giving blood and platlets. I have a friend who is a regular platlet donor, and I can tell you that he is helping saves lives as well. Shari has had to have lots of blood and platlets to survive. So, every small part, is HUGE to someone else. More than I ever imagined.
As I said at the start of this post, Shari's Mission (http://www.sharismission.com ) has been holding bone marrow drives and will continue to do so, until we find a match for Shari, and beyond, to help all the others.
Our next MAJOR event will be on Monday November 23rd from 4-9pm at Hava Nagila Banquest hall (1118 Centre Street in Thornhill). Shari's brother Rob, is challenging the community at LARGE to support this event. Everyone needs to 'pay it forward' and come out to register. Plain and simple - PEOPLE NEED YOU!
I know that many people are already on the list from past drives for others in need. I understand that. But many of you are not. What YOU need to do is just pass this on, and let everyone you know, know about this. Let them decide if they want to help save a life.
I hope that you can do this. I hope that you agree that you can do your small part to help someone else.
I know that I am probably starting to sound like Jerry Lewis with my pleas for help for Shari and others like her, but it is all true. It is probably easier to help with a bone marrow drive, than it is to help find a cure for Muscular Dystrophy. I am not comparing...I am just sayin'.....
Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions, concerns, want to volunteer, want to know more about....whatever....if I know the answers, I will tell you. If I don't, I will try to find out.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sushi - the connection between friends
When I started eating sushi many years ago, my repetoire consisted of california rolls, cucumber rolls, tempura and teriaki. Over the last few years, several all you can eat sushi places have popped up in my area (one in the back of my condo) and I have been able to try new things. I love sushi now, and have been known to go a couple times a week if asked...lunch, dinner...you ask, if I can go, we go.
So, when Shari called yesterday and told me she had a craving for sushi, I jumped at the chance. It was more about seeing her than eating the sushi, especially since yesterday was her last day of chemo. I had my niece's birthday party at night, so we agreed to meet for an early dinner at the place near my condo.
I was so happy to see her. I knew that she had a 'fanny' pack with her chemo that she took home, but I was surprised to see her take it out of her purse! I didn't realize it was with her, attached to her, at all times! Especially when she got up to pay, but didn't remember that she was attached to her purse - not something you should forget!
We ordered lots of food, and started to talk, and laugh and share. The last few months, we haven't had a lot of times that were filled with our usually crazy stories, funny stories and laughter. (yes, there was lots of 'girl' talk). It is quite funny actually, I have been to this restaurant with other friends, and we get VERY engrossed in our conversations, that we don't even realize people coming and going. We are in our own space, and place in time. It is hard to explain, but it is very special. I have shared many sushi meals with friends, and when you look at your watch...you don't even realize that you have been there for almost three hours sometimes! A quick dinner, is no less than a 90 minute affair, that's what it was last night.
Of course we talked about cancer, and the bone marrow and what comes next. I hope that Shari will be well enough to come to the donor drives and see how many people care about her and hope that she can 'kick cancer in the ass' and beat this thing. I will be there with my camera on hand at all times, so even if she isn't there, she will know what went on. When, not if, you come to one of the three drives, please make sure you see me so that I can take your picture.
Shari, I look forward to the next time we can share salmon sashimi, sushi pizza, shrimp tempura and more. Stay strong and healthy and I hope that with the events in the next few weeks, that you will be able to get what you need and be able to share years and years of sushi meals with me!
For everyone reading this, if you are not already on the bone marrow registry list, PLEASE do one of the following:
- join on line at http://www.onematch.ca or http://www.giftoflife.org
- come to one of the three events happening in the next few weeks at the following locations:
So, when Shari called yesterday and told me she had a craving for sushi, I jumped at the chance. It was more about seeing her than eating the sushi, especially since yesterday was her last day of chemo. I had my niece's birthday party at night, so we agreed to meet for an early dinner at the place near my condo.
I was so happy to see her. I knew that she had a 'fanny' pack with her chemo that she took home, but I was surprised to see her take it out of her purse! I didn't realize it was with her, attached to her, at all times! Especially when she got up to pay, but didn't remember that she was attached to her purse - not something you should forget!
We ordered lots of food, and started to talk, and laugh and share. The last few months, we haven't had a lot of times that were filled with our usually crazy stories, funny stories and laughter. (yes, there was lots of 'girl' talk). It is quite funny actually, I have been to this restaurant with other friends, and we get VERY engrossed in our conversations, that we don't even realize people coming and going. We are in our own space, and place in time. It is hard to explain, but it is very special. I have shared many sushi meals with friends, and when you look at your watch...you don't even realize that you have been there for almost three hours sometimes! A quick dinner, is no less than a 90 minute affair, that's what it was last night.
Of course we talked about cancer, and the bone marrow and what comes next. I hope that Shari will be well enough to come to the donor drives and see how many people care about her and hope that she can 'kick cancer in the ass' and beat this thing. I will be there with my camera on hand at all times, so even if she isn't there, she will know what went on. When, not if, you come to one of the three drives, please make sure you see me so that I can take your picture.
Shari, I look forward to the next time we can share salmon sashimi, sushi pizza, shrimp tempura and more. Stay strong and healthy and I hope that with the events in the next few weeks, that you will be able to get what you need and be able to share years and years of sushi meals with me!
For everyone reading this, if you are not already on the bone marrow registry list, PLEASE do one of the following:
- join on line at http://www.onematch.ca or http://www.giftoflife.org
- come to one of the three events happening in the next few weeks at the following locations:
- October 20th - 3:30 - 8:00pm - 4700 Bathurst Street (Council House for Jewish Women)
- October 31st - 10:00 - 6:0pp - Hillcrest Mall (The bay Kids entrance)
- November 1st - 10:00 - 6:00pm - 4700 Bathurst street
To read more about Shari and her story, please check out http://www.sharismission.com
Thursday, October 8, 2009
what a week...and it is not over yet
Where do I begin? This week has been a rough week all around. Not necessarily for me personally, but for people around me. There have been, I think at last count, six deaths and funerals this week for people that I know or through friends know. Not to mention, the death of a hamster and a dog. AND it is only Thursday.
The age ranges are huge - spanning from a 99 year old man to a 38 year old man. Opposite sides of the spectrum. I can somehow rationalize the passing of a 99 year old man, as someone who has lived a full life, but a 38 year old man? That is a life not yet lived.
During the eulogy, it was mentioned that we are not only grieving for the life lost, but for the life not lived. All the dreams not yet realized and all the experiences not yet experienced. It was so sad. This being said, this young man was a Princeton and Harvard Graduate who was working at the UN. He travelled to Congo and all over the world. He lived life, but for 38 years, it was not a long enough life.
I also realized that friendship doesn't know about time. I sat in a row with people I knew over 25 years ago. Some I have crossed paths with over the years, others not. Some crossed paths with the friend who passed, and some came because there was at time in our lives that we were everything to each other. We all went, and were all affected by his life and his passing. At least I can speak for myself about that.
Just to elaborate on that time in our lives, it was BBYO (B'nai Brith Youth Organization) that linked all of us together. It fostered friendships that obviously last a life time, as well as a strong sense of community and your part in it. It is as true today as it was 25 years ago when I was in the program. I still have friends today from that time, and I think will be in my life in some aspect always.
As I have said over and over this year, I have been faced with my own mortality and now a friend's mortality. It is very hard to imagine 'what if' or 'what happens next' and who knows when that time comes, what it will be like. I just know that I want to hang on to what I have right now and not let go.
The age ranges are huge - spanning from a 99 year old man to a 38 year old man. Opposite sides of the spectrum. I can somehow rationalize the passing of a 99 year old man, as someone who has lived a full life, but a 38 year old man? That is a life not yet lived.
During the eulogy, it was mentioned that we are not only grieving for the life lost, but for the life not lived. All the dreams not yet realized and all the experiences not yet experienced. It was so sad. This being said, this young man was a Princeton and Harvard Graduate who was working at the UN. He travelled to Congo and all over the world. He lived life, but for 38 years, it was not a long enough life.
I also realized that friendship doesn't know about time. I sat in a row with people I knew over 25 years ago. Some I have crossed paths with over the years, others not. Some crossed paths with the friend who passed, and some came because there was at time in our lives that we were everything to each other. We all went, and were all affected by his life and his passing. At least I can speak for myself about that.
Just to elaborate on that time in our lives, it was BBYO (B'nai Brith Youth Organization) that linked all of us together. It fostered friendships that obviously last a life time, as well as a strong sense of community and your part in it. It is as true today as it was 25 years ago when I was in the program. I still have friends today from that time, and I think will be in my life in some aspect always.
As I have said over and over this year, I have been faced with my own mortality and now a friend's mortality. It is very hard to imagine 'what if' or 'what happens next' and who knows when that time comes, what it will be like. I just know that I want to hang on to what I have right now and not let go.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Is it just me?
I am trying to figure out if it is just my heightened awareness to Cancer and organ donation or has the television media just ran out of story lines and now they all seem to use it as a plot line. Why are TV shows choosing the "illness card" more and more?
1. Grey's Anatomy - Izzie Stevens, well we all know her story. She was flatlined and ready for death at the season finale, but she signed her contract, is now a patient living with Cancer and no longer 'surgical'. I suppose that is what happens after you finish treatment and you start to live a normal life again....is it?
2. Young and the Restless - this summer, they decided to give a beautiful young woman, with everything to live for Ovarian Cancer. And they did a REALLY bad job with it. They made her have surgery, and they had to give her a full hysterectomy, BUT they saved her eggs for harvesting with her husband in the future.
When she started her chemo, she decided to shave her head BEFORE the chemo even started. From what I witnessed first hand this summer, it wasn't until about a week after the chemo was completed that hair starts to fall out. And I KNOW it is television, but this 'patient' looked good for a patient undergoing chemo.
3. Young and the Restless - used it again this past week. One patient was brain dead and another needed a heart. When they decided to end her life, they noted that she was an organ donor and they proceeded to give her heart to the sick patient.
4. Dr. Phil - a few weeks ago had on 8 donors and recipients that have given their kidney's to others. It was also a subject on last years Grey's Anatomy, but these surgeries actually happened.
5. Commercials - I just saw a commercial today about a child that received a bone marrow transplant for a rare condition that they had and now they are alive and well and thriving again.
6. Mercy - a new show, pretty good actually. The first episode was with an 'older' lady who had cancer and she was tired of all the treatments her kids were making her go through. She did not want any more procedures. Her nurse told her that she had a choice, and she could choose no more treatments.
7. Brothers and Sisters - now Kitty has been plagued with the cancer card. She has lymphomia, and on Sundays episode she had to undergo a bone marrow biopsy to confirm her condition. All of this is very real to me and what I have witnessed this summer.
I watch a lot of TV and a lot of them are dramas, so it comes with the territory, but the reality of life is enough for me, now it is in so much of what I watch. Sometimes too much. But, I will probably continue to watch, well...because I like my shows.
Did I miss any shows that you watch? leave me a message, I would like to know how many other shows out there are using the cancer or illness card in their story lines.
The reality of Shari Silverman is that she needs a bone marrow transplant. If you haven't already done so, you need to register on line at www.onematch.ca or you need to come to one of the clinics that are being held at the end of this month. Please read this article from this week's CJN paper - http://www.cjnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17753&Itemid=86
1. Grey's Anatomy - Izzie Stevens, well we all know her story. She was flatlined and ready for death at the season finale, but she signed her contract, is now a patient living with Cancer and no longer 'surgical'. I suppose that is what happens after you finish treatment and you start to live a normal life again....is it?
2. Young and the Restless - this summer, they decided to give a beautiful young woman, with everything to live for Ovarian Cancer. And they did a REALLY bad job with it. They made her have surgery, and they had to give her a full hysterectomy, BUT they saved her eggs for harvesting with her husband in the future.
When she started her chemo, she decided to shave her head BEFORE the chemo even started. From what I witnessed first hand this summer, it wasn't until about a week after the chemo was completed that hair starts to fall out. And I KNOW it is television, but this 'patient' looked good for a patient undergoing chemo.
3. Young and the Restless - used it again this past week. One patient was brain dead and another needed a heart. When they decided to end her life, they noted that she was an organ donor and they proceeded to give her heart to the sick patient.
4. Dr. Phil - a few weeks ago had on 8 donors and recipients that have given their kidney's to others. It was also a subject on last years Grey's Anatomy, but these surgeries actually happened.
5. Commercials - I just saw a commercial today about a child that received a bone marrow transplant for a rare condition that they had and now they are alive and well and thriving again.
6. Mercy - a new show, pretty good actually. The first episode was with an 'older' lady who had cancer and she was tired of all the treatments her kids were making her go through. She did not want any more procedures. Her nurse told her that she had a choice, and she could choose no more treatments.
7. Brothers and Sisters - now Kitty has been plagued with the cancer card. She has lymphomia, and on Sundays episode she had to undergo a bone marrow biopsy to confirm her condition. All of this is very real to me and what I have witnessed this summer.
I watch a lot of TV and a lot of them are dramas, so it comes with the territory, but the reality of life is enough for me, now it is in so much of what I watch. Sometimes too much. But, I will probably continue to watch, well...because I like my shows.
Did I miss any shows that you watch? leave me a message, I would like to know how many other shows out there are using the cancer or illness card in their story lines.
The reality of Shari Silverman is that she needs a bone marrow transplant. If you haven't already done so, you need to register on line at www.onematch.ca or you need to come to one of the clinics that are being held at the end of this month. Please read this article from this week's CJN paper - http://www.cjnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17753&Itemid=86
Monday, September 14, 2009
5769 The year that was
As I approach the end of the year 5769 I have been thinking about how our lives are defined by the events that occur and what happens after those events and how it relates to our life and changes it. Think back, and if it relates to you where you were when, just to name a few:
- JFK, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King.
- Challenger blowing up in 1986, and Discovery 2003
- The Tsunami 2004, Hurricane Katrina 2005
- 9/11
For me, my event this year was my car accident - February 21st, 2009. I don't really have memories of the year prior to that date, but so many since that date. It is amazing how in a split second in time our life is forever changed.
I spent the last six months recovering from my car accident. It is not just the six months of therapy that I just completed, which I am very grateful for. I have known people in my life who have become addicted to pain killers after an accident and thought to myself, "man, I don't ever want to live in chronic pain in my life". Well, my left arm is like a dull ache, pretty much all the time. Some days I can ignore it, other days I know that it is there. When the weather changes, after working out, when I spent hours and hours each day trying to make a living at my computer.
I spent the last six months learning about friendship. How serious events can either really help a friendship, or hurt it. I have had both. People have choices that they have to make as it relates them in the situation - do I stay, step up and be the friend that the person needs, or do I run and hide from the reality of the situation and bury my feelings in my own life and needs of my own. I have friends who have done both.
And most recently (in July 2009) I was faced with my own choice of "should I stay or should I go now?" A very dear friend, as most of you know, is now facing the challenge of her own life, fighting and surviving AML Leukemia. The day that she told me about her diagnosis, again, is a moment this year that I will never forget. It moved February 21, 2009 out of the front of my brain for the first time in months and let me think about something (and someone) else.
I always say, that every action has a reaction, and people need to find ways to go through life and learn from their actions and reactions. "Pay it forward" is what its called. What you can do for others and the gratification that you get from it.
A few months after my accident, I was at the drive through Tim Horton's and paid for the order of the person behind me. I have heard of people doing that, but I never have. You know what, it feels good. For those of you who don't know, two men actually got me out of my car before the police and EMS arrived. I don't know who they were and never will. So, for this I say thank you and do unto others.
Offering to spend time visiting a friend in the hospital, helps the family of the loved one. So, you read your book and watch your friend sleep, just so you can be the face that they see when they wake up. That is paying it forward. Because the reality of the situation is you can't really do a freaking thing for this person or their family other than that. Stand up, be present and be there. Don't run away because of your own fears. Helping others actually helps you come to terms with your fears.
Don't get me wrong, I have had so much good in my life since February 21st, 2009 as well. I took two amazing trips - to NOLA (New Orleans) in march with another dear friend, and more recently to Vegas with my parents. Both trips, ironically enough, happened shortly after the two life altering events in my life this year. Both trips helped me cope with the life changes and made me escape, if just for a few days, and laugh, smile and enjoy life.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how you can see the hopes and dreams of the future when you look at children. My two nieces amaze me every moment I am with them. In the last few weeks I have seen my 4 1/2 year old niece morph into this incredible 'mature' young girl, who took me to Claire's boutique the other night to look at earings (she doesn't have her ears pierced), braclets, necklaces, and make up. We went shopping yesterday, and she walked over the rack and pulled a top off and said, "Auntie Lisa, this is your favourite colour, you would look beautiful in this." So many moments just blow me away. She took me to her room last night, to show me her new 'lipstick' - princess lip balm. And my other niece, who will be 3 in a few short weeks is mastering the art of toilet training and starting school. There is such pride in her face when she pees in the toilet and the high fives and praise she is giving from everyone around her. These are the moments I will keep close to my heart always.
So, now we move onto to our new year - the year 5770 and what lies ahead for all of us, really is a mystery. We will go and pray over the next few weeks and repent for our wrongdoings this year and then pray for us to be sealed in the book of life for the upcoming year. That probably means more to me this year than others.
Spend the next few days before Rosh Hashana thinking about the past year and what has happened in your life. Was there a life altering event, or something that happened that made you stop in your tracks and go, "hmm, I wonder what all that was about". Were you present in your life? What lessons did you learn and how will that change what you do moving forward?
This is my new years greeting to you - Shana Tova U'Metukah - may we all rejoice with our family and friends and enjoy a healthy, happy and properous new year!
- JFK, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King.
- Challenger blowing up in 1986, and Discovery 2003
- The Tsunami 2004, Hurricane Katrina 2005
- 9/11
For me, my event this year was my car accident - February 21st, 2009. I don't really have memories of the year prior to that date, but so many since that date. It is amazing how in a split second in time our life is forever changed.
I spent the last six months recovering from my car accident. It is not just the six months of therapy that I just completed, which I am very grateful for. I have known people in my life who have become addicted to pain killers after an accident and thought to myself, "man, I don't ever want to live in chronic pain in my life". Well, my left arm is like a dull ache, pretty much all the time. Some days I can ignore it, other days I know that it is there. When the weather changes, after working out, when I spent hours and hours each day trying to make a living at my computer.
I spent the last six months learning about friendship. How serious events can either really help a friendship, or hurt it. I have had both. People have choices that they have to make as it relates them in the situation - do I stay, step up and be the friend that the person needs, or do I run and hide from the reality of the situation and bury my feelings in my own life and needs of my own. I have friends who have done both.
And most recently (in July 2009) I was faced with my own choice of "should I stay or should I go now?" A very dear friend, as most of you know, is now facing the challenge of her own life, fighting and surviving AML Leukemia. The day that she told me about her diagnosis, again, is a moment this year that I will never forget. It moved February 21, 2009 out of the front of my brain for the first time in months and let me think about something (and someone) else.
I always say, that every action has a reaction, and people need to find ways to go through life and learn from their actions and reactions. "Pay it forward" is what its called. What you can do for others and the gratification that you get from it.
A few months after my accident, I was at the drive through Tim Horton's and paid for the order of the person behind me. I have heard of people doing that, but I never have. You know what, it feels good. For those of you who don't know, two men actually got me out of my car before the police and EMS arrived. I don't know who they were and never will. So, for this I say thank you and do unto others.
Offering to spend time visiting a friend in the hospital, helps the family of the loved one. So, you read your book and watch your friend sleep, just so you can be the face that they see when they wake up. That is paying it forward. Because the reality of the situation is you can't really do a freaking thing for this person or their family other than that. Stand up, be present and be there. Don't run away because of your own fears. Helping others actually helps you come to terms with your fears.
Don't get me wrong, I have had so much good in my life since February 21st, 2009 as well. I took two amazing trips - to NOLA (New Orleans) in march with another dear friend, and more recently to Vegas with my parents. Both trips, ironically enough, happened shortly after the two life altering events in my life this year. Both trips helped me cope with the life changes and made me escape, if just for a few days, and laugh, smile and enjoy life.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention how you can see the hopes and dreams of the future when you look at children. My two nieces amaze me every moment I am with them. In the last few weeks I have seen my 4 1/2 year old niece morph into this incredible 'mature' young girl, who took me to Claire's boutique the other night to look at earings (she doesn't have her ears pierced), braclets, necklaces, and make up. We went shopping yesterday, and she walked over the rack and pulled a top off and said, "Auntie Lisa, this is your favourite colour, you would look beautiful in this." So many moments just blow me away. She took me to her room last night, to show me her new 'lipstick' - princess lip balm. And my other niece, who will be 3 in a few short weeks is mastering the art of toilet training and starting school. There is such pride in her face when she pees in the toilet and the high fives and praise she is giving from everyone around her. These are the moments I will keep close to my heart always.
So, now we move onto to our new year - the year 5770 and what lies ahead for all of us, really is a mystery. We will go and pray over the next few weeks and repent for our wrongdoings this year and then pray for us to be sealed in the book of life for the upcoming year. That probably means more to me this year than others.
Spend the next few days before Rosh Hashana thinking about the past year and what has happened in your life. Was there a life altering event, or something that happened that made you stop in your tracks and go, "hmm, I wonder what all that was about". Were you present in your life? What lessons did you learn and how will that change what you do moving forward?
This is my new years greeting to you - Shana Tova U'Metukah - may we all rejoice with our family and friends and enjoy a healthy, happy and properous new year!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
insight...from Lululemon?
I know that a lot of people love Lululemon. I don't owe any Lulu yet. Since we are living in a 'greener' world, where the reusable bag is becoming a fashion statement, I must comment on the Lululemon bag.
A friend of mine, who pretty much lives in Lululemon, gave something to me in one of the re-useable bags. She also promised me that when I reach my personal goals, she will buy me my frist Lulu outfit. I am working on that. I admit I really didn't look at the bag too much...until today.
I was coming up from visiting my friend at the hospital today, and had the time on the subway to read what written on the bag. There are some really profound statements.
Here are just a few of them:
- Do one thing a day that scares you.
- Life is full of setbacks. Sucess is determined by how you handle setbacks.
- Friends are more important that money.
- That which matters the least, should never give way to that which matters the most.
- Dance, Sing, Floss and travel.
- Visualize your eventual demise. It can have an amazing effect on how you live for the moment.
Getting back to my life before my car accident has had its challenges. I also think that the events of the last couple of weeks have made me realize to be thankful for something each day. Most people forget to be thankful every day, and I think that is shame.
Tell your loved ones you love them, each and every day.
A friend of mine, who pretty much lives in Lululemon, gave something to me in one of the re-useable bags. She also promised me that when I reach my personal goals, she will buy me my frist Lulu outfit. I am working on that. I admit I really didn't look at the bag too much...until today.
I was coming up from visiting my friend at the hospital today, and had the time on the subway to read what written on the bag. There are some really profound statements.
Here are just a few of them:
- Do one thing a day that scares you.
- Life is full of setbacks. Sucess is determined by how you handle setbacks.
- Friends are more important that money.
- That which matters the least, should never give way to that which matters the most.
- Dance, Sing, Floss and travel.
- Visualize your eventual demise. It can have an amazing effect on how you live for the moment.
Getting back to my life before my car accident has had its challenges. I also think that the events of the last couple of weeks have made me realize to be thankful for something each day. Most people forget to be thankful every day, and I think that is shame.
Tell your loved ones you love them, each and every day.
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