Love and Gratitude

It’s been a while (again) since I last did a gratitude list.  This week is perfect to do one, because although I won’t be home when this publishes, I will be in a place that is full of love, laughter, happiness, and yes, there will be at least some tears.  But these will be happy tears, because my best friend is marrying the love of her life today.

So this is what I am thankful for:

1.  My mom and dad, who are the best ever.  Without them, I would be unmotivated, uninspired…  Aaugh!  Who am I kidding here?  Without my parents, I would not even exist!  My mom and dad believe in me – they have since the moment they knew they were expecting me, despite my being a surprise (!) baby.  And without them, I would not be where I am now, both literally and figuratively.  Because they NEGU (Never Ever Give Up) on me, I NEGU either.  I am indebted to my parents, always.

2.  My friendship with Tammy – she is my best friend from high school, and I am so happy that she asked me to stand up for her today.  We’ve both been through a lot in our lives, both individually and together, and I am so happy that she  found Curtis, and that they will be building a future together on a foundation built from love, trust, friendship, loyalty, and everything else that is good.  I was changed from day one of my and Tammy’s friendship, because on that day, I started to learn that anything was possible and that life may seem limited but it isn’t really – The only limits I had were imaginary.  I so hope today is everything Tammy envisioned and more.  She deserves it!

3.  I am grateful for the little things, such as sleep (which is really a big thing, because no one can live without it for very long), helping hands, no matter who they belong to, because I have always and will always need help in this life, the ability to laugh despite the pain of life.  And I am really, really, really grateful to God, who has not left me, not even for a second, since the moment I took my first breath, even before that moment.  That still, small voice deep inside of me is the true reason why I NEGU.

 

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

When Kevin Carlberg was diagnosed with brain cancer he donned his “Don’t Worry Be Happy” shirt and wore it everywhere. He explained his life’s philosophy, “I’m happy and I want to make other people feel happy too, and know that you can survive this.”  Embodying this simple mantra, he miraculously thrived, six years longer than ever expected. He inspired dozens of news stories, and helped raise millions of dollars for cancer research. This powerful message asks you to realize that “worry” over a future that may never come causes disease. Embrace the present, and choose wellness by being happy … Be the spark of hope and light that creates a miracle as it did for Kevin.  

~ from the DWBH site

Last night, I stumbled across a really cool website.  The site sells “Don’t Worry Be Happy” shirts and other merchandise to help raise money for families who are struggling to pay medical bills.  Penelope “Penny” Buttress is one such child who benefits from this.  I’ve heard of her before – she has been battling neuroblastoma since she was eleven months old, had 2 clear scans three months apart, and just relapsed on February 23 of this year.  Obviously, there is more to her story than that, and if you want to learn more about her, click on her name above and that will take you to the blog her mother keeps.

I invite you all to show your support to Penny and the other patients on the warrior page by buying “Don’t Worry Be Happy” merchandise, and help spread the message of “hope, happiness and love” that Kevin Carlberg demonstrated through his life.  Let this message mesh with that of 12-year old Jessica Joy Rees (NEGU – Never Ever Give Up) and inspire you today.

I just love inspiring people, and I strive to be inspiring myself.  It is too easy to look at your life and think you can’t do this, but you can.  Reach out and know that you’re not alone.  This world is often cold and harsh, but that doesn’t mean we need to be as well.  If you are worried about something, take positive action against it.  Often, we look too far ahead in our lives, and that  scares us into freezing up and locking the world out.  What does that do but make us more withdrawn than we already were?  I do get overwhelmed sometimes – who doesn’t?  But then I think of all the people out there who have it worse than me, and I feel blessed because I can offer them a piece of my heart.  It’s a matter of perspective, like the famous quote by Plato says:  ”Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”