Sunday, June 21, 2009

Hello, it's me...

You know that song? Well, I thought it was a good lead in for someone that hasn't blogged in months. My daughter, Stephanie, has a kickass blog now and she has inspired me to start blogging again.

This is a feeble beginning to be sure but I am hoping it will get better. Today, Stephanie had a post titled 'A Letter To My Dad..' to her Dad that passed away 2 years and 6 months ago (gosh, has it really been that long)? Anyway it was coincidental that today I finally applied with the American Cancer Society as a volunteer - this was before I read her post. You see I have a Mother who suffers from the 'Me,Me,Me' syndrome and I am realizing that I can be like that too. I don't want to be like that. I long for connections and relationships with others. When Skip, Steph's Dad, was sick and the times that Stephanie really had to be at work I would step in and take him to radiation, Dr appts, errands, etc. The one thing that struck me so clearly was that this man was suffering and in the worst place in his life but still did not complain! He was so gracious and it was great for me to spend those last months around him. We talked and laughed a lot. I am so very happy that I was able to help him even in the little things. I couldn't be anything but grateful for my own life. Problems? What problems? Couldn't compare.

At the time I remember thinking that when Skip got better I wanted to volunteer to drive cancer patients to their appointments. Skip didn't get better and I was too raw from that to volunteer. Now is the time. I am ready. I will continue on with what we started. It's the least I can do. I have some strong opinions about cancer and doctors and how it's treated but I have a heart full of sympathy for people suffering from cancer and I hope to learn from and connect with some people that need a little helping hand and a little company. It really is the best way to get out of your own crap. When you think your life is shit there is always someone who has things worse than you. I encourage anyone with an extra hour or two per month to get out of yourself and find a volunteer position with something you are passionate about. We CAN make a difference. I love you Skip and I miss you.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh yay!!! Hello you. :)
I am so happy to see you writing again. I love your positive, inspirational thoughts and your take on things. AND...I am so proud of you for getting out there and volunteering! Go girl!! Anyone suffering would be lucky to have a few moments with you to share your sunshine for a few moments.

Lweeks said...

Awwww, thanks K. You're so 'Minnesota Nice'!

Homeslice said...

what a way to honor skip and congrats for volunteering. i'm off to read steph's blog now . . .

Alicia said...

I remember the journal entry you wrote on MM when Skip passed. I remember your sadness. And I think this new volunteer gig is exactly what you should be doing because I know you'll be so good at it.

I'm also happy to see you blogging again, Linda.

Stephanie W said...

That is wonderful! I am so happy and so proud that you are looking into volunteering. I think you can make a big difference in peoples lives and I am sure you will soon reap the benefits as well.

Christina said...

I am so proud of you Linda! You are going to make a great volunteer and a wonderful friend to people in need. It's awesome to see you blogging again, I've missed keeping up with you!