the grey matters

If you haven't noticed by now, then you aren't paying attention to the sidebar.  I've posted a new button for The Grey Matters.  A great friend and her brother started this group after their father was diagnosed with brain cancer.  They are doing fundraisers to support various groups and research.

"We are here with the mission to give a CAUSE to Think, and to think BIG, to help bring awareness to those that are unaware of the effects of brain cancer and to provide support for those who are directly and indirectly affected by brain cancer."

Their first fundraiser is Nov 13-17, 2009.  It is a weekend trail hike that will travel 29 miles through the Appalachian Trail.  This fundraiser will benefit The Friends of Caroline Hospice group.  If you are interested the fundraiser go here - or just want to donate a couple of dollars - go here.

I am also looking for ways to help spread awareness on a disease that hasn't just affected them, but my family as well.  If you have any ideas of a contest to spread the word, I am all ears.

when there are no words

Ever have someone you were so close to that when they hurt you hurt? Someone other than your spouse or your children.

And when that person experiences loss you want to take their pain away - but know you can't.

Ever wonder what to say to someone when they've experienced death and you know that I'm sorry is no where near enough to explain the sympathy that you have?

Ever cried for the loss that someone is feeling instead of the death itself?
Because when we die we are immediately at peace. Our pain and suffering is finally gone and we are able to smile down on the ones we love. But when someone close to us dies, we don't immediately see the peace, instead we feel loss.

And then there are no words

When I get Where I'm Going

Brad Paisley - Featuring Dolly Parton

When I get where I'm going

on the far side of the sky.

The first thing that I'm gonna do

Is spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna land beside a lion,

and run my fingers through his mane.

Or I might find out what it's like

To ride a drop of rain

(Chorus:)

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

there'll be only happy tears.

I will shed the sins and struggles,

I have carried all these years.

And I'll leave my heart wide open,

I will love and have no fear.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

Don't cry for me down here.

I'm gonna walk with my grandaddy,

and he'll match me step for step,

and I'll tell him how I missed him,

every minute since he left.

Then I'll hug his neck.

(Chorus)

So much pain and so much darkness,

in this world we stumble through.

All these questions, I can't answer,

so much work to do.

But when I get where I'm going,

and I see my Maker's face.

I'll stand forever in the light,

of His amazing grace.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

Yeah when I get where I'm going,

there'll be only happy tears

.Hallelujah!I will love and have no fear.

When I get where I'm going.

Yeah when I get where I'm going.

10 Things Tuesday - July 21

This week I want to talk about health and how quickly we forget it when we have it. I have friend whose family is going through some rough health issues right now. It reminds me of how lucky we are when we are healthy and able to do the things we want to do. One would think that with a son with a heart defect, I would be grateful daily. But as the days move together, and he is doing good, I forget. So today I am grateful for

• Bradley's Heart - a miracle in and of itself.
• John's health - he has an incredible immune system and amazingly doesn't have any of the diseases that are so prominent within his family.
• Tyler's health - my strong full throttle child
• Nathaniel's health - this boy never slows down
• that the twins only missed 5 days of school last year - combined
• my own health - even with problems of the past, I am in good health overall
• that at the moment, we are not subject to the germs of daycare
• that my family is not filled with history of cancers and such
• that my children aren't hurt more often in the crazy things boys do. (no stitches so far :)
• that I am able to help those around me when they are not able to help themselves or too busy helping others.