Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Celebrating Life


Today is a day for celebrating 67 years on this earth, most of them spent in a wonderful community in North Idaho.  Yup, it's birthday time, and the meaning of birthday time has changed a lot since the days of balloons, cake and ice cream, gifts, etc. 

All were important, I'm sure, from Year 1 to well into my 60s.  At 67, however, I'm turning into a cliche I've heard for years, "Glad to still be here."

Along with that goes a deep appreciation for good health, wonderful friends and family and a beautiful environment in which to spend every day. 

Yesterday, I stumbled upon to something on Facebook which adds to the reason I'm thrilled to celebrate living another new day on this June 25, 2014.  

My discovery of a beautifully written piece by a young lady, who I believe is either 13 or 14, simply enhanced my constant determination to live every day to the fullest, appreciate every moment and give it my all in dedication to those no longer with us or to those who not so fortunate to enjoy good health into their "golden years." 

The simple but poignant message I read for the first time on Facebook yesterday reminds me of the memorable, meaningful days and hours spent with the lady and the gentleman above as we chronicled her reasons to celebrate her life and to live it to the fullest. 

Foremost among those reasons during the last few years of Jenny Jacobson Meyer's life was her daughter Grace. 

Once Grace arrived on this earth, Jenny set personal goals, all revolving around her daughter. 

Jenny's classmate/friend Jeff and I were fortunate to share the moments when she reached some of those goals----in one case, walking Grace to pre-school for her first day at Selle Valley Bright Beginnings, the lovely school house just down Selle Road from the Lovestead. 

So, yesterday when I came upon a piece written by Grace, who is now in junior high, I decided that Grace's poignant and heartfelt message, written especially for this year's Celebrate Life walk/fun run in August,  needed to go on my birthday posting. 

Her words follow, and I hope they inspire all to celebrate their own lives and the lives of others, along with considering a donation to the wonderful meaning behind the annual event which Jenny inspired.  

After reading Grace's words, you can visit a link which explains more.  

Finally, thanks to all who provide me so many reasons to celebrate each day on this Earth, along with the annual birthday----the cake, the ice cream, etc. 

From Grace:  

So let me tell you a story....Once upon a time in the world of CancerVania another person joined other unfortunate people that were diagnosed at different ages with terminal cancer. This particular person wasn't even in her thirties yet. 

Sit for a minute and think. 

Imagine what that would be like. 

You are in your late twenties and all of a sudden you will live the rest of your life with terminal cancer, waiting for the day that it takes you away from this world. 

Now, imagine what it would be like to have a husband and family that loves you more than life. Imagine them hearing the news that you only have 5 years to live. Hard to picture right? And in the midst of it, you are pregnant with a chance you cannot have your child.

Well sure enough, she succeeded and 9 months later she had a baby girl. If you cannot tell already, this woman was a FIGHTER. She was STRONG.

One day she decided to give something back to this world. She talked to her sister who was dear to her. Together they founded Celebrate Life Fun Run/Walk across the Long Bridge to support local cancer victims.

Years later she passed away. She beat all the odds given to her. Despite her death, the Celebrate Life legacy continues.

To this day, MY MOM's race is an annual event. They have raised a lot of money for those fighting cancer. It would mean the world to me if you could support us. 

The race is Saturday, August 9, 2014. I would appreciate if you could come. We are thankful for the community's help in making my mom's dream come true by supporting the fundraiser which is put on by my wonderful aunt.

Thank you Sandpoint Idaho,
Grace Katherine Meyer~June 2014


3 comments:

Daddy-O said...

This is beautiful, wonderful, in fact. Can't believe Grace is in junior high already...seems like just yesterday we were all having lemonade and Chic-o-sticks together and watching little Grace play Hungry Hungry Hippos. That was a good day...and we were fortunate to have many of them with Jenny & Grace.

Marianne Love said...

Maybe we need to grab Grace while you're home and go have Chic-o-sticks and lemonade. That would be fun! Of course, Lili could come along too.

Daddy-O said...

That sounds like a great plan. I'll be in town July 2-July 10...will reach out to you!