Mitch

Probably one of my fondest recollections of Mitch took place many years ago when she was onstage singing with a group of rascally, sweet boys -

                    I ain't got nothin' for Christmas

                    Mommy and Daddy are mad.

                    I ain't got nothin' for Christmas

                    'Cause I ain't been nothin' but bad!

I laughed. I remember her minxy manner but I also remember her genuine smile. She was 'just one of the guys' and everyone liked Mitch.

Mitch encountered many valleys in her life. I am sure there were times when she felt like she was 'nothin but bad.' But she managed to face her demons head on and fought long and hard to get herself on the straight and narrow.  She is one of the kindest, most likeable people around our little village.

For years now, Mitch has worked around town doing jobs here and there, volunteering wherever and whenever there is a need. Her particular passion is children. Many children know Mitch. She is known for her high fives; her cheery smile and the way she hits it off with every child she encounters.

When I was going through my treatments I recall bumping into her downtown and her welling up when she saw me in my semi-balding state. I think she joked about my hat and we shared a few sarcastic lines. What I really remember was how she put a smile on my face and I left her feeling a little richer.

For almost two years now Mitch has had the perfect job to suit her gifts - crossing guard just down the road from the public school. No matter the weather, Mitch, donned in all her crossing guard finery - neon jacket and carrying her big red, octagonal stop sign, has been there for all her little charges. Not only has Mitch been a reliable soul helping and keeping watch over the children as they headed to school and back again each weekday, but she often went the extra mile. Talk with local moms in the community. They are keen to share stories of how Mitch cleared sidewalks so they could push their awkward strollers along the snowy pathways. I heard tales of how Mitch would remember birthdays and recall names. She would watch traffic with a keen eye and flash her winning smile and wave her big red octagon to drivers she recognized. I often watched for Mitch as I came into town during school hours. Her cheery smile was like the town welcoming committee.

A few weeks ago now, Mitch was dealt another nasty blow. She was fired. She was let go for protecting the children and I [along with many moms and other concerned citizens of our little village] am furious.

An impatient driver revved his engine and acted inappropriately as Mitch held her stop sign high so that children could safely cross the road. Everything came to a head when Mitch attempted to do her job and obtain the driver's license plate number so she could report his dangerous actions to the police. A few people with an extraordinary amount of power somehow got the wrong end of the stick and Mitch's actions to guard the children were misinterpreted. No fair trial. No discussion. No explanation. She was let go.

See the KW Record stories for details of what happened:

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/480441--parents-angry-over-crossing-guard-s-firing

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/481305--driver-warned-in-crosswalk-incident

http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/483575--council-upholds-crossing-guard-s-firing

A group of concerned citizens rallied together on Mitch's behalf last Tuesday. 'Twas all in vain however, when the powers that be sadly did not allow the voice of reason to prevail. Mitch was not allowed to return to her post. She is greatly missed.

One supporter of Mitch's posted last week on Facebook about how God has a plan. I believe her. I  believe her words. I believe that once something sad happens, something exceedingly beautiful occurs. Without sadness there can be no joy. It takes little effort to lop off branches from a withering tree. Within a short while, soon the tree bears fragrant blossoms, promising and ultimately producing succulent fruit.  

I am thinking that God just might have seen an opportunity to pinch Mitch and point out to her how much she is loved and appreciated. I am thinking that He is now ready to make a good thing out of this wretched situation.

Someone might have lopped off your branches, my friend, but the fruit that is being produced will be luscious and sweet. Hold tight. Brace yourself.


All things work together for good to them that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28)

  
 
 

Her Mom

Her name was Crystal. I took my purchases up to the counter and the smiling young lady - barely grazing 20 years old, began ringing in my purchases. We started chatting and she asked me about all the scrapbooking items in my basket. I told her about our Zeal for Teal fundraiser. I explained how we were doing it in order to help raise awareness and educate women about Ovarian Cancer.

Crystal's nimble fingers stopped for a moment. She ceased pressing the keys on the cash register and looked deep into my soul.

"That's what my mom died of," she said. "And now I am having a baby and I miss her terribly."

I gazed at her little belly. Barely sprouting. A teal shirt - ironically, covering the tiny bulge.

She resumed ringing in my purchases. Her words had impacted my heart and I wanted to reach out and hold the new little momma-to-be, close to my heart. Like some mad-hatter marketer I started spitting out the details of the Zeal for Teal crop.

"Are you a scrapbooker?" I asked.
"No, but maybe I could try."

I promptly promised that the next time I was in the store I would bring in our flyer and information about our special day. We chatted for a few more minutes about her pregnancy and how she had been feeling. She was a little girl who needed her momma and ovarian cancer had stolen that from her. She was nine when her mother died. Her mother was 38. Wrong, wrong, wrong...cancer cares not for whom it afflicts. 38? A mother? Far too young for life to be snatched and to leave a little girl motherless. A little girl who was now having her own precious little one.

God...when I get to heaven, will I know why? I sometimes think I know why. Then I see Crystal and once again, I don't understand. 

Maybe I will go back to the store and ask her if she needs me to be her Mom... 

Turning Up the Volume with Zeal for Teal

Get ready for a blast from the past! Zeal for Teal 2011 - our third annual Ovarian Cancer Canada fundraiser is coming to town April 30th, 2011 and our theme is "The 50's"

We are looking forward to a great crowd and I know we will have a 'rockin' good time!'

The Drayton Arena will be alive with scrapbookers and cardmakers as we gather together to help raise awareness about ovarian cancer and to do our part to help raise funds for Ovarian Cancer Canada.

I am a speaker for Ovarian Cancer Canada and when I get talking to women of all ages, I am always amazed to discover how little is known about this disease that is often dubbed the silent killer (I was one of those women who knew little!) I am still considered to be in remission and am being a good girl attending the cancer clinic appointments and following protocol. I make my next appearance at the London Cancer Clinic in March.

I am thankful for every sunrise and every breath these days and am immeasurably thankful for those who have supported me in a million ways over the past two and a half years since my diagnosis.

 Zeal for Teal is the highlight of my year and Amanda - the original founder and incredibly talented and organized big cheese - and I, along with our trusty team (Rosemary, Darlene and Amber) are really excited this year about what is going to take place. We had an early bird registration and 50 people took advantage of it. We are head over heels happy with this initial response.

We do have to put a limit on registrations this year because of how we want to set up the hall. We need a spot for our soda shop, after all! So the first 100 people to register get to spend a fantastic day in their bobby socks and poodle skirts...okay whatever is comfy...scrapping away to their heart's content and being entertained with everything from endless door prizes to hula hoop & bubble gum blowing contests, a silent auction, a delicious diner dinner, snacks, games, goody bags and much more.

Again we are inviting anyone who wants to visit and browse our Vendor's Alley, to pop in anytime during the day. For $5 visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a muffin and fruit. They are welcome to join in on our silent auction and check out the Ovarian Cancer Canada [OCC] table, too. The whole $5 will go to OCC.

In Vendor's Alley, so far this year our companies include Stampin Up; Close To My Heart; First Choice Trophies and Scrapbooking; In A Scrap Creations and my book table.

Zeal for Teal 2011 actually coincides [wonderfully] with the release of Hot Apple Cider 2 - a book that contains a story about my cancer journey - along with some other incredibly stirring stories written by other Canadian authors. I will be selling copies of HAC2 and $5 from the sale of every book will go directly to Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC).

There is so much to do and the planning keeps us busy. But what a privilege to be able to be here and to partake of the excitement. I pray for my OC sisters. I pray that the volume can be turned up and that early detection will be the name of the game for more and more women. I am honoured to be part of Zeal for Teal 2011. Would you care to join us?

To check out the details of the day and to keep up with the latest news, check out the Sunflower Seeds blog at http://www.zealforteal.blogspot.com/ .

Sleepy Town Express (Soon, please)

Maybe if I try singing myself to sleep... How about TV - What not to Wear reruns, maybe? Reading? Hot chocolate? Nothing seems to be working tonight. It's getting on for 1am and I am wide awake. I am convinced that chemotherapy did away with some sleep receptors in my noggin'. Pre-cancer, I used to require at least 8 hours sleep and nodding off on cue was an easy thing to do. It's been two years and a few months since the bittersweet poison coursed through my veins. One would think that by now the body would have returned to normal. But I am convinced that my body has a new state of normal. My new normal now consists of interrupted sleep (or total lack of...) periods of unexplained dementia, fatigue at the most inappropriate times, achy breaky body parts - fractured wrist included.

So what's a gal to do? I can't go into the bedroom again and disturb my dearly beloved, peacefully snoring/sleeping hubby again. I did that once when I crept in to get my pjs. The recliner chair doesn't look as inviting as our cozy bed, but at least I won't wake him. Why should both of us have a 'bad' night?

I've dug the pillow and covers out from the blanket box.

So bring on the sheep...1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...5,648...5,649...5650...Sigh...Night, night...trying again...5,651...5652...5653...

Drama Queen Debut 2011

  So I took my first step into 2011 and lo and behold yours truly ended up on her derriere! It wasn't supposed to be like that. My new year was supposed to be a fresh start and one filled with getting things done.'  Instead of starting off in high speed, my 2011 debut has now begun with two speeds - dead slow and stop!

 I had chosen to go the so-called healthier route and had decided to walk to church this morning. Happy Hubby has some not so nice issues with sciatica so I did not make a fuss when he opted for the truck. I beamed a little thinking about one of my secret resolutions. Yep my plan was to walk a little more and eat a little less. Such are the best laid plans of cats and women, huh?

There I lay. My first concern was who was looking out their window as I did my triple lutz (klutz) and fell on my tush. Funny how the vanity thing hits me first.

My dearly beloved had spotted my dramatic performance in his rear view mirror, so I waited all fours in the air, until he reversed and ventured forth to rescue me.

In a nutshell, I told my rescuer that he should go to church
because I was fine. No sooner had he departed, albeit a little reluctantly, my wrist ballooned and the pain was a nine on the richter scale.

'Twas then I decided to head to the local emergency department for a makeover. I drove my trusty steed one-handed.
 Since it was Sunday, they had to call in the X-ray tech from church. She came. She saw. She took some less than flattering shots. If it is remotely possible for me to keep a long tale short, I needed an elbow to finger cast. Sigh. Hopefully this no indication of how the rest of 2011 will transpire.

I suppose I could moan and groan about the present state of affairs but, instead, I have decided to think positively and look on the bright side even though we got off to a bit of a crazy ride:

1. I am right handed. It's my left hand that bore the brunt of my less than graceful antics

2. It was my wrist and not my noggin' that I injured

3. No one seemed to see my gymnastic attempt at recovery

4. My neighbour who happened to be backing out of his garage didn't run over me

5. I couldn't make lunch or supper

6. I couldn't make the bed

7. I couldn't do the dishes

8. I realized how important appendages and digits are!
Sigh...

Fairness and God?

Today I read an article and had trouble even getting my mind around the title, let alone the content.

"Girl, 4, battles rare ovarian cancer"

A combination of sadness and encouragement filled my heart as I gazed upon the impish grin of this precious little angel. Check out her story, here, if you like:

www.heraldsun.com.au/.../story-e6frf7kx-1225978302989

 As I read through the story, I wondered about the fairness of it all. I thought upon the perfect world that God created then I remembered how it is no longer perfect and we have no one else to blame but ourselves. Instead of the harmony and the peace that God intended when He said 'it was good,' humankind has opted for greed and discontentment. How foolish we are. Thank goodness God loves us anyway, and wants us to love Him back. When I look into the eyes of this little angel, I am encouraged and I see Jesus.

 I am 54 so for me to get Ovarian Cancer is one thing. But a mere whisp of a child at 4 years of age, just doesn't seem right. But, the control is in His hands and I believe things happen for a reason. I don't have answers but I do have faith. My faith is resting in Him and hoping and praying that God will heal this little girl and through it all He will be glorified.

Jesus loves the little children; all the children of the world!

Storytelling at it's Finest

Isn't this the sweetest rendition of the story of Jonah ever? What a story teller.

We were a bit of a motley crew, but we worked together like a well-oiled machine. The boys (and Lisa) hit the trails and the mountain pathways and helped make more than one person happy last week.

There were foundations to be laid and cupboards to be made. A deck was needed and a fence had to be replaced. By the end of the week, more than a few mountain boys and girls were grinning from ear to ear thanks to the grit and dogged determination of our strong and willing men (and Lisa!)

Meanwhile, I had the privilege of accompanying the other four gals to the distribution centre in town. What an eye opener. We worked at the foodbank distributing food and performing a myriad of tasks - the greatest benefit being our interaction with the locals. What an experience. What an amazing and hugely necessary ministry. After experiencing the many stories and witnessing the abject poverty that still prevails in the belly of the oft-termed affluent USA, I vowed to never complain about being hungry again. Nor would I moan and groan about having nothing to wear. I am also slightly guilt-ridden as I returned home to a new dwelling. Folks in Neon, Kentucky were over the hill grateful to have a trailer home or a simple roof over their heads. There was such a contrast in lifestyle, culture and the socio-economic deprivation was obvious.

As I took photographs of the East Letcher Ministry I made special note of the table outside the former grocery store. Piles of faded, thrice-worn clothing adorned two long tables on the sidewalk. Apparently these articles of clothing are available 24/7 to anyone in need. There is a sign asking people to be careful that items are not tossed haphazardly on the ground. I was informed that people who are too shy or embarassed to come during the day will come at all hours to sort through and take needed items of clothing.

I am ashamed to say that I have laughed at jokes about mountain people and their hillbillly ways, but to experience it first hand last week caused me to think. I also saw first hand the dirty little secret that remains virtually hidden, tucked away in this little mining community in the Appalacians - that wretched and seemingly never ending cycle of poverty.

But I was also so blessed to encounter some beautiful, faith-filled people on their own territory. Many just seemed to need someone to listen to their stories and to care about them, even if for a fleeting moment.

One girl, in particular, who came to the foodbank broke my heart. She was twenty years old. I asked her how she was. That was to be the segue to her story. Her divorce was just being finalized and she had a toddler at home who was not bearing up too well. She was on kidney dialysis and she was also just recently diagnosed with cervical cancer and possibly ovarian cancer. Because she has limited income and no benefits, she was unable to pay for her dialysis or chemotherapy which was scheduled to begin in a short while. She did say she might get a little help from Medicare but it was limited. I didn't know what to do for her. So I let her talk.

We cried together. Another gal who was with me shared in the conversation and the tears. I was wearing my survivor pin under my sweater (I wondered that morning why I felt led to wear it) so I gave it to the young mom. I told her I would pray and hope. She said her faith was strong and she relied on God each day. Then then this brave, young soul thanked us for listening and disappeared with her few bags of groceries as quickly as she appeared.

I can't get her out of my mind...

Kentucky Bound!

I'm off to Neon, Kentucky with our church this week to help at the missions!

I'm sure I'll be back with many stories to share, many tears to shed and many thankful prayers to be said!

Blessings, Glynis

Why (Canadian Authored) Books Make Great Christmas Gifts

There's a few practical reasons why a book makes the perfect present.

1. It is easy to wrap

2. If you buy more than one, they stack nicely under the tree.

3. You don't have to buy batteries for a book

4. You don't have to plug a book in.

5. For under $25 you can travel around the world - or anywhere else you choose

Neil Gaiman, comic writer and novelist, when asked why books make great gifts said, " Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside them, and it's much cheaper to buy somebody a book than it is to buy them the whole world!"

That is so true. Walk into a bookstore - Christian or otherwise - and look around. Spell-binding journeys and exhilarating adventures abound. Prepare to be whisked off with reckless abandon to faraway lands and exotic locations. Journey back in time to the days of Jesus or travel to the future and experience life in a different galaxy, planet or realm. Tread on pathways where the noble and valiant stood sword to sword or step inside the palace and mingle with the courtiers and vie for the favour of the king.

A book can take a person to a place of hope, unveil the unknown and offer comfort and direction, love and support. What better way to escape the tyranny of the urgent than to tuck yourself in your favourite chair and nestle in with a novel? Sign me up!

Probably one of my favourite parts of the book store is the children's section. I love children's books. And I love reading to children. To me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child rapt as I relay the perils of the porcupine or the emotional roller coaster of Wilbur and Charlotte. Books for children make great gifts that last. I had a poster on my wall once that said, "Reading is like a young pup - it grows with you." Give a child a book and you give them an opportunity to grow in wisdom and imagination.

And why buy Canadian, you ask? Why wouldn't you? There are so many talented Canadian Authors. It is always a good idea to discover and support our own! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.