Grandmothers' Necklace Launch Success!

A great day was had by all! Carolyn did most of the work. I was merely a happy helper and a ready reader! Carolyn Wilker is the little gal in the middle. Theodore Oisin, is the lovely blonde on the right and yours truly is pictured left, trying not to show too many teeth.

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Actually, being part of the book launch, yesterday, in Kitchener, was a super experience. I met some lovely people and learned much about the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, all the proceeds raised from Grandmothers' Necklace will go to assist grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa who are raising their own grandchildren. Funds from the Stephen Lewis Foundation [SLF] help these quietly courageous women while they try to come to terms with their own children who have died from HIV/AIDS. I cannot even dare imagine what that would be like.

But what an honour it is, though, to be a small part of helping the SLF and to be a contributing writer in Grandmothers' Necklace.

The Omas Siskona pictured here, nicely decked out in their colourful tee shirts, were amazing. They prepared and served delicious squares, cookies, fruit, tea, coffee and more for everyone who attended the launch. One of the Omas did a bit of a presentation about who they were and what their mandate was. I was even more impressed. So many quiet souls on the battlefield. Sometimes it seems a crazy world that we live in, and then the goodness flows and we get a sample of the heart of others as they give without return and work without fanfare. Such a life lesson.

And then as if I had not sampled enough icing on the cake, I had just been introduced and was giving a bit of an introduction or segue before reading my story, when I got a wonderful surprise. My big sister was sitting on the sidelines grinning back at me! I almost lost my words when I saw her. I had not seen her in a while and had certainly no idea she was going to make an appearance, but she did. And I was glad. I quickly greeted her from the podium then regrouped and carried on! Like I said, a good day was had by all - especially me! Blessings!