Sunsets for Amanda

Have you ever seen a story unfold and it just feels surreal? That's how I feel about Amanda. She isn't one of my best friends, but I've known her for four years.  There have been laughs over birthday parties, shopping, mexican food and wine expos; comments on Facebook statuses and pictures.  She was, I believe, the soul sister to someone I hold near and dear.

Amanda was a nurse. A mom. A daughter. A sister. A friend to many. A lover of sunrises, Disney and running.  Amanda was chosen to represent her prominent Boston hospital in April's Boston Marathon.

By now, you've noticed that I'm speaking of Amanda in the past tense.

Two days before Christmas, Amanda was out for a run and was hit by a car. Despite the news stories online with fuzzy details - I won't speculate as what precipitated someone hitting Amanda and then striking a telephone pole so hard that it broke.

It goes without saying that she fought to stay...she would never choose to leave her little boy. But her injuries were just too much to overcome.

Five days after getting hit, Amanda passed away.  But not before making one last gift to humanity; she was an organ donor. While I will miss hearing of her adventures; seeing her beautiful sunrise pictures from the vantage point of her hospital; seeing her name pass across my Facebook or Instagram feed, I know that she will live on through those organ donations.

One of Amanda's very best friends captioned this image. Amanda would understand the sad joy so many of us feel in her being the Oprah of organ donation.

The sun has set on the life of a woman who loved sunrises so very much.  Hug your friends and family.  Tell them exactly how much they mean to you.  And maybe, watch a few sunrises and think of Amanda.



P.S. I've had a few people ask...so you can donate to Amanda's Boston Marathon fundraiser HERE or the GoFundMe account for her son and assorted needs HERE.

I Remember...

Like many of you, I want to share where I was on 9/11.

Even ten years later, I remember the day like it was yesterday.  I was the Office Coordinator in the financial district of Boston.  That morning, I got in early, turned on the TV to the "Today Show", and called the O.C. in the NYC office.  You see...that morning I was having second thoughts about being there instead of her.  I had been given the opportunity to be temporarily placed in our Manhattan office, and had turned it down in favor of staying close to my family.  The timing just didn't feel right.

So, I called her to chat while we both waited for staff to roll into both of our offices.  We said our "good-byes" just past 8 AM.  I should have turned the TV off at that point.  But I didn't. 

When news flashed that a plane had flown into the North Tower, programming went live to the World Trade Center.  I watched live while a second plane flew into the South Tower.  In a matter of minutes, the world as I knew it was shattered.

We quickly learned that both of those planes came from Boston.  MY airport.  The place where I felt SAFE to travel.  I was horrified.  And, as fighter jets flew overhead, our office was evacuated & we were all sent with the masses to go home and be with our families. 

I will never forget the feeling of being packed into the subway that day.  You just couldn't help but hug the people that surrounded you.  It didn't matter that they were strangers.  It didn't matter that you may never see that person again.  You gave comfort and received comfort from those around you.

I was one of the last people that my friend ever spoke to.  That frightened me for a long time.  I felt guilty that it was her, not me. Now, I just hope that our joking gave her a little peace.


I also want to share with you how that day changed me.  And how it didn't.

In most ways, I'm still the same person I always was.  I learned to trust my gut more.  Something told me not to take that job; told me not to turn off the TV that day.

I tell people that I love them more.  I used to be better about it...but I still will randomly tell people that matter to me that I love them.  You never want people to wonder how you feel about them.  :-)

Like the majority of Americans, I feel so much more patriotic than I did before that day. There a renewed dedication to God and country that swept over so many of us.  Life became so much more about us instead of it being about me.

I didn't shy away from flying.  Three weeks after that fateful day, I got on a plane at Logan and flew to a family reunion in San Antonio.  I was in England when we formally declared war.  When it's my time...it's my time.  I refuse to stop living my life because someone else doesn't agree with the freedoms that Americans are afforded.

Over the years, I've known quite a few people who have practiced the Muslim religion.  Even that day, I knew it had absolutely nothing to do with them, and everything to do with a handful of absolute lunatics.



I'm linking my post with Andrea over at My Chihuahua Bites.  If you feel like sharing your story, I'd love to read it.

(((HUGS)))

Sending My Prayers To Cohen...

What: Moment of Silence for Cohen and Loving Support to Megan & Brent


When: Thursday July 1st from midnight to 11:59 pm.

How: Bloggers participating will post the Cohen banner (above) or simply post Cohen’s name in large letters on their blog.

Why: July 1st Megan and Brent will be holding Cohen’s memorial service. The moment of silence is an opportunity for Megan’s blog followers to show their love and support to her during this difficult time. Linking up will give Megan a chance to see just what an impact her son had on those around him.

Participating bloggers can Link Up on today at Send Love To Cohen.

P.S. ((MWAH)) to Sara whos post I "borrowed" as my starting point. 

Having Faith

I'm not overly religious - in that I don't necessarily believe that God hears you better from a church.

Do I believe in God? With every fiber of my being.
Do I belong to a church? Yes.
Do I go every week? No.

Instead, I believe that God hears your heart; your silent prayers; the thanks you don't always articulate; the blind faith that you have in him.

Just over 24 hours ago, Bagram Air Base was attacked. Though the news outlets haven't released it, I will share that one of the men is American and from my brother's company. I don't know this brave, brave man; but will forever be thankful for his service and giving his life for his country. I wish I could be there to help console his family through one of the hardest experiences of their lives. Instead, I ask God to see them through this; knowing that they must rely on him and his wisdom & love.

I thank God that it wasn't JC or any of the other men that I have come to know as my extended family.

Big hugs to all of you...