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.

Saying Goodbye to Cindy

Hey there...sorry I've been gone so long.  I promise that I'll be back permanently and be a good girl that actually posts. I've missed you all. :-)

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However, today, I need to say goodbye to someone.

Today, Cindy passed away after a long, brave fight with cancer.  Cindy is my cousin Jeremy and Kendra's mom.  She was smart, and sweet, and loved her kids fiercely!

I will always remember her love of horses, dogs, painting all the girls nails and playing with their hair.

We all knew that this was coming...but I don't think anyone anticipated it happening this fast.  I mourn that she will never get to see her kids marry and have grandchildren, but take joy in knowing her utter delight that Kendra became a nurse & that Jeremy will be a history teacher.

It was only three years ago that my mom was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer; fighting for almost a year to win her battle with this nasty disease.  I so wish that Cindy could have won her fight as well.  I know she'll be looking down on her kids, her friends and extended family - wishing them happiness, love and comfort.

You will be missed Cindy... by so many people.

Musical Monday - Veteran's Day Tribute

Happy Monday, gang! I hope you all had fun weekends - and that at least some of you get a long holiday weekend.

It's Veteran's Day. Many of you are spouses, moms, sisters, or daughters of military men. Please thank them for me. Fighting for our country is a calling; and they are true heroes for answering that call.

Holy moly there are a lot of tribute videos. I had to chose this one though - it didn't make me cry & was set to a song I really like. (Full disclosure: It could be the I was out of tears from all the ones set to "Amazing Grace" by the time I found this one.)

I leave you with a picture that JC send me. The children of Afghanistan are CRAZY for pens! No reason, but they L-O-V-E pens. :-)

Have a fantastic day & hug a veteran. I can't wait for the boys to get home, so I can hug them.