Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Awareness Month

September is both Childhood Cancer and Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month.
To celebrate Mary and I were up at midnight. I held her while she threw up. Chemo does that to her every now and again

I've been thinking a lot about this month of awareness. About how our lives have been affected this past year by those heavy hitters. It has changed just about every aspect of our lives. It has created a new normal. It has changed our perspective. It has, I hope, made us just a little bit better.
Knowing that September is awareness month I've been trying hard to think of something I could do.
As I've thought back on this past year one thought keeps coming back. There is so much goodness in this world! A year ago we were blown away by the generosity and kindness of our family, friends and community. It was incredible to watch people pull together. Sometimes it's hard to accept so much help but I came to realize how blessed we are when we help others. And in that moment it was my job to be the receiver.



So I have this idea.
Can we make this month about sharing that goodness that can come when those close to us struggle? It doesn't have to be something big. The smallest things can often make for the brightest days.
Send a note, in the mail, to a friend
Pay for the person behind you at Starbucks (or anywhere)
Leave hidden notes for your family to find
Take cookies to someone who needs them
Hold the door open for someone coming behind you



The possibilities are endless! And feel free to share your experience.
Tag #orange4littlemissmary on Instagram or Facebook, to spread even more goodness.
I think we all need reminders sometimes of that goodness in the world.