When I get back home I logged on to Facebook with yet another cup of coffee and was overwhelmed by what I came saw. A high school friend, Kristin Larson Dame whom I have not seen since graduation in 1988 has organized a Relay for Life Team for me. It will be held in Marshfield, MA on June 24, 2011. I am just amazed by how incredibly wonderful people are. You see, I was not what you would consider "popular" in high school. I was extremely shy. I didn't have a lot of confidence and kept to myself. I guess better put, I was a geek. I was an honor student, didn't party, and yes even played flute in the band! In fact, I didn't do a whole lot. I had small circle of friends. I look back at those years and think, why didn't I just loosen up a bit and enjoy life? Over 23 years has gone by, and I have never even gone to a reunion. A part of me, figured why would I? It is not like I made a lasting impression in high school. In fact, most people didn't even know me. Yet over the last couple of years, I have reconnected with many from my old high school days. Even though I may not have "hung out" with many of these people in high school it was so great to see old faces and names again. And through our daily updates on Facebook, many of us now are connected in a way we never were. It's funny we are more similar now in many ways. We are all trying to balance life, kids, family, friends. Many of us share a passion for running and biking. And in the past 9 months I have received so many loving and supportive messages since I was diagnosed with cancer. I am overwhelmed with the outpour of support I continue to receive.
The day I was diagnosed with cancer was a day that has changed my life forever. I have had many dark, scary moments, and struggle daily to stay positive and hopeful. However cancer has brought me so many little gifts in life. I continue to see the true beauty in kindness in people. People who live their lives paying it forward. People who ask nothing in return and just want to help. You all continue to fill me with love, hope and happiness. You have taught me so much on what is really important in life and how I want to teach my children to live their lives. Every day it comes clearer and clearer to me that things don't happen just by chance. The connections and experiences we have in life prepare us for the unknown days ahead. Moments and opportunities that in the past I may have missed, I now pay close attention to. Now I really try to stay present in those moments.
If you are interested in joining our team or following us on Facebook the group is called DHS '88 Relay For Life. Our team is Cancer Sucks But Jeanie Rocks!! Love it!!
Hope you all enjoy the day. I am going to go for a run this morning and then I am meeting my brother for lunch!
Love,
Jeanie
You were NOT a geek! Ok...maybe I just didn't realize it because I was too. ;) xoxox LOVE YOU!
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully expressed! We too have received so many tangible and intangible gifts since EZ's diagnosis of MM. The kindness of people, in their deep desire to help, has overwhelmed our hearts. Can't join the relay here in NC, but will follow your team on Facebook and pray you have a glorious day in June!
ReplyDeleteyou so were not a geek, I think it is funny that you think that....and I haven't been to a reunion either...maybe we should rock out the 25 reunion...oh, typing that was tough....25 would be...THIS YEAR!!!!! I wonder if we are even having one!
ReplyDeleteTracy
my math is TERRIBLE! It is only 23 years this year....we will SURELY rock out the 25th!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Jean,
ReplyDeleteIf being a geek means being level-headed, doing the right thing, focusing on school and later having it pay off to be a successful, productive, amazing person in society then I only hope and pray that my two girls will be the biggest geeks ever, love you sis:)
Love,
Karen
Hi Jeanie, I too have been so overwhelmed by the messages of love and support I have received since my diagnosis. It's an amazing feeling and it helps pull me through the down times. I'm always looking for other young myeloma moms to talk to so send me an email if you ever want to chat. misformyeloma@gmail.com Wishing you all the best, Jody
ReplyDeleteHi Jean, I think your sister said it best. Don't look back at our hs years in a negative way. I recall them as some of the most memorable and fun days of our lives. I think Christine and I need to remind you of some of those good times real soon!!! xoxo, H
ReplyDelete