 Terrier Club Adventures Forum
To the Mattress with a Purpose
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FGM and Rags
 
Jul 11, 2007 at 22:08
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To the Mattress with a Purpose
It's a beautiful day in Chicago and I have 14 treatments behind me and only 11 to go! I think a few more shoes have been added to the inventory since my last writing, but all have been on sale, I swear!
You know, when I started my second round of cancer, I was pretty miffed that I had to go to battle again. It just didn't seem fair, but, the first rule of life is Life isn't Fair! So as I started my treatments, I kept looking around and thinking about why I had been sent back to Loyola. As I have said before, I feel just great, and I know that so many in the treatment center are not feeling good. I do believe in purpose in life and the fact that everything has a reason, no coincidences.
It was several days after beginning, that my purpose became clear to me. I was strolling into the parking garage, and saw 4 women standing behind my car. I thought, oh dear, what is going on, thinking maybe somebody had hit my car. As I got closer, I saw that 2 of the girls were younger, in their teens, and they were with their mothers. One of the girls had a little puppy in her arms. As you can imagine, I was soon right in the middle of that conversation! It turned out that the puppy girl was being treated for a brain tumor and the other girl was there for bone cancer, one was 15 and the other 16 years old. The girl with the puppy, Taylor, has to travel with her family almost 2 hours one way to get to Loyola for her radiation. We chatted some more, and of course, told them about Rags, and how she was my constant companion last year, and of the wonderful friends of the Terrier Club and how they all fit into my recovery.
As I drove home, which is only 10 minutes for me, I decided the fact that they were right behind my car, with a puppy, no less, was a sign of what my purpose would be. I knew I was meant to meet those girls and their families. So as the day went on, I decided it would be fun to make them each a treasure chest full of presents so they could open one a day after their radiation. What fun I had coming up with things that I thought would appeal and make them smile. I then got to thinking it would be fun to include some items for their parents, who are now devoting their lives to the battle of kicking that cancer to the curb. I wrote them notes, claiming only to be the Fairy Godmother, and I was there to help them in any way I could.
This week I saw a little 5 year old girl and I talked to her radiation techs, got some info, and then made a treasure chest for her , only the techs will handle it and just say that her Fairy Godmother left her these presents to open each day.
Now, for any of my friends out there, who would like to work on getting their FGM wand, I am looking for a little help for one young man. One of my dearest friends nephew was diagnosed with leukemia about the same time as I was last year. He has been battling for over 2 years now, several months ago he had a bone marrow transplant which went well. Last month he started getting sick and he has been back in the hospital for over a month, feeling very week. I have been asking my dear friend if there is anything that I could do and just last week, she did say maybe I could ask some of my buddies from all around the world if they could send a post card or a card so he had something to look at while being so down. She also said that since he was a little boy, he has always collected key chains, so I thought there might be a few who would like to pass one on to him. If you are able to help me out on this request, just email or PM me and I will send you his address. He is about 20 years old, and both he and his family are pretty down at this point. I can only tell you again, how energized I was each day when the mailman kept delivering all those wonderful messages from around the world.
Well, that's the story for tonight, love to all, and a little thought to close...
"Life with a purpose, is the purpose of life!"
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FGM and Rags
Jul 12, 2007 at 20:50
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
Tee Hee, I found a very cute pair of leopard flats marked down 80%! Happy days in Shoeland for me!
sparkle kisses
FGM
Thanks to those who answered my request for a little help!
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R gang
Jul 13, 2007 at 12:13
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
Barb,
You have such a kind heart to others who are hurting. I do believe your love of children in the classroom has extended to the halls of Loyola. and I remember how your YaYas gave YOU a treasure chest of gifts to open each day. it cheered you as our cards did. and now you are 'Paying Forward' in these kids who should be out enjoying their summers, instead of getting cancer treatments. your rewards are seeing the kids with their presents and the big smiles anticipating whats inside. making their day much brighter. you shared with me how you rode in the Loyola elevator with the 5 year old and her mom. you knew the package she held with such a big smile contained a stuffed Westie. and what they didnt know was her FGM was right beside her, with an equally big smile.
Bless you my friend for caring for these little ones. it is indeed your Purpose.
Our Circle of Friends, started with our Terriers and this Club. Let us always Pay Forward with kindness.
Hugs
Fran/Rgang
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Elliot
Jul 13, 2007 at 14:46
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
You REALLY ARE the real Fairy Godmother!!!! We'd like to participate too.
Elliot
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The Oregon Girlies...
Jul 13, 2007 at 15:59
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
That will teach us to look over here once in awhile.
Barb you truely are a FGM. We would like to help any way we can.
Bringing a little joy to these little ones must fill your heart. We will see what we can come up with.
xxxxBetty and the Girlies...
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john / irene Maxwell
 
Jul 13, 2007 at 16:57
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
Thats a lovely post Barb we are in
john / irene Maxwell
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Cathy and Thistle
 
Jul 13, 2007 at 18:51
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
Barb what a lovely thing to do, how kind and thoughtful. Will email you.
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Sue & Booker
Jul 14, 2007 at 12:16
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
FGM - we are on that pronto! "Keychains for Kyle" - it has a ring to it.
"Bravo for Barb"....so does that!
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Kayla and Annie's Mom
Jul 14, 2007 at 12:34
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
Me too. Kayla and Annie are always ready to help send me the info and I'll be on the look out for a key chain from Virginia where we live. I removed the hide email security so you should be able to send me the address.
Mary Ann
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Charleen And Chester
 
Jul 14, 2007 at 14:19
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
FGM, I don't know you, not even very much about you really, but reading your post made me cry. You are a very special person to be thinking of others in the midst of what you're going through. Does Kyle like any certain kind of keychains? Is he a dog person? I want to have a part in liting his spirits.
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Susan & McDuff
Jul 14, 2007 at 17:59
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
I just PM'd you Barb - sounds funny doesn't it! I would love to join in.
Susan & McDuff
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Lisa and Simon
Jul 15, 2007 at 13:17
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
I have been away a long time, FGM, only to learn you had been diagnosed again. You're outlook and the way you are helping others is very inspiring.
Sparkle On!!!!!
Lisa and Simon
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Max
Jul 20, 2007 at 00:20
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Re: To the Mattress with a Purpose
Love you, Barb, you are an inspiration, we all send you hugs! Go Barb, Go! xxxMarianne and Maxxx
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