I had just gotten back from a meeting yesterday and I heard a noise, it was one that I felt run through me. I had made that same noise just a few years ago. My friend got a call, her Mother was in the hospital and was expected to only live a few hours. We packed her things and left. I was following her home and talking to a friend of mine on the phone. We were talking about some of the incredibly cruel things that have been written lately. Suddenly my friend pulled off the road. I followed. Her Mother had passed away.
I have written about perspective and it holds so true. We were talking about words on a chat board written under the light of anonymity. Mean while, my friends Mother passed away and it was also the anniversary of my Father’s passing. I was reminded about life, love and friendship. About the soldiers, sailors, airman and marines who loose their lives EVERYDAY so we can talk about a chat board that means absolutely nothing in the big scheme of things. I was reminded of those who have lost their husbands, daughters, parents all to illness or unforeseen circumstances far too early. I was reminded of the incredible strides that are being made BECAUSE of the ladies in pageantry. Laine with Taking Wellness to Heart. Tiffany Love, Teens4Christ, Janice, Lung Cancer Awareness, Shannon Devine, Organ Donation, Ginny Meerman, Heart Disease, Carol Johnson, On-line predators, Cynthia Doucette, Say NO to drugs, Kelly Robbins, Prevention of Childhood Obesity, Lori Donaudy, Domestic Violence, Brenda Mee, No More Coach Potatoes, Joy Pfister, Skin Cancer Prevention, Jessica Plante, Heart Health Awareness, Meredith Boyd, Arthritis Awareness, Susan Huntley, Making Higher Education Possible, Heather Ablondi, Premature Babies, Keisha Guy, Ending Violence Against Women, Brenda Baeker, WAIT, Lori Revels, No Child Left Behind, Michelle Beckwith, USTOO, Adrita Khanna, CHANGE, Angela Smith, Empowering Women Against Domestic Violence, Kimberly Meehan, Smiles Across America, Gerri Walczak, Breast Cancer Awareness, Alexandra Rodriguez, Narco Terrorism, Irene Raissis Alton, March of Dimes …and MANY MANY MANY more.
This is what life is about. Making a difference, making change, loving your family and friends and embracing your God. Life is TOO short and THAT is what we all should be reminded of daily. Not what is written or said on a chat board.
I am not sure why some situations seem to bring out a character in some that may be uncharacteristic. At least, I hope it is. I am choosing to believe that because I know that pageantry offers a forum of friendship, acceptance and amazing work through charities. I have stayed away from the chat world but recent events have brought it too my attention. My friends are hurt, I am hurt all in the name of something we all vow we participate in to make a difference. Whether it is Go Red for Women, Supporting the Troops, Breast Cancer Awareness, Alzheimer’s Awareness, Domestic Violence, MADD, Say No to Drugs, Cancer Awareness and Prevention, Autism…or whatever it may be, FOCUS on the important and hug your family.
I know and understand emotions are high. I just hope next time someone finds themselves being uncharacteristic; they sit back and put things into perspective.
4 comments:
Thank you. I am glad that some one within the sisterhood of pageantry agrees with my p-o-v. After sitting along side my father and being transformed into a rag doll, tossed into the windshield at 60 mph and the EMT telling my father that I would NOT live, I have seen with my own two eyes that life is a gift and we must use the power of positive. I have posted on my own BLOG about this and the message boards as I too am sick and tired of the recent things I have seen posted about women who I consider my friends. The women who also have taken a tragedy and used if for the greater good of our society. It's a tragedy that the posters can not see that we are ALL ON THE SAME TEAM. Team- saving lives! God Bless you Deanna and I appreciate your heart, soul and your power of positive.
~Jen Stehlar
stehlar.blogspot.com
As always, you are truly amazing. You, and ladies like you, make me want to strive to be a better person.
On the advice of many, I have tried to stay away from Chatland too, but morbid curiosity always draws me back in. From time to time, there are some very helpful tips and advice and a great source of information. Unfortunately, during "pageant season" they take an ugly turn. I am deeply saddened by the viciousness. Life is too short to waste time like that.
Like the new commercial says, "women are the world's greatest untapped resource." If only these women could see that if we supported one another, rather than tearing each other down, we could truly change the world!
Joy in AL
"As long as you know me, there will be JOY in your life!"
Hi Deanna, I'm so sorry that people have behave that way sometimes, and I am so glad that you are sharing this -- Pageantry can be a sisterhood if we let it and we can learn a lot from each other...and even become friends. :) Thank you for being outspoken, sharing your point of view, and standing up for what you, and I like to think, what the majority of contestants, believe in. I'm looking forward to meeting you in about a month! You have a good heart, I can tell! :)
hey hon!
Well said as usual.
I am working hard on breaking my "addiction". I've got it down to 2 boards and no posting.
Can't wait to see you in a few weeks.
Keep your chin up and if you need to vent I'm here!
Love ya!!
PS) I tagged you. check out my blog to see what I mean.
Post a Comment