I would like to thank my dear friend Shaun, at prayingforoneday for this award. He ia an amazing person with a big heart and always ready to support and encourage. Shaun suffers from Chronic Pain and despite living in debilitating pain, continues to be a source of support and encouragement for a great many of us.
Awarding the people who live in the moment,
the noble who write and capture the best in life,
the bold who reminded us what really mattered –
Savouring the experience of quality time.
RULES:
- Winners re-post this completely, with their acceptance speech. That could be written down or video recorded.
- Winners have the privilege of awarding the next awardees! The re-post should include a NEW list of people, blogs worthy of the award, and winners notify them the great news.
- What makes a good acceptance speech?
Gratitude. Thank the people who helped you along the way.
Humour-Keep us entertained and smiling.
Inspiration – Make your story touch our lives.
Get an idea from the great acceptance speech, compiled in MomentMatters.com/speech
- Display the award’s badge on your blog/website, downloadable in MomentMatters.com/Award
My Acceptance:
I started blogging as a coping mechanism just after the doctors told us they could do nothing for Vic and my brave child decided “no more surgeries…” I blogged Vic’s quest to die with dignity. I now blog about my all-consuming grief and sense of loss.
As a child I changed schools 12 times in total. Academically I coped by I did not cope with the emotional side of it.
I allow very few people close to me. I find it hard to form bonds with people. I always expect them to leave my live – I don’t think I suffer from Rejection issues – just separation issues. It is easier to keep people at bay – If I don’t rely on people they cannot disappoint or hurt me.
On WordPress I found a safe world. A world where people care and support. If they leave, as many have, it is okay because they are faceless. Yet there are people that have never wavered in their support and encouragement.
I have received a number of awards lately that I am busy accepting. If you are not nominated here please just check my next posts. I am taking my time because I truly want to acknowledge my blogging friends and their contribution in my journey. I will nominate my friends in no particular or of importance…
Shaun, thank you again for this award,
My nominees are compassionate, caring people who all suffer their own pain and loss. Please visit their blogs and I promise you will find goodness and bravery there!
Thank you all for allowing me to heal here.
Vic, this award is for you my precious, beautiful, brave baby girl. I love you Angel Child!
The 15 people I award:
Jane is a wonderful blogger who writes about living through pain.
She so eloquently writes “Not writing about how to grasp joy – just about trying to find joy through the labyrinth of pain. Because if I don’t keep joy in my sights, I will drown. It is about the space – like a sunlit meadow – beyond pain that one can reach – or grasp – or glimpse. A place of peace while pain drums in the background. Why try? Because if I do not, what is the point at all?
OK. So I don’t want to write about pain. I live with it. But it has been such an extraordinary journey with such unexpected bonuses that I must write about the plus side – the up side, the fun, humour and bittersweet of living with pain. The irony is that I don’t want it, but I wouldn’t return what I have learnt through it.”
I hope you accept this award!
2 http://grannyscolorful.wordpress.com/ Gloria lost her son, Tommy, when he collapsed at the beach (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) whilst playing with his little son, Taban. He died with little Taban near him. Tommy had 2 blockages in his heart that no one was aware of.
Gloria writes about her precious son Tommy and her grief. Gloria has become a friend and has been such a source of encouragement and understanding. Gloria has 1236 followers and yet she finds the time to read my blog and comment on my blog. Thank you so much for caring!! You are an amazing person!
Gloria recently published her book. Good luck with the book dear Gloria.
3 http://thresholdofheaven.com/
Peter Wiebe has closed down his blog. Yet I am compelled to nominate Peter for this award.
Peter wrote: “My name is Peter Wiebe. I am a husband and father of 4 boys-the oldest of which has gone ahead of us to Heaven after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 10. I am a Christian and thus write from a Christian perspective. Although my faith was/is being severely tested by the loss of my firstborn son, my hope lies in Jesus Christ and all that the Bible teaches regarding Him, His death and resurrection, and our future hope of glory with Him. This blog is a journey through grief, about cultivating an eternal mindset in a temporary world, about all things related to faith, and life after death. I dedicate this blog to Jesse’s memory and hope that its contents will draw others nearer to God.”
I once wrote to Peter “I envy you your faith and peace.” Peter prays for me and I am so grateful for that. How do I know? I know because he still visits my blog and continues to encourage and support me. Peter has become a wonderful cyber friend. I am grateful for the healing that he found. Thank you Peter!
4. http://justiceforraymond.wordpress.com
Shirley is a brave mother fighting for justice after the suspicious death of her beloved son, Raymond. She is fearless! This lady is selflessly fighting for justice, not only for her son but for other innocent victims.
The reason for her blog is “Finding that one person who will step out to defend the innocent even when they are dead. Help us tell Pennsylvania this needs an investigation, not just a cover-up. it is our sincere prayer to find the true cause of Ray’s death and help others who have experienced a similar crime.”
Shirley is a good cyber friend – always encouraging and supporting! Thank you brave lady. I pray that you will find closure and answers!!!
5. http://thedrsays.org
Sandra is one of the bravest people I know. She is dying from congenital heart failure. She writes about her journey with terminal illness, impending death and her concern for leaving her husband Chris behind. She is so like Vic!! As brave, courageous, stubborn and loving! Her blog fills me with so much sadness and yet it gives me an insight into Vic’s heart and mind. I truly hope she will accept this award. Sandra, thank-you for your love, support, advice and friendship. You are one in a million! I wish I could make the same difference in your life that you make in mine.
6. http://onewomansperspective02.wordpress.com
Becky writes about her son, Jason (19), who died in a car accident.
In Becky’s own words:…. ”(Jason) A game player – chess (his absolute favorite), video games, volleyball, basketball, board games. Intelligent – studying to be a computer engineer; tutored students in math. He gave great hugs and brightened up a room just by walking into it. A great young man; a wonderful son, brother, friend.
In a split second, he was gone and our lives were changed forever.
My goal for writing this blog is to promote understanding – for bereaved parents and for those around them. I do not claim to know what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes nor do I claim to speak as an expert on grief. I would not presume to know what anyone else is feeling nor what they are experiencing. Everyone is different; each situation is different; each grief and griever is unique. The only thing I know is what we experienced. But, if my speaking about what we went through can promote even a small degree of understanding, then I have accomplished what I set out to do.”
Thank you Becky for your kindness and support. Thank you for your guidance and compassion.
7. http://johannisthinking.com – This blog is filled with beautiful poetry. The heart of this lovely blogger is contained in her own words “my heart bleeds with all those who lost their lives this day…and all who mourn their lost…WE can all do better…for the memory of all those who have died…let us try to BE our best selves always!” Thank you for your friendship and support! http://johannisthinking.com/category/poetry-solitude/
8. http://beebeesworld.wordpress.com – Beebee ia an advocate of Parent Heart Watch, an organization that promotes education on the prevention and care of those with heart issues. Beebee’s 15 year old son died of a sudden heart attack whilst playing baseball. Beebee is a brave mother and has become a cyber-friend. She writes beautifully and courageously. Thank you BB for your kind words of encouragement.
9. http://forphilip.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/they-found-him-day-2-part-2/ Denise Smyth is the loving mother of two children, Philip and Natalie, who are (of course) the great loves of her life.
Denise writes “On February 23rd, 2012, I found out that my son, who had turned 21 the month before, died. It was sudden and unexpected. I was devastated, heartbroken, terrified, none of which comes close to describing what I really felt. It’s just the best I can do at the moment.”
Denise’s’ blog is a brave blog. It is filled with raw emotion and unconditional love.
10. http://jmgoyder.com/
Julie lives on a retired dairy farm in Western Australia with her “99.9% lovely, teenage son”. Julie is a retired lecturer in English and Creative Writing at a local university. Julie’s beloved husband Anthony has cancer, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Julie blog is a beautiful love story filled with her fears and anguish of seeing her Anthony slip deeper and deeper into another world. Julie arranges wonderful outings for Anthony and includes their friends in his world. I admire her that she is not trying to “hide” her husband from the cruel eyes of the world. Her love is unconditional and inspiring. She writes beautifully and has been a great source of comfort to me. Thank you dear friend for sharing your love and pain with us.
Thank you for your kindness and friendship. You are a very special person.
11. http://lymphomajourney.wordpress.com
Andrew is the author of an e-book, Living with Cancer: A Journey,
This eBook captures his first three years of Lymphoma diagnosis, treatment, recovery, relapse, treatment, and again recovery. He keeps a daily personal journal to capture both the medical and personal things going on during this journey. I find Andrew’s blog to be filled with not only facts but also his“journey”. He is a very gifted writer. Andrew has become a friend. Thank you for your continued support Andrew!!
12. http://behindthemaskofabuse.com Zoe is a wonderfully gifted author who has had two books published on Amazon “Buckwheatsrisk-Abuse Survival”, and a poetry book entitled “If I Could Write my Heart” Zoe has endured dreadful abuse, at every level, as a child. Zoe is working so hard at healing…Zoe has 658 followers and receives lots of comments. Yet, every day there is a “Hug” or “Like” message from her. She has emailed me…Zoe, I appreciate your support and caring. Thank you for taking the time to email me!
13. http://doilooksick.wordpress.com/
Rachel referred to Vic as a “China Doll”… How precious was that comment?? I was drawn to Rachel’s blog because she suffers from endometriosis. Vic too suffered very badly from endometriosis… I recall the first time I read one of Rachel’s posts she wrote about the searing pain of endometriosis. I was able to understand Vic’s pain better from Rachel’s blog. Rachel’s blog is about music – as a coping mechanisme. There are real good songs to listen to on this blog.
14. http://tothatplace.wordpress.com/
Aarthi dedicated another beautiful poem to Vic and I –http://tothatplace.wordpress.com/2013/04/13/we-were-one/ Aarthi is one of my favourite poets and Vic and I enjoyed her work immensely. Aarthi has become a compassionate friend. Please visit Aarthi’s site (linked above) and read the beautiful poem honouring Vic. Thank you Aarthi for your love, compassion, friendship and sharing your gift!!! Thank you for bringing joy to Vic’s life when she found very little joy in living anymore.
15. http://grammarofgrief.wordpress.com – Una
I am unable to articulate words for Una’s blog so I will use her own: “When you’re stuck in the quicksand of grief, coming unstuck takes time, tenderness and a loving tribe. You’re feverishly seeking answers. What will help fix the plumbing of my leaky tear ducts? Will I ever feel normal again? How many weeks or months will it take for this awful, gut-wrenching pain to go away?
The Grammar of Grief is where I attempt to unscramble the craziness of grief for you. It is a resource for both the grieving and those who need tips and tools to support loved ones who are mourning. This is both your safe space and how-to resource. There’s room for everyone.”
Una has been a source of great comfort to me. Thank you Una!
16. http://myjourneysinsight.com/
Judy Unger’s son, Jason, was born with a serious congenital heart defect called “Transposition of the Great Vessels.” As with most heart defects, his was “one of a kind.” Jason had surgery when he was two and a half months old. He had another one when he was five. He died following that surgery.
It doesn’t seem to matter that I addressed my grief for years and years after my son’s death. Eighteen years later Judy finds it painful to write how it felt to have her beloved son’s soul amputated from her heart and body.
Judy writes beautiful songs and dedicated two songs to Vic:- “I know that soon you will leave” and “Never gone away” http://myjourneysinsight.com/2012/12/20/how-will-i-ever-say-goodbye/ Judy is an incredibly gifted illustrationist. She writes beautiful words and songs! She has held my hand throughout Vic’s journey and now mine. Thank you dearest Judy for your love, support and compassion. One day we will meet!!
Lots of love and thanks to each and every one of you who has supported Vic and I in our journey. She was grateful that I had found an “outlet” and support in Blogging!
I am so honoured to receive this WordPress Family Award from not one blogger but two!! How blessed can I be?
Vic's Final Journey 