Happy Valentine's Day!!

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, I am always reminded of the healing power of love.

Today I am grateful for all the wonderful friends and family in our life who have supported us with their love and kindness through the years as we move through this journey called life.  Without their love I really don’t know where I’d be today.

For me Valentine’s Day is a time of mixed emotions, feelings of gratitude and feelings of sadness. February 15 will mark the 9 year anniversary of Max’s passing.  Max was all about unconditional love, so his leaving this world on that day is a true reflection of who he was.  As I watch old family movies, I am reminded of his gentle soul, huge loving heart and great dry sense of humor.  He was an old soul well beyond his 7 years here on Earth.  I feel blessed for the ongoing connection that I have with him.  Max comes to me in many ways and our relationship is as strong as ever.  For that I am very grateful.

One thing I know for sure is that love never dies and transcends all.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

by Chris Marley

The other day, my friend Diana and I were out procuring items for the Blue Butterfly Campaign’s first annual golf tournament and stopped into Bella Casa, a wonderful home store.  On the wall, they had the most amazing preserved butterflies displayed as art.  The artist, Chris Marley of  Pheromone, has created fabulous art from all sorts of insects.  He finds these insects from around the world and they are the most brilliant colors that I’ve ever seen.  Diana and I were in awe of this man’s creations as we perused his catalog.  I never knew bugs could be so beautiful!  It’s worth a peek even if you are an insectophobia (yes real word).

January 11th is my husband’s birthday and minutes before our family celebration, I was out scrambling to pick up his Baskin Robbins birthday cake and a couple cards.  I popped into Safeway and one birthday card in particular caught my eye.  It had BBQ chicken wings on the cover which Chris does not even eat (go figure).  But…under the heading in the card rack read “Chicken Dance.”  OK….that was one of Max’s favorites which he danced to so proudly in Kindergarten and 1st grade.  We have it on tape and from time to time will watch it when we need a Maxie fix.  I opened the card and sure enough….out played the Chicken Dance.  This brought an immediate smile to my face.  I had already picked out my card but knew I had to have this one too.

As I waited in line at the checkout it occurred to me that this would be Max’s card to his Dad.  Why didn’t I think of this before?  I  was finished with my transaction and in my hurry to leave, walked off without my receipt.  I stopped and turned back to the checker.  As he handed me the receipt, he said “and that was a savings of $6.04.”  (Max’s b-day and his way of letting us know he’s around) Wow!  Thanks Max.  I guess you were happy with the card I picked out for you.

ONE!!

One song can spark a moment

One flower can wake the dream

One tree can start a forest

One bird can herald spring

One smile begins a friendship

One handclasp lifts a soul

One star can guide a ship at sea

One word can frame the goal

One vote can change a nation

One laugh will conquer gloom

One step must start each journey

One hope will raise spirits

One touch can show you care

One voice can speak with wisdom

One heart can know what’s true

ONE LIFE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

That difference starts with you….

~Unknown

I’m so excited to finally be in Florence, Italy.  My first night here is amazing.  I forgot how beautiful this city is especially at night.  Stephanie and I head out to dinner and within minutes of walking I see “604” on a car license plate.  I’m surprised to see it so quickly after arriving here.  In the past I have blogged about seeing “604” on car license plates, sides of of buses and many more places.  June 4  (604) is Max’s birthday and it’s how he lets me know that he’s around me.  I explain this to Stephanie and she agrees that Max is with us for the evening

We have a wonderful pasta dinner and make our way back to the apartment.  I let out a scream and Stephanie thinks I’ve seen a dead body in the street.  No….but it’s ANOTHER 604 on another car license plate.  Twice in one night. Thanks Max!  Looking forward to the Lineapelle show tomorrow.

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” ~Edward Everett Hale

Yes it’s true one person can make a difference. I will be profiling individuals who are making a difference in our world. The first person I chose to profile is my wonderful niece, Lauren Weiss. She continues to amaze me at the young age of 18 by reaching out and helping others in a tremendous way. She has a loving and generous spirit and there’s no challenge that’s too big for her “can do” attitude. You go girl!! Lauren is making a difference in this world and here’s how:

What did you do to help others?

For the past 4 years, I have been actively involved in the S.A.V.I.N.G Fashion Show (Saving All Victims In Need Globally) at my high school. It is a fundraiser fashion show that benefits different causes globally and raises awareness. Over the past three years, the show was focused on the victims and refugees of the genocide occurring in Darfur, Africa, and for those who have been struck by hunger and homelessness. This year, the show was focused on raising funds and awareness for the Pediatric Cancer and Research Foundation, and Mattel’s Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Approximately 500 people attended this year’s show which is our largest turnout yet.

What was your role in this event?

In the past, I have modeled and volunteered for the show. This year, I took on the role of event coordinator, spending almost 6 months preparing for it with the help of three other girls. So many steps are involved from managing every aspect of the show to lighting, securing food, vendors and hair stylists and makeup artists…it’s truly is a lot. I had to market the cause and event to gain the interest and support of different vendors and companies so they would donate product for the auction, and let us use their apparel for the show itself. I had many roles to coordinate to really execute an outstanding event–one that not only people would enjoy, but would also serve to educate them. The event took place through the Merage JCC of Orange County, in Irvine.

Why did you decide on donating funds to Pediatric Cancer Research?

As we sat to decide on a cause this year, and discussed certain options, a few really hit close to home. The one that truly stuck was the Pediatric Cancer and Research Foundation (PCRF). One of my partners, who has also been involved with the show, agreed with me. Her cousin, Jared, within the same month we started planning, had just been diagnosed with Lymphoma. It was something that hit rather close to home as my cousin, Max, was diagnosed with Leukemia as well. The PCRF was a great way to not only raise money to support research cures for those like Max and Jared, but also a wonderful way to educate people of all ages about childhood cancers and diseases.

How much money did you raise?

We raised over $7000.

If there was one message that you could pass along to others about doing this type of work what would it be?

There is always a way to help–for any victim of any case. It is never too late to start SAVING.

Who had the biggest influence on you growing up/like your hero?

My Aunt Lisa, definitely. She always has taught me to be the best person I can be. To be involved with everyone and everything.

What three words best describe you?

Driven. Motivated. Spirited

 

This past June 4, 2009 Max would have turned 16 years old.  Hard to believe that he would be driving and giving me plenty more gray hairs.  As the day approached, I was a bit hesitant about spending it alone, something I hadn’t done since he passed away.  My husband had been traveling, my oldest son still back east at college and my youngest son was in school. 

We had a goal to launch our newly updated website for our non-profit, The Blue Butterfly Campaign, on Max’s birthday.  My worries were soon replaced with feelings of warmth and gratitude as I spent the day on the phone with our wonderful friend and marketing person, Cindy Aggson, working on the website.  I watched out the window as we went from a beautiful day filled with sunshine to a major thunderstorm which seemed to come in from nowhere.  Our lights flickered and we temporarily lost internet coverage–I thought we were done with our work for the day.   But low and behold everything restored itself and we continued to work away.  Or should I say Cindy worked while I  reviewed changes and gave her moral support.  After we finished the site later that night, I realized that I couldn’t have spent the day in a more perfect way honoring Max and having the comfort of someone dear to me on the other end of the phone. I felt truely blessed.   Thank you Cindy and Max.  It was a great day!  To read more about the Blue Butterfly Campaign go to:    www.bluebutterflycampaign.org

We’ve officially launched the Blue Butterfly Campaign…