Christmas

September 9, 2008

Stand Up 2 Cancer



I dedicate my first entry blog to two of the most wonderful people in the world, this is my Mom and Dad, Calvin and Carol Thomas. They both passed away of cancer, Dad in 2003 and Mom in 2006. Thanks Mom and Dad for giving me life so that I am able to fill my days with "sew" many sweet things that this life has to offer me. I love and miss you both more and more each day. In July one of my best friends was diagnosed with breast cancer. Kaye has been one of my dearest freinds well should I say since we were born. We share September as our birthday month, we also share the same week, her special day is the 16th and mine is the 21st. Our mothers were in the same hospital together, the Hughe's Memorial Hospital for those of you who can remember that! We grew up in the same neighborhood, we played together and attended school together until we graduated almost 30 years ago. We now enjoy each others company every month at what we call club! We get together with other girlfriends for an evening of fun and lots of laughter. So when I got the news about Kaye it really hurt inside, I kind of knew what she was going through, it's not easy hearing the word cancer. I had heard it twice in 4 years. After I heard this my brain went into quilt mode, I knew Kaye would probably be going through chemo and I just remember how cold my Dad would get while getting his treatment. The quest was on for the right fabric, I found something in the stash that would cheer things up for Kaye I had hoped. I finished the quilt and a cute tote to put it in, plus all the other goodies she needed to be comfortable for when that day would come. We as club friends went to see Kaye just after her first surgery, she was a little down, but we cheered her up with her chemo bag as we called it. She loved it.
Friday, September, 5th was Kaye's first day of chemo. She called me on Thursday to say she was going and wanted to know if I was busy and if I could go with her. What a great day for me. Scott wasn't able to find a replacement at work so I got the honor of taking her. She did awesome. That night on the T.V. all the networks were broadcasting a show called Stand Up 2 Cancer, what an amazing show. They collected money for cancer research. It always makes you feel good inside when you donate to a worthy cause for something like this,that maybe just someday no one else will have to hear that yucky word cancer. If you would like to donate you can go to the website, http://www.standup2cancer.org/. Thanks Kaye for being such a great inspiration to me and so many others. I've posted pictures of the quilt and the tote bag that will be part of Kaye's life for the next few weeks, the other picture is of me and Kaye the day of her chemo session, notice she's using the quilt already and she hadn't even been hooked up yet. I'm wishing Kaye well as she comes upon those little bumps farther down the road, but knowing Kaye and her positive attitude and her great outlook on life there will be no bumps in the road she's travelin on. Love ya Kaye.








4 comments:

Strong said...

Shannon, What a beautiful thoughtful idea of making her that quilt. I bet your friend wasn't looking for warmth at first, I bet it was the thought of having that symbol of your friendship and your converting thoughts wrapped around her in her time of need is what she was after. Good luck to your friend.
By the way that is lovely material.

Shortcake and Company said...

If anyone can do something so great it's you Shannon. What a great first post. I'm excited to check your blog. Although we still need to figure out why can't get onto mine. I'm sending you another invite and then either me or Kira can walk you through getting on. Adorable quilt! I wish Kaye the best of luck. She is a sweetheart.

Suzee said...

What an awesome post, and what a wonderful person you are. Welcome to the blogging world! Just another thing to spend your time on, right?

Unknown said...

Thanks so so so much. What a truly,
wonderful and amazing friend you are.I like what Alice had to say that I didn't want warmth, but the friendship wrapped around me. Thanks for always being there to cheer me and everyone around you up.Thanks for just being who you are,and lucky for me my best friend.At chemo people were asking me about the darling quilt and bag.
I told them that an amazing friend made it just for me.They were all complimenting me. Thanks for all you do. Love ya!!!