This Christmas....

Merry Christmas Guys~ 

2 years ago, my Women's Org collaborated with DesTaja Happy Home, out of Stoughton,Ma. We were able to bless 2 single moms with giftcards and a few other things( DesTaja assisted us with giftcard purchases for their dinner and little gifts, my women's org partner Lina B, provided& signed her book). This year, we did not sponsor any families as our blanket drive was bigger than expected( we fed over 200+ men, women and children).. 

However, my heart was filled as my mom called and shared with me the kind gesture my Aunt Sylvia performed this Christmas( Founder of DesTaja Happy Home). A little background on DesTaja Happy Home: my aunt founded this home a few years back. Her oldest daughter experienced a traumatic rape at the age of 12. It took years of healing for both Sylvia and her daughter. Through a few other life events, Sylvia realized it was time for her to give back. Founding this home has been very near and dear to her heart. I can honestly say, it has changed my aunt in so many ways. I've always loved her but I now have a new respect for her and what she's been called to do in this life. 

She's also a breast cancer survivor. While in Chemo, she met another woman who was also fighting cancer. 40+ years old, single Momm ( oldest daughter in the military, 2 or 3 young boys). Cancer had eaten half of her body but she still wanted to fight. Sadly, she died earlier this year. 

She also experienced the loss of another friend who left behind small children. With young children, it's more important to recurve gifts than money so, My aunt along with another "Secret Santa" decided to be a blessing to that family this year. While she was out shopping yesterday, she was talking to my mom subtracting things off her list. As she stood in line, a woman tapped her back and said, " I'm sorry, I didn't mean to easedrop but I heard you talking on the phone and wanted to help, here's a few dollars towards your cause, I hope this helps". The woman placed 5 crisp $100 bills in my aunt's hand. I can only imagine the fullness of joy that filled her heart. 

Yes, it's great to take care of our own families but when we step out of our 4 walls and taken care of others who are less fortunate, that's when we truly understand the meaning of Christmas. 

My aunt is probably going to kill me then cry( yes in that order) but today, I wanted to salute Sylvia " Rebecca" Hobbs. Founder of DesTaja Happy Home. I love you lady and I'm proud of who you are becoming.. 

Sincerely, 

NekaTSpeaks 

Heather my New mommy friend...: A Survivor...

 When I typically hear the word Cancer, I think of Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer, Throat Cancer, Remission, Pink Ribbons, Chemotherapy, losing hair, losing weight and the ultimate.. DEATH.

 I've seen the St. Jude commercials for young children who are fighting to live, I've supported The Susan G. Komen efforts, my Aunts have fought breast cancer and Won, my daughter's bus driver has started treatment and even I have fought thru what my Doctor, thought was the onset of it developing in my hand. But
never have I had the opportunity to actual read and listen to someone's story until my blog opened up communication between Heather Von St. James and I. After the initial email between Heather and I, I began to read her blog and find out about more about her.
 She's wife to Cameron and Mommy to Lily Rose her only child). Lily Rose is a quirky little girl and she's EVERYTHING to Heather.

She grew up in South Dakota and was a daddy's girl. Her father was a construction worker and when he came home with the white powdery substances on his boots/clothes nobody ever thought anything about it. In 2005, shortly after giving birth to Lily, she began to experience problems with breathing and carried an alarmingly high fever. Later, test showed she had a serious form of Mesothelioma, Asbestos Cancer which was rarely seen in someone her age.

As she and I communicated, she said her biggest worry and concern was, who would care for Lily if she were not there? After talking to some of the best Dr's in the world at Brigham and Women's Hospital, she and her husband traveled to Boston( My hometown) to began the process to remove the bad lung.

I wasn't sure what Heather really wanted from me upon our first initial encounter but as I read more it became clear.. Share with my audience.

I always say, my writing is therapeutic but in this case, I was a vessel used to share awareness. Please click on the link to read more about Heather and find out ways you too can support her and her cause.

http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather/

Heather, Thank YOU for reaching out to me. After reading your story, I'm a bit more familiar with this form of cancer as well. Being a voice and supporting others is part of our life's mission. I'm glad I was able to do my part on today~~

You can follow Heather on twitter @heathervsj