This-n-That Thursday

This lady reached out to comfort her husband

during a leukemia and lymphoma support meeting.

That gesture speaks volumes.

She is the patient.

Saying Goodbye

Augie and Da

Circa 1994

My children are coming back today.

They are gathering to say goodbye to their paternal grandfather.

Da.

A gentleman and a wonderful provider.

A funny, funny man.

Even when he didn't know it;)

He shared his birthday with my babies.

He shared his name with my Augie.

A truly special soul.

Leaves a huge void.

Godspeed, Da.

Godspeed.

We are Nineteen

WHERE did you come from baby dear?

Out of the everywhere into here.

Where did you get those eyes so blue?

Out of the sky as I came through.

What makes the light in them sparkle and spin?

Some of the starry spikes left in.

Where did you get that little tear?

I found it waiting when I got here.

What makes your forehead so smooth and high?

A soft hand stroked it as I went by.

What makes your cheek like a warm white rose?

I saw something better than any one knows.

Whence that three-cornered smile of bliss?

Three angels gave me at once a kiss.

Where did you get this pearly ear?

God spoke, and it came out to hear.

Where did you get those arms and hands?

Love made itself into bonds and bands.

Feet, whence did you come, you darling things?

From the same box as the cherub's wings.

How did they all just come to be you?

God thought about me, and so I grew.

But how did you come to us, you dear?

God thought about you, and so I am here.

George Macdonald

Thank you, Hilary

Ready or Not....

...Here I go.

Breakfast at 3:45.

A.M.

gah

Thanking every single one of you for the support.

xoxo, Lauren

Nashville!!

I am in Nashville.

My old stomping grounds.

To run this race in memory of my mother.

Who left us all too soon.

Leukemia and Lymphoma know no bounds.

Insidious diseases.

I am blown away by the following bloggers who have given to my cause:

Daryl

Snooty

Nurse Nancy

Country Girl

Caution

Woody

Deb

Noe Noe Girl

Big Hair Envy

Foolery

And my dear friends and family:

(sans blogs)

Sal and Martha

Christy

Polly

Patty and Jimmy

Al & Kim

Lucia

Jen and Steve

Sharon and Craig

Melissaaaaah and Petey

Candy and Bob

Elaine

Jane (Winetipper)

&

The Cocktail Corner

Annie

Jules

My brothers and their families:

David, Tyler, Betsey, Dudley,

Elliot, Alex, Russell, Johnny

Lathram, Rieves and Mary Dudley.

And, of course, The Bird and Augie..

My mother would so love all your devotion and drive to this endeavor.

And I love and thank each and every one of you for it.

I could never do her justice.

Never.