On March 7, 2008 my life got turned upside down. I was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor which was so not on my to do list! Equally unexpectedly, I had neurosurgery on March 20 and the results of the biopsy indicated that the tumor was benign. Thank God! Along this journey, I have taken solace in the fact that this is a huge opportunity for us all.
I am a clinical psychology doctoral student at Vanderbilt University. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to make a huge difference in the world. For a couple of days, I actually feared that I had wished this scary and chaotic experience on myself and my loved ones, but then I was reminded that "life prepares life" and it all started making a bit more sense.
In a whirlwind of pre-operative appointments, Dr. Kyle Weaver, my neurosurgeon, told me that I should "hold onto my blood" which was a huge blow to me as I try to be a regular blood donor. Without skipping a beat, however, my advisor, Dr. Bruce Compas, made me an offer to "pick up the slack" which I believe was the impetus for this whole GO BIG challenge as it struck me then that perhaps we can all be doing just a little more.
As a person who hopes to make a profession and a life of helping children and families, I'm committed to helping others in the best way I know how. Consistently, I work with parents and children teaching them to praise the good and ignore the bad. Not my idea, but it is a behavioral principle that works. Now, don't get me wrong--I'm not blind to the evil in this world. In fact, I'm struck by our culture's fascination with drama, hurt, despair, and scandal. It absolutely blows my mind that these negatives suck so much of our attention that we can relatively easily forget all of the 1000's acts of kindness that are going on right this very minute.
My hope is that this website can be a central location for all of us to capture all of the really awesome things that we are already doing and that we can all be inspired by each other's goodness. It's not an original or courageous idea (although some have called it that), it is just an opportunity to do something that I've always wanted to do. And, I'll bet that if I'm anything like you, I'm just doing the best that I can in this moment. Sometimes that means that I offend people. We are all imperfectly perfect and I know that that is where the true beauty lies.
There are no absolute rules because I couldn't possibly predict the creative and imaginative ways that we can each help one another. Well, that's a lie. There is really just one rule: do what you feel in your heart! Try not to feel like what you do doesn't matter. It does! If you don't believe me, read the postings for yourself and see what you think. To somebody in that moment, you will have made a difference and for that I am eternally grateful.
So if you feel it in your heart or your head or whatever pushes you to act, try to do something. Nothing is too small and nothing is too big. Just put one foot in front of the other, and if you wish, take a risk.
Overwhelmed with a sea of emotions and an outpouring of support from our community, Austin, the love of my life, and I have felt so very blessed. I believe that there is always meaning out there in this precious world of ours, sometimes you just have to squint to find it. This past several weeks has been a truly rock ride and my guess is that life always will be. So, step aboard if you are up for the challenge and let's see how far we can get this good to spread.
With great gratitude,
14 comments:
I just got my blood donor card in the mail yesterday, and found out that I can donate blood again around mid-May. I was seriously excited about getting my blood donor card in the mail!!! I have been talking about donating blood to everyone I see.
I don't know when you plan to have the Go-Big blood drive, but I would love to be part of it as a donor if I am eligible to donate at that time or as a volunteer if that is needed.
Also, my boyfriend told me yesterday that he could never donate blood because he is a diabetic. This has motivated to want to donate blood whenever I am eligible.
i'll donate! hopefully my iron won't be too low (again). guess this gives me an excuse to eat more steak. ;-)
Although I'm not in the Nashville area, I would love to donate blood at a local drive. I think I read about one coming up near my work site in May.
Jenni, I hope everything is going well for you. You continue to amaze me with your commitment to making a difference in other people's lives.
I've been riding my bike a whole lot more than I ever have in my life before. I feel good that I'm not burning gasoline to get to places and I'm getting in better shape. Yay for bikes!
I am moving this weekend, and I have had so many offers of help from supportive friends and family members. I am very relieved because it's a very stressful time for me right now. Last night, going through some of my things, I gave some things to a friend who was helping me. And, if anyone knows of someone in Nashville who would like to have/ needs a daybed and a dresser, I am looking for someone to whom I am willing to donate these items. Otherwise, I'm going to give them to Goodwill. I'm noticing that I sometimes forget to be loving and kind in all that I do, including my work. Yesterday, I made a better effort to be loving and kind in my work. Peace, Shelly
I'm always happy to know people who are willing to give blood. I was a donor for many years and encouraged my children as they got older to become regular donors as well.
When my teenaged son asked me why he should become a blood donor,I told him "In gratitude for all the things you don't have:aids ,cancer,
malaria and all the other diseases and conditions the Red Cross screeners ask you about".
I take care of people on the receiving end of transfusions and as I hang each unit it occurs to me that with all our technology, there is still only one place to get blood- from other people.
God bless you all for donating.
And Shelley, if you still have that day bed and dresser, would you consider donating it the Catholic Refugee Resettlement Program? I don't know the number but if you call Catholic Charities in Nashville, they will direct you.
Thank you.
I pray you are well along the way to recovery, Jenni.
Robbie
My friend Brandyn recently emailed me. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer two years
ago and is now healthy, cancer-free and full of energy. Brandyn asked that I check out the
Pink Ribbon Toolbar:
http://cms.komen.org/komen/Partners/
CurrentPartnerPrograms/013946
We thought it might be a good GO BIG idea.
This toolbar makes it easier than ever to contribute to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world¹s largest grassroots network aimed at curing breast cancer at every stage. Your searches through the toolbar will raise funds to help end this disease.
Check it out!
Here's another great way to go big:
Check out:
http://www.alexslemonade.org/
My church, Calvary United Methodist, is hosting a lemonade stand and car wash to raise money for this great cause.
If you are feeling thirsty and are in the Nashville area, check it out. :)
Brandon, my boyfriend, and I were getting gas last night, and there was this guy whose credit card would not work. It was missing a piece so he could not even go inside to pay, and he had no cash. He needed to go home to get cash to buy gas, but he was completely out of gas. Brandon offered to buy this man some gas so he could get home.
This week I am trying the little big approach. I am conciously doing little things throughout my day to be possitive. I am thanking the bus driver and the people who take my money in the lunch line. I am trying to show I am sincerely interested when I ask "how are you today?" I tell people they look nice today. I am smiling more and trying to find the joy in every encounter no matter how casual. It is amazing how fast the day goes and how light you feel when you go home at night. You don't feel so tired and look forward to another day of seeing the beauty in every person tomorrow. Haven't been by here in a while but this site has trully made me concious of the many opportunities I have taken for granted before now to be positive. Thanks Jen. I am praying for this continued success. Does anyone know how to get this thing to Oprah? I think she would love this. Could you imagine the positivity she could inspire in folks? You would have to start a whole new web site just for the overflow. :) Tracy
My daughter, Colby, went big for Nashville Rescue Mission this past weekend. We threw her a birthday party (she turned 14 last week), and she asked her friends to bring small donations for the mission instead of birthday gifts. She and her friends donated over $200. I am constantly amazed at these young people, their caring hearts, and their efforts to make a difference. Inspiring!
On Saturday morning, I went big by volunteering at Ellie's Run for Africa. They raised over 40,000 bucks to build schools in Africa and supply them with uniforms, books, and whatever else they need. If you want to check it out, go here:
www.elliesrun.org
Today, I picked up a friend from the airport because her roommates are out of town. And, tomorrow morning, I get to donate blood for the second time ever.
Also, I opened the bulletin at Midtown Fellowship this morning, and I saw that the go big website was mentioned. The word is getting out and will hopefully inspire others to go big as well. Thanks Jenni! :)
I will definitely donate, Jenni.
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