I work with a great group of people. A group that met me just two weeks after we buried Josh and who have shown great empathy, concern, and support from day one. They have seen the tears and offered hugs even though we are in a society that frowns upon public displays of affection especially in the professional arena. Honestly, I'm not sure I would have been able to work without them.
A fun loving group who like creative challenges, several of them decided to give up sugar for the entire month of November.... the rules were if they ate anything with processed sugar, they had to pay $10.00. They asked me to join them in the challenge but when I explained how much I would be relying on chocolate to get through the most dreaded month of the year, they understood completely. November 1st the challenge was on!
Those of us weaker than they tried to tempt them with some awesome baked goods, and refreshments, but to no avail. They all did beautifully, even over Thanksgiving.... I was so proud of them that I bought them sugary donuts for December 1st.
Last week one of them quietly came over to my workspace and I could tell he had something to say but wasn't quite sure how to go about it.
I smiled and said, "hey what's up?" I guess the smile did it. He quietly said "we all talked about what to do with the sugar money and we unanimously decided we wanted to give it to you to donate to a charity of your choice in Joshua's name. It only seemed right since we did it in November".
I was touched beyond words as I tearfully accepted the money and promised to let them know what we did with it.
I shared their kind gesture with Brad that evening and we both realized a big decision must be made much sooner than later. 'How do we keep the memory of Joshua alive in a way that shows how caring he was?' There are so many needs and so much to consider....there is the epilepsy walk to raise money for research, there are things to help in the now in the way of seizure dogs, cee cee comfort bears, sudep awareness, monitors.
It will have to wait a while though because we are still very much in the struggle of grief and this is only our second Christmas without Joshua..the first full blown one now that shock has turned to reality. One thing that has already helped get through this season, is a token of kindness that came from some very special people...in other words a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.
I know we are not alone in our struggles and I want to send Hugs to those of you who will sit at a table with one or more empty seats this season. May you find a moment of peace during this challening time.
Hugs!
Sherri
A fun loving group who like creative challenges, several of them decided to give up sugar for the entire month of November.... the rules were if they ate anything with processed sugar, they had to pay $10.00. They asked me to join them in the challenge but when I explained how much I would be relying on chocolate to get through the most dreaded month of the year, they understood completely. November 1st the challenge was on!
Those of us weaker than they tried to tempt them with some awesome baked goods, and refreshments, but to no avail. They all did beautifully, even over Thanksgiving.... I was so proud of them that I bought them sugary donuts for December 1st.
Last week one of them quietly came over to my workspace and I could tell he had something to say but wasn't quite sure how to go about it.
I smiled and said, "hey what's up?" I guess the smile did it. He quietly said "we all talked about what to do with the sugar money and we unanimously decided we wanted to give it to you to donate to a charity of your choice in Joshua's name. It only seemed right since we did it in November".
I was touched beyond words as I tearfully accepted the money and promised to let them know what we did with it.
I shared their kind gesture with Brad that evening and we both realized a big decision must be made much sooner than later. 'How do we keep the memory of Joshua alive in a way that shows how caring he was?' There are so many needs and so much to consider....there is the epilepsy walk to raise money for research, there are things to help in the now in the way of seizure dogs, cee cee comfort bears, sudep awareness, monitors.
It will have to wait a while though because we are still very much in the struggle of grief and this is only our second Christmas without Joshua..the first full blown one now that shock has turned to reality. One thing that has already helped get through this season, is a token of kindness that came from some very special people...in other words a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.
I know we are not alone in our struggles and I want to send Hugs to those of you who will sit at a table with one or more empty seats this season. May you find a moment of peace during this challening time.
Hugs!
Sherri
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