A Heroic Jerk!

Proudly Humbled? No, how about humbly proud? Not quite... the reality is: I was a hero and a jerk, simultaneously. But we'll start off with the part that makes me look super awesome:

Yesterday, I was at the grocery store when an older gentleman caught my eye. He wasn't doing anything outside of the normal grocery shopping, but for some reason, I found myself watching him. And in what seemed like very slow motion, I watched him wobble back and forth. I quickly made my way to him and just as I approached, his body gave out and back he went. Now imagine those totally awesome superhero movies. Me. In slow motion. Stealth mode. I slid my leg out and with my arm, I caught him. Yes, I caught him in a cradle. And it was a good thing, because directly behind him was a 3' metal, squared step-ladder that he would have surely hit his head on the way down. And all he could say was, "how in the heck did you do that?". Since I was still shaking, my attempt at a humorous response of "I got skills" barely made it out of my mouth. Truth is, I had no idea. But I felt pretty darn good about it. I waited with him until his other half could take him. If you think my version is dramatic, you should hear his! I would have surely been awarded a medal had he submitted his side of it.

BUT, that warm, fuzzy, good feeling was short lived when I was reminded about the way I had acted just moments prior to this.


Upon entering the grocery store, I ran into old friends with whom I was neighbors with in CA. Naturally, it's easy to get caught up and forget to move your conversation to a more "convenient" location. As we were talking, I looked over to see a woman who had the most awful puckered face saying, "WHY CAN'T YOU PEOPLE  JUST SHUT UP AND GET OUT OF THE WAY?!" And then I did something that I am terribly ashamed of and am pretty shocked that I did. I looked at her and, with a raised voice, said " I absolutely detest ugly, rude people!" Then I turned my back and continued my conversation, leaving little room for her to maneuver around.
If you are cheering, please don't. There was nothing I did that I am proud of. I indulged in rudeness -which I loathe- and should have walked away. I didn't need to take on her attitude. And in all honesty, she looked like she was having the same kind of week I was. Miserable!

After the two incidents, I had this internal battle throughout the shopping trip. I couldn't be proud of helping that man when I was so ugly to that woman. After a short debate with Jiminy Crickett, I decided that if I ran into her that I was going to apologize.

Fast forward to the check-out line.

I loaded my groceries in the -by far- shortest line and the thought came over me: wouldn't it be something if she was in this line? And I looked up to find... her. What are the odds? So, I took a deep breath and tapped her on the shoulder. The look she shot back at me had the potential to be lethal. I simply said, "I can't be responsible for the way people act. But I take full responsibility for the way I react. And for that, I'm sorry." As she looked away, with no response >>insert awkward pause here<< I continued loading my groceries. It wasn't until she made her payment that she turned to me and said, "You know, I really didn't need to get that bent out of shape. I guess I let this horrid week really get to me. The only thing that could be worst would be having to deal with a sick kids, so I guess there's really no need to complain." She laughed and said, "what's your excuse?" I looked at her with huge relief and said, "I've been dealing with sick kids!" And we both just busted up!

TRUE STORY.

What if this was your last...?

What if this was your last....

Easter? Or Spring? What if you were planning what may be your last family vacation?
Then again, what if this wasn't about you?

What if this was about your child?  ...kinda changes things, doesn't it?

This is a post I've attempted to write many times but haven't been able to see the screen well enough through teary eyes or seem to fail to get the words just right to honor my dear friend Crystal and her family during their fight to save the life of 13 yr. old Ariel; the girl with the lion heart. Unfortunately, time to 'perfect' this message is a luxury that I have no right to claim. So here is their story, in a raw, uncut, un-edited form.

I have an amazing friend named Crystal. She's known me since I was born. She and my sister were best friends growing up. Our dads worked together and our families were very close. However, I didn't meet her until I was 15. She took my "glamour" pics for a performance promotion. She's the only one that ever asked me after telling her my last name: "Is that spelled V E L L E N O W E T H?" Over time, I lost contact with her and was ecstatic to re-connect here on fb. 


I've followed very closely as Crystal has shared her daugter, Ari's story. Ariel is a vibrant, intellegent, and amazing kid- much like her identical twin sister, Elora.  In the beginning of this nightmare a few years ago, she was diagnosed with Rhabdosyosarcoma, cancer in the sinus cavity. Fortunately, she was able to fight this monster and the cancer eventually went into remission. It wasn't until earlier last year that the fear and realization that the cancer was back was confirmed.  And this time around, it struck with a ferocity that would debilitate any normal person with terror. But not this family. This family would give rhabdo a good fight back. Through chemo, staph & fungal infections, several surgeries, including a craniotomy, this family has shown an immeasurable inspiration for their will to fight for the life of this little girl. And although they haven't given up, doctors recently informed this beautiful family that Ari has just months, possibly weeks left. 


Just when you think things couldn't get any worst, yesterday they had a house fire. Yes, you read that right. Thanks to the heroic efforts Ian, the oldest of the kids, they are all safe. Displaced as the house is now uninhabitable, but safe. 


So why post this? Because there is something we can all do to help! Insurance has now become an issue and medicines that used to be covered are now being denied. Also, the family has been planning a vacation. Ariel has a wish, and that is to visit "Hogwarts" at Universal, Orlando. The money has already been raised for the trip but with the house fire and insurance looming in the background, can we continue to donate to the family? What would you do if this was someone you knew? And if you can't, can you at least share the following video with your friends? I'd love for them to go on their trip, come back home and be lavished in love and blessings from as many people as possible.

This is the original video asking for help with the trip to Univeral. 

                                                This is a video of yesterday's fire.

Here is the link that you can donate to: http://www.dgeypscun.com If you want to follow her story, you can find it here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ariel_gariano/journal

Thank you all so much. 
♥,
Sharon