Many of you sent emails in support of the Joey Jog, and I wanted to personally thank you for your support. Even in a down economy, the Jog was a success. A lot of money was raised for research and awareness.
This year we were lucky to have had a representative from the national office in attendance. His presence not only made our event gain in stature, but also showed the many volunteers that the American Liver Foundation is very much aware of the hard work put into making this event gain national recognition. Thanks, Ryan, for your support.
Having missed the event last year due to my recent surgery, it was great catching up with all the folks that have been on board since the beginning. The day couldn't have been more beautiful, and it was good to see so many families walking together. Joey's story has made everyone aware of how lucky a family is to have an illness free existence. I think every mother, father, brother and sister realized how easy it is to lose that which you love the most, and even though you may move on from the physical hurt, the pain in your heart never goes away.
Joey's two brothers and sister are thriving. The triplets were happily showing off their Halloween costumes that seem to so fit their unique personalities. The spunky one wanted to be a pirate, the only girl is indeed worthy of being deemed a "princess", and the once shy brother who is now the thinking little man, well, his choice of becoming a UPS delivery guy, cap and package included, just seemed to fit him perfectly. They were too little to remember their first Halloween with their big sister Joey, but through the love shared by the family, they are very much aware of her existence, and mention her often, and always with love in their voices.
It was also good to have had my first book signing and sales (all the money went to the Joey Jog). It was fun for me to think of something to write for each individual who wanted an autographed copy. For just a few minutes, I didn't feel like a 4-F SWF, but as a person that was successful because she actually DID something of note.
Why is it so hard for me to think of myself as a success? I don't know, but I know this: I saw the looks people gave me on the airplane with the middle seat available... I knew what they were thinking. I am always aware of not taking up more than my space, and have even cramped up from making sure I don't inconvenience anybody else. Funny how that didn't seem to be in THEIR thought process.
When I got home, waiting for me was one other sign that maybe I was experiencing a little bit of success. Seven boxes of my book were waiting for me to sell and market. Whoopee! Sell! Sell! Sell! I am an author.
Then I remembered it was Halloween Eve...
Spooky!
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