Relay For Life

September 18th, 2010 represents another year in which I've had the priviledge to be a part of the "Relay for Life" in Lake Placid, NY. It has been my honor to represent family and friends who have fought the good fight and are here to represent that, and those that have unfortunately lost their battle. To one in particular, Uncle Earl... you were strong, and determined.. and were thought a lot about as my lap numbers increased, but I am reminded that God had another plan to take you home. You will never be forgotten and forever missed.

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* The start of the Relay with all the survivors*

To honor Auntie..

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I have several other photos, not near as many as previous years.. but just thought for right now, that Id post a few to represent the event.

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This was a well worth attended day spent with family !

It was nice to see ALL of you.

A day off to enjoy some fun..

Fall weather is about here, so Ange and I decided to take in a afternoon for a little hike, while the weather wasnt too brisk just yet. :)

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Following the red trail...
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Roots are the foundation of something very strong, and Ange represents this type of individual !

...And for lunch we tried a new place...Ive had their desserts, but not their meals..

This evening, our Bible study decided to have a little outing. Mind you, this would be the 3rd time attempting to mini golf this year... as they have conveniently closed after we arrived or prior to, in Scotia. We got word this week that Scotia wouldnt be open again for tonight's event, so we headed to Latham... to an indoor glow in the dark mini golf and then grabbed some ice cream afterwards. :)

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*Team pictures here*

Dan, Ange, Joy and myself.

And.. Jon, Trish, Julie and Don

Thanks for some good times :)

A Warmed Heart

Sometimes we wonder just what exactly people see in us...

We know what we want them to see, but is it what they actually see?

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Life throws a LOT of curve balls, and we have to be on our toes each moment of the day in order to be in control of each situation. It's truly amazing how you can go about your day, like any other day...with minimal differences in what you do, but find that a particular day sheds more challenges, whether mentally, physically or spiritually. It baffles my mind how some moments can be anticipated to happen, while others appear out of the blue. Life is full of emotion... and you ask, what is emotion...? what does it feel like? What does happiness feel like, or hurtful statements? I dont believe there is one direct answer, as we all have been molded to feel emotion differently. Some poeple handle emotion well, while others not so much...

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During the calm of life and even in the storm, I want people to see who I percieve myself to be!

I want to be that stonghold for someone to lean on, when life is wearing thin.

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Within my nursing career, one observes much emotion within their patients. Sometimes, their very life dreams are shattered and taken from them within a moment, while others just temporily. Either way, life has to be attacked with a different approach. We ask ourselves, why has this happened to someone that had so much going for them, where is their support group, and what other challenges will they continue to have to face?

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Nursing is all about filling in the gaps for those that feel like they have lost themselves... We help them fight the fight to reach goals, lend that hand when others cannot, and be that encouagement when they need just a bit more. We are their stronghold... and for that Im truly honored.

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Today, was one of those days where I have struggled a bit. I woke up feeling a bit on the blue side and have wondered exactly what is it that people see in me?! I feel like I have a heart for others, willing to reach out when in need, compassionate, etc... and honestly, just have felt like I wanted to be needed and have an impact on someone's life!

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Then, I went to work.... and my heart was warmed. This green gingham bag was laying in the medication room where I spend a lot of my time during my shift, with my name on it. I decided to open it then and found a thank you card with this box inside. Within the box, was a little Angel pin and stated within the card was "You are an Angel."

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This reminds me just how much people really need someone especially during some lonesome, scary times when facing the unknown. They watch your every move, and see you for who you really are. You never know who is watching, and what they are percieving you to be...
unless they tell you. Even if you never know, hold your head up high..and be that stronghold for someone. You can make a world of difference in someone's life today.

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Someone needs you !!