September 11, 2016
Before I begin my blog post, I would like to pause to remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attack on America. My prayers go out to everyone who lost loved ones on that tragic day. I used to work on Broadway and Wall Street in New York City and my office window overlooked the World Trade Centers. I had lunch on the plaza often. My brain still cannot fathom the loss of all those lives.
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My birthday was a few weeks ago and I owe a huge apology to my sister. She gave me the most amazing birthday gift and I just discovered it today. She lives in Arizona and has one of the most loving natures of anyone I know. Please read her email to me and you will understand. Malena, thank you a million times over for reaching out to others who are struggling. I know you have your own health issues and should have kept the entire bouquet of roses for yourself, but then again, that's not who you are. Thank you for sharing my birthday with those you love.
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| The Roses |
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| The Note with the Roses |
The following is an email from my sister describing her most amazing birthday gift to me. Thanks again, Malena! I love you!
Elizabeth,
I think too many times people are taken from us too soon and we do things in honor of their life, but it is after they lived. I wanted to honor you because you live, just for today!
You have one of the most amazing Birthday celebrations here in Maricopa, Arizona! This morning, I wanted so deeply to do something extra special for you for your birthday, so I decided that when I got off from work today at 6:30, I was going to go buy a dozen roses and deliver them in your honor for your Birthday.
I was called as I was heading into work that I didn't need to come in today, so I took the 4 hours I would have been at work to go and do this amazing Birthday gift for you! Here is what me and my family got to enjoy! By the way doing this was way more fun than going to work. :-)
Rose 1 -- Delivered to an Elderly friend who just buried her sweetheart a week ago. Put the rose in her walker seat that was open as she sat in the bank in Fry's dealing with banking situation. I visited with her as we walked in, so I didn't want to interrupt, but wanted her to know she was loved!
Rose 2 -- Delivered to a gentleman who brings in the carts at Fry's and is the sunshine in the store! He wishes you well!
Rose 3 -- Delivered to an amazing lady who had the privilege to live in Germany when the Berlin Wall fell, she was able to help tear it down. She was having a difficult day, because she was just diagnosed with COPD. We had a wonderful visit. She just joined our team in Life Leadership. We hugged and cried and shared love and hope with one another. She sent me across town to her sister.
Rose 4 -- Delivered to a dear friend who battles depression and recently attempted suicide. I left the rose with her brother, because she and her husband were on a date! He recommended I take to the lady who had watched a lot of children today.
Rose 5 -- Delivered to the sister from Rose 3. She was expecting her mother-in-law any minute and had been cleaning on her home all day and was so tired and a bit stressed. She was so deeply surprised and we hugged and she felt loved! She didn't know anyone in town, so we told her we would come up with someone for the next rose.
Rose 6 -- Delivered to a family who's son was killed in a car accident a year ago and today would have been his 18th birthday. We left the note on the door and the rose on the door step.
Rose 7 -- Delivered to a dear friend who we just love to pieces! She has been having a tough time. She wasn't home, so we left the note on her door and rose on her doorstep as well.
Rose 8 -- My daughter and I both felt prompted to go to this lady's home. She has a disorder that causes stress induced seizures. We sat down and visited with her. We gave her a hug and she recommended we go to her dear friend, who was having a really hard time.
Rose 9 -- We took to the friend of Rose 8 and she shared that they just learned that her 2 year old has an IgG deficiency and they are checking him for Cystic Fibrosis. She recommended us to an amazing mother who is her neighbor and friend.
Rose 10 -- We took to a dear friend of ours and Rose #9 recommended us to take love to. Their 16 year old has Lymes Disease and is extremely ill. He has been for 18 months. They started his very expensive treatments today. She has a son with Cerebral Palsy as well. She sings with the voice of an angel! We did a recording together. Her husband recommended we go to a family who their 10 year old daughter was just diagnosed with Leukemia 2 days ago.
Rose 11 -- This family just had their 10 year old daughter diagnosed with Leukemia. We left the note on their door and the rose in their screen door.
Rose 12 -- We delivered this final rose to the husband of the lady who was referred by Rose # 4. This dear woman, just recently had to have a hysterectomy and deals with Bi-Polar disorder. She is an amazing talented woman!
As I visited with each one who was home, it was a precious moment for me and my family and the families that I visited. Thank you for being born today, decades ago. :-)
You today, my dear sister was honored and your amazing journey with cancer was shared and you have been able to touch the lives of 12 families in Maricopa, Arizona today, because you were born. YOU ARE LOVED!
All my love,
