Something Meaningful To Do

Posted on November 3, 2011 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Sandy in her biking togs holding Patty's photo

Good Morning, God!

This photo of our youngest daughter, Sandy, came in an email saying: “This November 19 I’ll be cycling 85 miles in El Tour de Tucson, in memory of my beloved sister Patty. I’d be so grateful for your support!”

She sent it to me, asking for suggestions about a draft of her solicitation letter. She is seeking donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, through its Team in Training program.

But, I took one look at her adorable smiling face and donated! Then I read the text. In it she mentioned that her son Ian at 19 is older than Patty was when she died. A lot happens in 30 years. But, some things change ever so slowly.

This is Sandy’s fifth Team in Training event. Running marathons, cycling 85 miles — this gives her something meaningful to do — a way to respond to the loss of her sister. Gosh, God. That’s really important.

Responding is important. Each of us in our family has responded. Kit compiled Patty’s letters, poems and journal entries into Mango Days. Suzy endured 10+ years of “survivor’s guilt.” Sandy lost her role model and guide and perhaps a bit of ambition, too. That’s why I’m so happy that now Sandy HAS this means of remembering and redeeming her loss.

But, what about me, God? How have I responded? It sounds odd that I don’t know. But, I don’t. Oh, well, yes. I did do a series of mini-stories called “Patty’s Mom.” I don’t think they ever got put onto my webpage. Hey, I did create Never Alone and sent that out into the Teaming Void of Cyberspace.

Thanks, God. For a few moments, I couldn’t think of anything meaningful I had done. It feels good to have done something!