Angela's Song

This poem was written for a sister-friend who lost a loved one to breast cancer named Angela known as 'Angie B.' I was honored when my friend asked me to write something that could be read at Angela's homegoing. I prayed and asked the Lord to give me the words that would be suitable for this person whom I heard was a loving mother and a friend to all who crossed her path. The poem was read at the funeral and many hearts were touched. Today, I revised the poem and wanted to post it on my blog in dedication to Angela, her surviving loved ones, and all those past and present who have battled breast cancer, their loved ones, as well as all those who support and still fight for the cause. I dedicate this poem to all individuals who support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Angela’s Song

Agile

Not a quitter

Generous

Encouraging

Loving

Always there for everyone

Destined to be an angel was she,

Now in a better place beholding the beauty.

She fought a good fight with all her human might.

She kept the faith knowing everything would be alright.

Heaven has yet another angel, all of whom are special.

Though she suffered, her faith she maintained through the pressure.

In spite of everything, she loved everyone, both friends and family.
Never in my life have I met anyone like Angie B.

For now she's crossed over, her story a testimony. 

Most of all she loved God for an excellent husband was He.

She always used to say “God is my husband” indeed.

Girl, you are with your husband now, tell Him I said hello.

Like All State, you’re in good hands, I'm sure.

You are at home resting safely in His arms, He won’t ever let you go.

God was always by her side, in Him she had more than a friend.

Her relationship with Him was one that most didn’t understand,

Yet you two knew it would pay off in the end.

Never will you have to worry or suffer again.

Though she has gone away, these are the words I'm sure she'd say:
No tears, no crying just laughing and smiling.

This affliction is just the preparation for living not dying.

Don’t cry for me don’t shed a tear.

I’m okay because everything’s fine up here.

No more pain, no more sorrow, there’s nothing to fear.

For now I’m truly an angel, halo and wings, full gear.

I love you my children although I’ve gone away.

Between family and friends you’ll be looked after, I’ve prayed.

May the love I have for you keep you each and every day.

When you think of me know that I’m okay.

Whenever you feel low and start missing me,

Take comfort in knowing we’ll meet again you’ll see.

Know that my God is your God too.

Just as he took care of me, He’ll also take care of you.

One of these mornings it won’t be long.

We’ll meet again someday soon, for this is My Song.

Please remember Angela’s Song!

Authored by: SMHolliday for L. Crawford

Edited by: L Crawford

 Revised by Shannon Holliday in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 10/14/2011

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Pink Ribbon Campaign

October is national breast cancer awareness month commonly known as the Pink Ribbon Campaign. This month we raise awareness to the cause for the fight against breast cancer. Breast cancer affects each of us in some way whether personally or through the life of a friend or loved one. When I was a child, I recall my mother announcing that she had to have surgery because of a growth that developed in one of her breasts. After her surgery, the doctor informed her that the growth was benign meaning it was not cancerous.

I did not fully understand the situation, however, based on the relief in my mother's voice  I knew she was happy with the results of her surgery. From that time to young adulthood, I never thought about that situation again, until I learned that a female church member was diagnosed with breast cancer. This person was a mother, wife, daughter and sister. My last memory of her was that she was a sweet, loving person. Her death (as any one's would be) was a huge loss to family and those who knew and loved her. Although she's the only person whom I have known personally to die from breast cancer, I've known of people whose loved ones have passed away during their battle with breast cancer.

While there are different reasons why breast cancer affect many lives today. I believe that one of the reasons some people lose the battle with breast cancer is due to a lack of awareness. This is why breast cancer awareness month is necessary, so that we can not only raise awareness, but also educate people on early detection. It is imperative to knowing how to give self-breast exams and  encourage mammograms especially for people whose family member may have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. I recently learned that breast and ovarian cancer are related. I obtained this information while at a doctor's visit for my mammogram. Thank goodness it was okay.

Businesses everywhere are teaming up with cancer awareness organizations such as the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society, etc., to join in the effort to raise awareness about breast cancer. Among the businesses that are advocating for the cause is Dannon's yogurt. Dannon's has teamed up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation and launched a breast cancer awareness campaign through their Cups of Hope Program. This effort enables customers who purchase Dannon's brand yogurts such as Stonyfield's Activia, to log on to http://www.cupsofhope.com. Once logged on to the Cups of Hope site, enter your email address and the  code which is indicated under the lid of the yogurt cup and click submit. It's that simple. Dannon's honors this action by donating $0.20 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation and donates an additional $0.10 when the information is shared on Facebook and/or Twitter by clicking on the buttons indicated on the site. You can also support Dannon's Cups of Hope Program by clicking "Like" on Oikos Greek Yogurt's Facebook page where an additional $0.10 will be donated to the breast cancer cause. I was excited after I purchased Dannon's strawberry Activia Greek yogurt and peeled back the foiled lid where I read about how my purchase and subsequent action, enabled me to contribute to the cause of breast cancer awareness. Needless to say, I ran to my laptop to enter my email and code, and immediately shared this information on my Facebook and Twitter page. I also clicked "Like" on the Oikos Greek Yogurt page. You can too!

The wonderful thing about supporting the breast cancer awareness cause is, everyone is included. Men are not left out of the effort either. Remember, real men wear pink! Women, let's fight like a girl and support breast cancer awareness by getting those mammograms and giving ourselves breast exams. You all can participate by donating and encouraging others to donate. Also, show your support by wearing pink for the month of October. Let's think pink!

Smooches!

National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention: The Purple Ribbon Campaign

October is national domestic violence prevention and awareness month which is commonly known as the Purple Ribbon Campaign. This effort was birthed in tribute to those individuals who have fallen victim to violence as a result of being in an abusive relationship. Consequently, this issue has provoked a nationwide campaign which encourage individuals, whether survivors or current victims, to join the fight against domestic abuse and to raise awareness of domestic violence prevention. Hence, we wear the purple ribbon during the month of October.

Domestic violence encompasses physical, sexual, and even mental abuse (which is usually the segue to  physical and sexual abuse). Initially, domestic violence seemed gender specific, as the most common victims were known to be women. However, this issue has since progressed to such an extent that it spans ethnic, racial, class, age, sex and gender boundaries. Simply put, this issue has no bias in terms of its victims. It affects everyone. Whether a female is being abused by a male, a male being abused by a female or someone being abused at the hand of another person in a same sex relationship; the fact that the abuse is occurring or has occurred between two individuals who are in an intimate relationship makes the actions of the abuser towards the abused an act of domestic violence, regardless of the relationship status. The best way to receive help in a domestic violence situation is to realize the situation has the potential to progress. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize and acknowledge when a person is in a domestic violence scenario because denial of the situation can be detrimental to the people involved.

In an effort to support victims of domestic violence, organizations and businesses offer services to assist and educate victims on awareness and prevention. In 1995, Verizon Wireless launched a campaign to support domestic violence awareness and prevention through Verizon's HopeLine Phone Recycling Program. The HopeLine creates an opportunity for a person who is in a domestic violence situation to be able to seek help. This initiative would not be possible if it were not for the donations of customers. Customers are encouraged to donate their previously used cell phones, which are refurbished and given to domestic abuse victims.  It does not matter who the cell phone carrier or service provider is. Verizon Wireless' HopeLine accepts ALL cell phones as donations towards the domestic violence prevention and awareness effort. The victims are able to utilize the phone provided to them to contact help through the HopeLine, a call which is airtime and free of charge. For more information please feel free to visit the Verizon Insider website: http://www.verizoninsider.com/hopeline. Let's increase the peace and make this October a memorable one by joining the fight and supporting domestic violence prevention and awareness.

Peace and Blessings!

October As We know it

October is the month that is commonly known for the celebration of Halloween. During this month we see images of pumpkins, witches, black cats, ghosts, bats, haunted houses, spiders and webs, tombstones and scarecrows, all of which are creatively used as decorum to  adorn classrooms of schools, landscapes of lawns, front porches of homes and businesses, hence the Halloween holiday. The month of October brings excitement to both adults and kids who look forward to partaking in the festivities that Halloween entails such as: dressing up in costumes, children trick or treating, taking haunted tours of houses, cemeteries, etc., watching scary movies, as well as attending parties - where pumpkin pie and apple cider are most likely to be served. At least this, for the most part, is what would come to mind when I think  of the month of October--Halloween.

Today, as a more knowledgeable woman, I have come to understand that life's experiences have changed the way I see things.  Among the things that have taken on a new significance is my view of the month October. Although the theme colors orange and black is usually associated with the month of October due to Halloween, I realize that this month is more significant than celebrating this holiday. It means more than indulging in eating caramel apples on a stick, bobbing for apples at parties and participating in costume contests. October is also a month in which the colors purple and pink are given national recognition because of the causes they represent. Within this month we raise awareness as we celebrate domestic violence awareness and prevention, the Purple Ribbon Campaign, and the fight against breast cancer, the Pink Ribbon Campaign. These causes affect everyone in some way or another whether personally or through the experience of a loved one. Therefore, during the month of October we celebrate life.

Join us as we promote and support the fight for domestic violence prevention and awareness as well as the fight against breast cancer. Read the next two posts to learn more information about these two causes and how you can be a part of the solution.

Have a Divarrific Day!