TheBanyanTree: there is no subject

[Jena Norton]

Doesn't matter what your purpose was in writing this. It was a wonderful read and let everyone see what a loving heart you have. You are one of the kindest, most caring people I know. That's why you have so many fiercely loyal friends.
 
Jena Norton



>________________________________
> From: Pam Lawley <pamj.lawley at gmail.com>
>To: A comfortable place to meet other people and exchange your own *original* writings. <thebanyantree at lists.remsset.com> 
>Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2014 10:14 AM
>Subject: TheBanyanTree: there is no subject
> 
>
>Disclaimer:  I don't really remember what my main point was when I started
>typing this hours ago!  I've had a few stops and starts and I think I've
>wandered over several subjects.  Maybe I was just writing to write....  So
>before you get started reading, just know that I have no story here, no
>clear path.  I'd just delete the whole thing, but that seems like a big
>waste.  So - you've been forewarned!!
>
>--------------------------
>I joke about collecting ex-husbands.   It's probably not that funny...
>
>Where to start, where to start???
>
>Almost two years ago I got a new co-worker, and I pretty much fell in love
>immediately!  She was 34'ish, happily married and step-mom to a teenaged
>girl, with a four year old boy and another on the way!  Babies!!!
>
>Before she left on maternity leave I had our team throw her a baby shower,
>and I kept it really simple!  I collected money from everybody, bought and
>wrapped gifts, and brought in cupcakes!  We all gathered at lunch and
>watched her open those gifts, ate a cupcake, and went back to work!  Super
>simple - but effective!
>
>We kept in contact while she was out, met for lunch so I could see her new
>baby, and as friendships do, just grew closer as time went on.  And she
>taught me all about Brandon, baby Oliver's big brother.
>
>Brandon was born with lissencephaly which is a brain disorder with varying
>degrees of debilitation. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lissencephaly)  He
>doesn't walk or talk, and also suffers from cerebral palsy.  I thought it
>was horrible that he was born with two diseases, but only learned recently
>that the CP is a result of the first!
>
>Anyway, I am pretty ignorant about disabled'ness.  Shortly before meeting B
>I'd made cupcakes for a wedding which was in the couple's backyard of their
>home.  In that home was the bride's young daughter - totally
>uncommunicative and in a wheelchair.  I had NO idea how to - or if I
>should! - interact with the young girl!  If I talk and say 'hello' and she
>doesn't respond, well... The family talked to her but I was just SO
>uncomfortable and unsure!!  I made sure to not get too close so I wouldn't
>have to - yeah, I pretty much just ignored her.  I'm not proud of that, but
>there you have it!
>
>Consequently,I started asking Leanne questions so I wouldn't be so ignorant
>anymore!!  I asked a LOT of questions!!   And I've spent a lot of time with
>him.  I have a long way to go, but I don't feel quite so inadequate
>anymore.
>
>Because of Leanne and B my little world has expanded, and that's why last
>night I completed my second 'Great Glow Run' - a 5K sponsored by the Easter
>Seals organization.  No, don't get excited, I didn't actually "run", I
>walked!  My daughter and I both went last year with my Great Dane Annie,
>but this year my daughter was sick so it was just me and Annie.
>
>("5K" sounds so accomplished to me!!  "3 miles" sounds so much easier!)
>
>
>