Well, this has been an interesting week!
I am putting forth much effort on our Ionia County Teen Leadership Group, and have been so blessed to work with some amazing adults and teens on the framework. There is nothing I would like more for Ionia than to grow many more great leaders to improve our community in powerful ways. The framework is developing, albeit slowly. It's all going to be so good at allowing me to practice patience. =)
I also went with my grandma to her sister's funeral. It was hard to watch my grandma grieve. She sat next to her last remaining sister and best friend, in the front row, just sobbing. That alone made me ache-y sad and cry. The thing is, as I attend more and more funerals for aunts and uncles and grandparents, my shared history with the living dwindles. It really pisses me off, quite frankly--and scares me. Both of my grandmas are there for me when I need them. My parents live 650 miles away. So, guess who stepped up to the plate these last 11 years? I have keys and files and wills and directives "just in case" something happens to them, and they deal with phone calls to babysit, birthday parties to attend and help at, and spur of the moment ventings, etc.
As I sat at the funeral, I was thinking about what I would need to do for grandma if she should pass away someday. She never held a job, doesn't speak to her only (spoiled) child, my dad, and hasn't been on any committees. Ever. She has never even had a driver's license or a high school diploma. Strange thing, though. She is everything to me. When we were kids, she played croquet and cards and taught us how to make anything out of plastic canvas. She always had candy and nuts and made EXCELLENT food. If we were there when Wheel of Fortune was on, she would make us popcorn---Orville Redenbacher out of the frying pan and we thought she was pure genius. She doesn't understand why I am so damn busy on every little committee, and quite frankly, neither do I (I just want to do everything before I die). I love that she swears--though the F word will get you kicked you out of her house. However, I am her favorite. I know this. She has told me in a variety of ways throughout the years. I used the F word as a teenager and she said nothing. I have too many points to narrow this down, but I am so proud of the women in my family. They are plain, relaxed (well, except me), enjoy hobbies with needles, and will all have 2nd page obituaries, but I love every bit of them-- imperfect, frank, and quiet as they are. I know I will physically only inherit a cardinal collection and other assorted knick-knacks, but their personal presence is the only thing I want at all...
Next, I must say how proud I am of Ionia, my hometown. Just a few observances this week: our teachers and administrators kicked-off the IPS campaign yesterday by contributing nearly $9500 for the United Way--in just one hour!!! That first day already raised nearly $1,000 more than we have ever contributed as a district. I am nearly speechless(but you all know that will never be true). I am so, so proud of our United Way and all of the citizens who contribute, volunteer, and advocate. It's become a very special goal of mine.
Today, I attended an inter-agency fair at the High School. Many of our organizations were there--the food network, United Way, CPS, ICMH, American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Commission on Aging, Food for Hunger, Eightcap, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired...it just goes on and on. I have a TON of paraphernelia and brochures. If you are reading this and you are wondering if "there's a place that can help with that" in Ionia, see me. What a powerful thing to have so much opportunity in our little town--rock on!!
You know my next post will be on school...which I can't wait for! When you have three kids and two teachers in your house, this time of the year is NUTSO!!!!! LOL!!
