I've been thinking a lot about Mom recently, for various reasons: a friend mentions spending time with their mother, I think about Mom; someone on Facebook remembers a parent they've lost, I think about Mom; her birthday was last month, I think about Mom; Ben and I are going to try for a baby soon, I think about Mom; I receive a special piece of mail from the wife of a high school classmate with a teal ribbon pin, I think about Mom; I get a clean bill of ovarian health from the doctor and the same day hear my mom's favorite Christian song at work, I think about Mom. The list could go on, but it's already long enough...
I'd like to think that she'd be proud of me. I try. I never would have gotten into the teal jewelry/ovarian cancer awareness if it wasn't for her. It helps me honor her memory to do what I know she would have done if she were here today. I would never wish losing a parent on anyone, but it has made me who I am today. The process getting here may not have been pretty or pleasant, but I believe I am stronger for it.
I am hoping to do at least two if not three run/walks this year as a vendor again. I might enlist some help, though, because doing the event by myself was hard last year, and I may be pregnant this time around (fingers crossed!). Besides the run/walks (9/9 in Columbus, Ohio, 9/15 in Cincinnati, Ohio and 9/29 in Indianapolis, Indiana), there are some cool things going on in Indiana and Ohio to check out. First, the *very first* Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Midwest Regional Conference is being held in Indianapolis on Saturday, March 10th. Registration is $50, deadline to register is March 2nd. Mom would have been so excited! Also, the OCAO is holding their 3rd annual Gala "On Wings of Hope" on April 14th.Tickets are $100 per person, or $100 for two tickets for young professionals under 35, or $250 for two and recognized on the OCAO website/event program. They go on sale February 1st. I hope to be able to attend!
http://www.ovariancancer.org/2012/01/06/midwest-regional-conference/
http://ocao.org/Gala2012.aspx
http://www.ocao.org/Events.aspx
http://www.cincyovariancancer.org/events.html
http://ovariancancerin.org/Run-Walk.html
Orders can be requested from pictures, but no guarantees are made that the piece will be available. All pieces are different. Custom orders accepted. Prices negotiable, 50% used to buy more beading materials and 50% donated to an ovarian cancer organization. Email me at janinemkr@gmail.com for order requests! RIP Rita Ann 7/1/2001
