29-Day Giving Challenge

Last Monday I got some tough news. After being admitted to the hospital, and having numerous tests performed we found out that I have Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. Once the shock started to wear off I quickly realized that in order for me to get through this I couldn't focus on my grief and disbelief. That I would instead keep my attention on giving and that's what I have been doing. During my 9 day hospital stay I made a point to give something everyday. It was usually something like remembering, and using, the names of everyone that attended to me from the drs, nurses, techs, cleaning personnel etc. Whenever someone walked in my room (even in the middle of the night to take vitals or draw blood) I made a committment to greet them with a big 'ol "Hello" and a smile.
I also had the opportunity to give away some of my cross stitched smiley faces.

They were a big hit with the nurses and other staff. I didn't have enough completed to give everyone one but I am working on more and will be dropping them off at the hospital this week. This experience has further convinced me that giving is really a gift to the giver. It makes you feel empowered especially when everything else seems to be out of your control. I am forever gratfeul for 29gifts and all that it has brought to my life. I can only wonder how it will impact this new journey I'm on, but I am definitely interested to find out.

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Tags: gifts, giving

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Comment by Lubabat Scotland on February 7, 2010 at 11:25pm
Right now I am working on the Valentine's Day project, called Happy Hearts Mail. It's not as big as the Christmas mail give, but I hope it will still spread some smiles. :)
Comment by joboej on February 7, 2010 at 8:45pm
I just read about your project which sparked some interest in me for some things I might be able to do for children. I wonder how things are going with you and if you have any new projects?
Comment by Joanne O'Brien on January 21, 2010 at 9:09pm
I am putting you on our prayer list....you'll have 72 practitioners praying for you tonight!
Comment by Barb22 on January 12, 2010 at 6:01am
Praying blessings of hope and healing upon you. God bless.
Comment by Elly Rose Tech Support on August 11, 2009 at 12:40am
Thank you for sharing with us. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I love the smile you gave while in the hospital
Comment by Patrizia Clerico on August 10, 2009 at 9:40pm
Lots of hugs and prayers coming your way and be assured once I'm back at school, and praying every class (5x a day- often joke I'm actually muslim, not catholic for that fact), you will be at the top of our list!
Comment by Pat Halverson on August 10, 2009 at 5:13pm
Lubabat, I am so sorry you are having to go through this! I am praying that all that love and light that you give to others, is coming back at you tenfold! Sending prayers and love your way for you to be well again soon!
Hugs, Pat
Comment by Cami Walker -- 29Gifts Founder on August 10, 2009 at 10:25am
Lubat, know that you're in my prayers daily. The body has incredible capacity to heal. When I was flat on my back with my MS, I used to watch my thoughts carefully and anytime something negative entered my mind, I would erase it by repeating over and over like: a mantra I am healing, I am healing, I am healing..
Comment by Mary Johnson on August 10, 2009 at 8:37am
I love you, LS, and I continue to send healing energy, positive vibes and lots of smiles your way! Your positive outlook, faith and consideration for others, (not to mention a HUGE support group), will bring you through this with grace. You have been an inspiration to me through your Smiley project. I'm so proud to "know" you and hope to meet you in person one day. YOU are a gift! For some good laughs, check out the caring bridge link to my brother-in-law's recent successful bout with his "bump in the road", should you get a chance. Like you, he's quite an inspiration. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregjohnson
Comment by Annette on August 10, 2009 at 8:10am
You are an inspiration more than you'll ever know Lubabat ........you have touched me as I analyze the small things that I let affect me !!! Please know that healing prayers are being sent your way .................Your friend ...Annette

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