I've been away for awhile. Summer seems to mean less work, more play. In my case, it means more time with two teenage boys. Hopefully, you are busy as well enjoying your summer with loved ones and some much needed time off.
This past week I was reminded how blessed I am to have a healthy 17 year-old boy who has his whole life in front of him. Blake had to get his wisdom teeth out and when I met him in recovery, he was still loopy from the sedative. For a moment, he looked little again...my precious little boy. I sat next to him while he laid on his side with a blanket and a mouth full of gauze. He was told to bite down on the guaze but my son insisted on trying to talk. Imagine trying to talk with your tongue between your front teeth!
Taking care of my son this past week during his recovery, reminded me that in the scope of things, we are very fortunate. In comparison, a child who has cancer, is fighting for her life or making the most of her time left. I met one of these brave young souls through a group called "Spirit Jump". A group that began with two cancer survivors who wanted to reach out to others fighting cancer and give them hope and strength with cards, gifts, and words of encouragement. Those needing their "spirits" lifted are the jumpees, and those who pass on these sentiments are the "spirit jumpers".
Well, I am a proud Spirit Jumper now and that is how I came to meet Sammie Hartsfield. Sammie is a 9 year old girl who was diagnosed in 2006 with Osteosarcoma in her femur . She has been through all possible treatments and unfortunately nothing else can be done. She is now on hospice care at home. When Spirit Jump heard about Sammie, they reached out to their jumpers, asking for volunteers to visit her Caringbridge web site to lift her spirits.
I also met a woman named Jenny who has ovarian cancer and is currently in the hospital with a failing liver. Spirit Jump reached out again asking if anyone could visit Jenny or send her mail to her hospital address. What is unique about Jenny is that she doesn't get many visitors and so she's fighting her battle alone.
All this brings back a bittersweet memory for me. One of my best friends from childhood was diagnosed with Leukemia when she was 13 yrs old. At 15, she lost the battle and passed away. This loss affected my life very deeply. I remember her often and have shared her story with my children. When I read about Spirit Jump, I knew I could help make a difference.
All spirit jumps are sent via "snail mail" which really appeals to me. I have always been a pen pal of sorts. As a child, I wrote to my grandparents regularly and the habit just stuck with me. My grandparents are gone now but I have boxes full of letters to remember them by. My grandparents kept my letters as well so now I have those too. I cherish these memories and reflect fondly on how my grandpa always started his letters with the current weather report in Franklin, Maine where he lived.
When you send something to a jumpee, its not what you send that matters. The mission is to lift their spirits, to give them strength to face another day in their battle against cancer. So far, I have sent cards but I find it a creative challenge deciding what to send to let that person know I care about them. It may sound corny but Spirit Jump receives numerous emails and letters expressing their thanks and appreciation for so much kindness and compassion. These spirit jumps give the jumpees something to look forward to during the long, hard days.
If you would like to read more about this amazing organization, click here: "Spirit Jump". They welcome new jumpers every day and if you know of someone who can benefit from one of these jumps, then let them know that too. Until next time, enjoy your summer and keep on treasure hunting!
Here's a short video clip about Spirit Jump.
Very touching!
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