As many of you will know, my mum struggled with her fight against cancer and died in March 2008. Obviously this had a major impact on my life, and an impact that would never be possible to be put in to words. Throughout her time of illness she was helped by Macmillan Cancer Support (www.macmillan.org.uk) in various ways. Her nurse was great with her, and the people we met in the hospital were lovely and cared for us, as well as her, at a time of need. There's no way I can get the life of my mum back, and I couldn't deal with that happening for many reasons. I don't feel up for a religious/moral debate just now, however! There's no way I can pay back Macmillan for the work that they did, or Maggies Cancer Care Centres for their influence, or the Borders General Hospitial or anyone else for that matter. So, I won't try to pay them back but I will try to support them in their work now, and in the future. Already each month I donate to Macmillan but every so often I feel that it is time to do something more and make an effort. A direct debit doesn't take much out of me!
'Silence'
That is what is going to happen. On the 13th March 2011, I will be having a designated quiet day. I say 'silence' and not silence, because although my mouth will not be leading to words, my phone won't be leading to texts, my laptop won't be leading to emails, I shall still have thoughts, feelings and emotions to live with. They, to me, are not silent.
This date marks the first Sunday in lent, my last Sunday off work until November and the 3 year anniversary of the day my mum made her way to comfort. What can I learn from this day? Isn't life about learning? Every day we learn, and on this day I am challenging myself more than normal to learn in new ways. To learn about the world, communication, faith, relationships, worship, support, empathy, heaven, listening, earth, words, myself... The list is endless. Learning.
Please, if you would like to help me in my quiet day and would like to help Macmillan continue to work they do, follow this link: www.justgiving.com/lornabowry13 If you would like to donate cash/cheque, please speak to me. If you would like to support through written word, prayer, song, quiet with me, or anything else, it'd be lovely to know. No matter how you support, even if it is just to read this, then thank you.
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After reading this I too would like to offer the Macmillan Cancer charity my support. I do a lot of cycling for Breast Cancer research, and I have another ride coming up this year. I'll get in touch with them and see if they can sling some tops my way. Give them some publicity and create some awareness
ReplyDeletePeace x
R
Lorna, if you ask Fiona she will tell you I love books and can usually put my hand on one for each occassion. The following are from A Book of Blessings - "May you enjoy time alone: beside the wide sea, beneath the far stars, in the sun's warm rays, in the gentle rain. And may God who is in the spaces bless your walking on the good earth". and "Listening God we thank you for the blessing of silence. Silence of sunrise. Silence of mist on the hills. Silence of listening. Silence at the end of the story. Silence between notes of music. Silence between friends".
ReplyDeleteAs you spend the day in silence remember that we are there with you in spirit. God Bless you. Maddie
Lorna, will support you in prayer on that day (but not just then). May you sense being wrapped in the loving arms of God. Denis
ReplyDeleteI assume you mean lent rather than advent...
ReplyDeleteI will join you in silence on 13th March, and continuing prayer, and listening, and so I hope, help hold in spirit all that needs to be held. x~x~x~with the love of circles of handsx~x~x~
ReplyDeleteMarthax~x~x~x~