One event that passed before my eyes was the International Travel Group trip to London and Paris. It brought back so many wonderful memories. It's hard to believe that it was only 5 months ago. In some ways it seems like yesterday and in other ways it seems like an eternity since we went. I also realized that I promised my reading posse that I would share stories with you when I got back, but it occurred to me that I never did. So, I'm going to rectify that situation and let you experience my trip through my old, deteriorating eyes. Of course, in order to do that, it will take many posts to do so.
Where to start? Which story to share first? That's easy! I'm going to begin with the most heart warming day of the trip. I have a wonderful sister-in-law, Dawn Frazee Wolford, who is waging a valiant war against breast cancer. She is so positive and amazing! She is my hero. Well, Dawn once mentioned that her dream vacation would be Paris. For whatever reason, I remembered that. So once our group was established, I asked them if they would be willing to wear pink on the day we went to the Eiffel Tower. I told them about Dawn and her dream and that I wanted to surprise her with a photo of every one in pink in her honor. What actually transpired was more than I could ever have imagined.
Wednesday morning we were scheduled to leave our hotel at 5:45 a.m. for the train station. We took the Eurostar to Paris. I was one of the last travelers to meet in the lobby...of course! Anyways, I was standing there just looking around at everyone else. They all were looking back and smiling. The next thing I knew, 28 people flashed me. Unbeknownst to me, the group had special t-shirts made to honor Dawn. It took me about 30 seconds to absorb what had happened. Then the water faucet turned on and I had the ugly cry going on. I was so amazed that they would honor someone they didn't even know in such a touching way. A special shout out to Stephi Lollo for designing the shirts. It was the first of many tears shed that day. Once we got to the Eiffel Tower, the tears came again! It was just so amazing.
As soon as we got back to the hotel, I posted the pictures on Facebook. It didn't take long for more tears to flow. God was blessing me that day because the time difference worked out just right and I was able to chat with Dawn on Facebook. The emotion in her words was overwhelming. She couldn't believe that 27 people who didn't know her would honor her in such a personal way. God's blessing were not done yet. She was able to share with me that her latest scans and tests results came back and they were good. She had no new growths, and her tumors had shrunk. More ugly crying!!!
The next morning at breakfast I was able to share with the group Dawn's wonderful news as well as relay her gratitude for their kindness. It was a another heart warming experience. What a great way to start the day! Sharing God's blessings with everyone!
When we returned to the Licking Valley, the students gave a community presentation about the trip. This time it was my turn to surprise them! I invited to Dawn to the event. I wanted the students to have the opportunity to meet Dawn and see for themselves what a great, positive person she is. I have to say there were more tears shed that night! Everyone loved the opportunity to meet each other.
Have I told you how blessed I am to work with such wonderful students? Have I told you how blessed I am to live in such a caring community? Have I told you how blessed I am? I am blessed to work and live in such a wonderful school and community.
Make Every Day Count......
Denise
PS: Since the posting of this blog entry, Dawn has found herself at the end of her life's journey and preparing to join God in Heaven. She has been such inspiration to so many through her courageous battle against such a hideous disease. She has never let the cancer define who she is. She is a great mother who has raised two beautiful daughters. She is a trusted friend. She is a daughter that any woman would be proud to call her own. She is a wonderful sister, wife, parishioner, and neighbor. She is an angel to everyone she meets. Her legacy will continue on by everyone who's life she touched. Sweet dreams Dawn.
Wednesday morning we were scheduled to leave our hotel at 5:45 a.m. for the train station. We took the Eurostar to Paris. I was one of the last travelers to meet in the lobby...of course! Anyways, I was standing there just looking around at everyone else. They all were looking back and smiling. The next thing I knew, 28 people flashed me. Unbeknownst to me, the group had special t-shirts made to honor Dawn. It took me about 30 seconds to absorb what had happened. Then the water faucet turned on and I had the ugly cry going on. I was so amazed that they would honor someone they didn't even know in such a touching way. A special shout out to Stephi Lollo for designing the shirts. It was the first of many tears shed that day. Once we got to the Eiffel Tower, the tears came again! It was just so amazing.
As soon as we got back to the hotel, I posted the pictures on Facebook. It didn't take long for more tears to flow. God was blessing me that day because the time difference worked out just right and I was able to chat with Dawn on Facebook. The emotion in her words was overwhelming. She couldn't believe that 27 people who didn't know her would honor her in such a personal way. God's blessing were not done yet. She was able to share with me that her latest scans and tests results came back and they were good. She had no new growths, and her tumors had shrunk. More ugly crying!!!
The next morning at breakfast I was able to share with the group Dawn's wonderful news as well as relay her gratitude for their kindness. It was a another heart warming experience. What a great way to start the day! Sharing God's blessings with everyone!
When we returned to the Licking Valley, the students gave a community presentation about the trip. This time it was my turn to surprise them! I invited to Dawn to the event. I wanted the students to have the opportunity to meet Dawn and see for themselves what a great, positive person she is. I have to say there were more tears shed that night! Everyone loved the opportunity to meet each other.
Have I told you how blessed I am to work with such wonderful students? Have I told you how blessed I am to live in such a caring community? Have I told you how blessed I am? I am blessed to work and live in such a wonderful school and community.
Make Every Day Count......
Denise
PS: Since the posting of this blog entry, Dawn has found herself at the end of her life's journey and preparing to join God in Heaven. She has been such inspiration to so many through her courageous battle against such a hideous disease. She has never let the cancer define who she is. She is a great mother who has raised two beautiful daughters. She is a trusted friend. She is a daughter that any woman would be proud to call her own. She is a wonderful sister, wife, parishioner, and neighbor. She is an angel to everyone she meets. Her legacy will continue on by everyone who's life she touched. Sweet dreams Dawn.
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