Friday, January 30, 2009

What Gets me through the tough ones

So, usually I don't use this blog as a kleenex to sob on but I figured that I would answer one of the questions people commonly ask me about my health situation...."How do you deal with this and stay positive?"

I figured I would put a list together of things that "get me through the day".

Jessica's smile
My family's unconditional love
The little corners of craziness each of my friends let me invade
Team Enji, Cori, Mo....Fuck yeah! (sorry for the swearing, it's a quote)
The kids and people I work with at Region 4...yes, even the ones that drive me nuts :)
Frenchie's attitude and success thus far in her own battle
Andrew Moritz's amazing attitude towards his own war
Tommie (my cat)
Watching the Dawgs...even if this year has almost been unbearable. Thank God for men's team
latte's
Duncan, Jill and Elise
Music from Adele, Coldplay, Alicia
Faith
My sisters from momma June and the ones from my step momma Coach G
Facebook
Obama

Those are all things that I hold close to my heart. On the REALLY tough days, when things seem a little hopeless, there is a poem that I read that brings me out of the darkness. It was given to me by another Melissa. She has helped me more than she will even know just by passing this along. Thanks MO!!!!

INVICTUS

OUT OF THE NIGHT THAT COVER ME.
BLACK AS THE PIT FROM POLE TO POLE
I THANK WHATEVER GODS MY BE
FOR MY UNCONQUERABLE SOUL.

IN THE FELL CLUTCH OF CIRCUMSTANCE
I HAVE NOT WINCED NOR CRIED ALOUD.
UNDER THE BLUDGEONINGS OF CHANCE
MY HEAD IS BLOODY, BUT UNBOWED.

BEYOND THIS PLACE OF WRATH AND TEARS
LOOMS BUT THE HORROR OF THE SHADE,
AND YET THE MENACE OF THE YEARS
FINDS AND SHALL FIND ME UNAFRAID.

IT MATTERS NOT HOW STRAIT THE GATE.
HOW CHARGED WITH PUNISHMENTS THE SCROLL
I AM THE MASTER OF MY FATE:
I AM THE CAPTAIN OF MY SOUL.

-WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY


Thank you.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Happy Birthday T-Town!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.....I could keep them coming but I guess you guys get the point. Today is a great day...it is the birthday of one, Miss Takiyah Jackson. If you don't know her, you are missing out. If you do, well then, you know how amazing she is. Last night I was fortunate enough to celebrate her birthday with her and her closest friends. She decided that she wanted to make this birthday special and throw a charity event. My foundation, The Melissa Erickson Foundation, was the lucky beneficiary. She really went all out for this event. Not only did she rent out an amazing location, Sole Repair, but she had a DJ, food, full bar, picture booth, slide show, raffle, trivia contest, and the AMAZING Choklate perform live. If you haven't heard of Choklate, you are really missing out. Her soulful voice and inspiring lyrics are smooth and melodic. She is a local woman who has garnered international attention and affection.

The love I felt last night was immeasurable. Takiyah's heart is huge! She is beautiful inside and out and I am honored to call her my friend. It was definitely a night to remember. I didn't get a chance to take pictures so hopefully I will be getting some from all of you photags out there *wink*.




THANKS AGAIN TAKIYAH...I LOVE YA!