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Kristy’s Kause | All about you! | Ways to help in troubled times | Valentine’s poetry

All About You!

It seems we never spend much time thinking about ourselves, our reflections or our hope for someday. With this in mind, we have two prompts for you do think about, reflect and if you're feeling a little ambitious, write down your thoughts. And best of all, the prompts will remind us of carefree summer days.

Chills & Thrills

What is (or was) your favorite amusement park ride? Can you parallel the experience of the ride with the ups and downs your life's course has taken? Does a distinct amusement park memory from your childhood come to mind--be it a negative or a positive one? If you could, how would you change what happened to you then? Why?

The Traveler

If you could go anywhere in the world, barring any limitations, where would you choose to go? Would you travel alone or with a companion? What time of year would you leave and for how long would you be gone? What was it that compelled you to choose the destination you did?

You

By Judith Burnett Schneider

Alone I think
   with you I ponder
Alone I sit
   with you I wander
Alone I donate
   with you I give
Alone I exist
   with you I live
Alone I touch
   with you I feel
Alone I'm true
   with you I'm real
Alone I glance
   with you I see
Alone I'm open
   with you I'm free
Alone I smile
   with you I grin
Alone I start
   with you I begin
Alone I question
   with you I'm sure
Alone I'm little
   with you I'm more
Alone I win
   with you I defeat
Alone I acquaint
   with you I meet
Alone I whimper
   with you I cry
Alone I'm up
   with you I'm high
Alone I'm down
   with you I'm sad
Alone I'm angry
   with you I'm mad
Alone I think
   with you I know
Alone I fade
   with you I go
Alone I attempt
   with you I try
Alone I dwindle
   with you I dye
Alone I push
   with you I shove
Alone I like
   with you I love.

Inspiration and Ways to Help

In these troubled times, reflection, sorrow, and worry are just a few of the emotions that run through our thoughts, our lives. We plant our feet in refreshed patriotic soil. We stand firm and tall in our quest for freedom. And we raise our arms in hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Our FranticWoman.com Web site enjoys visitors from across the globe. One such visitor, Ruby Mackay, has lived through the turbulent times of Desert Storm, the Viet Nam War, the Korean War and World War II. She writes:

The Eagle Soars

The eagle has been wounded
Its head is bowed in pain;
But be assured, you noble bird
That you will soar again.
Above our lovely country,
Whose skies will soon be free
Of treachery and terror
And will belong to thee.
Americans stand proud and tall
From sea to shining sea
The evil shall be overcome,
The good claim victory.

Ruby Mackay

And good HAS prevailed since September 11th, although it might be difficult to see at times. Everyone, from the man who delivers spring water to the woman baking doughnuts at the local bakery, has opened his or her heart to a renewed kindness — a concern for the well-being of our nation, the world and each other. Through all this turmoil, a suppressed sense of caring has been released. And it has become a contagion that will flourish and succeed in snuffing out the efforts of those with malicious intent. Thanks Ruby for your reflective, powerful words.

September 11th Resource Information

For blood donations, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or contact your local blood bank organization.

For monetary donations:
The United Way has established The September Eleventh Fund to help the victims and their families of the attacks. Please call 212-251-4035 for more information.

Call the American Red Cross at 1-(800) HELP-NOW or mail a donation to American Red Cross, PO Box, 37243 Washington DC 20013. Please specify September 11th Disaster Fund.

Kristy’s Kause

While a dear family friend, Kristy, lay suffering from the complications of esophageal cancer, she remained a truly dignified, remarkable woman. During her year-long battle, Kristy came to terms with many thing—including her familial, emotional and spiritual self. And all the while, she embodied selflessness.

It was Kristy’s wish to have all monetary donations in her honor directed toward a good cause—but not the one we all expected. Rather than wanting us to donate to cancer research, Kristy requested we give to the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Why?

Because her longtime friend’s son was born with a congenital heart disease, among other problems. After many surgeries, treatments and procedures, he—at the age of seven—was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His mother, father and three brothers would be flown to Walt Disney World in Florida for seven days of memorable fun.

Kristy so believed in the importance of this trip and what it would mean for her friend's family to spend such time together that she adopted the Make-A-Wish foundation as her charity of choice.

Ironically, Kristy succumbed to her cancer while her friend’s son and family vacationed in Florida—yes, on the Make-A-Wish trip.

Whenever I think back to silly, frantic moments spent with Kristy, I remember one thing. She always reminded me to keep “fun” as a priority.

And so, we carry on Kristy's wish, giving a sparkle of hope to children and their families who might not have otherwise had such hope without your help.

But how can you help? That’s easy! With every purchase of a Frantic Woman button, 100% of the profits from the sale will be donated directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in loving memory of Kristy Karol Warren (July 4, 1957 - July 7, 2000).

We thank you for supporting Kristy’s Kause and for touching the lives of special children in honor of a friend who always put others before herself.