Take a Second...

and reflect.
Take a second and breathe.
Take a moment and be grateful for what you have.
Take a moment and love and be loved.
Take a moment and appreciate the life you have.

It's a sad time.  A UIC Soccer athlete who played for the Flames when I was a student was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 28 in November, 2010.  18 months later, on April 10, 2012 he passed away, months away from his 30th birthday. I last saw Patrick at his fundraiser in April 2011.  Not knowing I had cancer at that time, I saw a brave man that exuded positivity and grace. Patrick was in a motorized wheel chair and his body and its' function had began to deteriorate.  He had no control of his speech and his movement.  But he still had his mind, his will power and the sparkle and charm in his eyes. He was always, ALWAYS, a kind person when we spoke in the past during our college years and even in April when I last saw him.  It's unfortunate that he was dealt a shitty hand.  To be diagnosed with an incurable disease at such a young age is awful.  He was the youngest to be diagnosed in his home town in New Mexico where he spent the rest of his twenties.  My heart goes out to his family and his close friends.    The message I want to be taken away from this is that our life is very precious.  My hate for disease is greater now more than ever.  But I won't let that get in the way of living my life.  Patrick was an inspiration.  He knew his time was short after being diagnosed but he educated the world about ALS, his fight and his spirit. I didn't know him as well as others but I did know that he was loved by many. His shining energy glistened every second of his life. He is an inspiration and will always inspire, from up above.  And he will continue to shine.

http://www.krqe.com/dpp/sports/former-lobo-soccer-star-dies-from-als

Dear Dad

Dear Dad,

Two years today. You left our world. You entered your new world with your Savior. I miss you.  We all miss you. I miss your smile, that was so very charming.  I miss your jingles that you would sing.  I miss the days you would pace with the worry beads in your hand. I oddly miss the times I would get mad at you for smoking. I miss the nights when you would put a blanket on me after falling asleep on the couch. I miss your mid afternoon phone calls while at work. I miss the upbeat voicemails you would leave me.  I miss your desires for a Whopper at Burger King. I miss you sitting on the front porch greeting all our neighbors. I miss your warm heart. I miss you. You weren't the "picture perfect" dad for reasons out of your control, but you were the dad with the heart of gold, that cared and loved us deeply. You are the dad that watches me from above.  You are my guardian angel from up above that protected me during my cancer journey.  I often wonder what you would have done or have said during my fight with cancer.  I will never know but I do know you would've cared and loved me uncontrollably.  Dad, it's a crazy world.  You left us and then I was diagnosed 1 year later. How could all of this happen to me?  All with months of each other?  I know not to dwell on these questions and waste my time or thoughts, but I often wonder and let the thought slip away, especially when I think of you, knowing that you are protecting me. Dad,  I carry you with me everyday.  I am loved by family and friends that get me through each day. You protect Mom, Helen, Hilda, Layla, and Morgan. You protect my friends and close family members who care for and love me.   Year 2 is harder than year 1.  But I know you will get me through this.   I hope you see the candle that Minos and I lit for you today.  It's shining bright! I miss you! I love you!

Love always and forever,
Noura Bondoura aka Noreen