Every October

It is windy today!

Fall is blowing swiftly over the mountains in Colorado, surely to be followed by an abrupt and cold winter. For now though, the leaves are drying up and flittering down from their branches with a gusto. It is October; harvest. The season conjures thoughts of apple spices and cold bed sheets and red beer.

My mother's diagnosis came three years ago, around this time. Every October since, I am reminded of her struggle with breast cancer.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and okay, maybe there is something a little cheesy about dedicating a single month out of the year for giving our attention to the subject. Nevertheless, I cannot separate thoughts of fall from thoughts of cancer.

After radiation, endless experimental treatments and strong medications, she is in remission. Life feels close to normal, again, but it is a little different, now. Now, we are empowered and compelled; looking for ways to turn this around. 

I guess it's true that about 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life. That is a huge statistic! The reality is, there are millions of women out there that are going through their own battle, right now. We have been blessed with some insight into recovery and have been given the beautiful opportunity to offer it up in support of the cause. 

So we've all heard of the Susan G. Komen foundation and the National Breast Cancer Coalition; they are doing incredible things for the cause. I wanted to sing the praises of an organization that is a little less known, but doing so much good for young women who have been touched by breast cancer and who offer some fantastic opportunities for those who want to get involved in the fight. 

Young Survival Coalition or YSC is an organization that exists more specifically for younger women who are diagnosed with the disease; that is to say, women who fall prey under the age of 40. YSC holds events like yoga retreats, wine tastings and charity walks to raise money and awareness, as well as educate and support those who are working through this disease.

To learn more about YSC or to make a donation, visit: http://www.youngsurvival.org/

What are you doing this month in support of the cancer survivor in your life?
Hm....wine tasting, you say?

Called to Serve

The day before our wedding, my husband, Aaron and I, sat down for a little marriage counseling with Dr. Love.

Seriously.

Dr. Rick Love, my husband's uncle, a brilliant man of God, who was going to marry us the following day, sat before us in a loud cafe, sipping carefully at his piping hot espresso. He began to read from his pocket bible, scripture on marriage.

"Your union is pleasing to God," He said. He seemed to take satisfaction in it, too.

He presented us with a list, the five factors that he considered to be the most important pillars of a successful marriage. The list consisted of some pretty basic elements - communication, patience, respect - of course, all things we had heard before. He then proceeded to offer two rather unique bits of advice, that stood out to us. He said: Find Jesus and find a way to serve together. It hadn't occurred to me before, that serving others, alongside my husband, could bring us closer together, but when he said it, I knew it would be true.

Fast forward a bit, Aaron and I just celebrated our one year anniversary, only a few short weeks after giving birth to a son. A new house, a new job, a new baby; we've had a busy year, and yet, I am disappointed to admit that we have contributed nothing to either the fourth or the fifth pillars on Dr. Love's list.

So, in an effort to take the first step in the right direction, for myself and for my marriage, I am opening up a new, ongoing conversation. 'All the Good Things' is now a place to share stories and information about inspiring foundations, charities, non-profits, organizations and individuals.
I am hereby pledging to serve my family, friends and community for the good of my marriage, for the good of my own spirit and because, well, it is pleasing to God.
And I am hoping to hear about the things that inspire you, for whatever reason: co-ops, charity events, fundraisers, walk-a-thons. New projects or old projects.

Because, there is a lot of good going on out there...