I started helping her because she is alone, has no insurance, no car and I couldn't imagine going through cancer that way. See I had a whole community (Marietta, GA) helping me. They sent me gifts, they baked food, they gave us gift certificates to go out to eat, they prayed, they made donations on my behalf, and my bff drove me to every chemo and was there any time I needed a laugh. I had someone to listen any time I needed to speak. My husband held me when I needed to breakdown. I didn't have to worry about the cost of a pill or whether I could make it to an appointment. I had insurance that was covering most of the cost. Olivia doesn't have any of that. Sure she has some people helping out occasionally, but most days are quiet. So quiet in fact that a radio is at the top of her wish list. (Which I will get to later)
Olivia, is a good person. Does she have some problems? Yes. Has she made some questionable decisions in her past? Yes. We all have! That doesn't mean we should just leave her without help!
Olivia's biggest fault is that she hasn't asked for help. She sits in her trailer and "NEEDS" things, but no one knows. We get busy with our day to day lives and forget about the ones that need us most. I have said all along in this blog, that the biggest thing that has helped me through this past year, is knowing I had people there to help. They were there because I shared my story. Just as I hope my story has helped others, that are now walking in my shoes.
You don't realize what scared is, until you walk in those shoes. But still, even at that; I don't realize and can't imagine the Doctors telling me that it is nearing the end and to call in hospice. I can't imagine having to talk to hospice myself and make the directives. I remember doing that for my dad, but we would have never subjected him to that train of thought.
Sit back and think, have you ever been alone? REALLY, alone? Now think about the worse thing you have ever been through, were you alone? I can honestly say, no, I never have. Even when I thought I was alone, I truly wasn't. I have always had my sister, my family, my kids. It felt dark, but it really wasn't, I had people around that could come in and turn on the lights for me. So now I sit here reflecting on Olivia, and the unknowns out there like her. What can I do? How can I make her Christmas better? First, I can share her story, because I know it! Second, I can do what I can- I don't have extra money right now, because I am still out of work on medical leave, but I have set up a donation website for Olivia. Plus, she has the wish list I was talking about and I can help put that together and get it to her.
My husband and I were going to do something different for Christmas this year, because we are celebrating early with our kids. We were looking for a family to cook for and deliver their Christmas dinner. I found out yesterday that Beverly, my friend from Marietta, is going to Brewton. So guess who we get to cook for??? Olivia! Beverly is going to deliver Olivia's gifts (items from her wish list) and food for her. We are so excited that we are able to make her smile for Christmas. I just wish we lived closer so I could deliver it myself, but I am so thankful for the Norton's for helping me out. Plus, Olivia wants to see her grandmother, who is in assisted living, so Beverly is giving her a ride over there, as well.
Olivia knows her time here is short. She is scared, but she believes in God and knows that heaven awaits. Her message that she most wants everyone to know is that, "If you know anyone with cancer or is sick, help them. Help by praying, or help in anyway you possibly can, even if you can't help financially. We need to all come together and stand strong for one another, even if you don't know them. AND by all means, don't kick someone while they are down. She wants us all to read her favorite bible verse, 1st Corinthians 13 and try our best to live our lives by The Word."
If you want to help with Olivia's Wish List, please pick an item and let me know what you will be donating. I will need the items by Monday. Text me at 678 333-4355 if you have questions or need to mail it directly to her.
1. Cards and Letters, she loves getting mail! Add a stamp, so she can write you back.
2. A radio, the silence is depressing and she loves music
3. Long socks, scarves, gloves, she stays cold all the time.
4. She needs her glasses fixed, I don't know how to handle that one.
5. DVD's, she loves horror films, and disney/pixar cartoons. She has a real old dvd player, but doesn't have cable or Internet.
6. Necessities like toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags, soap, etc.
7. Christmas presents- she spent Thanksgiving alone and depressed. I want her to have presents to unwrap. That wasn't on her list- I added it.
8. Food- I am adding that one too- if you are cooking any good ole southern vegetables this weekend, please wrap up any leftovers, label them and freeze them. I want her to have some Southern Home Cooking to pull out of the freezer and heat up.
8. Most of all she wants your prayers and she wants you to pass on this Christmas Spirit to anyone you know that may be going through the same thing she is, right now.
You can drop these items off on my front porch or text me to get her address-
Christmas is not about getting gifts- it's about what you can GIVE!! Let's give Olivia the gift of comfort- let her know she is not alone! As I sit here and ponder, what would be my wish list, if I had to call in hospice? Her's is so simple- it's comfort and warmth. Olivia, you are an amazing and strong woman. The people that have not been there for you should learn from your strength and faith.
Thank you to the Norton's, Lisa, and Pat- who are already helping me, before the blog is even written! You are giving and loving people, but I knew that from when I was going through cancer!
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