I rarely know what I’m going to write before I get in bed (around midnight) and pull out my computer. Sometimes I don’t have any ideas, and sometimes a thought or a memory will lightly nudge me (for upwards of weeks) until my dense self realizes it’s probably God putting something on my heart to write about. Then I usually dilly-dally a few more days, and finally get to it after watching one too many episodes of Parks and Rec. Guys, I am SUCH a good listener. With that being said, the following sentence made its way into my head a few weeks ago, and I haven’t been able to get it out since.

Passion for a cause is often born from suffering. It’s certainly the case in my life. I want to be part of something that acknowledges and even honors the pain Eric and I experienced. I want to do something that keeps the memory of him alive for longer than it would be otherwise. I want what we went through to have mattered AND I want to see, here on Earth, why it mattered (do you hear that, God?!). And I absolutely want to be involved in advancing research so that one day people won’t have to worry about cancer in their bones. People can do great things when their passionate about a cause, and what gets you more passionate than your spouse dying….am I right?!!?

Since I’m pretty sure I missed my window into medical science, the best way I can think of to help, is to raise money for the research of Osteosarcoma. You may recall from a previous post that our Eagles for Eric team is going to be partnering with Van Andel Institute for fundraising events throughout the years to come. And if you don’t recall, scroll back a few posts…there’s some interesting stuff in that one about Eric’s tumor thriving in a petri dish! There’s a few events coming up (Griffins hockey game, and a Pop Scholars show at Long Road), and we will also be doing another golf outing later this year! All money raised from our events will be tax deductible and go directly to osteosarcoma research…I hope to see some of you at one! <<<widow guilt widow guilt widow guilt>>>

I’m incredibly excited about being involved with VAI…and not to brag or anything, but I was the top seller in magazine sales during elementary and middle school, so they’re lucky to have my mad skills.