Detective Jacob Grant Fundraiser

Over the last few days, it's come to light, that we have another police officer in need. Detective Jacob Grant, protected our community. And was injured. His family is now struggling. The Grant Family, could use the support of their community.

My Mom and I decided, to raise money for this family. Not just because the holidays are coming. And this family, has 2 small children. But because this officer, was injured. While on duty. And he is, part of our community. It's time, to take care, of him and his family. So they can focus on Detective Grant's recovery.

Just like we did for Officer Webster's Family, we will be fundraising for the Grant Family. I have been completely surprised, by the love our community has, for our first responders. I don't think, I've ever made so many blue beanies, in my life! If there is anything you liked from this post, let me know. And if there is anything you are looking for, let me know.

If you are local, don't forget to support this family. Buy a gift, for the young Grant kids. Go to a fundraiser. Donate a few dollars. I'm sure the family, will appreciate all the community support, love, and help! ❤❤❤

Officer Webster Fundraiser

On Tuesday, I shared with you, that we are raising money. For Officer Daniel Webster's family. I really believe, that this is a good cause. Something my Dad, would have gotten behind. Something that my Mom and I, are passionate about.

I made a few things, over the last couple of days. And I'm still working on some new items. Since I posted our plans on Facebook, I've received so many orders! Keep them coming. If there is anything you'd like to see, let me know. I want to raise as much money, for this family, as possible!

First of all, I've made more of these hearts. They have pins on the back of them. And they are $1, a piece.

I also made some headbands. The ones with the black flowers, are limited. So if you are interested, let me know, right away! The headbands are $3 each. Also, if you have any black or blue flowers to donate, let me know. I've got plenty of headbands. I just need the flowers.

This is a size 6-12 months beanie. We're asking $10, for it. While trying to take pictures of my beanies, I sold them all! At the park. I only have this one, and the next. But if you are interested in something else, let me know. I had made some beanies for boys. And some hats, with the earflaps too.

This is the only other beanie I have. Again, a 6-12 month size. With a large flower. We're selling this one, for $12.

 

And I have these coffee cup cozies. I'm asking $3 a piece. I've seen people use these, on their water bottles. And coffee cups, that you get at places like McDonald's, Starbucks, and the gas station.

There you go! As always, you can contact me on here, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. My goal is, to make our donation on Monday. But if I continue to get orders, I may push back the date, until the following week. Again, 100% of the profits made, will be donated to the Webster Family. Please support them! ❤❤❤

Caregivers

Caregivers are a special breed of humanity. They do so much. Behind the scenes. When no one else is around. When no one else would think of it. They're doing it.

November is National Caregivers Month. And I honestly think, without these selfless people, many sick individuals...well, they just wouldn't make it. Have you ever known a caregiver? Taken the time, to watch them? Or noticed the look in their eyes?

I have. I've watched many caregivers. In my line of work, it was one of the things, that always fascinated me. To watch this person, give everything, to the person they were caring for. Making sure, the person they were caring for ate, slept, was cleaned up, happy, and comfortable. It didn't matter, that they hadn't slept well, the night before. Or if they really could remember the last thing, they shoved down their throat. Who knows, when they last sat down, and ate a real meal. It's a miracle, if they find the time to shower. Rarely, are they comfortable. Everything, is about the person, they are taking care of.

Many people don't notice. Not during the time, that they are a caregiver. They don't see, how difficult it is, to just get through their day. They just know, that they have to get through it. And they do it. With love, care, and respect.

I was lucky, to watch a few caregivers, before my Dad got real sick. I watched them. Studied what they did. And made mental notes. On the really tough days, I would think about those little things. And I prayed a lot. A LOT! Folks, it's how I got through most of my days. I prayed.

Thinking back, I'm not 100% sure, how I did it all. Or how I thought, I could do it forever. Or even, how I survived the tough days. But when you are "in it," you just know, you have to do it. You have to be there. Present in every single second. No matter what your needs are, the other person's are greater.

It was a tough time. I never realized it, at the time. Only now. When I step back, and look at every single thing, I had to go through. But one thing is for certain, if the need arose again, I'd be there. 100%! And if my Dad had needed care, for 10 years. I would have done it. I would do it, for longer. Because that's the kind of love, I have for him.

Caregivers don't always feel the love. They don't understand, everything that is happening. Or why it is happening. They just know, there is someone that needs help. And they want to be that person. Who gives the help.

I think back, to friends that have had to care for their sick kids. Or sick spouse. I think about aunts who have cared for their spouse, parent, or loved one. I watched cousins, care for their parent or grandparent. I've seen perfect strangers, care for their sick child. Or sick parent. The same qualities come, across the board. Patients, caring, kindness, selflessness, and compassion.

It's a tough road. A tough life. And often, a duty that goes unnoticed. Caregivers, can often times, get "lost" in their new role. Forget about themselves. About their own health, well-being, and needs. Some can become depressed. And others, just forget, there is life outside the other person's needs.

Remember, to Thank a caregiver. If you have one in your life, surprise them. With a visit. Maybe suggest, that you take their role, for an hour. And let them take a nap, go for a walk, or just have some alone time. If that isn't possible, show up with a small gift. Or maybe a meal. Offer to help with laundry, cleaning, or some other chore.

I think about this a lot. I know, I will NEVER look at another caregiver, in the same way. I'll ALWAYS, want to extend a hand. Let the other person know, I'm here. It can, at times, feel like a lonely club. But it is one, that I'm most proud to be in. To know, I've given so much of myself, to help another person. Just remember that, the next time, you see a caregiver. They're probably giving everything they have, to that person, they are taking care of. EVERY. SINGLE. THING! ❤❤❤

Officer Daniel Webster

Today, we are Albuquerque Strong! We lost a police officer, just days ago. He fought for his life, and ultimately, was called home. Rest in Peace, Officer Webster.

I never knew Officer Webster. But there was something about his story, that called to my Mom and I. And we decided to use, some of our scholarship money, to help his family. To show our support, for what they do for us. Officer Webster's wife, is also a Bernalillo County Deputy.

Last week, I made a bunch of these blue hearts. I attached pins to the back. And sold them for $1. At the Growers' Market. Almost immediately, we sold out. $25 made, in less than 10 minutes. Goes to show, the support our community has, for our fallen hero. I've made more. And will be adding some pictures, on here and Facebook, of other items I'm making.

All the sales, will be donated back to the Webster Family. My Mom and I, have talked about this. And decided, this is what my Dad would have done. Had he still been alive, my Dad would have already made a donation. Of a few hundred dollars. Because, that's what he did. He gave back to his community. He support them. And rallied behind them.

You see, my Dad was a little bit of a softy. When it came to local law enforcement. Actually, anyone that asked him for help. If my Dad ever got a call from the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department, or the Albuquerque Fire Department, he couldn't say no. Whether it was for active duty, or the retirees, my Dad donated.

It made me cry, just recently. I went to look at some papers, and came across a folder. Where my Dad kept all these bumper stickers, from all these agencies. They were all supporting our local first responders. Saying Thank You, for your donations. And all these letters. For years and years. It made me realize, just how much my Dad, loved his community.

When we first heard of Officer Webster's story, it touched my Mom and I. Because my Dad was so passionate, about helping out. Supporting his first responders. Because over the past few years, we've gotten to know so many of these people. Personally. Along with the ambulance drivers.

My Mom and I, have gone out to as many fundraisers, as possible. Stood in line, for hours, for a pizza. My Mom donated blood. We've tried to rally behind this family. Because Officer Webster, was a good man. Trying to make, our community, a better place.

Over the next few days, I'll be adding more items for sale. Sticking with the "Blue Theme." As our city is being painted blue, for our local Superman. And on Monday, I'll be making a donation, of all the money raised. If you would like to purchase anything, let me know. Here on the blog, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook.

 

If you are local, remember to wear blue today. Change your porch light, to a blue one. Or add a blue ribbon to your home. Today, our community says goodbye, to a good man. Thank You Officer Webster! You have done your community proud! ❤❤❤

Thank You!!!

Weeks ago, when I loaded up our crafts, for our First Growers' Market...I never realized, how much support we'd get. Saturday, was our last day, of the season. And as I look back on these few weeks, I realize that you guys, made it a success!

I can't even begin to tell you, how many people, came out to support us. Even on the cold days. Like Saturday. I'd see smiling faces. I'd take orders. I'd sell items. There were new people to meet. Old faces, to reminisce with. It was a joy!

So many of the nurses, that we'd gotten to know. They supported us, each and every week. They'd bring me a warm drink. Or a snack. They'd come to share stories with me. About my Dad. And they'd purchase items from us.

 

And all those early mornings, in the cold, were well worth it! We did so much fundraising. Spread our message. And touched many hearts. I feel blessed. To know, that people are supportive. As passionate, as I am. About our cause. And remember my Daddy. With love, in their hearts.

This entire journey, is for him. My Daddy. My Hero. And now, my Angel. We started this foundation, together. And I will carry it, for him. I will continue his work. Will try to reach his goals. And work hard, to make his dreams, come true.

I thought of my Daddy, every single morning. As I unloaded boxes, tables, and that tent. Well before, the sun had rose. It wasn't all bad. I had so much fun too. First and foremost, getting our message out. Raising money. And meeting new people.

The other vendors, were amazing! From the very first day! They welcomed me, and our cause, with open arms. They made a difference in my life. Helped to sell our goods. Spread the word. Helped me, to find, other places to sell. And were just kind. Thank You, to any of you, who are reading this. It doesn't seem like enough. But Thank You!

You see, these people became my friends. I looked forward to seeing them, every week. And talking to them. We shared food. Lots of food! Funny stories. And they ALWAYS sent me home, with fresh produce. More than anything, I enjoyed their company.

It's during these difficult times, that God sends us, the people we need. He makes sure, that we have, support. And love. I'm grateful, for all of it. And for the ability, to raise money. For our cause. To continue to work toward, our goals. And I look forward, to next season. All the amazing people. And the many people, we can reach, with our message! ❤❤❤