Prayer List

I get a lot of e-mails (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), Facebook messages, and Instagram messages. Many that break my heart. Many that are inspirational. And many, that just need to be read. Over the last 13 months, I've realized, the Cancer Community is a large one. One that, once you are a part of, you are a lifetime member. It never really leaves you. And you are drawn to others, like yourself.

I've also seen the need for prayer. Many people will tell me, their stories. And just ask, that I pray for them. And as time has gone on, I've noticed more and more of these. So I want to start something new. On the 20th of every month, I want to ask for your prayer requests.

Why the 20th? It's the anniversary, of my Dad's passing. And I don't want the date, to forever be a somber one. I want it to have more meaning. Something positive. So on the 20th of every month,  I'll post a little prayer, and ask, that you post your requests. I'll keep all these requests, in my prayers, over the month.

And it doesn't have to be about cancer. Whatever your struggles are. Please let me pray for you. If you and your loved ones are struggling. If someone you know is ill. If you just need an extra prayer. Leave a message. Let me know, what you need.

I know that prayer, is very powerful. It has carried me, and my family, when we've needed it most. We've been so blessed, to have so many people, pray for us. And I want to provide the same comfort, to someone else. Please don't be shy. Post your prayer requests below. And if you don't want your prayers posted, in the comments, feel free to e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com) them to me. ❤❤❤

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 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! ❤❤❤

The Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Our last BIG Announcement, is the one I'm most proud of. The one, that I've worked hardest, over the last few months, to be able to offer. The Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Scholarship Fund. For $500. To be awarded, to a 2015-2016 APS graduating Senior.

I've talked about it, here and here. How my Dad's passion, was with the youth of his community. How he, wanted them to succeed. In so many ways, he did his best, to see that happen. Donating buses, money, and time...to these students.

Here's a little background. My Dad, only had an eighth grade education. He left school, to help support his family. Blue was the eldest son, in his family, of thirteen kids. Later in his life, he'd regret not going further in school. But he'd never let that, hold him back.

Blue was passionate about education. I knew that first hand. As his daughter, my first and only priority growing up, was my education. All the other activities, that I was involved in, came second to my education.

My Dad told me many times, he wished he would have finished school. At least 12th grade. But his education, took him far in life. He was a successful business owner, for 45 years. What he didn't know, he'd seek out. He'd ask people. And would learn along the way. In his words, "I learned in the school of hard knocks. I don't want that for you. Or for all these other kids."

Years ago, during my freshman year in college, my Dad and I talked about his legacy. What he wanted to be remembered for. What he wanted to leave behind. 14 years ago, I promised my Dad, that I'd do this for him. I'd put together a scholarship fund, in his name. To benefit his community. And honor his lifetime of service.

Maybe that's the reason, I'm most passionate, about this scholarship. I see how far, my Dad, went in his life. On his eighth grade education. And I can only imagine, how far he could have gone, on a college education.

In my heart, I know his success, was based off of will. Pure will, to do better, in his life. But education, would have also allowed more. And he always knew that fact. It's probably the reason, he pushed me, so far in life.

During my time in school, I had many opportunities to attend private schools. And later, private colleges. But my Dad's community, was central to his life. And he believed, in public education. And I'm so glad he did. I'm a proud graduate of New Mexico schools. I'm very proud to say, that I received my first two degrees, from a New Mexico University.

 

Education is a gift. Truly, I believe this. My Dad, single handed, gave me this gift. He valued education. And taught me, how to value it as well. I'll ALWAYS be grateful, to my Dad, for this. For valuing what I learned, every single day, in school. For making books, such a beautiful gift. For realizing, education was my gateway, to a better life.

It's the one thing in life, that people can't ever take away from me. What I've learned. My academic achievements. Those experiences. I'm so grateful, and thankful, to my Dad...for the education I've received. It will ALWAYS be with me. And I'm so proud, to make my Dad's vision, come to life!

Our scholarship is open to all APS graduating seniors. With a 3.0GPA, 20 hours of community service, and who will be attending a New Mexico University in Fall 2016. I've sent applications out, to the APS High Schools. But if you are in need of one, please feel free to contact me here, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Our deadline is, May 1, 2016.

I'm so honored and proud, about the Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Memorial Scholarship. And I look forward to reading all the applications. And hopefully, making a positive influence, on someone's life.

Please pass this information along. We'd LOVE to reach as many students as possible. After all, it was Blue's vision, to see all kids have the opportunity, of a college education. No matter their background, their financial situation, or the fact that they attended an APS school. He wanted all the children in Albuquerque, to have the same opportunities. ❤❤❤

The Love For Blue Community Scholarship Fund

Our second scholarship, is a community based scholarship. Like I said yesterday, my Dad was so passionate about kids. His community, meant the world to him. He wanted the people, from Albuquerque, to excel.

The Love for Blue Community Scholarship, is a $250 scholarship. This scholarship is for any person, team, or organization, in the Albuquerque area. We are looking for teams and organizations, that work with children. And for people, doing community work, in the Albuquerque area.

We have been very blessed, to have raised more money, that we first expected. And would like to continue, my Dad's work. In our community. My Dad was so very passionate, about his hometown. About being a resident of, the South Valley. And having the ability, to help others. It's where my heart also lays. In this place, reaching out, to the members of our community...that need a "hand up."

For years and years, my Dad donated money to the APD, AFD, and BCSD. Any group or organization, that needed help, knew to come ask my Dad. He would donate to schools, sports teams, individuals, symphonies, students, organizations in our community, and so many more. I truly don't think, my Dad knew how to say "No."

My Dad's passion, came from being a lifelong resident, of Albuquerque's South Valley. He wanted to see his community, become stronger. To see the children, go further in life. He wanted to make his hometown, a better place. And he would do anything, to see that happen.

My Dad, was truly a role model, for "Pay it Forward." He knew, how lucky he was. And blessed. Blue, only had an eighth grade education. But he had a work ethic, like no one I've ever met. He'd work from 3AM-10PM. Every single day!

And Blue never wanted to see kids, do without. Have to leave school. Or suffer. He wanted the kids in his community, to have the chances in life, that he hadn't had. He didn't just provide for his own family. He worked for his community. To do these things, for the people he was passionate about.

Like I said, this scholarship is open, to the greater Albuquerque area. For organizations, teams, or individuals, who work with our youth. And to groups, that do community work.

If you are interested, please e-mail me at LoveForBlue2015@aol.com, leave me a message here, or contact me on Facebook. So I can get you an application. The deadline is May 1, 2016. And the winner, will be picked by my Mom and I. And again, we only ask that the winner, make some cards...that we can deliver to the Presbyterian Cancer Center. ❤❤❤