Post by markcameron on Sept 10, 2014 14:54:42 GMT -5
Team Cameron,
It's been an interesting 10 years. That afternoon of September 11, 2004 has given me a completely different lifestyle. Obviously not quite what I was planning in fact, I would've never thought I could do 10 years. Looking back I know for certain these 10 years would have been so much more difficult had it not been the love and kindness of family, friends and complete strangers. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not reminded of how fortunate I am to have such an incredible support group.
I remember those days in the hospital when so many people sent me well wishes on this blog. It was before the web sites Caring Bridges and Facebook were around. I didn't understand why so many people were involved or even knew about my accident. There was a brief period (about three days) that I wouldn't let my family read your posts to me. I was so overwhelmed with the pressure I put on myself to succeed that I couldn't imagine what I was going to do if I failed both myself and all of you. I remember telling my sister that "I could not fail with all of you watching me."is She assured me that everyone was here for my support. I tried to explain that I was worried that if I failed I would fail you as well. After those three days of self-reflection and coming to grips with the support I was getting from close friends, old friends and complete strangers I realized that with a lot of effort on everyone's part I could do what needed to be done.
Sure I may have been doing all the work but you guys definitely lightened my load. It was about that time that you got together for the first fundraiser. I got phone calls that night from the party that I wish I could have attended in person but new you are all there to help me. Since then we have had dozens of parties and fundraisers and I cannot explain how overwhelming each of them are to me. I want to thank all of you for your emotional, physical and financial efforts to help me. I'm one lucky guy to have each of you in my corner.
A couple of weeks ago I met a young couple that had lost a child and were nearing the one year anniversary of their loss. I told them I was coming up on my 10 year anniversary of my accident. I told them about my nine year anniversary and how I had invited people to stop by my house for cupcakes. I explained that I was aware people were thinking about me but just didn't know how to make “the call” on September 11 to show their support. I thought offering cupcakes would give them the opportunity to stop by and say hi or an excuse to call and decline my offer but just say hello. Admit it, cupcakes are a great icebreaker. I would have offered bacon sandwiches but cupcakes are easier and I'm not as likely to eat two or three in an afternoon.
I suggested to the young couple to try the same approach. I know every September 11 I get a dozen or so phone calls from my support and there are two or three times that many people wanting to call but unsure what to say. Although our anniversaries are two completely different meanings, mine a survival and there's obviously a loss, the support from friends and loved ones is always there. Sometimes the friends and loved ones need a reason to break the ice. It gives the caller a reason to call and show their support without having to broach the obvious subject.
If you haven't heard, Mom and Dad are moving. Downsizing from a five-bedroom house where they lived for 45 years and raised seven kids to a two-bedroom house where they can relax a little. Over the last couple of weeks my dad and I have been organizing a 45 year accumulation of tools and other stuff. This year on September 11, my 10 Year Anniversary you can find me at my parent’s house. We're having a garage sale. If you call leave a message but if you're out and about stop by to say hi and do a little shopping. We have yard tools, a dozen hammers, miscellaneous sockets, more rat-tail files than anyone needs and a couple well-used tool benches along with the indoor stuff from my mom's collecting. Feel free to swing by the house I won't promise cupcakes or bacon sandwiches but if you leave without a coffee cup or a 5/8th Craftsman socket it is your own fault.
According to my calculations I was invited to speak in front of 12 audiences over the last 12 months. A majority of those were middle schools and I'm hoping that number will grow over the next 12 months. I have a new group schedule in October, it's another School of Nursing in midtown Kansas City. I always look forward to talking with the nursing students it feels good to know I'm educating and I hope to reach out to more nursing schools. I additionally enjoy speaking with the middle school audiences, I like the feedback not only from the students but also the teachers and administrators. They always comment that they have never seen a speaker that will keep the kids engaged for a full hour. I'd like to think it's my message but it's probably my wheelchair that fascinates most of them.
In the event you don't know the Golf Committee is planning this year's Golf Classic on Friday, September 26. It will take place at the Deer Creek Golf Club at one o'clock. If you're unable to golf with the rest of us feel free to stop by for the dinner and auction. Texas Roadhouse is providing vittles and the Auction Committee has found some amazing stuff for you to purchase. So you're busy on September 26. Clear your calendar for Friday, November 7. Brown Bag Liquor is hosting their annual wine tasting. Over 100 wines from around the world and food from your favorite restaurants in Kansas City all under one roof (Ball Conference Center).
I will try to link a couple of web sites if you want to check out any of the above events.
Thanks again for everything you all do for me.
My best, Mark
Golf Classic - www.teamcameron.org/annualgolfclassic
Golf Sponsorship - scottleeatl@yahoo.com
Golf Registration - jcarr1112@yahoo.com
Auction Donations - jkrusgis@yahoo.com
Wine Tasting information – www.brownbagliquor.com
or Facebook at www.facebook.com/brownbagliquor
or Like us on Facebook for up-to-dates www.facebook.com/TeamCameron.org
It's been an interesting 10 years. That afternoon of September 11, 2004 has given me a completely different lifestyle. Obviously not quite what I was planning in fact, I would've never thought I could do 10 years. Looking back I know for certain these 10 years would have been so much more difficult had it not been the love and kindness of family, friends and complete strangers. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not reminded of how fortunate I am to have such an incredible support group.
I remember those days in the hospital when so many people sent me well wishes on this blog. It was before the web sites Caring Bridges and Facebook were around. I didn't understand why so many people were involved or even knew about my accident. There was a brief period (about three days) that I wouldn't let my family read your posts to me. I was so overwhelmed with the pressure I put on myself to succeed that I couldn't imagine what I was going to do if I failed both myself and all of you. I remember telling my sister that "I could not fail with all of you watching me."is She assured me that everyone was here for my support. I tried to explain that I was worried that if I failed I would fail you as well. After those three days of self-reflection and coming to grips with the support I was getting from close friends, old friends and complete strangers I realized that with a lot of effort on everyone's part I could do what needed to be done.
Sure I may have been doing all the work but you guys definitely lightened my load. It was about that time that you got together for the first fundraiser. I got phone calls that night from the party that I wish I could have attended in person but new you are all there to help me. Since then we have had dozens of parties and fundraisers and I cannot explain how overwhelming each of them are to me. I want to thank all of you for your emotional, physical and financial efforts to help me. I'm one lucky guy to have each of you in my corner.
A couple of weeks ago I met a young couple that had lost a child and were nearing the one year anniversary of their loss. I told them I was coming up on my 10 year anniversary of my accident. I told them about my nine year anniversary and how I had invited people to stop by my house for cupcakes. I explained that I was aware people were thinking about me but just didn't know how to make “the call” on September 11 to show their support. I thought offering cupcakes would give them the opportunity to stop by and say hi or an excuse to call and decline my offer but just say hello. Admit it, cupcakes are a great icebreaker. I would have offered bacon sandwiches but cupcakes are easier and I'm not as likely to eat two or three in an afternoon.
I suggested to the young couple to try the same approach. I know every September 11 I get a dozen or so phone calls from my support and there are two or three times that many people wanting to call but unsure what to say. Although our anniversaries are two completely different meanings, mine a survival and there's obviously a loss, the support from friends and loved ones is always there. Sometimes the friends and loved ones need a reason to break the ice. It gives the caller a reason to call and show their support without having to broach the obvious subject.
If you haven't heard, Mom and Dad are moving. Downsizing from a five-bedroom house where they lived for 45 years and raised seven kids to a two-bedroom house where they can relax a little. Over the last couple of weeks my dad and I have been organizing a 45 year accumulation of tools and other stuff. This year on September 11, my 10 Year Anniversary you can find me at my parent’s house. We're having a garage sale. If you call leave a message but if you're out and about stop by to say hi and do a little shopping. We have yard tools, a dozen hammers, miscellaneous sockets, more rat-tail files than anyone needs and a couple well-used tool benches along with the indoor stuff from my mom's collecting. Feel free to swing by the house I won't promise cupcakes or bacon sandwiches but if you leave without a coffee cup or a 5/8th Craftsman socket it is your own fault.
According to my calculations I was invited to speak in front of 12 audiences over the last 12 months. A majority of those were middle schools and I'm hoping that number will grow over the next 12 months. I have a new group schedule in October, it's another School of Nursing in midtown Kansas City. I always look forward to talking with the nursing students it feels good to know I'm educating and I hope to reach out to more nursing schools. I additionally enjoy speaking with the middle school audiences, I like the feedback not only from the students but also the teachers and administrators. They always comment that they have never seen a speaker that will keep the kids engaged for a full hour. I'd like to think it's my message but it's probably my wheelchair that fascinates most of them.
In the event you don't know the Golf Committee is planning this year's Golf Classic on Friday, September 26. It will take place at the Deer Creek Golf Club at one o'clock. If you're unable to golf with the rest of us feel free to stop by for the dinner and auction. Texas Roadhouse is providing vittles and the Auction Committee has found some amazing stuff for you to purchase. So you're busy on September 26. Clear your calendar for Friday, November 7. Brown Bag Liquor is hosting their annual wine tasting. Over 100 wines from around the world and food from your favorite restaurants in Kansas City all under one roof (Ball Conference Center).
I will try to link a couple of web sites if you want to check out any of the above events.
Thanks again for everything you all do for me.
My best, Mark
Golf Classic - www.teamcameron.org/annualgolfclassic
Golf Sponsorship - scottleeatl@yahoo.com
Golf Registration - jcarr1112@yahoo.com
Auction Donations - jkrusgis@yahoo.com
Wine Tasting information – www.brownbagliquor.com
or Facebook at www.facebook.com/brownbagliquor
or Like us on Facebook for up-to-dates www.facebook.com/TeamCameron.org