Donation protected
I had my young cousin walk around videotaping my family members on Thanksgiving, asking them what they were grateful for and everyone said family. There was nuance to their answers, of course, like the family that traveled through traffic, I mean we do live in LA, but it was family for everyone, even myself.
On reflection, I'd like to add something I couldn't share with my 9 year old cousin in a quick sound bite. I'm thankful that when diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has moved to her liver, lungs and lymph nodes, where in doctor appointments City of Hope specialists have shared that chemo will prolong her life, implying it will not save her, and that surgery is not an option, that my older sister, Kristine (to some known as Kris), has found a renewed sense of life. She has chosen happiness. Something we do not achieve with things, cue the ring, job, country house, wardrobe and vacations; not something we come upon by luck or circumstance, but something we cultivate and grow. Something we make a choice to live by everyday in everything we do. Kristine, when faced with the unthinkable, is deciding to live in this world with every minute she has, not just endure it or suffering through it, but exploring, adventuring and participating, as she defines her legacy.
Kristine's life has not led to African safaris or Hollywood premieres, not to big houses or extravagant parties. She would humbly tell you that she's living the American dream. You see my sister lives a quaint, small town, American life, tutoring children that went to her own high school in math. She lives near the police station, has a small business out of her home and can walk to the downtown area called The Village, complete with a diner, pizza joint and bakery. She finds fulfillment in empowering young students and sharing stories of Disneyland magic, while helping them with their homework and preparing them for tests. Now that her life has taken an unexpected turn, her goal is to instill for her students that even someone diagnosed with cancer can still have fun.
How would you approach your life, if you knew your years were numbered? Most can not fathom it. In a society, that qualifies life by lack of wrinkles and youth, it's quite an experience to think that growing old is a luxury. A luxury I cannot promise my sister, as I cannot promise her that I can make her dreams come true in the time she has left. It's very difficult to lose control and know that I cannot ensure she'll get to visit our nation's capitol or learn to swing dance or find out what happens to Rey in Star Wars. I cannot promise her she'll feel well enough to work and earn her own living to pay for those dreams, nor her health insurance premiums and hospital bills.
Ray Bradbury wrote of a person's legacy, "Everyone must leave something behind when he dies. ... The difference between the man who just cuts lawns and a real gardner is in the touching. The lawn-cutter might just as well not have been there at all; the gardener will be there a lifetime."
Kristine has gardened in this life as a math tutor, as an older sister, as a daughter and as a friend... I invite you to become gardeners in this heart-breaking, all-be-it inspiring, ultimately rewarding undertaking of making my sister's dreams come true. Because participating in someone's journey, allowing someone to be fully seen and acknowledged, is the power we all have to make small miracles happen everyday. I wish I could say donated funds would be repaid, but how could I ever repay someone who contributes to the priceless? In the end, I can only empower you to live by my sister's example, by making and spreading happiness everyday you have in this life.
Humbly & sincerely thank you, Teri
On reflection, I'd like to add something I couldn't share with my 9 year old cousin in a quick sound bite. I'm thankful that when diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has moved to her liver, lungs and lymph nodes, where in doctor appointments City of Hope specialists have shared that chemo will prolong her life, implying it will not save her, and that surgery is not an option, that my older sister, Kristine (to some known as Kris), has found a renewed sense of life. She has chosen happiness. Something we do not achieve with things, cue the ring, job, country house, wardrobe and vacations; not something we come upon by luck or circumstance, but something we cultivate and grow. Something we make a choice to live by everyday in everything we do. Kristine, when faced with the unthinkable, is deciding to live in this world with every minute she has, not just endure it or suffering through it, but exploring, adventuring and participating, as she defines her legacy.
Kristine's life has not led to African safaris or Hollywood premieres, not to big houses or extravagant parties. She would humbly tell you that she's living the American dream. You see my sister lives a quaint, small town, American life, tutoring children that went to her own high school in math. She lives near the police station, has a small business out of her home and can walk to the downtown area called The Village, complete with a diner, pizza joint and bakery. She finds fulfillment in empowering young students and sharing stories of Disneyland magic, while helping them with their homework and preparing them for tests. Now that her life has taken an unexpected turn, her goal is to instill for her students that even someone diagnosed with cancer can still have fun.
How would you approach your life, if you knew your years were numbered? Most can not fathom it. In a society, that qualifies life by lack of wrinkles and youth, it's quite an experience to think that growing old is a luxury. A luxury I cannot promise my sister, as I cannot promise her that I can make her dreams come true in the time she has left. It's very difficult to lose control and know that I cannot ensure she'll get to visit our nation's capitol or learn to swing dance or find out what happens to Rey in Star Wars. I cannot promise her she'll feel well enough to work and earn her own living to pay for those dreams, nor her health insurance premiums and hospital bills.
Ray Bradbury wrote of a person's legacy, "Everyone must leave something behind when he dies. ... The difference between the man who just cuts lawns and a real gardner is in the touching. The lawn-cutter might just as well not have been there at all; the gardener will be there a lifetime."
Kristine has gardened in this life as a math tutor, as an older sister, as a daughter and as a friend... I invite you to become gardeners in this heart-breaking, all-be-it inspiring, ultimately rewarding undertaking of making my sister's dreams come true. Because participating in someone's journey, allowing someone to be fully seen and acknowledged, is the power we all have to make small miracles happen everyday. I wish I could say donated funds would be repaid, but how could I ever repay someone who contributes to the priceless? In the end, I can only empower you to live by my sister's example, by making and spreading happiness everyday you have in this life.
Humbly & sincerely thank you, Teri
Organizer and beneficiary
Teri Lynn Jackson
Organizer
Claremont, CA
Kristine Jackson
Beneficiary