My friend Mo

If you’re lucky, (like me), you’ve got one or two people in your life that really make a difference.
Unbeknownst to them, they make you kick it up a notch.
By their actions alone, they make you want to be a better person.

My friend Maureen is that special person in my life.
Mo’s legacy will be her good deeds; all done for the love of and loyalty to her friends, family and above all else, God.
I have a gazillion examples of Mo’s good influence on me,
But today I would like to share just one.

I received the following letter in the mail a couple of months ago.
(Another good trait of hers, proper planning!)
I was so touched by it that quite honestly I had to put it aside for a while.
Her letter, in all of its goodness, actually pained me.
I think it was the reality of just having lost Dini to cancer,
And the prospect of a future without TC in it.

But as I read over the letter again today,
I didn’t feel the pain,
I felt the promise.

My thoughts turned to Bobbie, Maureen’s mother-in-law, someone I too love very much.
Bobbie is a Breast Cancer Survivor.
And what Maureen is doing on the 27th of this month,
Is to help ensure that someday soon, every person ever diagnosed with breast cancer will be a survivor like Bobbie.

Mo’s beautifully written letter is below.
She is much too much a lady to have asked me to share it on my blog.
She would not want the fanfare,
But that’s the cost of being friends with a loudmouth like me!
Please read on.

Dear Family and Friends,

I am writing to you with a special opportunity to support a cause that I have a heart for and I believe you do too. On October 27-29, I am going to participate in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. In 3 days, my sorority sister, Jennifer and I will walk 60 miles and hopefully raise thousands of dollars to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Over the last few years, breast cancer has directly effected many of the people that I care deeply for. I praise God that my mother-in-law Bobbie is a breast cancer survivor and for her I will walk with a special spring in my step. However, a dear friend’s sister is currently fighting the painful battle and for TC I will walk with extra determination. I will walk with respect for the dear ladies like Mrs. Fosness, Cheryl and Claire for whom we had not found a cure in time. I will walk with joy because I can walk and because as most you know I love to walk. When those I care about are hurting or know someone that is hurting I long to help. That is sometimes difficult so I will walk to help in some way.

I am asking that you will prayerfully consider supporting me financially in this effort. In order to participate, I must raise a minimum of $2200 by October 27th. With your help, I am confidant that I can accomplish such a lofty goal. I have enclosed a donation form that includes all the necessary information to contribute and apply it to my account. You may make a donation online at www.The3Day.org or by mail. (Please include my name and Supporter ID number when contributing, it is Maureen Gustafson, 124660958 and I am walking in Dallas/Ft. Worth on Oct. 27-29) Donations need to go directly to the 3Day office for proper recording.

Mathew 11:28-30 says “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” Max Lucado summarizes this verse this way, “Jesus is saying, “I will walk alongside you. We are yoked together. But I pull the weight and carry the burden.”

It is my desire to help pull a little weight in finding a cure. Your support will mean the world to so many ladies and their precious families. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me at maureengus@comcast.net

With love and appreciation,
Maureen

There is nothing more I can add here except this:

Mo…
I love you.
I thank you,
And I miss you!

cb