My family and I have a speaking engagement Wednesday to share our story and why we support the MOD at a Corporate Teams kickoff breakfast. We have 2-3 minutes to speak. We are the finale and the March of Dimes president will be in attendance so no pressure...They chose us because they like our energy and spirit. One of the things they want me to speak about is Share. How do you condense in 3 minutes the story of your son, why you walk, volunteer, and talk about Share and all that it has done for you. It's hard. Yet I am proud to be able to stand up there and share a piece of myself, share my son, and share how yes we help the MOD but they have helped us in return just as much. Trying to find the words to express how far I've come, the walk, Share is hard especially when I can't be long winded. =) But I think I've managed do it. My husband is sharing Scott's Story and how the events just broke us as individuals and as a family. I am speaking about how we started putting the pieces back together and how Share helped me do that. and then the little charmer gets the Microphone aka C and he tells how we got our team name.
Yesterday we had a storm and it was quite a good one with lots of lightning and wind. Afterwards a beautiful rainbow appears over our house. C tells me it's a thank you from Scott. He says it's thank you for remembering him and Popping around the word for him. (C's fundraiser this year) That moment is why we do what we do for the MOD. 4 years ago C would have never said Scott's name let alone talked about him. He wouldn't have because he knew it would make us cry and so he never mentioned Scott. Now for 4 years later the 3 of us stand in front of people and share our story. We have come so far and it's because we found a way to focus on something positive. We decided we don't have to like that our son died and we don't have to be happy about it but we can do something to honor him. We can make it so other babies will get to go home with their families.
And yes as of right now the time is at 3 minutes and 10 seconds when we practice. So I think we got this. as Colin says to end our talk, "GO TEAM POPCORN!"
I will be thinking of you all this week as you prep for your timed speech. You are all SO brave to get up there and talk so openly about Scott. I'm so glad that Colin is saying his name and you are all slowly putting those pieces as painful and jagged as they can be, back together.
Keep on poppin',
Lindsay
Wishing you the best for your speech! That is so great all that you and your family do in honor of Scott. It's also touching how Colin will now speak about his brother and in front of a huge group! Way to go!
This is so beautiful. It's so beautiful that C says Scott's name. It's beautiful that you are sharing your story and your grief and your strength with the world in hopes of making it a better place, all in Scott's name.
I love that Scott sent that rainbow to you and that C knew it was a gift from his brother. Such a beautiful moment.
Tommie
It's so amazing and wonderful that C feels so determined to give back and do more for his brother. I'm sure your speech will be wonderful!! Thank you for all that you do!
Love and Hugs
Brandi
So glad Share brought you into my life. Have enjoyed meeting you and getting to know you and your story. Good luck at your speech!
Thinking of you and hoping you gained strength to get through your speech. You are so BRAVE to speak for your sweet Scott and we THANK YOU for speaking on behalf of MOD. What a beautiful rainbow he sent for you all. Much love, lots of hugs.
Judy