I'll be your man

On Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16, my favorite guy and I were at the Zac Brown Band's Southern Ground Food and Music Festival in Charleston, South Carolina. Being huge lovers of food and music, we had been planning and eagerly awaiting this trip for months!

While we joined in the Woodstock-like barrage of fans all day and night Saturday, we splurged and enjoyed "the good life" on Sunday with stage box/front porch seats. 

I could go on and on about our trip to Charleston, the food and drink we shared, the sights we saw and the two-day festival but I'll save that for another time.  While my man has seen his favorite band numerous times, I have only seen the ZBB a total of four times. However, in each instance, I am continually impressed and become more of a fan. I have my favorite songs, of course, and I must say I was beyond ecstatic when the band performed "Free" and walked down our catwalk. To my surprise and delight, the fiddle player, Jimmy, stopped right in front of me and played my entire favorite song!

There were a multitude of magical moments that night - from being served a gourmet meal by famous chefs, enjoying an open bar, having seats on the stage to being able to grab Zac's hand as he walked past me to the cheering crowd below to having my man's arms around me and seeing that smile of sheer joy on his face that melts me every time.

But there is one moment that tore at my heartstrings and is a memory I will never forget.  While I have heard this song plenty of times and even experienced it live last year while in the pit at Nats Park, it never hit me like it did this Sunday night in South Carolina.

Along with Clay (a member of Zack's band), Eric Church (another favorite musician of mine) and two others, Zack wrote "I'll be Your Man (Song for a Daughter)".

As I stood there, singing along with every word, tears started to instantly roll down my face.

Was it because the friends we were hanging out with were a father/daughter pair?

Was it because I longed to have my dad with us?

Was it because the music itself is so beautiful and the words even more heartfelt?

Was it because I yearn for the day that the man I love would express those same words to our daughter?

Was it because it reminded me of my incredibly loving childhood and how my dad was not only the first man to love me but the one who continues to unconditionally love me?

Was it because, through all the heartbreak in my life, my dad is always there to hold me tight and make it all better?

Was it because, no matter what happens in this life, I know my dad will always be there for me cheering me on?

Was it because I could connect to the sheer simple love and devotion resonating from every word?

Was it because I instantly heard my own dad singing these words to me?

Yes, it was.

I’ll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w6fhlw_VnM

You’re gonna make
The finest mama some day
Some man will take you away
But until then

Chase down your dreams
Laugh all the time and believe
That love’s gonna conquer all things
So until then, I’ll be your man

There was a time when
I thought I knew love
Until you came into this world
Time keeps on flying
But you’re always
Gonna be my baby girl

So as you walk
Through this life you will see
The world’s what you want it to be
But until then

Go on and dance
Dance like there’s no one around
Never stop singing out loud
And until then, I’ll be your man

There was a time when
I thought I knew love
Until you came into this world
Time keeps on flying
But you’re always
Gonna be my baby girl

Go have a ball
Take every chance that you may
You know I’ll be one call away
I’ll always be, I’ll always be your man

Hold on child
Hold on tight to your old man
Hold on child
Hold on tight to your old man

I’m gonna hold you tight
Under my wing long as I can
Hold you tight
Under my wing long as I can

(Sweet child of mine)
Hold on tight to your old man
Hold on child
(Hold on tight)
Hold on tight to your old man

Hold you tight
(I’m gonna hold you tight)
Hold on tight to your old man
Hold you tight
(Hold on tight)
Under my wing long as I can

 

I later found out, that while I was sobbing my face off, my new friend asked my favorite guy if I had lost my dad. He explained that dad was fighting his fifth recurrence with prostate cancer and it was the worst yet.  She then turned to her dad who was standing next to her and thanked him "for everything".  When the song ended, she simply came over to me and hugged me with no words spoken and I clung on to her as if she'd disappear when I let go. She was obviously sent to me for a reason. The stranger I had met earlier that day who was sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with me was an oncology nurse in New Orleans! Divine intervention, no doubt.

I have always believed that people are brought into your life for a reason. Since my ladybug passed three years ago, I know for a fact that she has had a hand in delivering many important people to me and I am forever grateful.  The dedicated, supportive and encouraging people in my ZERO family are included in that group. Not only have they served as a way for me to fuel my passion but are truly genuine, passionate human beings.
 
I can't even begin to express the "extent of fantastic" that I experienced those four days with the love of my life in South Carolina. I was able to escape life for a while and "just be" without any effort at all. But the one moment that was truly a magical gift of the heart was standing outside in the warm South Carolina air, with the man who holds my heart by my side, listening to Zack Brown singing my dad's lullaby to his precious baby girl.


Don't worry, Dad. I'll always be your baby girl.
I'll always hold on tight to my old man. It's the least I can do.

Raffle and Silent Auction Items List!

A week from tomorrow is "fundraiser day" and I couldn't be more excited (and maybe a tad bit anxious)! I am ecstatic to say that 55 people have signed up and paid for their entry in advance!! I cannot thank you all enough! While the deadline to purchase tickets early has ended, do not fret, because you'll be able to pay at the door the night of the fundraiser. I would suggest you come early because I have a lot of items and fun things in store! You won't want to miss a minute!

Keeping in mind how many raffle and silent auction items I have received, here is your chance to make the most of your time at the fundraiser because you have a head's up on what will be offered! (Yes, I'm one who loves to plan ahead!)

Remember, I can only accept cash and checks for the $31 admission fee and for raffle tickets and silent auction bid winners.  There is an ATM machine across the street from Winestyles for your convenience. However, keep in mind bottles of wine and additional glasses of wine/beer may be purchased with a credit card, if you prefer.






RAFFLE AND SILENT AUCTION TEMS 

• Ornery Beer Company and Public House gift cards               
• Glory Days Grill gift cards              
• Confections Cupcakery gift certificate                                               
• Bittersweet Catering Café and Bakery gift card                                    
• Tour and Tasting Certificates at Murlarkey Distillery in Bristow
• Wine glasses and tastings at Vint Hill Craft Winery
• Gift Certificate for Pet Communication Session       
• Handmade wine bottle wind chimes
• Handmade Harry Potter gift box
• Set of five handmade thank-you cards
• Party Lite Hanging Votive Candle Holder
• Party Lite Nautical Jar Candle and Holder
• Tasting Certificates at Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane
• Mason Dixon Café gift card
• Three-Class Pass at Soaring Spirit Yoga Studio
• BBQ Sandwich gift cards from Dixie Bones
• Authentic Autographed Photo of Washington Wizards Forward Kelly Oubre #12
• Crocheted baby blanket by local artist
• Various pieces and sets of handmade wheel thrown stoneware pottery by local artist
• One-of-a-kind handmade earrings by local silversmith
• Chiropractic office visit, consult and exam gift certificates
• 30-Minute Massage gift certificate
• Authentic Autographed hockey puck by Washington Capitals Mike Weber (NO LONGER AVAILABLE. WON BY AN ONLINE BIDDER 4/26)
• Thirty-One Gifts tote bags
• Premier tasting and tour for 4 at Potomac Point Winery in Stafford
• Gift card and beer from Adroit Theory Brewing Company in Purcellville
• Private wine cellar tasting for 4 at Chateau O'Brien at Northpoint Winery in Markham
• 45 minute mediumship/life guidance session with Barb Mallon, psychic medium
• Gift Basket from Adventure Brewing Company in Stafford including a t-shirt, glasses, growler and brewery credit
• Autographed Bottle of Roundstone Rye Whisky 92 Proof
• Handmade jelly roll quilt
• Two-night stay at a 1960s renovated bungalow in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
• Certificate for a custom hand-painted pet portrait from Woof's Meow Art Studio
• Gift card from Bistro L'hermitage in Occoquan
• Tasting Certificate and Cheese Platter from Blue Valley Vineyard in Delplane
• Certificate for two free guitar lessons
• Private Collection box of SJ9 cigars
• Washington Nationals baseball tickets
• DC United soccer tickets
• Pole Party certificate for up to 10 people
• "Girls Night In" basket
• Private tour and wine and cheese reception at Ingleside Vineyards in Oak Grove
• Jack Brown's Tattoo Revival gift certificate
• Monks BBQ gift card
• Jon David Salon gift card
• Nandos Peri Peri Restaurant gift basket
• Occoquan Inn and Tavern gift certificate for brunch
• Private tasting and tour for 8 at Old Bust Head Brewery in Warrenton
• Private tasting and tour for 12 at Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria, including a growler, growler fill and glasses
• Gift basket from Otium Cellars in Purcellville including a wine bag, glasses and tasting certificate for four
• Gift certificate for a photography session
• Gift certificate for a Reiki session
• Southern Threads for Heads handmade beanies
• Tin Cannon Brewing Company gift basket including a gift card, mini growler and glasses
• Beachbody Fitness package
• Washington Redskins 2015 Laser Engraved Team Autographed football
• Certificate for Greens fees at Old Hickory Golf Club
• Gift basket from Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run including a bottle of wine, glasses and tasting certificates
• Taste of Oklahoma gift basket

OTHER ITEMS 

• All guests will have the opportunity to win prizes throughout the evening!
• A local baker, Melissa Landon, is donating delicious "Cupcakes for the Cause" which will be displayed and sold for $1 each with all proceeds going to the Denny's Shotgun Riders team.

Don't forget to refer back to previous blog posts for information on the logistics of the fundraiser and also on specific businesses/items that will be available.

http://dennysshotgunriders.blogspot.com/2015/04/things-you-need-to-know-about-fundraiser.html

Thanks for your interest!  We can't wait to see you on April 28!

 

Important things to know about the fundraiser!

1.   If you have purchased a "ticket" in advance, you will receive a letter the week of April 18 with instructions. Please make sure to wear your wristband and bring your free drink ticket with you the night of the event. Extras will not be provided. Wearing your wristband will enable you to gain entry without having to stand in line. Please be patient with my friends who have graciously agreed to volunteer as my "money collectors" and "greeters".  
2.   For those of you who will be paying at the door on the night of the event, it will help move things along quicker if you have $31 in exact cash or if you have a check written out payable to "Valerie Moore".  You will need to sign in, provide payment and then receive you wristband and free drink ticket.  We appreciate your patience should there be a line when you arrive. Please note: The extra $5 from the advance ticket price will go directly to the cause.
3.  Regardless of how or when you pay, you MUST wear your wristband at all times during the event. This is an indication - to me and to the wonderful Winestyles staff that you have paid and are eligible for all of the event's perks.
4.  Make sure to walk up to the bar/register area to redeem your "free drink" ticket for one glass of wine or beer. Winestyles staff will collect your ticket for accountability purposes. For wine drinkers, there will be a pre-selected assortment of wines for you to choose from for your one free glass. For beer drinkers, since there is a smaller selection, you are able to choose from any of the three on tap or any of the non-oversized bottles provided in the case near the French doors.
5.  Heavy hors'douvres will be provided for all guests right inside of the French doors on your left as you enter the wine bar. To save space, our food will be set up on the Giorgios restaurant side. Please keep in mind that Giorgios is still open for business and be courteous to those customers and wait staff.
6.  Tax and tip is included in your entry fee but if you feel my friends at Winestyles have done a wonderful job of serving you at the event, please don't hesitate to give them a little extra. There is a tip jar at the wine counter by the register.
7.  If you haven't been to Winestyles, keep in mind that it's not a large place. Because it is in a strip mall, it also does not have an overabundance of parking.  Just make sure that you don't park illegally! We aren't responsible if you're towed or ticketed.
8.  Please dress comfortably. While there will be some seats, this is not a seated event. This also is not a pretentious "fancy-pants" event.  Come as you are and come ready to have fun, support my parents and raise some money for an incredible non-profit organization by way of the Denny's Shotgun Riders team!

Stay tuned to this blog for more updates and a listing of raffle and silent auction items. We will also have interactive door prizes where everyone will have a chance to win!

Thank you for being part of this second annual event! We can't wait to see you on the 28th!

You have bought a ticket to a fundraiser!

You have bought a ticket to a fundraiser. The main goal is to raise money. I am raising money for the non profit in which I feel very strongly. ZERO's mission is to end prostate cancer! I share that same mission and while the money I raise may not be able to directly help my dad at this stage, it will help other men and enable us to realize Generation Zero sooner rather than later. My dad has battled this disease for 20 years with the last two years being the worst struggle yet. I don't want any other man to have to endure this battle.

You have bought a ticket to a fundraiser. I have approximately 50 raffle items and silent auction items. I am excited about the incredible items that have been donated from such a wide array of individuals and businesses for this cause. My goal is obviously to reach the value of each of these items and in some cases surpass the value. While I want each of you to enjoy these items and hopefully some of you will even get a "good deal", the point is to raise money first and if you get a good bang for your buck good for you! So bring lots of cash and open up those checkbooks! More importantly, open up your hearts!

You have bought a ticket to a fundraiser. You have also bought a ticket to a night full of fun, laughs, good food and drink, family and friendship. You have bought a ticket to spend a couple of hours showing an incredible man the overwhelming support he has surrounding him as he fights the battle of his life. While I may lead the official Denny's Shotgun Riders team, each one of you who bought a ticket has also become a part of that team in a special way. Thank you for riding shotgun with us and showing my dad he never has to fight alone!

Stay tuned to this blog in the next week or so for details on what happens next and what you can expect! Many thanks to all of you!

Where are my shotgun riders?!

We all know what "riding shotgun: means.  We all have been in a position with a group of friends where we've "called shotgun" and beat someone to the passenger seat of the car so we could ride in the front. So riding shotgun pretty much refers to the practice of sitting alongside the driver in a moving vehicle. What you may not know is that the expression comes from  the days of stagecoach travel and was derived from the term "express messenger".  It seems as if "riding shotgun" wasn't coined until 1919 and was often used in print and film depiction of stagecoaches and wagons in the Old West in danger of being robbed or attacked by bandits.  The person riding shotgun would sit next to the driver with a shotgun or rifle to provide an armed response in case they were threatened.  Recently, and most importantly, the phrase "shotgun rider" has been more specifically used to refer to giving actual or figurative support to someone in a situation; watching their back.

 *****

 

When I was trying to come up with a name for my team last year, it didn't take long. I knew it had to honor my dad. I knew it had to be unique. I knew it had to have something to do with Tim McGraw. My parents and I love Tim and always see him live when he's in town. We have for many years.  In 2004, his song, "Live like you were Dying" hit Number One on the charts and that summer, the three of us saw Tim live.  When he sang that song, it was emotional right from the opening lines:

"He said: "I was in my early forties,

With a lot of life before me,

And a moment came that stopped me on a dime.

I spent most of the next days,

Looking at the x-rays,

Talkin 'bout the options and, talkin’ ‘bout sweet time."

I asked him when it sank in,

That this might really be the real end?

How’s it hit you when you get that kind of news?

Man, whatcha do?

An' he said: "I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,

I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.

And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,

And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."

And he said, "Some day, I hope you get the chance,

To live like you were dyin'."

 

So, I thought maybe I need to incorporate that song into my team name somehow. But nothing came to me. It just didn't seem to work. Then...... it hit me.

 

At the time, Tim had released a new song called "Shotgun Rider". From the minute my parents heard it, they fell in love with it. It's a perfect love story for them.  They can't imagine not being together.

"Roll, won’t you come roll with me slow, fast, full speed

Girl, wherever sweet time takes us

Hang, with me down this old road

Only God knows where we’ll go

Don’t matter long as I’ve got your love

 

I don’t ever want to wake up,

Lookin’ into someone else’s eyes

Another voice calling me "baby"

On the other end of the phone

A new girl puttin’ on her makeup

Before dinner on Friday night

No I don’t ever wanna know

No other shotgun rider, beside me, singin’ to the radio

Slide, slide over nice and close

Lay your head down on my shoulder

You can fall asleep I’ll let you

Dream, life ain't nothing but a dream, don’t wanna be

Cruisin’ through this dream without you."

  

It's also a perfect name for my team to honor my dad. From the minute he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996, my mom and I have been by his side. Every time it has recurred, we've been right there by his side. When someone I love is threatened, I delve into protecting them. I research, I go to doctor's appointments, I ask questions, I suggest options. Doctors are human beings. They are no different than the rest of us except they chose a different career path. I respect them but I also will challenge them if I don't agree with them. We are responsible for our own bodies and health and it is up to us to be informed and knowledgeable. Ultimately, we are in control. Doctors guide us and hopefully, it's in the right direction. Dad was fortunate enough to have an incredible oncologist, Dr. Katcher, who unfortunately retired December 31, 2014. When Dad's cancer returned again, it was very upsetting to not have Dr. Katcher on the case but we are so fortunate and blessed to have Dr. Moorer pick up where he left off!


I can't take my dad's cancer away. I can't take my dad's pain away. I can't take his medicine for him. I can't do his treatment for him. There are things I can do though and I will do them the best way I know how. I can love him. I can support him. I can listen to him. I can arm myself with knowledge and do my best to help him and the doctors.
But all of that didn't seem like enough. I needed to be productive. I needed to feel as if I am helping; making a difference. I needed to focus on what I could control so that I didn't downward spiral into a depth of emotional solitude. That is why I decided to participate in the ZERO walk for the first time last year.


There is no where I'd rather be than by my dad's side, riding shotgun, supporting him and battling prostate cancer with him. I've got his back now and always. No matter what happens. Each person who joins the Denny's Shotgun Riders team also makes that commitment and shows their support as one of his shotgun riders as he fights prostate cancer yet again. We've always been there but now it's about physically showing it. Being one of Denny's Shotgun Riders means that we've got his back. It means we love him and we will do everything we can to support him through this battle. I, honestly, can't imagine anywhere I'd rather be.


Thank you to Mary Anne, Jason, Maurine, Brian and Melissa for being a part of  the Denny's Shotgun Riders Team again this year. Also huge thanks to Sarah for joining the team for the first time and constantly showing her support in so many ways. 


There is still time for YOU to join the team and show your support for my father and for helping us put an end to prostate cancer! We'd love to have you!! Just click the link below and sign up today!

 http://zero.convio.net/site/TR/RunWalk/RunWalk16?team_id=1043&pg=team&fr_id=1082


No one should ever have to fight alone!

Know your why

How would you feel if one of your best friends - the first man to ever love you, who loved you before you were even born and who continues to love you unconditionally - is helpless? What if his life changed in an instant and there was nothing you could do about it?  What if he's been used to fighting for the last 20 years but this time is the worst of them all. This time there may no be no recovery. This time it may not be a matter of strength and perseverance.  This time life as he knows it will never be the same. We've tried everything and while it may be working it comes with terrible consequences.

How would you feel if you watched him struggle at normal everyday tasks? What if he can't enjoy the simple things in life like tasting and chewing food without pain, walking down the hallway without feeling like he just ran a marathon, not being able to take the trash out, not being able to take a shower without a fear of falling - those same things and much more that we all take for granted on a daily basis. We continue to complain and we are perfectly fine. We have no idea how good we've got it. He seldom complains but deserves to tenfold.

We all know cancer is horrific but chemo is just as evil. Often I don't know which is the lesser of the two evils.  When the cancer is being eradicated/managed and then, in the process, chemo also destroys everything that is good and healthy, how is that fair? Wasn't cancer enough of a nightmare? Must the effects of the treatment compound the nightmare? After all he's been through, why does he now have to endure the hellish effects of chemo? He stopped chemo two months ago because his body could not take any more and yet he is still miserable - the chronic fatique, chemo-induced neuropathy, chemo brain/fog, pain and frustration. He is STILL suffering 24/7.

People have told me, "At least your dad is still here." Yes, you all are right. I am aware of that and do not think for one second that I am not grateful for his presence every single day, but he's not the same. The new normal is not fun or even bearable. My mother and I feel completely helpless. All he wants is to feel better and normal again. What if he never does? What if this is life from now on? What if this is as good as it gets?

We'll it's not good enough for me. He deserves better.  (My mother also deserves better.) He didn't get drafted and sent to fight in a senseless war where he was shot, saw his friends killed and survived just so prostate cancer, courtesy of Agent Orange, could rob the best years of his life. His retired years - the years he earned after working almost 40 years and providing for his family - should be celebrated and embraced right now.  This is the time in his life where he and my mom should be enjoying themselves every single day without a care in the world. But that is not the case.

That's WHY I'm passionate.
That's why I joined ZERO in 2015.
That's why I'm holding a fundraiser for a second year (even after the first one almost did me in.
That's why I went to the ZERO Prostate Cancer Summit and spent all day on Capitol Hill a few weeks ago bringing awareness and advocating in front of Congress to raise/maintain funding for prostate cancer research.
That's why I beg men to be proactive and demand a PSA test.
That's why I spend Father's Day walking in Arlington donned in a hat and shirt and carrying a banner - all with my dad's name on it.
That's why I annoy people and stay on top of them to make a donation.
That's why I am constantly promoting my Denny's Shotgun Riders fundraiser and urging people to buy tickets and attend the event.
That's why I have been spending all of my spare time racing all over my county and adjoining counties to solicit and pick up donations.
That's why I will NEVER give up.

I don't want other men to suffer and endure the prostate cancer nightmare like my dad has for the last 20 years.

You may think "Oh, prostate cancer won't affect me." Maybe you think you're too young. Maybe you think no men in your family had the disease so you won't. Maybe you are healthy and perhaps even in the best shape of your life. Maybe you get routine physicals and have even had normal PSAs. All of those things can change instantly. If you are a man you are at risk. Why? For the simple fact that you have a prostate. Don't be naïve. Don't blow it off. A simple blood test could save your life. It saved my dad's life 20 years ago.

Please take a moment do one/all of these things:

Join Denny's Shotgun Riders and participate with us at the race on Father's Day. You don't have to run. You can walk. It's also a family-friendly event so bring the kids and the dogs! It is a morning event so you can still spend the day celebrating with the men in your life on their special day. Start it off right with us!
http://zero.convio.net/site/TR/RunWalk/RunWalk16?pg=team&fr_id=1082&team_id=1043

Send me a message at valamoore@yahoo.com and ask for my mailing address so you can send me a check for your fundraiser ticket. Or wait until the night of the event and show up at the door. You'll have to pay $5 more (after April 9) but guess what? That $5 will come directly to me for ZERO. No one will be turned away!

Make a donation to my fundraising page:
http://zero.convio.net/site/TR/RunWalk/RunWalk16?px=1102458&pg=personal&fr_id=1082

In today's world, you should definitely be concerned about where your money is going. I know I am. Rest assured that ZERO will use your money wisely. I wouldn't be part of this organization if its practice were otherwise.  It usually takes 10 years for one drug to get approved through the FDA process. There were three prostate cancer drugs that were approved over the last five years and guess what? My dad has been able to benefit from all three of them!! That is just one thing that ZERO is fighting for and getting done!! A fellow ZERO volunteer/friend of mine lost her dad to prostate cancer after 14 months of being diagnosed. Because of ZERO, his family is helping to stop others from having to go through the same nightmare their loved one did. We're making a difference in lives but we need your support!! If those drugs had been available when Paul was diagnosed they may have helped him and he might still be here. We are on the cusp of incredible and exciting things but we need your help!!

The next time you see one of my posts on Facebook or you get an email from me asking to make a donation or if I ask if you're coming to my fundraiser, don't roll your eyes and think, "Is that ALL she thinks about?" because, right now, the answer is "Yes, it is." If it was your father - or husband, or son, or nephew, or uncle or grandfather or friend - or even YOU, you'd be (hopefully) batshit passionate just like I am.

I will never apologize for my obsession.
It's about my dad's life.
It's about all male lives.

Know your why.
I sure do.

Let's get/stay healthy!

There are so many avenues to take when it comes to health and wellness. I like to think that I have a good array of those options represented at the fundraiser this year. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect to see in regard to businesses who will be represented.

Soaring Spirit Yoga Studio
http://www.soaringspirityogastudio.com/

Nancy, at Soaring Spirit Yoga Studio, is the epitome of the essence of yoga - the practice of being present in the moment! There's no reason to dwell on the past or worry about the future. Embrace the present in a welcoming and supportive place right in the town of Occoquan! A variety of classes and workshops are offered for beginners and seasoned yogis!

 

Reiki Master Session
My parents and I moved to Dale City when I was two years old and it's really the only home I've ever known. One of the instant friends I made at such a young age was a creative and loving little girl named Sunday who lived across the street. I am blessed to say that she and I have remained friends our entire lives and she is someone that my parents and I can always count on!

I have always been in awe of Sunday, ever since we were kids, at her natural and free-spirited nature. Her artistic and creative talents (as well as her younger sister's) were also something I admired, and still do. Sunday started Reiki training about 16 years ago and I had no idea! In my search to find something to help Dad with his neuropathy, I reached out to Sunday about a month ago to see if she could help.  Dad's first Reiki session was a few weeks ago, he was very pleased, and the sessions will continue.

Sunday has always been interested in natural healing and she's used crystal therapy, color therapy and simple tea and herbal remedies. Her spiritual/religious life is centered around the idea that all things are made up of one thing-that God is actually part of everything.  The idea of Namaste - that the divine in me sees and honors the divine in you - is one of her favorite things. She started using crystals and prayer to send healing to her friends who she knew needed it. Becoming a certified massage therapist made it easier for her to practice Reiki. For a while, she also joined some of her old religious mentors in a hands-on healing prayer group. It was then that she presented Reiki to them and explained that in her mind, it was the same thing.

While Sunday sometimes combines Reiki with massage, it is often just energy - energy flowing through her into the world, focusing on one person/place that needs it. She has even helped children, and clients with severe injuries and chronic terminal illnesses like cancer and fibromyalgia.

 

"I do it because there is so much hurt in the world - so much pain and loss and sadness. If there is anything I can do, anything that can make it even a little better, and even for one person, then I want to do it."

-Sunday Frey

It is with great honor that I am happy to say that my dear friend is offering up her Reiki services to help others through Denny's Shotgun Riders!!

 

Health and Nutrition Services by Sarah
I met Sarah a few years ago when she was waitressing at Giorgios. She instantly became a part of our family! How excited she and Mom were when she was assigned to my mom's school for her student teaching stint! While I am so incredibly proud of her for following her dreams of becoming a teacher, I am even more proud of her for taking a hold of her health and her life and improving it for the better! 

Sarah had always been a fit teenager - active in sports and walked everywhere. Her senior year of high school she stopped playing sports and bought a car. She stopped taking care of her body but continued to eat junk! College brought on the Freshman 30 and waitressing added another 15 pounds. She was 24 years old, 200 pounds, suffering from depression and had multiple health issues. She knew she needed to change her life.

On March 23, 2015, she was invited to quite a few beach trips and really wanted to go so by way of her sister she bought the Beachbody 21 Day Fix Extreme. She has been able to keep her weight loss going and health journey consistent through the Beachbody programs. She is now in great health and is happier than she's ever been, Most of all, Sarah wants others to realize the misconceptions about eating/dieting and help them truly realize how healthy they can be. My sweet Sarah is such an inspiration!

"I can't imagine feeling the way I used to and anyone can do these programs. I feel so great every day and there is no reason that everyone else shouldn't feel this good! How could I keep the secret to health and happiness a secret? I definitely feel good because I'm working out, but I know I feel even better because of messages I get from others! I'm helping people get themselves back on track by investing into the most important project of all - THEMSELVES!!!"

- Sarah Grimm

Fit 4 Pole
http://fit4pole.com/

Pole Dancing, you say? Get it out of your system. Go ahead. Giggle. Guffaw. Whatever it is.
Done now? Good. Pole and conditioning classes are a great way to have fun and stay fit! Lucky for us, Meaghan is an awesome teacher, avid Crossfitter and didn't hesitate to go to the owner of Fit4Pole to see if she'd be willing to help raise money for putting an end to prostate cancer!

Meaghan grew up a competitive dancer and wanted to get back into the world of dance somehow, as well as help develop her Crossfit strength. She stumbled upon one of the studios she still trains at and has been in love with the world of aerial dance (pole, lyra/hoop) ever since.  Meaghan is going into her fourth year of aerial dancing and she couldn't be happier with the community, as well as the results it has given her mind and body. 

 

"The art of pole and lyra gets a bad rap within society mainly due to common misconceptions around our art, but it is not only an empowering community for women (and men), but it has given ordinary ladies who never would've considered participating in this sport, a new found sense of worth, despite their figure, background, and/or physical abilities."

 -Meaghan Bresnan

Want to get fit and have fun? Then you'll want to bid on the gift certificate for a party from Fit4Pole which will include up to 10 of your friends! The party will include 1.5 hours of studio time to include mingle time, chair/exotic dance instruction and pole dance instruction! Instruction sessions can be tailored to your preference and additional time can also be purchased by the winner of this item. No need to be nervous or scared - Meaghan will take great care of you! I just need nine more people! Let's do this thang!

 

 

Stay tuned to this post because more health, fitness and wellness items will be added in the next week or so.