Well, item #6 on my bucket list is identified as "making a difference in someone's life". Today, I did something that I hope, hope, hope, will come true. I sent an email to Ellen DeGeneres asking her to consider my mother in law for a new car.
My M-I-L, Peggy, is nearly a saint. I love this woman as if she were my own mother (My mom died of cancer when I was 19). She has endured so much, and asked for so little throughout the years. I think the last time she was even on a vacation was probably 20 years ago when I took her to Oklahoma for a weekend of bingo. She raised five kids on her own after her husband unexpectedly died of a massive heart attack, and never remarried. Her life has been dedicated to her family. One child has cerebral palsy and another has brain seizures. She has never had a new car - ever. Or a new house. Her home was built in the 40's or 50's and her son, my ex-husband (and friend) is constantly making repairs to both the car and house. The air conditioning is an open window or window unit. Yet, she takes it all in stride and smiles through even the hardest times.
Peg is now in her 70's and still works part-time at a bakery, just to get by. It breaks my heart. I wish I could give her so much, but I don't have it either. As we know, cancer has a way of depleting everything out of a person, but if I could, I sure would do this myself.
Not only would it be neat to check off another bucket list wish (Item #6) by helping this truly inspiring woman, who, without even realizing it, helped me become a better person and a good mother, but I would like to be able to give back just an ounce of what she has given to me and so many others. If you knew her, she would make you smile. She makes everyone smile; especially my children who adore her.
Ellen, if anyone can do this, you can! Please help me honor Peggy.
To my readers, you can help by asking Ellen to support this request. Her web page is: http://ellen.warnerbros.com/show/respond/?PlugID=441&adid=subfeat-permalink
It would do our hearts some good. That's my thoughts today. Love to all.
Hugs and hope~ (Ellen - call me!!)
WOW! What an amazing testimony to an amazing lady. I feel guilty for ever whining! I will pray Ellen sees your request AND answers this. I hope your MIL gets not only a new car, but a vacation that she would like to have..some quality rest and fun time. Isnt it sad how some of our most hardworking amazing people in this country, can be so happy on so little? I'm also in awe she never remarried.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. We live in different states now, but my boys, who are grown, still live close by her, and absolutely cherish her. Her husband, my father in law, died when he was 49, and I returned home from being stationed in Korea to help the family. Obviously, she was truly devastated, and lost. But, just as the champion she is, she picked up the whole family and became this incredible matriarch, if you will. She may not have much that is material, but she is great in spirit and love. And for teaching me and my children that, there is nothing greater.
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