This is my first time posting anything, so I hope this gets through.
With Jay Allen's wonderful email list of participants in the Renata Guzman Cancer Fund, I personally sent the following letter out to each and every one of you. But, sometimes there could be a glitch and somebody doesn't receive their WELL DESERVED thank you. So I am covering all bases by posting the following letter
Letter originally sent by email to all participants in the Renata Guzman Cancer Fund sent out August 18, 19, 20, 2005
Cancer is a damned nasty way to find out about the joys in life, but isn’t that how it is? And aren’t the lessons sweeter because of it?
If everything were roses 24/7 we would have no contrast. Nothing to gauge the depth of goodness and wonder – so there is always balance.
Cancer tests my faith, my yin and yang, forces me into places long avoided and I am not talking surgery, loss of a breast, chemotherapy or radiation. I’m talking about the human spirit. Cancer is confrontational. It cuts you to your core and leaves you with yourself. And sometimes you wallow and sometimes you find God and sometimes you find God and wallow and sometimes you accept stillness: where there is darkness and light. Humility, acceptance, tenacity, perseverance, generosity and love.
I have been blessed.
By action, reaction and inaction, I have made new friends, rekindled friendships, gained friends I have never met, strengthened existing friendships surpassing any prior boundaries and lost friends.
I am blessed.
Each of you has brought me into your creativity, your dialogue, your humor, your insights, your heart and your prayers on days when I can’t begin to tell you how important that was to me. Your gifts, donations, time and contributions have fed and nurtured my recovery and my family’s (Ray and Noah’s) peace of mind.
Hugs, tears and awe are the emotions that come up from my soul. Words still seem inadequate to express my thanks to you all. I don’t dare list you all because I cannot risk having anybody slip through the cracks and feel slighted. You are all too precious to me.
I must shine a light on Jay Allen, our angel on a mission. A man who acted upon his own calling to benefit someone else. This is the man who put on a successful Letterhead/Walldog event and gave up a spleen in the process. Now he has created and held his second amazing letterhead event (the RG Cancer Fund and Auction) and he has given up a part of his heart, which we Guzman’s will keep safe close to our own, always.
Jane Diaz, Dave and Suzie Butler, Steve and Barbara Shortreed, the entire Riedel family, all the other co-conspirators (and you know who you are) and Ricky.
You have my heart.
And to my husband, Ray and my son, Noah – you are my reason for every breath.
God Bless You All
Peace and Health, Renata Guzman
-------------------- Renata Guzman Posts: 10 | From: Hoboken, new jersey | Registered: Aug 2005
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That was beatiful Renata. And by sharing your story with us, you encourage us to appreciate our lives as well. All the best to you and your family.
Suelynn
-------------------- "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -George Eliot
Suelynn Sedor Sedor Signs Carnduff, SK Canada Posts: 2863 | From: Carnduff, SK Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Thank you for posting the letter.....sometimes in my busy little life I can lose sight of what is really important. Time slips away so fast and your letter is a reminder that I have to spend more time with my own daughter and less time chasing my tail.
It was a pleasure to meet with you and Ray during my recent visit to New York City. I enjoyed my tour of Manhattan and really appreciate the time you spent with me.
I hope you and yours are all doing well.....thanks again, you guys are the best!
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