A very SAD day :-(

On November 4 we lost our beloved pup, Chief. He was 10 1/2 years old and lived a great life (one that some humans would envy!), but got old, and sick, and died at home. It was heartbreaking. But at least he isn't in any pain anymore, chasing all the bunnies and squirrels...and waiting for us at the end of the Rainbow Bridge :-)

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Pics for the Christmas Card

Elyse, 6...
Bryanna, 3...
Joshua, 3...

Halloween 2011

HICKMAN HOPE WALK: "A Bite for the Fight" 2011

Along with the amazing opportunities Promedica has given us, we were asked to be the chairpeople for a new event they wanted to bring to Flower Hospital. Basically it's a one mile walk around the campus, but all the while, stopping at SIXTEEN different food vendors for samples along the way! Together, participants, survivors, vendors, and committee members...raised over $7,000 for the Hickman Cancer Center's Survivorship Program! Ta-da! ALOT of hard work went into this project, but what an amazing and overwhelming day...I am so thankful to have been a part of it! Here's to 2012!!

Our faithful and hard-working committee (most of them)...
The Harroun Barn at Flower Hospital...decked out in mums, pumpkins and fall decor, this was the main staging area...
Registration area...
Inside the beautiful rustic barn, set up for lots of things including the silent auction...
Registration area again...
Jason with the President of Flower Hospital, Alan Sattler, and K-100's Harvey Steele...
Me (whoopee) kicking off the event by starting the opening ceremony, I kept getting choked up, it was so exciting!...
On Q Dance Team providing a beautiful number about survivors...
Jason gave a shorter version of his Survivor story that he has shared at numerous events...
St. John's Jesuit Choir sang our National Anthem...
To start the walking, we had a balloon release!!...
One of the food stations at the Pavilion by the pond...
Our very good friend Dyan who graciously donated her time to help us out...
Oh, you know...just us girls :-)....
Sylvania Northview Band provided music at the entrance to the Hospital...
The Quizno's mascot bringing attention to their food tent!...
Jason and survivor Judi Gould, who also gave her survivor story...she served on both the Finance and Survivorship Committees for the walk...
Judi heading out to get that food!...
St. John's Band was also there at another area to provide music to walkers...
Pastor Glenn Lewis and wife Shelia (from Westgate YAY!) came out to walk and support us...Glenn's got a cupcake I see :-)...
Survivor Bobbie Brown and Judi again, sharing a smile after both giving their survivor stories. Bobbie was in charge of the Vending Committee...
Here's one team walking to support survivors, even though they had lost a loved one to cancer...turns out I went to high school with her...
Ann Kujawa, Associate VP of the Promedica Cancer Institute, grabbing a sample...that's Chipotle I think!
Who are these cuties?! Well of course that would be Josh, Bean and Aunt Diane!...the twins LOVED the cupcakes :-)...
Publicity moment :-)...
Our wonderful neighbors and friends, Tim and Julie....it was COOOOLD that day but didn't stop everyone from having an awesome time...
My Beloved Amy Keller...she worked so incredibly hard for us and always had exactly what I needed! She deserved a break to enjoy the day!...
Inside the barn the kiddies could get their faces painted...
Another mascot wandering around was TC HOPS from the Toledo Children's Hospital...our kids LOVE TC...
And what better way to end the day but with a massage!?... (that's Tim again :-)

We can't thank everyone enough for all of their time, energy, effort, money, and prayers. It truly was the experience of a lifetime. We pray that this event goes on for decades...but we were also so thrilled to be there for the first. If you want more information on how you can support this event, please email me! jklankey@sbcglobal.net Whether you are local or not, you won't want to miss it!!