ROBZ' POEM TO GRANNY

I post this special poem, with my daughter, Robyn's permission. It was written by her, in memory of her granny, Jessie Moll, who passed away in 1997 after a brave fight against cancer.

This poem was on Jessie's memorial packet which was placed, together with many other lit-up packets, around the walking track at the Cancer relay at Westridge High School last night.

I'll never forget the way you hugged,
or the way you held my hand.
I'll never forget the way you laughed,
Despite things grave at hand
I remember you patience,
The glow in your eyes.
I remember the soap bubbles,
And catching butterflies,
the wedding in the garden,
begging for 'sweety time',
the time you spent with me, though short
made my life truly sublime.

I remember the smile
through the oxygen mask,
You telling me to be strong,
the way you told me to trust in God
the way you had all along.
So Granny, I miss you, I always will,
You held a special place in my heart
and while you may have died long ago,
I know from your love,
I'll never be truly apart...

Your granddaughter, Robz xox

THE WALK OF HOPE

Tonight I am participating in a 12 hour Cancer walking relay. The aim is to raise funds for cancer research. The idea of participating in such an event appealed to me since so many people have been affected by this dreaded disease. My husband's mom died in 1997 after a brave fight against breast cancer. The good news is that there is increased awareness of this disease since then, extensive research and an environment where we talk about it and encourage survivors in their own personal fight. Indeed there are so many people who need our support.

There are 11 people in our team who will be walking in relay through the night. The event starts at 6pm this evening, at WestRidge High School (Gauteng) with a "Survivor's Lap of Honour". I will be placing my own personal tribute to mom on the field this evening; its a brown packet with a candle inside and highlights her photo, our love and admiratin of her. As the various teams walk around the track we will remember those who have passed on and those who are survivors. It seems that it will be quite a solemn ceremony, but each team will do its best to raise funds for Cancer Research.

I have invited my friends to join me on my own walk - a two hour time slot - and then to make a donation for their participation. Hopefully we will be able to make our own further contribution.

So tonight as I walk my own walk, I will be thankful for my own blessings - my friends, my health, my abilities, my life. I will enjoy the night around me, the stars (hopefully), the breeze and the awesome goodwill of the various participants.

Good luck to all who will take part!

"BIG OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW"

I had the real honour of attending my youngest daughter's valediction ceremony last night. This is a formal celebration, held by the school, which marks the end of the Matriculants' schooling career. It was a particular honour for me, since many of these young adults have been around in my life for the past 12 years. They are finally emerging from their chrysalises and it was an opportunity to witness the extent to which this has happened.

It made me think of the quotation; "BIG OAKS FROM LITTLE ACORNS GROW" (A primary school motto) and highlighted to me, yet again, the responsibilities we have as parents towards our children. Children will grow up in spite of us, but with care and the right environment, they truly will become amazing adults.

Let me explain the analogy: When a child is born we, as parents, are truly presented with an "ACORN" which is equipped with all the genetics and possibilites to thrive. As parents we water the seed with our knowledge, guidance and understanding. As parents we put that seed into our environment and have the responsibility to nurture the"SOIL" with unconditional acceptance. We provide regular "FEEDING" by giving our children the opportunities to achieve their full potential. We also know that if we put this "LITTLE SAPLING" with others, they might thrive and learn, together, to grow towards the sunlight.

One certainty along the road of growth is the inevitable rough times; figurative "DROUGHTS", "ILLNESS" and "FLOODS". Crises only serve to strengthen all of us and allow us to appreciate everything we are presented. It is how we, as parents, deal with the crises, that we teach our children how to deal with their own. Values such as integrity, tenacity, caring, sharing, patience, self-control and keeping focus emerge during these tough times.

My point really is that our children are presented, in raw form, to us to shape and mould to reach their full potential. It is the biggest responsibility that we are presented in this life, since what we do with our children will shape the society that we will grow old in. So take this time with them seriously and enjoy every moment of their lives.

It would be remiss of me if I didn't congratulate my amazing daughter:

WELL DONE, ROBZ! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! HOLD ONTO YOUR DREAMS AND BE THAT AMAZING OAK TREE - STRONG AND PURPOSEFUL, GIVING SHADE TO ALL THOSE WHO WANDER BENEATH YOUR BRANCHES. I LOVE YOU AND GOOD LUCK FOR THE FUTURE. MOM