“The Circle of Life” …. My dad’s response to births and deaths

…I think Lion King was his favorite movie J

This little stretch in April and especially today are very special days because of very special people, I really want to take the time to honor and recognize several people, places, and things.

Where to begin….I use the quote above for a reason today….In life we celebrate birth and we celebrate death and if we are wise we will celebrate every day in between. Being present in times of both birth and death I am completely overwhelmed with the profoundness of both…the utter miracle, strength, grace and courage for everyone involved where life comes in and life goes out….Today I honor both, as well as a few others who are simply making our time here in between a better place to be.

April 16^th – I get a text from my friend and hair stylist of 12 years who gave birth to baby Lucus…her first born…I told her “It gives love a whole new dimension” …you parents know what I’m talking about- CONGRATULATIONS ANNE AND WALT!!

April 17^th – I have deepest sympathy for my dear friend and neighbor whose mom passed away today, I lit a candle for her, it burned also for my grandmother and my friends mom that passed away 3 years ago both who would have been celebrating their birthday today.

April 18^th – I make a 911 call. As I’m exiting the highway,  I saw a car pulled over on the side of the highway with 2 people helping a woman in the backseat who appeared to be delivering a baby… God, I hope I was a right; for my own conscience I had to make the call. I’m certain with 2 deaths this week, it had to be a baby coming into the world…”THE CIRCLE OF LIFE”

TODAY April 20^th  - HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my one of my oldest and dearest best friend HEATHER…my gosh 40 went by pretty quick J and to my best sister-in-law LAUREN…hold on tight to those 30’s !  Hope you both have fabulous days…Carpe Diem!

Honoring Ashley.  Our sweet friend Ashley who was a third grader lost her battle to leukemia in October of 2006….the amazing outpouring of love, support, strength, courage, commitment and LOTS of hard work from her parents, family, friends, and community have lent a way to  keep Ashley alive and present in our school and community.  From the schools beautiful garden that is often adorned with flowers, bows and stuffed animals, to the library’s new Critters Corner, a loft structure where kids can hang out and read books about Ashley’s favorite subject…animals, the plaque as you leave the school, the bench in the court yard that was donated by her elementary school graduating class and TODAY!!  April 20, 2007 was deemed by the city of Alpharetta as “ASHLEY ANDERSON DAY” – April 20^th is a day to remember…you go girl! We Miss You!

Today’s PRIMO KID of the month goes to an awesome Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L) survivor/ entrepreneur/ hero/middle schooler named Christoph Bartschat. This is the son of a  very old friend of mine from middle school (thank you Facebook).   Christoph founded a non-profit organization, Christoph's A.L.L. Stars, to raise awareness of leukemia, help comfort kids receiving cancer treatments and to help support childhood cancer research. He started with a lemonade stand and grew his mission into an organization with many volunteers. He has helped raise more than $81,000, collected DVD players, books and DVD’s and inspired people to donate hundreds of pints of blood. He and his works are incredible…a motivation and inspiration to all. Thank You Christoph, keep up the great work!!

In memory of those who died on April 20, 1999 at the Columbine High School massacre. I was on the treadmill at the gym watching the events unfold. I still think back on those kids and the courage and strength they found to face the horrific fears…and that of the families who lost their kids. Also in memory of those who died in the Oklahoma City Bombing, yet another event in our lives when we remember where we were when we heard the news…yesterday was the 15 year anniversary.

Finally…EARTH DAY, April 25, 2010 – 40^th Anniversary

I’ve got to “shout out” to my favorite t-shirt supplier, Anvil Knitwear; the official t-shirt and knitwear partner of The Earth Day Network (founded 1970).  A few years ago, facing obstacles, these guys embraced their challenges, worked hard, persevered, and believed in themselves….today they are the industry LEADERS in environmental, social and product responsibility – they’ve perfected their lines Anvil Organic, Anvil Sustainable, and Anvil Recycled (to name a few) and are making a difference not only in the industry but in the world we live. They’ve got the Primo spirit J   Click here to become a facebook fan !

"The Circle of Life"…..It’s a beautiful thing!

Phew….Done!   Have a Primo Day!