My (click here) idea of doing a tree?
Well, it's that time again and while I had it in the back of my mind all year, I have been sorta of pushing it aside. I hate commitment. I KNOW it takes a lot of time, energy and dedication. That kind of responsibility scares me. Inside, I was allowing doubt and lack of confidence to talk me into finding excuses to back out.
And then my cute Debbi (who I could never do it without) sat by me at dinner and we talked. Add in John who now is an experienced FOT'er and they both had me believing that maybe I really could pull off. I still couldn't bring myself to commit.
Yesterday, I had some time driving around to an appointment and I popped in the new CD from John's group Code Blue**. Track 4 is a cover of "In the arms of an angel" originally by Sarah McLachlan.
BOOM. You know how it hits ya? That moment of truth and then pretty soon ideas start flowing? Inspiration? Yeah that.
That particular song is one that was used by one of Jill's coworkers who put together a beautiful video just days after Jill had passed. That song always reminds me of her, and of struggles that I myself (and others) go through.
I had the idea last year of a tree involving suicide awareness, angels, mommies......something along that line. Now the feeling of "do the tree" was pounding in my heart as I listened to the song and.....remembered.
Within an hour, I was home, logged into my email and don't ya know- there is an email full of support and encouragement from Debbi. Done deal. Sealed. The final sign that I should pull the trigger, make the commitment and DO IT.
So there you have it. Festival of Trees 2012 - Aisle Q will have a large tree dedicated to Jill and suicide awareness.
Now I need your help. A LOT OF HELP.
First all, need a name and theme for the tree. In my head have been the constant idea of mommies, angels, hearts etc....... but I need a cute/clever name for the tree and then some solid ideas of ornaments, decorations, tree skirt and other items that can go with it. Things that I can procure through donations and will be eye catchers to sell.
Second, once that gets decided, I can start gathering items and donations to make it happen.
So there you have it.
My plea for help! Help with ideas to get the ball rolling......after that I'll appeal for help with donations.
And finally, if you are local and interested in helping, let me know - the more hands the merrier and it really will be an incredible experience. I know it. I have witnessed it in others, I have been there watching decoration day, I have read and heard their stories. It will never be forgotten.
xoxo
mCat
PS - all funds go directly to Primary Childrens Medical Center and are tax deductible.
*PSS - Code Blue is working on a video and website - I'll be doing a blog post on them in the future you won't want to miss!
And this pic has nothing to do with the post but it's cute.
Chlo's first day at Kindergarten!
11 comments:
You are simply awesome. So crafty of you. Let me know how I can help. Maybe I can make some ornaments. Once you have nailed down your tree idea and essence, let me know :-)
You are gonna rock this! I know it.
xoxo
I love the way she is standing...her crooked foot, and love the BOOTS!!!
I think you'll put together a GREAT tree Melissa. I'll try and put my brain to work for ideas, but You will be the one receiving the inspiration here. Your brain will be exploding with good stuff...
A great trea idea with a Great message to be addressed.
Wish I lived close so I could help.
Hmmm I'll try to brainstorm some ideas! I usually love a good craft :) I seriously love that you're doing this and again, wish so badly I could be there..physically.. to help.
Will you be able to play this song by the tree?
- Mommy angels?
-Arms of an angel ?
-An angels love ?
- Hearts for angels.. and have everyone make a heart ornament?
I'll be thinking up some ideas.
My creative juices have not been flowing so freely lately..but I will try my best.
Chloe is such a doll. Love her first day of school outfit, too!
You are amazing!
Such an undertaking, but such a way to pay a special tribute.
I can help! I am not crafty but I can do a task if someone shows me how! When I think of suicide prevention I think of " hope" and "hang on" and "reach out for help" or "it gets better". Or always tell people you love them and they can tell you anything. I had a deal with a young girl I was talking to when she was suicidal that every day I would ask her on a scale of 1 to 10 how bad was she feeling. One day it was an 8 and I knew I needed to run right over. We Petersons can be your worker bees!!!!
Just realized my comments were about prevention not awareness. I think an important part of awareness is for people to talk openly about it like you do. I know people who have been told to never talk about the suicide in their family. So maybe healing through honesty and communication. Or knowing you are not alone and that this has happened in many good families.
What an awesome idea. I can't wait to see it done.
And I CANNOT believe Chloee is in kindergarten!!
I wish I lived closer so I could help with this! Believe it or not, I've been giving it some thought. Do you know the Primary song "I Am Like A Star?" (I am like a star shining brightly, Shining for the whole world to see. I can do and say, Happy things each day, 'Cause I know Heavenly Father loves me." One of my favorite ones. What about that for a theme (self esteem/HF's love = spiritual strength = suicide prevention) and you collect star ornaments of all types and materials? Or a tree with just glass and crystal ornaments so its all crystal-ish and shimmery? That's what I picture - a tree that shimmers and glows with light and reflected light.
u are one very special woman! :)
I have helped with 3 trees for the festival..Such a great cause.
I also helped do a tree for a young man who took his life in our ward.
We did the tree in what he loved. (which was nature)
I loved the song.."In the arms of angels". That would make a great name for the tree. There are many darling angel ornaments out there.
You could maybe have a table and chairs with childrens books..all about angels. Maybe large gift wrapped presents with gift tags that read things to do to help with suicide prevention..Or art work displaying angels.
The tree skirt could be fabric of angels.
What was Jills favorite color? that could be your color scheme.
It so helps if you can get a company to sponsor the tree. You are looking at spending at least$600-2,000+ for a beautiful tree.You will want to buy a pre-lit tree with tons of lights. and,,,, you can't have enough ornaments..The more the better.
And yes...I would love to help out.
(sorry, I rambled a bit. But Im excited for you to do this)
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