the globe rover

Denver, CO

I am devastated that two of the kiddos that I follow from the cancer community earned their wings this week.

Coleman Larson was five vibrant years old and fought an amazing battle against Medulloblastoma for the last two plus years. Coleman was an amazing and very wise little boy filled with the spirit of life and faith unknown to many adults. Although I never met him, I have learned numerous lessons from him and his family. I have laughed and cried through their journey since I’ve been following them for the last year. Coleman leaves behind an amazing family - a very wise and devoted mother, Peggy;  a very caring and dear father, Scott; and a loveable and dedicated twin brother, Caden. I am heartbroken with this loss and amazed and so very thankful at the impact this little five year old has had on me.

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/ColemanScott

Trooper Dante was a two-year old fighter that has been battling Neuroblastoma. He is an amazing little guy and has had the spirit and determination to keep fighting and making everyone around him smile. He is also leaving behind a brother, sister, and wonderful parents. And again, although I have never met Dante, his smile will be engraved in my memory forever.

http://www.carepages.com/carepages/TrooperDante

My desire to help fight Childhood Cancer only grows stronger. These kids shouldn’t have to fight. They deserve more… an opportunity to grow and learn and experience life. I have learned so much from these guys and their parents.

Please help… go to Cure Search or People Against Childhood Cancer (PAC2). These groups are doing a great job but more help is always needed (childhood cancer is still way underfunded).

If there is any silver lining, it is that both these little boys have an amazing group of angels waiting in heaven to take them under their wing and show them the ropes.

My heart and prayers are with Coleman and Dante’s families.

Denver, CO

I was touched this week by a news story I read on CNN about a would have been 19 year old boy that touched the lives of people around the world through his courageous fight with cancer. The news is filled with tragic stories around the globe but this one stuck out and touched me.

Miles was diagnosed in June 2005 with rhabdomyosarcoma (a rare pediatric muscle cancer that affects 350 children a year). Since that day, Miles began a fight against the cancer and a fight to share with honesty and courage the story he was living. My admiration goes to both he and his family as they share their fight, hopes, dreams, tears, and emotions with the world through Mile’s blog on CarePages (you have to register and then go to “LevinStory”). Miles maintained the blog throughout his fight and his Mom and family are now continuing to post to continue his legacy.

Miles passed into the unknown world beyond Earth on Sunday after one of the most honest and courageous fights that I have witnessed. Death is never easy but for an 18 year old to face it head on and share it with the world is an amazing thing. His mother had an incredibly special and unique bond with him and shared that Miles was a unique person with an amazing gift. And he truly was. Life is full of death and yet here was a young person fighting to live every moment, breathe every breath, and share with the world what it was like. He lived his moto to the last moment:

“Keep Fighting. Stop Struggling.”

Through a simple blog, Miles touched the world. He had kindness and fought to focus on the here and now and the blessings of life rather than all the things he won’t ever be able to do. As his peers prepared to leave for college and begin a new chapter in their lives, Miles prepared to go to the unknown and end his days on Earth. But he did it with beauty and blessing. And he has touched me and many others around the world. He praised his family (including his mother, father, sister/best friend, and his girlfriend) and they are amazing for sharing their son and brother with the world and continuing the legacy of Miles Levin. Their pain is incomprehensible and that which too many people in the world are faced with. But they are using that pain to help.

In the last interview with Miles, his Mom asked him what he wanted to be remembered for:

“Someone who maintained their light through their darkest journey.”

That he did in so many ways. And as he even said to his Dad, “mission accomplished.” He also valued kindness as the quality most important in humans. Kindness is what Miles exemplified every day and in every breath. There’s a lot to be learned from this man with wisdom beyond his short lived years.

Sometimes people and stories strike you in life. This one has struck me. I am touched. And I hope I can live my life with more kindness in honor of the legacy of Miles Levin and all other children who have fought the devastating fight of pediatric cancer.

Lilburn, GA

The Reese kids (my niece and nephew) came to spend some time at “Grandma’s House” when I first got home to Georgia. The first day, we pulled out the baby pool that the dogs use during the summer and let the kids go at it (and dogs too). Jenna and Tristen had such a blast running through the yard and water sans clothing. They are adorable and entertained Dad and I as we took photos. It was a perfect spring day and these pictures still make me smile.

Morristown, NJ

Memorial Day weekend for me in 2007 was spent with family in New Jersey as one of my cousins married his partner of seven years. Andrew is the third of my New Jersey Johnson cousins to marry and the last of his siblings. And uniquely, they all three were married in the town of Morristown in which they didn’t grow up in but found some affinity.

And although all three siblings (Tracy, Brooke, and Andrew) were married in Morristown, each of their weddings have been quite different and reflective of their personalities. Andrew and his now wife Susan decided to have a small wedding and invite just their close family and friends. The wedding was short and sweet and a great showing of their love and commitment to each other. The reception was much longer and filled with fun, food (thanks for that Andy!), wine, and laughter with new friends.

I had quite a chuckle as the judge that married the Johnsons said that he had two requests from the bride and groom: 1) keep it short and 2) do not use the word “obey”. And the ceremony was short but to the point and more importantly, an official commitment that the two have had to each other for the past years.

One of the things that stood out the most to me during the celebration was the number of people that commented that Andrew and Susan are perfect for each other and how well they compliment each other. To me that is one of the cornerstones of a successful relationship — to compliment one another and not to surpress or try to change each other. But to accept and make each other better people. What a pleasure it is to hear that two people have found that and have now committed their lives to each other.

It was great to be a part of Andy’s wedding and I am touched that he included me. Andy is a wonderful cousin and I am so thankful for the memories we have growing up and for the future to come (which now includes Susan). It was a special day and a great weekend to be a part of. Here’s to another lifetime of happiness for two people that compliment each other!

Flat Rock, NC

One of the reasons that I planned to come back from Europe/SE Asia/Australia by mid May was to attend my friend Jdub’s wedding in Flat Rock, NC. Jdub (aka Jonathan) and I have been friends for about ten years and he is an outstanding person - the kind of friend that everyone should have and the kind of friend that you don’t want to miss their wedding.

The wedding was held at Highland Lake Inn on Wedding Hill which is a wonderful sight for a wedding. The retreat is quite large and includes different lodging types (from cabins to lodges) as well as a lake with all kinds of outdoor activities. I had some trouble with accommodation and in true Jdub style, he connected me with one of his friends that was flying solo and wanted a roommate. I am used to traveling and sharing a room with someone that I don’t know and that along with Jdub’s recommendation made it a go. And his thoughts were right on as Jo and I had a great time and enjoyed the wedding and festivities.

I have always loved weddings and have attended a lot through the years. And as I get older, I appreciate the vows and ceremony more and more. As horrible as it is to say, sometimes the vows seem repetitive and don’t incorporate the couple’s personality into the ceremony. But Jdub and Jill’s wedding was anything but mundane and was a phenomenal representation of sharing vows with each other that are personal, spiritual, meaningful, and downright damn good. It was moving and special and made everyone grin with the happiness shared between these two people. I feel blessed to have been a part of it.

Another first for me was attending a ceremony that incorporates the Jewish faith (Jill’s family is Jewish). It was fun and touching and interesting to see the parts of the ceremony that were Jewish tradition (including the breaking of the glass and the bride and groom lifted on chairs and danced around the room). It was a great incorporation of their families, past, and future together.

I often forget at weddings that you are constantly asked 1) do you know the bride or the groom and 2) how do you know them. I clearly knew the groom and the answer to the second part was funny to remember. I met Jdub in a Michael Hammer Reengineering class on a snowy winter day in Boston. We were both doing similar things at our companies (although in different states) and were sent to the same training class. Somehow, Jdub ended up at the table with two of the ladies I worked with and myself and the rest is history. We spent that week hanging out and enjoying the class together and were good friends ever since (he also is responsible for getting me the job at Qwest and moving me to Denver in the first place :). And although we’ve never lived in the same city, we have been fortunate enough to have camped, hiked, and traveled together.

I love “love” and am so happy when I see two great people together. Jdub and Jill are two of those people and I’m sure they will have a lifetime of happiness. I’m so glad to have been a part of the day that started their marriage and commitment to each other!

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
Singapore

My morning of fun and excitment turned to an overwhelming and solemn experience this afternoon. I had read about the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (better known as the Bright Hill Monastery) and wanted to make a visit. I am anxious to learn about all the different religions celebrated in Asia while I am here and this was a great opportunity to delve into Buddhism.

Unbeknownst to me, today was the main day of the Qingming Festival  (also known as Grave Sweeping Day), which is an annual celebration of paying respect to the deceased for Buddhists. Bright Hill Monastery was a major hub of activity for the celebration with people filling every space.

I was overwhelmed upon first sight of the monastery, as it seemed to go on forever and includes multiple different buildings on the complex. I was unsure where to start, as I didn’t want to disrespect the ceremony in progress. The first thing I noticed (beyond the sight of the beautiful buildings) was the smell of ash. There was a huge building with open flames that people were bringing boxes, etc. to have burned. I managed to wander through and observe as much as possible while trying to guess what was happening.

I made my way through the temporary tents set up with tables and tables of offerings (fruit, flowers, incense, etc.) to the reception area. In speaking with the wonderful lady working at the office, I learned about the monastery and the day’s festival. Surprisingly, I was still allowed to wander throughout all the buildings as long as I respected the people and their bereavement.

I went first to the Columbarium which is where the urns are stored for the deceased. It is hard to describe and brought tears to my eyes to walk through and witness such a thing imagining the lives of all these people. There were rows and rows of glass cabinets (seven shelves high with four sub-shelves on each and about 12 urns wide per glass cabinet) that contained small light yellow urns about 8”x6”x6”. The urns are simple with the name, date of death, and sometimes photo of the person. There is not much space to walk through the rows so you are back to back with other people paying respect to their ancestors.

From the columbarium, I walked through the crematorium, which as imagined is where the casket of deceased are brought and body burned after a ceremony. It was a somber atmosphere with the scent of burning ash still penetrating the air.

I continued to explore the grounds by wandering into the different halls that were all part of the monastery. It is hard to describe the elaborate buildings and intricate design and bold colors everywhere. I definitely felt transported to somewhere unknown.

In each of the halls and buildings, there was a broadcast of chanting monks. I found them in the last hall I visited. There were seven monks in their orange robes chanting in front of a statue. It was mesmerizing and powerful.

The visit to the monastery was like nothing I have ever seen or done. It was a visit to an unexplored world for me and a beautiful Buddhist celebration and way of paying respect to their ancestors. 

An absolutely beautiful story of love and coming to know one’s self. This is an autobiographical story of two boys growing up in a very Catholic world in Melbourne, Australia fighting to become their true selves. And for anyone that knows Australia that world means lots of sports and lots of masculinity and at the time, resistance to homosexuality.

John fell in love with the high school football star, John Caleo, and soon the two fell in love and spent all their time together (”Holding the Man” is a term that comes from Aussie rules football and means “a transgression that incurs a penalty”). The book includes very forthcoming stories of their relationship through the years. The book also delves into the world of AIDS, which at the time was an unknown disease. John and Tim fight a courageous battle to be true to themselves and their love for one another.

Credits include:

• United Nations Human Rights Award for Non-Fiction in 1995
• Listed as one of the “100 Favourite Australian Books” by the Australian Society of Authors for its 40th anniversary in 2003

2006 has been an amazing adventure filled year with fun, challenges, experiences, and loss. The hardest part of the year was losing all my grandparents (Memaw, Grammy, Grandma, and John Henry). It was my first experience with seeing death as Mom and I were with Grammy as she passed. Most impactful was losing Grandma and John Henry quickly and within a week of each other. It still saddens and hurts me – and I miss them on earth immensely – but I know that they are all in a better place now. And I am so lucky to have had such amazing Grandparents that had such a wonderful impact on my life.

The positives are many for the year including travel to 20 different countries. I spent the beginning of the year in Africa and the end in New Zealand – talk about contrasts – and a bunch of places in between like Iceland and Russia. It’s been amazing and enlightening and energizing.

I have also finished work at Cendant/Travelport which has been a huge relief. I am so thankful for the experience and everything I have learned. And I am so thrilled to be moving on and away from the chaos and constant changes.

This year has also brought a move from London to Sydney. And I am happy about the change and am really excited about Sydney and look forward to settling in during the upcoming months.

Most importantly, I’ve spent great time with my family and friend throughout the year in all parts of the world. I am so lucky to have such a fantastic family and great friends all over! They truly keep my world going…

It’s been a ride and I’m looking forward to 2007’s adventures!