You Found Me - Fray Lyrics

The lyrics to this song...just open up so many thoughts of wonder and questions of why things in life happen to good people. I just wanted to share the lyrics with all my readers and get their take on the meaning behind this wonderful song. The Fray has a way to put so many of my thoughts into their songs, it makes me wonder if I should have become a song writer... ;) Any how, I've just had a lot on my mind lately and this song helps me realize that I'm not alone!

I've also been missing my Bubba like crazy...he was always the one person I could talk to that would make life seem so much simpler. If that is at all possible. He just helped me see the sunny side of every situation. I just wish I could talk to him and hear his voice.

Lyrics

65 Roses Golf Tournament & Dinner

~Sunday, October 12th, 2008: I attended my 2nd 65 Roses Golf Tournament Dinner. This year the dinner was held at Lambert's which was delicious. After an upsetting Cowboy's game that started the night out, it was a sigh of relief to be among a close group of family and friends. Thanks to The Boy's the cocktails were definitely flowing, well "I blame them ;)~" Anyhow we sat down to dinner around 7:30 or so, followed by guest speaker and CFer Farrel Amis. Whom spoke a little of what the donors and volunteers mean to her and how important the research could be for her to live a longer healthier life. She started the live auction out by trying to raise money with roses that her and her mother brought from their home town of Tyler. Let me tell you, these were some of the most beautiful roses I have ever seen, and as of this date I still have one that is in full bloom in a bud vase in my bathroom. All in all, I believe with the sell of tickets for the dinner as well as the Live Auction and Silent Auctions held that evening, the CFF raised around $24,000.

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~Monday, October 13th, 2008: Mom and I joined the CFF Girls in the setting up and getting ready for the golf tournament. Despite the weather being a little gloomy, there was an excellent turn out. Last I heard there was an esitmated $65,000 raised towards the dinner and the golf touney. Keep in mind that $0.90 of every dollar donated to CFF goes to research. We are hopeful that a cure will be found soon and we can get the CFers on the road to breathing smoothly.

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~A Huge thanks to Jon and Susan Hellberg for their contributions to CF and finding the cure. I wish there were more people like them. Also, it was a great treat to be able to share the dinner with Brandon, as most of you know he is Bubba's best friend and partner in crime. He also has taken on the role of being a big brother to Mandy and I, as Bubba would have wanted. We cherish any time that we are able to spend time with him and his wife Betsy and their little girl Gracie

Jon & Susan Hellberg

Me with The Hellberg's

Drew & I

Mom, Brandon, and I

Mom & I

Brandon & Betsy

Shannon, Laura, Sam, Kathy, & Beverly

Huge Thanks to the group of ladies above...if it weren't for them the

Fort Worth/Tarrant County CFF Chapter would not be where it is...You Gals Rock!!!

Silent Auction Winner!!!

8 Years Ago. Today.

Our lives as we knew them were changed forever more. Losing a best friend, son, and brother; is what Mom, Mandy, and I were living in reality. Something I never thought 8 years ago would ever happen to our family. I have realized over the last 8 years that, life is never a certain thing. Just something you have to hold on to, and cherish every minute of. Not only do we remember you today Bubba, but everyday for the rest of our lives till we meet again. Your memory lives on in us, and we carry it everywhere we go. Thank you for your strength and watching down on us from Heaven. You are the Guardian Angel in all 3 of our lives, and I truly believe you have had a hand in guiding us through our lives for the last 8 years. We love you Always and Forever!

Great Strides 2009...

Yes, That's Right...we are already underway for planning the Great Strides walk for 2009. We will be participating on our team Jeff's Entourage this year, as well as; We (Me, Mandy, and Mom) will be joining up with Beverly James (Senior Director of Special Events for CFF/FTW-Tarrant Chapter) forming a committee to raise at least 15% more then 2008 ($121,000). Which means we will be shooting for an overall goal of $140,000 in 2009, if not more :)

Just wanted to make a quick post to keep all abreast of upcoming events.

Also, we are looking for any corporate sponsors that are interested in helping toward the "Cure Found" for Cystic Fibrosis. If anyone has ideas or questions regarding getting some corporate sponsors involved, whether it be the company you or your significant other work for, or possibly a family business, please feel free to email me at samantha.relien@charter.net. Please note: this a great way for name recognition as well as it is tax deductible.


Thanks,

Sam

I Share My Words & Thoughts...

Today I come to talk to you all about a very special person to me. Someone who many of you refer to as Jeff, but to me he is my "Bubba." Bubba was always there for me when I needed him, and I know in my heart that he still will be beside me in all that I do in my life. He was not only my brother, but he was one of my very closest friends. He always had the best advice and knew exactly how to make me smile when I wasn't having the best of time. Even though he suffered everyday of his life with CF and struggled every minute to breathe, he didn't dwell on it. He lived life to the fullest each day, never taking anything for granted, and always putting others first. As Joan Baez said, "You don't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when. You can only decide how you're going to live, NOW!" This was exactly how Bubba lived day to day, with no regrets, and I will always take that with me and remember everything he has taught me. When I was younger, I was told that my brother may not live as long a life as me, but I never believed that; because he was such a free spirit with so much life about him. Bubba always assured Mandy and I that no matter what lied ahead for him that he would be at our graduation. Before I walked across the stage to receive my diploma, I saw my brothers smiling face, happy as ever, sitting front row with camera in hand. I know Mandy and I made him proud that day. We feel blessed to have had a brother take such an active role in our life, and we will love and remember him forever...

I debated on posting this, to this blog. Seeing as though it was written and read for the services held for my brother when he passed. Then I remembered how much it took for me to stand up and read this in front of everyone, and the way I felt afterwards too! It was one of the hardest yet rewarding things I have been through. I know how much it meant for me to get up and speak for Bubba, and I did it not only for myself and Mandy, but more to honor him and what he means to me. Through the years I have realized how truly blessed I have been in regards to the family that God has given me in life. We all have things to be thankful for; my family, extended family, and friends, is what I believe is my one "Great Treasure", in this earthly life! Although I miss Bubba on a daily basis, I feel honored to have been such an important role in his life, like he was in mine! To those of you who had the chance to meet him, you know exactly what I'm talking about...he was larger than life, and my true "Guardian Angel!"

I experienced a lot during the month of September 2000, but also learned so much about the human spirit! I no longer am afraid of things that used to frighten me...in fact, I'm more curious then ever, about what my future holds for me. I know that I have Bubba who will always be here to help guide me through and listen to all my worries, and although he may not be able to give me answers, he will be there to catch me if I fall. I know he will, because he already has come through for me on so many occasions, and he and I know what those are! It may sound silly, but a bond you share with someone like Bubba is never lost, just goes to a different level! I truly believe that when I leave this world, my Bubba will be there to greet me with open arms, and although I'm not just ready yet, I get excited for the day that we meet again!

I posted this originally on my Myspace blog, and to me it was more like a journal post, and a way for me to get the word out about CF and Great Strides. The work we have done over the past couple of years for the CFF and Jeff's Entourage has given me something to hold on to, and dream about. I do believe that there is a cure for CF and I will continue fighting and spreading the awareness...until we meet that day, and then some!

Now Showing...

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Jeff's Entourage ~ Great Strides 2008

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I know many of you have been wanting to see pictures from the walk...so without further ado...here is the slideshow...if anyone has any pictures they want added...please forward those to a team-leader and we will get those added for everyone to see...I personally wanted to Thank all that donated and/or walked with us on Sunday...it was a great turn out...and I was personally speechless as I gazed out of the sea of Camo that surrounded the parking lot...what a way to Honor our Bubba...and his commitment to this cause. I'm already looking forward to next year...

Also...please keep an eye on the blog...we have some pretty amazing news to share...we will be updating as soon as we know more...

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Jeff's Entourage-Great Strides 2008

WOW...It's this weekend...

Ok guys...now is the time to start getting those final donations in...you might want to remind all the people that have been waiting for the walk to get closer, because it's this weekend...3 days away in fact :O The shirts look awesome and I know the team leaders are all excited to see everyone and Congratulate everyone on all the money raised for this wonderful cause...something that is very dear to every single one of our hearts. Thanks to all of you...the hard work you have all put forth towards meeting your goals is amazing...See you on Sunday!!!