It was so nice to see a blog entry!!

I know exactly how you feel about "things" that  were Craig's.  But I know he would INSIST that they be thrown away.  His motto was "If you haven't used it in a year, pitch it."  Some things were only 6 months!!  Needless to say my house was not and still is not very cluttered.  

I can't begin to tell you how much I value my continued relationship with Craig's work friends.  They continue to include me  in dinner invitations and check in on me and offer to help me, which I think is incredible.  I have some "friends" that live less than a mile away that I have lost contact with....breaks my heart.  You find out  who your true friends are, that is for sure.  The ones you least expect step up are the ones that do.

BIG NEWS!!!!

After years of going to Washington DC and talking and talking we finally had a breakthrough!!  Last week we got enough Congressmen signatures (50 one from each state) to sign the HR 771 Resolution making September 26 (i think) NATIONAL MESOTHELIOMA AWARENESS DAY!!!! 

So you may be thinking to yoursel  "What is the big deal about having a National Meso Day?"  Well, it means that each one of us has sat down with our Congressman and explained what Mesothelioma is and told them our personal story and the dangers of asbestos and they LISTENED!!  I personally have been to Todd Akins office and for years and this is the 1st thing he has done for me.  It is a baby step, but it is a step in the right direction.  This also means, that on that day we can and will be able to approach news stations, papers, etc with our stories and push for more awareness because now it is a Nationally recognized day.  I am REALLY excited, this has been a lot of hard work by so many people and I am proud of everyone involved for not giving up.  Our fight has just begun!!! On to the BAN of asbestos coming across our borders.  (don't even get me started....)

About Deb R.  Deb held the trivia night for Craig and has always supported us.  I know if he were here he would have the right word to help her.  I have tried to reach out to her, however she is a very private person.  So please keep her and her family in your prayers.  She is, as you can imagine, very frighten and needs support.  I think of her often and wish I could do more.

I am going to Ohio to Mary Jane and Loring, Robbie and Jill, and all of the European cruise friends in Ohio.  I am really looking forward to seeing them, it will be a great time.  Patti is also riding with me.  MJ has a house on a lake and so do the rest of people (friends) we went on the cruise with, so  it is a cruise union. 

I guess that is it for now.  Don't be afraid to blog back.

BELIEVING......  Shelly

p.s.  hi Karen Jacobs....We did it!! Tell your mom about HR 771 maybe that will help brighten her day!