I never asked to be here, but here I am.
It’s been a really exciting and emotional week as Miss Mira put our energy into living Joe’s legacy.
People are always asking me, “How do you stay so strong?” The only answer I have is, failure is not an option.
I can crusade or I can crumble.
While crumbling may seem easier somedays, it doesn’t feel very good to stay in that place. It’s also not reality when you have a 1 year old. She still has to eat, she still needs to take a bath and she needs to sleep (though she’ll argue on that last one).
It’s colon cancer awareness month which means strapping on our smiles and telling our story.
I’m all about cancer screening and what not but I kinda feel like there are enough people talking about it. We like to put a real face to the word cancer. We want people to be aware of the disease but even more so the actual people who are fighting it.
We may not have a cure but there are things we can do, tangible things, right now.
I’ll be totally honest with you and say though the subject has been grim, I’ve felt pretty glam putting my mascara on and getting back in front of the camera. I think like most moms I look a little more ragged homeless chic these days. But more than anything, I feel like I’m making Joe proud. He would have just melted watching Mira too. She was working the camera with her tricks and little grin.
I’ll post all of the links as some of the stories air.
Here is the WKMG – Local 6 story:
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Louis Bolden, WKMG, admiring the Clark family pictures
CLICK HERE to watch NEWS 13 interview
News 13 Orlando interviews Mira in her nursery
Sunday is the Orlando memorial. I’m a little overwhelmed with going through this process again but thankful to get a chance to see the people who have supported us here in Central Florida and honor all that Joe stood for.
We’re also going to be talking about the Cocktails and Chemo Foundation and all that’s on the horizon for living like Joe— full of love and life.
See you in your blue shirts tomorrow! #CocktailsandChemo #JoeStrong
We have our #JoeStrong tees set for tomorrow and will wear them in support for Joe, you and Mira and everyone battling this disease. You are an incredible woman, stronger than you know Amanda. Always close in our thoughts and, prayers. Hugs to you and Mira XX <3 <3
Ditto!
[…] forget to go to my bestie’s blog Crusade or Crumble at Cocktails and Chemo to see a news feature on the Clark […]
Amanda, I stumbled across your blog probably a year and a half ago, as I’m an acquaintance of Emily Kuhlman and see her post your blog links from time to time on facebook. I appreciate how real and genuine your thoughts are. My 30 year old husband was diagnosed with lymphoma 3 weeks ago – Valentines Day – after an emergency surgery that they thought would just be removal of the appendix and a mass. When I first started reading your blog I didn’t know then how much it would affect me today. There have been days recently when I feel helpless and pissed and so sad I can’t stop crying. And then so hopeful and not worried and normal. The emotions are all over the place. Then I tell myself failing is not an option, and I go into “do er” mode and do what has to be done that day or week. Just wanted you to know I appreciate you story and everything so very real about your posts. Love and hugs to you and your precious little one.
I lost my uncle last year to colon cancer and it was devastating. I so admire what you are doing and love your strength and resilience. Keep up the good fight! Your story can and has made a difference!