Never Ever Give Up by Erik Rees - A BookLook Review

I have just finished the book "Never Ever Give Up" by Erik Rees, and let me tell you, make sure you have a full box of kleenix when you start this one, because you'll need the whole box!  Not only was it a tear jerker, it was touching, and inspiring, and is one of those stories that will stay with you for a long time.

Young Jessie was diagnosed with a rare form on cancer at the tender age of 11, but she was the type of person that was more concerned with other people.  While going for treatment in the hospital, she saw a need to bring joy to the other children there, and started Joy Jars.

Joy Jars are just that, jars filled with joy...toys and things that will bring a smile to a young child during a time of pain.  Jessie determined to give a jar to every child battling cancer, and she not only met that goal but surpassed it.

This story is told by her father, and takes you through all the ups and downs of this extraordinary little girls life.  And this is a story we all need to read, and share, and learn from.

If you would like to continue this ministry, here is the official website (The Jessies Rees Foundation) and the facebook page.

Needless to say...I highly recommend this book.

And remember....

Never Ever Give Up.

Be blessed,

Debbi

*I received a free copy of this book from BookLookBloggers, but the review is my honest opinion.

I have no pictures to share with you today.  

And no links or handmade items either.  

But I do have a story to share.

A family story.  

And since my family does not read my blog (those fools) I don't have to worry about anyone bugging out about my story.

Now I must let you know, right now, that my family has more nuts than a peanut farmer.

(If you are truthful, yours probably does too. lol)

Last night I called my older sister in Buffalo NY.  We'll call her Dawn (because that is her name).  We were catching up on the weather and my son's trip home with the baby at Christmas.  Then she filled me in on family sicknesses (since I live in another state, apparently I'm on a need to know basis for family health matters).  (Thank goodness for Facebook or I would never know ANYTHING).

Anywho...during the conversation Dawn fairly shouts out...

"Do you know where Kathy is?"

In case you didn't know, our sister Kathy passed away in 2000, so this question really made me pause...then I asked...

"Kathy who?"

"Your sister Kathy?"

"Um, dead?"

"Yes!.  But Marty (her husband) buried her near Mom".

Up until now Kathy's ashes have been in an urn on their fireplace mantle right next to their beloved dog.  Marty was suppose to spread her ashes in Allegheny State Park where we camped as a family every year (and most of them still do).  

But Marty couldn't part with the ashes (they were high school sweethearts and together for over 30 years).  Well, in 2009 he finally decided to bury her.  (The dog may still be on the mantle).

I got the feeling that both my sisters were upset that they never knew...but to me it doesn't matter.

Because I know where my sister really is, and I will see her again one day.

Family....gotta love 'em!

Be blessed,

Debbi

My sister, my friend

While this time of the year is a season full of joy, it's also has a tinge of sadness.  We remember those that we love that are no longer with us, and we miss them.  Even though my sister Kathy lost her battle against breast cancer in 2001 (our mom went on to glory just the year before) I still miss her everyday, but mostly during this time.  You see, she was not just my sister, she was my other mother, and my friend.  She was the oldest girl (child #2) and I was the youngest of 6, so she pretty much helped raise me, especially during my teen years.  This is my very favorite picture of her.

Not only was she a great sister, she was the best auntie ever!  All the kids loved her.  She was their teacher, confidant, head camp counselor, and friend.  In this picture we were waiting for the start of a Memorial Day Parade.  In the wagon we have Aaron, Janine, my Amanda, then Kathy and Nick.  In the back we have Andy, Jason, my Joshua, and my Greg.  She had just turned 50 the year she passed, much too young to leave us.  I miss you Kakie...Merry Christmas.

Be blessed,

Debbi