Blah-g
Blah-g…
I couldn't think of a word that more accurately sums up how the winter makes me feel than blah. I don’t like the cold. I don’t like to dress in layers. I don’t like the darkness. I don’t even really like snow. There have been countless times I ask myself Why do we live in the Northeast? when there are places in the world that exist without all this… cold, blah negativity.
My family is reminded almost daily throughout the long Massachusetts winters that we could be living in Hawaii. They are probably sick of hearing me say it and just throw me a heated blanket and move along; somehow able to deal with this climate a little better than I can and with whole lot less complaining. They tell me it’s not that bad, turn up the heat, wear your long johns and heated vest, dontcha wanna live somewhere with changing seasons? [no] blah, blah, blah.
Over the years, I have found ways to deal with the annual winter blahs. Snowboarding is one of the only cold weather activities I enjoy. Doing something fun and adrenaline-boosting makes frigid temps slightly more tolerable. Eric and I decided when the kids were very young that they would be snowboarders so we could board as a family. This Burton Chopper, the smallest snowboard we could find, was passed down from Luke to Linley and finally to Griffin. We don’t go often enough for them to be snowboarding superstars, but we succeeded… 3 adorable groms.
We are thankful for the memories we have of Linley giggling her way down the slopes while bouncing off moguls. She had a need for speed and was fearless- if big bro Luke could do it, Linley was going to too. While I was terrified of standing too close to this edge, here was brave Linley, on top of the world. No blah feelings for this sweet daredevil- just full of love and life.
February means I still have a bit longer to figure out ways to cope with the blah feeling. Thoughts of spring and the anticipation of what that brings help keep me focused- that and always trying to be like Linley- full of love and life. Fortunately, I’ve also been able to concentrate much of my energy into planning the Foundation’s first 2023 fundraiser in March: Luck from Linley: A St. Patrick’s Party featuring a pong tournament, music, raffles, games, food and lots of shenanigans.
Luck from Linley will be held on the evening of Saturday, March 11 at the VFW in Easton, MA. All proceeds will benefit pediatric brain tumor research, support programs, and family assistance through grants. We hope you will be a part of this event in some way!
There are a number of ways to support the Love for Linley Foundation and the March event.
Join us at our fundraiser! Information and tickets here.
Purchase a Lucky Linley tee or hoodie here.
We are still accepting raffle donations and are always looking for those interested in sponsorship opportunities for our events. Contact us at info@loveforlinley.org.
To my Love for Linley family, you make the world less blah.
And to my girl, life was the opposite of blah with you in it— keep shining your light and I will keep telling your Story.
All my love,
