Love Dares You

It’s been almost four years now, since I got the e mail from my mother. The timing was perfect; I had recently discovered I was pregnant with my third child, under less-than-ideal circumstances (which, to be honest, describes all three pregnancies) and had no idea how to break the news. A normal person wouldn’t have done it like this, but I’m far from normal.

You see, the e mail was my mother’s notice that her dear friend, Sean Chamberlain, had passed away. Actually, Mama herself didn’t have much to say, other than that he had passed. She was a little shook up – being one of the people at his bedside, helping him be strong until it was time to let go, and comforting his family, well, that takes a toll. The body of the e mail, instead, was a tribute to Sean written by Mama’s best friend, my “Uncle Rod.” Sean was quite a wonderful human being; though I don’t recall if I ever met him (there’s that whole darn geographical distance thing) I know that for Mom, Mike, and Rod to all hold him in such high regard, he was a pretty special person.

So anyway, I get this e mail from my mother about Sean’s passing, and I figure this is a perfect moment. My response to her message, paraphrased: “Well, the Lord taketh away, and the Lord giveth. And it seems the Lord will be givething you a little something special. I’m due right around your birthday. I’ll be in the office for another half hour or so, XXX-XXX-XXXX, if you want to talk.” Ten minutes later, the phone rang, and the first words out of her mouth were, “Sounds like the Lord isn’t the only one who giveth!” (Later I was informed that Rod commented on how hard it must be, how much work, for Mama to live up to the expectation of always making a brilliant sarcastic remark, even in response to the most trying and/or serious issues.)

Speaking of serious issues. This year I will once again do something that, while it hasn’t always been in Sean’s memory (as my first one predated his death by a few years), is still very much an important and special endeavor. I’m walking in AIDS Walk Houston, a 10K charity walk. Now, y’all know me, even when I’m trying to raise money for this, that and the other thing, I never pressure any of you to get involved. I simply invite you to support me if you choose, whether that be financially or with an “attagirl.” So now, I’m extending a two-pronged invitation. If you live in (or visit) the Houston area, and would like to join us on Sunday, March 12th, I am part of the UH Graduate College of Social Work team and we’d be happy to have you be an honorary social work student for a day. If you do not live in the area, or don’t feel like walking, I invite you to support me, and our team, by following this link and making a donation.

http://aidswalkhouston.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=154231&u=154231-72325501&e=486748574

Again, I don’t ask for explanations if you don’t choose to get involved, and it won’t change the way I feel about you one bit. But if you do choose to support us, it will be greatly appreciated.

Much love,
Sara

“Cause love’s such an old-fashioned word, and love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the light and love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves, this is our last dance…” – David Bowie and Queen