August Newsletter - Amber & Seeking Dharma Yoga
- Amber
- Aug 3
- 2 min read
Amber & Seeking Dharma Yoga
In this issue: A cancer story, a Book Recommendation, Local Charity Spotlight, Yoga Schedule for August
Book Recommendation
WHAT NOT TO SAY AT A FUNERAL happened to drop into my world at the exact moment I needed it. My friend, James, was in his final days of a year and a half fight against a rare cancer called Cholangiocarcinoma, bile duct cancer. I consider myself extremely fortunate that my partner was in the inner circle who was informed of this diagnosis because the rest of our friends didn't know until James passed. That was the hardest secret I've ever had to keep and I still softened the blow by telling three friends when James went into hospice care. He said he didn't want to be "the cancer guy" and I totally get that. He had an incredibly full life and had so many other labels that could be stuck on him that "cancer guy" didn't feel right.
Even though we knew it was coming, we had a funeral to attend. For those who have never seen a Star Wars fan's funeral, you would probably be shocked at how we handle things.
I had never met James' sister who came down from New England with her own brand of brain cancer. A scarf on her beautiful head. A walker that she used well. Unable to speak because of aphasia. Other members of his small family were there.
What do you say? I'm sorry? Of course we're all sorry that's why we were there to show our support. My family is dark. We handle things with humor. This gathering of old friends eventually got to that point too. After hours of hugs and crying, the stories and funny anecdotes started.
Amy Havis went through a unique tragedy and grief. Her book has those bites of humor that a person like me not only appreciates, but needs to get through loss.
--Amber
GIBSON'S FITNESS SCHEDULE
CHAIR YOGA - Wednesdays from 12-1pm
GENTLE/YIN YOGA - Fridays from 9:15-10:15am
COMMUNITY CENTER OF BELVIDERE
CHAIR YOGA - Tuesday August 11th from 10-11am Amber (otherwise Michele)
The Community Center is also a non-profit organization and welcomes your donations!
Local Non-Profit Spotlight - Pet Adoption League
I get the newsletters from MUTTS comic strip creator, Patrick McDonnell. The one that just arrived alerted readers that August is Clear the Shelters Month. They gave some tips for helping shelters if adopting a lifelong companion isn't right for you at the moment.
Donate your time, money, or supplies.
Share social media links of adoptable pets and wish lists.
Maybe you could even host your own fundraiser.
Gus was adopted from the Franklin Township Animal Shelter in New Jersey. Ollie came right off the streets of Pennsylvania.
The Pet Adoption League has kitties at the Whole Pets in Mansfield/Hackettstown and the PetSmart in Mt. Olive.
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