Fall 2016

My name is Amy. I am a 52 year old lesbian. I’ve been with Suann for almost thirty years, officially married in 2010. We have four dogs, own a home, are gainfully employed, have brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews and parents who love us. We send out holiday cards every year, always with a pun. We create art and try and spread a little joy every day. We like to laugh. I think the world is a little nicer because we’re in it. 

• Our dad lives at The Osborn, a senior living facility in Rye, New York. He started off in assisted living; a few months ago he moved to the H.O.P.E. Center, the Osborn's memory unit. He recently had a stroke and as I watch the kindness and love bestowed upon him, it is a daily reminder that LIFE IS RANDOM LOVE IS NOT

• The daughter-in-law of a dear friend and work colleague was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in July. She and her husband have an eight month old son and are struggling mightily to make ends meet. Being sick is expensive, especially when you are unable to work. Asking for help isn't always easy but sometimes it's necessary. When I say the folks we work with have been generous, it is an understatement. LIFE IS RANDOM LOVE IS NOT

In an effort to counteract the occasional sick feeling I get in my stomach - the feeling that comes with being labeled by ignorant people as being less than because I am gay or because I am a woman; the feeling that comes with reading political headlines, both local and national, I have decided to start a movement. 

LIFE IS RANDOM LOVE IS NOT

Those six words have ben hovering in my mind and heart for the last couple of years. As I struggled to understand my oldest sister’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent death, I looked around and realized the randomness of life is best dealt with by surrounding oneself with love. Debbie's friends are a perfect example. The Senoritas, as they dubbed themselves, met through their kids - sons playing sports together years earlier. Once the diagnosis came down, they kept a close eye on Deb and her family. They had standing game nights, shared dinners, and never forgot to laugh. They have great laughs, those women do. And when Deb lost the cancer battle, the Senoritas extended the love to the whole Coupe family. LIFE IS RANDOM LOVE IS NOT

The same summer Deb passed away, Emily, a former student at the elementary school where I teach was killed in a horrific boating accident. I watched from afar as the family was bathed in love. The commitment Emily's family and friends have made to increasing boating safety and keeping her memory alive through the Emily Catherine Fedorko Foundation is further proof, LIFE IS RANDOM LOVE IS NOT

Two other examples are happening as I write this:
As friends have dealt with their own losses, illness and adversity, I have shared my theory about the randomness of life and the certainty of love. It seems to resonate with most, perhaps because we are all looking for answers. Am I speaking of karma? Maybe but I am my father's daughter so I'd like to believe we are made up of love, the key is to first recognize it and second, to share it. That's what this is all about.

I have no idea how to start a movement, nor do I know exactly what I want to accomplish but this is my first step. A website. And  bracelets. Every movement needs a bracelet.

And a blog. I've created a blog.....thanks for stopping by.