The impacts of positive relationships are limitless. Experiencing this first-hand was much of my inspiration for Aging UP. Witnessing, second-hand, the impacts of negative relationships was the other source of motivation, but that’s a story for another time.
I am truly grateful to have been raised in a loving, two-parent household. I am also fortunate to have spent my adolescent years living next door to Jayna, one of my best friends to this day. Because of our close relationship and proximity, her family and even extended family have been special connections to me for the past 25 years.
Together, we have celebrated birthdays, graduations, weddings, holidays, and baby additions into our families. We have also mourned side-by-side in saying goodbye to loved ones and furry friends. We have adjusted to moving away from one another and to growing up.
Through it all, my incredible “second family” have been a propelling part of my life. Leading the charge has been Jayna’s mom, Diane. Her love, concern and support feel like a neon welcome sign that is always beaming.
Diane’s light grew even brighter on her 60th birthday. She celebrated this special year by requesting family and friends give gifts to Aging UP instead of to her. And of course, they all rallied in support.
The poor air-quality, due to the tragic recent fires in Butte County, required a last-minute change from an outdoor get together to an indoor one. As fate would have it, the party ended up at Diane’s house, where so many other celebrations have taken place.
As always, I felt like part of the family. However, I was overcome with gratitude and humility as person after person took me aside to make donations in honor of Diane.
Their combined generosity raised a total of $1,020! All of it will go toward helping teens from foster care build their own positive relationships and community of support.
Happy birthday Diane. And, thank you. For everything!
