Whenever tragedy hits, it’s tough to see the positive side of things and to “appreciate the small things in life”. I am usually a person who definitely does these things, (if you know me, you know that I get excited about everything), but my friends definitely came through and showed my whole family what it’s all about when I could not.
My mom was in a terrible car accident last year and she suffered a traumatic brain injury. She was in a coma for six months and is now in full-time therapy and bouncing from one long-term care facility to the next almost every two months. The hospital bills, ambulances to transport her and costs for therapy have been tremendous and we had to make a lot of sacrifices. We sold my house, I picked up a full-time and part-time job in the summer and I had to work two jobs while finishing my last year at college.
Sportsplex in Dallas, TX
Though the whole event has been scary, horrific at times, I have defnitely seen the goodness in people. A ton of my old high school friends and their families put together a sports tournament to raise funds for my mom’s hospital costs and to help my sister and me out.
My sister and me after the tournament
It was awesome and it shows how good God is! My friend Alyssa and her mom did a fantastic job marketing the event to local high schools, gaining sponsoships for food, t-shirts, and even trophies!
Dallas Divas
There were almost 40 teams of 6 who played from 9a-4p on a Saturday during the summer. The teams competed in dodgeball, basketball and volleyball. Some teams went all out making shirts and people were signing up the night before.
Bloodhound Gang
We ended up raising over $7,000 and it was just amazing seeing how willing everyone was to wake up early to come out and support our family in such a dire time. Although my mom was not able to witness the event at the time, we made a scrapbook and have a facebook album that we show her everytime we go home.
Also, the girl who really put her all into the event ended up interning for the sports facility where it was held and is now putting together another tournament this Thanksgiving! If you or if you know anyone in the Dallas are who would want to play, just send her an email or check out her facebook event! It’s so much fun being able to bring out that high-school competetiveness…we all still have a little in us. ; )
Winning team
Shout out to the hometown folks,
2 Comments
November 6, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Mal,
You are the most incredibly strong person I know. I love your smiling face! It is good to know that God always works everything out for good.
In high school I set up a clothing drive for the Katrina evacuees in our town, and I volunteered with the Red Cross. I can honestly say it really is a wonderful experience to be able to be a part of something that will put a smile on another person’s face. You are AMAZING Mal!
November 8, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Wow Malorie,
I’m sorry about your mother and I hope she is doing well, that she is recuperating. You have such a great spirit, strong and lively, and things like these happen for a reason.
It’s very admirable what your friends did for you and your family, like you say, it shows how good God is! I was once in a car accident too and wouldn’t have survived if it hadn’t been for the help of others. Let this teach enduring lessons in our lives that motivate us to act for change and a better society. Thank you for sharing