It wasn’t until she went for an MRI that she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Tracy, a young healthy, active woman, was about to begin a different journey from her childhood visions. There is no cure for MS.

Today, Tracy continues to battle this disease. She will never give up. But she has decided it is time to make a difference for others who are faced with this Multiple Sclerosis. Tracy is on a mission—Tracy Alva’s Mission. The organization exists to confront MS and help people diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis manage the physical, emotional, and financial challenges they face every day.

Now Tracy has developed, with her good friend Dr. Robi Ludwig, a beautiful and inspiring way to raise funds and support for this cause. Robi designed the Believe Pendant, a beautiful silver filigree disc with a vintage look, that says “believe” on the back.

Tracy says, “My mom just adored Robi. You know, when your mom speaks about friendship and special people stay in your life from start to finish – well, Robi was one of those people. It was natural that we would ask Robi to be the one to design a piece of jewelry for my mission.”

Robi, a renowned psychotherapist who has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, and FOX, joyfully created the special pendant – the first inspirational jewelry line designed for MS.

“As a therapist I know how powerful words can be,” says Robi. “I loved the idea of a butterfly, because it represents transformation during times of transition. It’s also a hopeful symbolic reference for rising above problems during difficult times.

I wanted the word ‘Believe’ because that’s what we so often need to remind ourselves to do when life presents us with it’s multiple challenges. Reading an inspirational word, or having it near our body can sometimes give us the hope and little extra boost we need, to get us through the day.”

Click here to buy the pendant or learn more about Tracy Alva’s Mission. For more information about Multiple Sclerosis, you can go here.

Today, however, I’d like to be a mother fighting for other mothers – for other women. On Friday, September 25, I spent the afternoon in prison – and it really made me rethink the lucky breaks I’ve had in life, and others who were not so lucky. And one thing we just about all have in common is….children.

That Friday afternoon, I made the hour drive out to Lockhart State Prison, with a dozen other women and a couple of men. We were there on behalf of a program called Truth Be Told, which runs 8-week programs in the prison to empower women, through a curriculum designed to help them tell their stories – often for the first time in their lives. Most of these women have never really faced their pasts and traumas, much less talked about them.

Lockhart Prison

The reason we were there that Friday was for the graduation of the Truth Be Told participants at Lockhart. We had come as respectful listeners – these women were going to stand up in front of the room full of other prisoners, and us – and tell their stories, out loud, for the first time. It’s an incredibly brave and vulnerable act for anyone. And for most of these women, it was the first time they’d ever had anyone listen to them respectfully.

What an amazing concept for me. Just to be told that before the graduation blew my mind. I was listened to respectfully as a child, when I went running up to my mother on little toddler legs with some crazy childish idea. I was listened to respectfully in school by my teachers. I have had many bosses who listened to and respected me; many wonderful friends. I can sit down at the end of the day and share something minor that happened with my boyfriend – and he listens to me. Respectfully.

The concept that these women were sharing such painful, personal things – for the first time, and with complete strangers – and that by and large, it was the FIRST TIME anyone had really listened to what they had to say with attention and respect….what do I think about that? It made me sad for them.

But pity is not what I felt that day in the prison. I felt my insides ripped out by their words, their pain, their anger, their loss. Woman after woman stood up in front of the room and told their stories, most of which started with horrific abuses at a very early age. Yet they were not asking for sympathy, nor excusing their own bad choices that had landed them in prison. They cried, they raged, they hung their heads, they looked bewildered as they recounted their histories, the abuses against them, and their own mistakes for which they could never make up for.

For most of these women, childhood abuse was a huge factor – and it seemed to always result in this yearning for love, any type of love, that led to their troubles. For some it was the missing love of a father that led them to accept anything a man told them later in life – just to attain his love. For others it was trying to get money to help their family members, to show them that they loved them, to prove their love. Some women were in because of drugs, some were in because of embezzlement. Most of the stories centered around men, and relationships gone horribly, horribly wrong. Almost all of the women came across, to me, as lost and bewildered children themselves.

Children. They seemed little different from the abused and vulnerable children I have so long advocated for, and that Mothers Fighting For Others stands for. I saw clearly that connection, not very far removed, between mothers and children. Between cycles of abuse, and generational cycles of poverty, homelessness, and incarceration. I have seen this before, in the way that micro-loans not only empower women, but their children for whom they are now providing; in the way that if you feed women, teach women a skill, and give them respect, the trickle down effect to their children is powerful and instantaneous.

I guess I had just never experienced it so viscerally, so in my gut, as that day sitting in Lockhart State Prison and listening to the stories of these women-children. They all seemed to have children of their own, who seemed doomed to repeating the same path if something was not done to end the cycles of abuse that had plagued these families.

When I entered the prison, as I went through security and my pat-down search, as I was led along the ugly concrete hallways, past the stares of the male prisoners, into the “graduation” room and nervously watched the Truth Be Told graduates walk into the room in their blue prison-issued tops and pants – I thought I had nothing in common with these women. I was there to listen respectfully, to be certain, but didn’t really think I could relate to them.

I was so wrong. At almost every moment, every turn in a new story, I found myself thinking “There but for a bad choice, a bit of luck, could I have gone.” They were not so different from me, in so many ways. The biggest difference was that I had been lucky enough to have a loving family and a good, abuse-free childhood. They were not so lucky. But even so, I could relate so much to the tales they told. A slippery slope, starting with things I have done or experienced – and perhaps the reason I turned back at those points, and they continued, was due to the innate sense of love and security I had grown up with. For these women, such things were great gaping holes in their lives – and so they filled them with drugs, money and things gotten at any cost, abusive relationships, children too young simply so they could have someone to love them.

But underneath it all, we were the same. By the end of the afternoon, I found myself not only relating to them, but admiring them. These women were the bravest people I had ever met in my life. Their honesty, their courage, honed into my heart like an arrow and lodged there. I will never forget their words, or the haunted looks in their eyes as they spoke them.

And I hope that none of us forget that they are mothers, too. We are all mothers – fighting for others. Let’s bring the fight to everyone. When the mothers break free, so do their children.

Author, The Weight of Silence: Invisible Children of India

For more information about Truth Be Told, go to their website, or read this article in Austin Woman Magazine.

On Sunday, July 26, at 11 pm I called my daughter after getting out of the movies to tell her good night and check on the lil man. My daughter didn’t answer the phone. Ray’s (Alex’s boyfriend) sister answered the phone and began to tell me something I never even thought to fear. She told me that the past Friday night, during an argument between Alex and Ray, he slapped her across the face while she was holding the baby. She felt embarrassed and ashamed so she did not tell anyone what had happened.

Two days later on Sunday night, she had been invited by some friends to go out to dinner. Ray thought she should stay at home because he was at home. She said she was going and another argument ensued. He grabbed her by the throat and slammed her against the wall, grabbed her arms and slung her around the room, knocking into several items before finally pinning her down on the bed. Her friends showed up at this point and he let her up. Her friend, Krystal,  insisted that she call the cops and report it, which she did not want to do. She didn’t want me to know either because she planned on returning after a “cool” down period of a few days. Ray was arrested that night on two counts of domestic assault and one count of child endangerment.

The past few weeks, we have learned of other things going on in their relationship, such as mental abuse. He would tell her that she was stupid, fat, and ugly almost daily. He also did not allow her to go places without him. If she did she had to “check in” regularly or stay on the phone with him while she was out. She is also not the first girl he’s abused.

Since that night, my family and friends have been trying to build her back up. Letting her know that she is beautiful and smart and reminding her of her strengths and ways of working on her weaknesses. It is nothing short of amazing to see her eyes when the fog started to lift!

We do not discuss the events of that night anymore. We discuss mommy things, school, college, future plans and dreams, and how she can achieve them. It has seemed to really calm her and assure her of herself once again. I am starting to see my daughter again.

It is so important to empower young women to believe in themselves. They need to know that they are special and powerful over their own lives. I was not prepared to deal with this issue. I was unaware of how often this happens.

Educate yourself and your children. Talk to your sons about respect for women. Talk to your daughters about respect for themselves. WHY?

Alex is now finishing her high school education and has plans to go to college. She is currently looking for a job and staying with friends in a safe place. There is a stay away against Ray and his trial is pending on the two misdemeanors and felony charges that he faces.

Everyone should know the facts. Stopping the abuse starts at home with our own kids.

**facts were taken from The Lindsay Ann Burke Memorial Fund

The woman’s sign (bottom left) says, “They Killed my Brother Because He Asked “Where Is My Vote?”

It is noted in the description of many of the photos that the pictures do not necessarily belong to the person who shared them.  The photographers risked their lives to get them to us, and the people republishing these images do so in the belief that it will save lives and help bring peace to Iran.

Mythology, Beauty and Reality

Harmonia: In Greek mythology, Harmonia is the immortal goddess of harmony and concord. Her Roman counterpart is Concordia, and her Greek opposite is Eris, whose Roman counterpart is Discordia.

So you think you know where this article  is headed?  Harmony and discord?!  No, that is everywhere: at home, at work, in love, at the market, on the freeway. Don’t get me started on the interaction with children.

Now then, back to my story…. legend believes that Harmonia had a necklace that most people and theologians associate with her name.  This magical necklace was highly coveted amongst women; for it was believed that who ever wore it would have eternal youth and beauty.  However, the necklace was wrought with curses and disasters to any one who wore it.   Many tales involving Oedipus, Zeus, and Aprodite revolve around Harmonia’s infamous necklace.

So I wonder this, though this really has nothing to do with the state of the world today, it does have to do with the billions of dollars spent on anti-aging products by Americans.  Eternal youth and beauty.  The end all for so many women and men.  The endless stream of reality shows based on beauty and good looks. Even though the economy is in a tail spin, we are still obsessed and will spend on our looks.  Is botox the new necklace of Harmonia?

I wonder what the Greek gods would think of skinny models– the greek gods and goddesses all seemed rather robust to me.  That was considered beauty.  I wonder about eternal beauty, anyone who wore Harmonia’s necklace had  ill fated consequences.  With what we know about silicone, botox, restalyn, etc… I do see a parallel between the perils of seeking eternal beauty and Harmonia’s necklace.  Meaning that perhaps not everyone should pursue the idea of beauty, but rather be beautiful from within.  Instead of being like Aprodite, we should remember Gaia, after all she is Mother Earth.  She is beauty.  She could balance harmony and discord.

And as I sit here in awe of our “HeadMutha Rocky” she is to me, Gaia and Harmonia, with a little Aprodite thrown in the mix.  But she, like the goddesses before her, are securing the earth, the beauty and the people in it.  Bless your soul Rocky, you have and continue to change the world.  You are most definitely-  a beautiful person.

Inspiring. Sarah Stanley just completed a 50-mile run (over 10 hours) while tweeting her progress with pictures. Why? It’s an easy answer for her, “I run 50 miles to inspire someone to run or walk 1 mile.” I got the opportunity to talk to Sarah, her passion was so clear – her intentions to help others just get off the couch radiated through the telephone. Her idea is to bring Healthy, Happy, and Fit together as one message. Just following her tweets for a day during that run had a positive influence over my future runs. And I wasn’t the only one. The conversation by so many that were affected by her life was uplifting. Allowing peeks into her life during a time of multiple emotions shows by example that you CAN do what you set your mind to. Follow Sarah’s blog and tweets to get your daily dose of inspiration.

There are so many others that can be used as examples of stellar inspirational people in the world we live. Find someone that has a similar interest to you – and learn by example. I know both Rocky & Sarah don’t bite, if you find someone you admire and want to learn more – reach out !

What is your message? What can you do to inspire others? As long as your intentions are pure – your passion and message can be whatever is closest to your heart. It might be to help the local shelters, support victims of domestic violence, volunteer your time, encourage entrepreneurs, the list is endless!

Inspiration is worldwide and incorporates many different venues of life. There are people inspiring others to read. There are mothers and fathers inspiring their children. There are teachers inspiring the students to get excited about education.

Inspire the Child. Inspire Each Other. Inspire Self.

I don’t usually go to the movies. It’s just too darn expensive. But I am going tomorrow. I know this will be worth every penny. You see, tomorrow is International Women’s Day, and I am celebrating by going to see this movie. I watched the preview and I felt inspired. I hope you do too.

Here is some information from the site:

“In honor of International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 5th, Fathom Events presents the acclaimed documentary, A Powerful Noise. This exclusive event will be followed by a live panel discussion with top experts and celebrity activists. You can be a part of the discussion by submitting your questions. Let your voice be heard.”

You can also use the power of Twitter

“You can help fight global poverty on Twitter! Just tweet “#apowerfulnoise” anytime from March 2nd to March 5th, and NCM Fathom will donate $.50 for up to 10,000 Tweets to CARE, an organization working to end global poverty, in honor of the upcoming one-night event featuring the acclaimed documentary A Powerful Noise.”

Check your local listings to see where A Powerful Noise is playing.

Please take a moment and watch the preview. I hope to hear about your own night at the movies.

FIGHT ON DEANA!!!!!!!!!

Back in October I posted about the randomness and proximity of girlfriends being diagnosed with cancer.  Today I am especially heavy.  My girlfriend who was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma in  October, was told that she has weeks to live, that though she has suffered through chemo, and radiation, the cancer is back and has spread.   She has 2 young children under the age of 5.  She has never waivered in her hope, and her determination to beat this cancer, yet this cancer is stealing Deana away from her family and friends.

In a Caringbridge blog,   Written in a by her husband he states,

“Deana wanted me to let everyone know that while we are hopeful, and are trying to remain positive, that the doctor did tell us that given the aggressive nature of Deana’s cancer, we are dealing with just a matter of weeks for Deana if not addressed. He has encouraged us to contact Hospice.”

Where do you start?  How to embrace each moment when everything in your body hurts?  How to capture memories and or make them for your children when you can’t get to the bathroom alone?  How to make time to say goodbye to your husband, and close up a life together.  To your parents, sisters, brothers?

Clearly, Deana’s story has me thinking, is it best to know when death is coming or not.  I have decided that yes, I would want to know so that I can complete my lists, have closure, have goodbyes, make memories for my children to open at sweet 16 and 21, marriage and birthdays.  In fact I am starting now, because what guarantee is there that I will know, this is something that can not wait.

The death of a mother is the hardest to bear for she is the one who is there for us the most.

International Women’s Day is a chance to stand with the women of southern Sudan, Rwanda, Afghanistan or any other country where we work and proclaim that women have rights and value. They are worthy of celebration and honor.  They are worthy of the economic and social change.

Racquel, hundreds of supporters have added their name to the list joining our call on March 5 or hosting an event of their own. They are standing with the women for grassroots solutions to end the food crisis and empower socially excluded women everywhere.

Join us for our celebration of the women we serve and supporters like you who are causing social change.

With food prices skyrocketing, women are wondering where they’ll find the next meal for their children and themselves. Women in the field are seeking the tools and skills that will allow them to end the food crisis forever. Thanks to your support, our commercial farming initiatives in Rwanda and Sudan go beyond traditional means of aid and actually teach the women the techniques and sustainable practices of organic farming.

Add your name to the list of supporters that are celebrating women on International Women’s Day.

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