Michele’s Being Considered For A KSU Alumni Award

Yesterday I receive a letter from Kent State University’s Alumni Association congratulating me on being nominated for the Distinguished Citizen Alumni Award. Now in all fairness, I nominated myself. The alumni association sent out an email stating that one could nominate themselves – so I did.

Here is more about the award.

The Distinguished Citizen Award honors alumni for their extraordinary service to the public in nonprofit organization or outstanding community service. This award recognizes those individuals who have unselfishly and generously contributed their time and talents for the enrichment of others and the betterment of their community.

The work I did that resulted in the alumni awards committee accepting and considering my nomination – all the work I do on this blog and co-facilitating the GriefShare support group. I also mentioned my work with Golden Retrievers In Need (G.R.I.N.).

I will know in May whether or not I will receive the Distinguished Citizen Alumni Award to be presented on October 17, the day before Homecoming.

Receiving this award will be wonderful. The publicity will help spread the word about JoyReturns and increase the chance of helping other widows through their grief journey. It would also educate family and friends about the good, bad, ugly and joyous adventures their loved one could face now that she is a widow.

How God Works

This is how God works.  He made sure some good came from Joe’s passing. It was one morning before I opened my eyes that I heard the words “Widow’s Website” in my head. I am not a morning person and there is no way I could form an idea like “Widow’s Website” before getting out of bed. Those words were placed in my brain by God.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Joyous But Bittersweet

This is an example of a joyous but bittersweet moment one faces periodically after a loved one’s passing. It is a joy to be considered for this award but this nomination would not have happened without JoyReturns, which would not have happened without Joe moving to heaven.

Thank You

Thank you to my family and friends for your support during the past 3 years. When I say friends, I also mean my readers and fellow bloggers, for I consider you my friends even though we have never met in person.

Thank you to God for putting the idea in my head and showing me there is a use for my conversational writing style. You would not want a scientist writing a grief support blog as his/her style would be too formal and technical.

Thank you to Valerie, a fellow widow who also had to deal with grief and unemployment.  Both her joy and a job have returned.  I am honored you chose JoyReturns to help you during your journey.

Thank you to the alumni awards committee for considering me for the Distinguished Citizen Alumni Award.

Stay Tuned

I will let you know in May whether I will be receiving this award or if it goes to another distinguished alumni.