Who We Should Aspire To Be Like

This will probably just be a quick post, but I realized the only mention I'd given one of my favourite blogs was just a fleeting link in a post ages ago, that's not even on the main page now (to any new readers: oh yes, there's more! We're nearing our one hundredth post, so there's a couple of pages for you to look at and help spread the insanity if you manage to get through this front page without overdosing on madness/becoming seriously maimed/scarred for life).

I first heard of Alice through the Post Pals charity. (You can see my previous post about it here - see how nice I am, linking you to it, and everything? - or, better still, visit the Post Pals website) I'd tell you about here, but what better way to do than through her own words? From her Blogger profile:

About Me

Alice x

Hi, I'm 15 years old and live with my parents and sister in Ulverston. I've been fighting cancer for almost 4 years and now I know that the cancer is gaining on me and it doesn't look like I'm going to win this one :( I'm hoping to write in here as much as I can and I'm also going to show my bucket list which I'm trying to get done before I have to go. Hopefully, I'll update as I tick each one off the list :)

Her blog is simply called 'Alice's Bucket List' (that was another link, by the way. In case you didn't notice), and well, it does exactly what it says on the tin. But also, much more.

It is a story full of positivity and strength, made all the more touching because this isn't just something in a novel you can pick up and put down at will; it is someone's life. It is a glimpse into the lives of Alice and her whole family (including her sister Milly who deserves a major shout-out too; she's an amazing fundraiser, as well as suffering from a condition called Crouzon Syndrome herself - and reminds you that the way bad things - whether health-wise, life-wise, or anything-wise - affect you is all down to your attitude. Where there is darkness, there must be light. Falling down, no matter how hard or how far or for how long, must always be followed by getting up again. This is what Alice does, despite the trials she has gone through, and the challenges facing her.

(Now you can see where the post title is coming from, right? So, Tora, if you'll forgive me this once for having it so straight-up and 'obvious', I think it really has some meaning.)

I am not saying Alice is Superwoman. She is an ordinary girl in extraordinary, harrowing circumstances that unfortunately affect too many people, who has decided that this chapter of her journey should be shared with the world.

(Am I preaching? I really hope I'm not. And if I am, well, let's just hope it has some kind of purpose. I think it does.)

So. Go there. Read and take inspiration. And then come back here and finish reading this post and see how different the light you see it in is.

I'll leave a space here to indicate you reading Alice's blog.




Sorta makes you appreciate being alive, doesn't it?

Allie

Post Pals - Helping Make Sick Children Smile

Post Pals is a charity that aims simply to brighten the lives of terminally and seriously ill children across the UK. 

Pal Anna-Mae C

By clicking on the names of the listed children on the website, people (that means you, Twin Sister Bubble readers!) can read updates about how they're doing, and can send letters, postcards, gifts and emails. Though the child might not be able to reply, you know that they are smiling and have a little happy moment in their day because of you. Post Pals was set up by Vikki, who is 26 and suffers from severe ME. She runs the charity from her laptop because although her illness has improved, she is usually bed-bound and only with the help of several other team members and a whole heap of volunteers can the charity continue to help the Pals themselves. She has won awards for her work and has brought smiles to countless children who need an extra bit of TLC - including the siblings of the Pals, who often don't get as much attention as they should. 

Pal Jessica M

However, Post Pals can never have enough Posters (members of the public like you and me who send smiles!) and also needs donations to help keep it going. All you have to do is follow the link here, read through the site (there are some guidelines to follow and plenty of information about the Pals to be found) and decide what you think will make a child smile! Posters can be from anywhere in the world, and every single one makes a difference. Giving a small piece of happiness isn't difficult, and, as someone who is a Poster, it's definitely a very worthwhile way of using up
those extra few minutes in the day :)

And here's the all important link to the Post Pals website! And a few others: you'll find the Caringbridge site of Pal Nia S and the blog of Pals Seren and Dylan's mum Rebecca on our blog list. More will be added soon! And in case you hadn't heard about sensational Pal Alice P already - her personal Bucket List blog has gone  viral! She's even been trending on Twitter.                                                                        

So. Go on. Make someone smile. Post, promote, donate. Easy as.

Allie