02062017 Teal Square
The town she lived in is small and quaint with business owners who know their customers’ names. The artisans and entrepreneurs open their doors with passion and close them with satisfaction each day. Metropolitan people visit towns like ours to reflect on the peace that comes with simplicity. I always wanted to escape from our tiny town. Upon returning, I desired for my children to know how precious it is to live in a place where people know your name; to have a support system that goes beyond our blood relatives, to be able to proudly wear team colors and know that even though there are challenging times, there will always be good people. I have never been more humbled and proud to say that we made the right decision to leave the city and move home to raise our two miracle babies. I’ve never been more humbled than to have had the support of these businesses in the Teal Project effort to continue Pat’s message of Paying Attention To The Signs and caring for ourselves and others. Her professional compassion and commitment to believe the best in others has been what has allowed me to do this hard and scary thing of public involvement with her message. Her dedication to making the world a better place is what allows me to believe it really can happen here. I began with my hairstylist friend, and the owner of the salon… I asked a simple favor… can I put a teal ribbon in your window to remember my friend Pat? I want to paint the square teal so that whenever her son comes to any place up here, he will see this ribbon and know that she isn’t forgotten.
With the simple “yes, of course”; those women fanned a tiny spark. When I went back to talk about it, a customer at the salon I’d never met before gave the name of a local artist who, according to these women, would be willing to do the painting. She is so gracious and generous they said that I would only need to ask her. Of course, I didn’t have her number, and had no real relationship with her, so why would she say yes? I asked if I could “name drop”, and these lovely women said that would be just fine! I called the woman, made my request, and without hesitation, she said she would be happy to help.
My purpose? I want to put these ribbons in windows so that people ask what it’s about, and when they do, we can tell them that there isn’t a screening test for Ovarian Cancer; that we must listen to our bodies and pay attention and be our own advocates. I want to have something visible to start a movement for open dialogue and education so that people aren’t walking around like they are immortal, only to find out that in a moment’s time, their lives can be irreversibly changed. Most importantly, I want to remember my friend.
Two weeks later, I was taking my daughter home from swim team, and we had to make a stop that took us in a direction away from our usual pattern. It was a very windy night, much too windy to be walking around the town square, yet, as I stopped at the stop sign, I saw her there. Hunkered down, stroking paint over cold glass. I took my daughter home, then ran back to town to capture pictures of these amazing memorials. When I stepped out of the car, I noticed the stars in the sky, twinkling and dancing; a church bell rang a beautiful tune into the wind that was whirling all abandoned leaves into the air. Tears came from a place of humility and wonder. I began to shake – half with joy and half with fear… this important thing is really happening.
Let me tell you who is helping support the Teal Project. Men and women who sat and patiently listened to me tell the story of my friend and her family. People who said yes to a small ribbon with great significance. People who care about their community and a random person like me, who walked in and decided to just love. These people are pillars of strength, commitment, and community. I pray that they are blessed for the love and support they have given to this cause.
Washington County Attorney’s Office, where Pat worked for 34 years.
YMCA of Washington, Main Building
YMCA of Washington, BodyWrx Location
Systems Unlimited of Washington
Kennedy Insurance Agency, Inc.
Washington Community Adult Center
Washington Free Public Library
New Attitude Tanning Salon & Spa
Additional businesses who have committed to allowing us to place a Teal Ribbon in their windows are Jaz It Up and Simply Spa (pictures forthcoming)
More pictures will be uploaded as businesses join the Teal Project
My heartfelt gratitude to these businesses for their loving kindness in listening to my story, and for their support of the Teal Project and the family of Pat. She had an impact on her community and left a legacy of professional compassion. Her message of paying attention, listening and being a self-advocate will forever be remembered here.
If you are a local business owner and would like to support the Teal Project, please contact me by using the form on the website or by direct message.
Momma Rich's 