2010 began with a rocky start as my mother-in-law (Lupe) died in January and lost my Uncle Bill in February; Lupe had a seizure due to epilepsy causing her to fall, hit her head, and go brain dead; she is the first person I know of now that has donated organs. One week after her funeral, I registered myself as an organ donor. I even hosted a two hour, two part special on my talk show (Coffee Talk with Chelle) about Epilepsy and Organ Donations (interviewed Communications Director from LifeGift of Texas). Uncle Bill initially was told he had two years to live when the doctor informed him he had prostate cancer, but somehow that two years timeframe ended up only being two weeks.
I volunteered and taught Grief Recovery classes to Dallas-Fort Worth community for the second year; every person and his or her story touched my life. I’m so proud of all of my students as it took alot of courage for them to open up to others and to do their homework assisgnements, but in the end, it helped every one of them.
It was bittersweet for me attending the annual Christmas memorial candlelight dinner this year, as my husband (David) and I lit a candle in honor and memory of Lupe. Also, I visited with my former Grief Recovery students from these past couple of years. I am taking a break from teaching the classes as I focus on becoming a Foster Care (and) Adoptive Mom eventually, hopefully.
My husband and I attended the classes all day every Saturday during the month of October. We have the Health Inspection appointment on Monday, Dec 27th and then we only lack the Home Study before we begin having child(ren) come into our home. We pray every day for it all to work out and for us to a blessing to these child(ren). We also continuously pray for a few close family members who have been seriously ill as well, including our 4 year old niece (aka our goddaughter) who’s been in and out of the hospital for these last few months of 2010 due to pneumonia and kidney infection; also my biological Mom who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer (stage 3) at the end of October; she is currently on Round 3 chemo of 8, which will be followed by masectomy and radiation later on. I joke alot with her since “laughter is the best medicine.” I’m so thankful I’m able to help her out and drive to her to chemo, doctor appointments, and so on – just appreciate the 12 years we’ve been reunited and also each day we have together right now. And then my biological father is not doing well, either as he’s having heart issues, and will be having major surgery on Jan 13th. Trying to be strong for everyone.
Speaking of adoption, I was thrilled to have met two Adoptee Celebrities in 2010, including both country singer Rodney Atkins and musician, Michael Franti (and Spearhead). I handed Mr. Atkins a letter I had written him about my adoption story and thanking him for all he has done, as he has been the National Adoption Spokesperson a couple of times. And then I had the honor of introducing Mr. Franti and his band on stage at House of Blues in Dallas back on Sept 30th.
And speaking of artists, I also made a life dream come true of not only meeting Mr. Atkins and Mr. Franti, but also Brandon Hilton, who I have nicknamed “Beautifully Handsome.” I had interviewed him in June (on Coffee Talk with Chelle) and then met him in Dallas on his birthday in July (our birthdays are only one week apart). I even bought him a “Birthday Cake” shot. And before he left town again to film a movie (which he is doing currently), I had the privilege of seeing him perform live two consecutive nights. Hope I see him again in the near future, as he’s such a joy to be around.
I’m so thankful for all my talk show guests and listeners. Hosting “Coffee Talk with Chelle” has been an amazing experience for me thus far as I’ve interviewed people of various backgrounds, including Book Authors, such as Eva Miller about Adoption, Letricia Hendrix about Depression, and Robert Shaines, a veteran about his experience serving our country and forming a friendship with his prisoner. Also have had Fashion Designer and Actor Joshy Lofty on my show and been fortunate enough to have become friends with him as well. Enjoyed interviewing Rodenberry Dive Team’s Director Greg Martin, “Sounds Like a Revolution” documentary filmmaker Summer Love, Entrepreneur and PUP (personal utility pouch) Inventor, Jean Newell and fabric aerialist Kyla Duffy (“Up for Pups” show) many other inspiring people this year!
As a way of showing gratitude and giving back to my listeners, I’m currently hosting a contest, “Coming Out of Your Shell” which the winner will be announced New Year’s Day and will receive a Prize Package that consists of all types of goodies donated by my past guests and also an opportunity for an Interview! In case you’re interested, it isn’t too late to enter the contest as deadline isn’t until Dec 31st! So, submit a video or blog to me via CTalkWC@aol.com and share how you are or will be “Coming Out of Your Shell” now or in 2011 – basically, what are your New Year’s resolutions?
Perhaps I’ll be sharing with you then mine, but for now I’ll just wrap this up by telling you all THANK YOU so much for your support! Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays for the remainder of 2010 & Happy New Year in 2011!
Coffee Talk with Chelle 