“She would have been 16-years-old on March 3.” The former collegiate soccer standout’s reflection on a daughter who died far too young of a brain tumor shortened my breath.
It also inspired a mom to turn her pain into purpose. The Gabby Krause Foundation was born.
It’s uplifting, at least for me, to hear stories of others who, despite great tragedy, somehow, someway, figure out that learning from, not becoming a victim of the experiences of life is a productive path. Doesn’t make life easy by any stretch of the imagination, just tries to make it productive.
Tammy Krause shared more about her daughter. “She had a favorite shirt that she wore as she endured chemotherapy treatments. It was a picture of a rabbit and these words, ‘No Hare.’” Bada-bing!
In this space we talk often about the cruelties of life. A child dying of brain cancer at the tender age of six qualifies very high on the list of “What the heck is going on around here?” moments. I can’t imagine the grief.
Life will throw us some wacky curveballs. We know that. The big question becomes, “How will we react?” For a woman who lost the second youngest of four beautiful kids, despite the pain and grief, purpose was discovered. Ten years later a non-profit continues to grow and provide bags of toys, games and other fun stuff for kids undergoing treatment for cancer or other lousy and debilitating illnesses.
This comes straight from the Bags of Fun website:
Gabby loved purple, swimming, and coke-flavored Slurpees. She sang, danced and laughed her way through chemotherapy. She found the silly in everything! It is in her memory that the Gabby Krause Foundation was started, and in her spirit that the Bags of Fun program began. Gabby had the original Bag of Fun filled with toys and fun activities when she was battling her brain cancer. Her bag helped keep her busy and happy during long hospital visits. To the delight of other patients, she always shared her games and toys.
A mom is keeping her daughter’s spirit alive through helping others. Admirable. Impressive. Challenging. The former TCU soccer player credits an athletic background for helping deal with every parent’s nightmare. “You get knocked down. You have to get up and fight again.”
But we have to have something to fight for, right? In this case, a mother has to fight for the spirit of Gabby, three other children, two stepkids and her personal sanity. I would suspect it would be real easy to be furious with God. Why?
What’s the ol’ saying, “The true test of a person’s character is how she reacts in times of adversity?”
What about us? We all have our battles to fight. The challenges arrive in our lives from many different venues. They might be physical, emotional or financial. The million-dollar question is, “What kind of spirit will we utilize in dealing with the lemons life throws our way?”
That, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, is squarely on our shoulders. It’s our choice. Student or victim?
Either choice will involve great anguish initially. The interesting aspect to observe is how that initial anguish manifests itself down the road. Almost a decade later, Gabby Krause’s spirit is alive and well through Bags of Fun. Kudos to her mom for refusing to allow a child’s vibrant flame to be extinguished.
Life’s a roller coaster, folks. Get used to it. Kudos to all of you who continue to march forward despite the unexpected and unwanted twists and turns this journey throws our way.
It makes me think of a dear friend who has whipped breast cancer twice in the last few years. Diminutive in physical size, the devoted wife and mother of two college-aged kids is larger than life when it comes to an ability to confront the unexpected and unwanted stuff life flings our way.
What gives some folks the ability to rise above the fray and carry on? To achieve goals and overcome challenges when others remain seated in their corner of life’s boxing ring and wave the white towel of surrender?
That’s a complicated question for sure. I do think successfully transforming pain into purpose requires us to acknowledge that we’re not alone and to reach out and connect with like-minded folks. We draw strength for the arduous and rocky road ahead.
Our meeting inside a noisy coffee shop on Denver’s south side was over. I watched a mother walk into the brilliant Centennial State sunshine. I said a quick prayer of thanks for meeting her. She exited with conviction. Oozing inner strength. Pain? You bet. Purpose? Without question.
It’s a good reminder for all of us. Count on the pain. It will appear. Usually at the lousiest time. What’s unknown? Will we find purpose in it?
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