Heather and her daughter Lilly |
Apart from feeling really cross with myself for not getting this post up last week, I am delighted to introduce you to a lady who I know you will feel just as amazed and inspired by as I am. Heather Von St James is a true survivor and I have had the pleasure to get to know her a little over the last few weeks, Heather contacted me asking if I could help raise awareness of Mesothelioma and the use of Asbestos, Heather lives in America where it is still currently legal to use asbestos which is the cause of the illness she has suffered and fought after being given only 15 months to live. Her story is truly an inspiration and you can read more here
Heather has kindly agreed to share her more about her life and her wisdom and is next person to be featured in my "Through Her Looking Glass.." series, I hope you enjoy today's interview.
Question 1
How do you start your
day? Can you tell us more about the first 3 things
you have to do to get your day started?
It depends on the day of the week. On the
days my husband works, I get to wake him up at 5:55 am,
and then crawl into bed until 7:30.
On days he doesn't work, I stay in bed until 7:30
and I then get my kiddo up, love on the dogs and cats.
I usually snuggle the kiddo for awhile, then crawl out
of bed and start the day. The next thing is, I make
beeline to the Keurig coffee maker to brew a strong
cup of coffee. I can't function until I have that
first sip of steaming coffee. After dropping Lily off
at school, I generally take a trip to Starbucks. That
is a typical start to my day.
Question 2
Share your favourite
piece of wisdom and why it means something to you.
''Life is a banquet, and most poor
suckers are starving to death" It is a quote from my
favorite movie, Auntie Mame. I like it so much I had
it tattooed on my left arm- it covers pretty much my
entire arm. It really embodies what I think about
life. So many people get caught up in the petty small
things, that they don't see all that life has to offer
them! I take joy in everything. I feel and embrace all
my emotion- I laugh, I cry, I love life. I try not to
let the trivial things bother me because in the big
picture does it really matter if Starbucks messed up
my order? No, it's just coffee and can be fixed. It is
the way I approach everything.
Question 3
What is your go to thing for comfort
when it all gets to much?
My
bedroom and my bed. It is my refuge. We recently
remodeled our bedroom and made it a lovely, airy
room. I have a huge, king size bed and I love
expensive sheets. When I am having a down day,
(yes, they do happen!) I crawl in bed and turn on
something funny on TV. I find I usually feel
better after awhile.
Question 4
Who are the women that
inspire you?
Number
one is my Mom. She is one of the most wise,
strong, and loving women I know. I
admire everything about her. She is who she is
because of her tremendous faith. I strive to
be more like her. She has a heart as big as all
outdoors and is the best role model I could ever
ask for. I'm truly blessed to have her as my mom.
Linda
Reinstein from The Asbestos Disease awareness
Organization is another woman whom I admire to no
end. She lost her husband to mesothelioma 8 years
ago, and has made it her life's mission to
educate people on the dangers of asbestos.
She is a mighty powerhouse and am so honored to call
her friend.
Question 5
How do you see yourself
and what makes up your sense of identity?
I wear many hats. But what doesn't
change is the person wearing those hats. I'm a
mom. a wife, a survivor, a motivator and
inspiration.. I love to help people and really want
to make a difference. My sense of identity ? Hmm..
physically it is my hair, and my tattoos.. I have
the trademark white faux hawk, and both arm covered
in colorful tattoos.. But what sets me apart is
probably my quiet confidence and my ability to tell
the truth to people. What you see with me is what
you get.. I have no hidden agenda.. but there
will always be a part of me that still sees
the awkward 8th grader who was a little overweight,
had crooked teeth and bad hair when I look in
the mirror.. I sometimes surprise myself at what
looks back. I'm a bit of a goofball, and try not
to take things too seriously. I'm an optimist, and I
think that shines through in all I do,
Question 6
Do you have a favourite
dish or recipe that makes you feel good or gives
you a much needed boost?
My dad used
to make this stuff called sauerkraut bread. It
sounds horrible but it is soooo good. You take
bread dough, roll it out into a big circle, and on
the inside, spread sauerkraut and Italian sausage
mixed together, add salt and pepper, roll it up
and then bake it. My dad recently passed away, so
I need to learn to make it if I ever want it
again.
Question 7
What's challenging you
right now?
Dealing
with the loss of my Dad. It's still so fresh.
He passed away on February 27th, the day after his
birthday. He was only 71. He was diagnosed with
clear cell renal carcinoma back in November during
a surgery to fuse some vertebrae.
By the time they found the cancer, it
was everywhere. He went very fast, and for that I am
thankful, but wow I miss him. There is a huge hole
in my life. Everyday is a new emotion surrounding
his loss. I'm learning how to deal with it, and I
know it will get easier. I do know I'm relieved he
is no longer suffering. My dad was loved by many,
many people, and I will always cherish those last
days that we got to spend together. I was with him,
holding his hand when he passed away.
Question 8
Tell us more about your
latest or next project.
Right
now, Asbestos Awareness Week is going on, and I am
inviting people to donate their social media
status to help bring about awareness. Asbestos is
still NOT banned in the US and is being imported
and used every day. It is so dangerous and causes
such suffering. There needs to be stricter
regulations on the substance and an all and all
ban. That is going on right now.
As
far as other future projects, I'm thinking of a
book. It is something that has been in the back of
my mind for a few years, and perhaps this is the
year I decide to actually do it.
You can find out more about Mesothelioma and read Heather's blog at Mesothelioma.com
You can also connect with Heather on Twitter and Google+ and her Facebook page
If you want to know more about Mesothelioma and live in the UK then do check out the Mesothelioma UK website
I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post and Heather's courageous story so do leave a comment below!
It is such an inspiration to see and hear stories of survivors from terminal illness. It makes me appreciate life and gives me motivation to do mine better. I also admire her everyday routine which I can definitely relate. With regard to asbestos, I always make sure that everything in the house are free from it including the raw materials (plywoods, etc) to ensure the safety of me and my family. I do hope most companies and manufacturers will get to realize its potential threats to human health. Thanks for the share!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for introducing Heather to us Karen! What an amazing lady. I am an optimist too so I love her outlook on life.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great post & one thing I've learnt to love about the blogging community, it's about all of us & we're in this life together.