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Tracy Gaines

Heartfelt, humorous, and cynical narratives written by...an almost famous blogger. "Publicity can be terrible--only if you don't have any"! ...Jane Russell
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“These People”!

October 12, 2018 12 Comments

melanomofinal-6.jpg

It seems only logical for me to write a big ol blog today about MelaNoMo! I mean, after all, we just wrapped up our 10th and final fundraiser and I could not be prouder. R U kidding…we raised a boatload of money! That is the power of begging! Proud! Happy! And done!

But honestly, I’m not feeling it right now. Maybe because I’m tired… as is everyone else. I do however want to “chat” for just a minute about everyone else! (a favorite pastime) Let’s begin with the “show-er uppers”. Can we all agree on how fascinating “these people” can be? The type that never misses a funeral. I mean…big time high five, and shout out to them! (seriously…not me!) The struggle is real and the amount of energy that it takes to “show up” is huge! It involves clothes for crying out loud! Maybe you have received that notification on an invitation… inviting you to “show up” in a certain form of fashion…as in “dressy casual”, for instance, or as I like to call it…PLEASE??? Earrings with tassels, bangles up to your elbow, and Rodan+Fields lashes for the girls…coats & ties for the guys and oh my…socks or not? Your prerogative, but wwdld (what would Dr. Locicero do)? Showing up is courteous, yes, but it can inevitably lead to spreading kind words to one another! (a task that takes on tremendous effort… also known as small talk!)  The “show-er uppers” are punctual as hell and usually have a baked good or two in their helping hands to share amongst us. (Ummm, again… not me) Sometimes people just volunteer. W H A T? (Def: work without pay!)  Oh, Oh, Oh, hear this Y’all…some people go to meetings and sign up on a sheet of paper to do stuff. Then they have to do things that no one (in their right mind) would want to do. This implies group texting and endless e-mails. (Suckers) OK, before I get carried away, and you start to imagine I don’t like these “charming” people hanging out with me …You are wrong! I get it…”these people”, are the very ones that make things matter. They do “these things” when no one is looking, and no one is asking for anything in return. They sneak up on you, like Gainesville’s very own, Don Wade did, handing out his magical two dollar bills when you least expected it! (even if your kiddos may not have deserved it that day).

BUT…listen, because this is the important part…People show up… (Dr.’s and nurses) Our volunteers … (wife, sister, and brother)  People have been showing up over and over… again and again willing to serve. Dedicating a part of their life to help our son, Neil, and many others. YOU ALL SHOWED UP! Every time you pulled out your checkbook and a pen. Every time you painted an oyster. Every time you drove for hours in order to be there. You brought tons of talent… your music, your art, and your photography. You came with food to nourish us and wildflowers for our tables.

You showed up with your time. You showed up as our friend.

YOU are “THESE  PEOPLE”…my show-er uppers.

I love that you have been showing up for a decade for a family other than your own… for us.

I love it when kindness shows up!

“You people” will always and forever…fascinate me!

 

Comments

  1. Carole Roberts says

    October 12, 2018 at 1:34 pm

    This is awesome, Tracy, and I hope you never have to experience it again! God Bless!

    Reply
    • Tracy Gaines says

      October 12, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      It has been awesome Carol. I have learned everything I “need” to know in these past 10 years.(mostly through my son’s strength)
      Thank you God.

      Reply
  2. Leigh-Anne O’Brien says

    October 12, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    I love being one of “your people” Ooxx

    Reply
    • Tracy Gaines says

      October 13, 2018 at 9:54 am

      Well, You better keep painting those oyster if you want to remain one…hahahahaha!
      You always have been one of mine and always will be!

      Reply
  3. Karen says

    October 12, 2018 at 10:15 pm

    God bless the Gaines family and especially Neil and Margaret who have shown us how to have courage and strength and a giving spirit in the face of the biggest blow life deal you. I admire and love you all!!

    Reply
    • Tracy Gaines says

      October 13, 2018 at 9:53 am

      So kind! It’s amazing when you see the young people “GET IT”! I have to say they have really shown me a thing or two!

      Reply
  4. Tina Burns says

    October 12, 2018 at 11:16 pm

    Glad John and I can be your people! Glad Gary and you are ours! ❤️😎

    Reply
    • Tracy Gaines says

      October 13, 2018 at 9:50 am

      ME TOO TINA!!! And what great show-er uppers Y’all have been to everyone!

      Reply
  5. Julie Wynne Jones says

    October 14, 2018 at 10:06 am

    10 amazing years! We’ve loved every celebration. So much to celebrate!

    Reply
    • Tracy Gaines says

      October 14, 2018 at 8:12 pm

      Julie I can’t think of another family that has reached out to Neil the way your family has. You are the definition of “friend” and we will never take for granted the generous donations you made to MelaNoMo!!!! You wowed us forever! Thanks to all of you!!!

      Reply
  6. Mary Gavin says

    October 14, 2018 at 2:45 pm

    Love reading ur blog Tracy! I cant believe that it’s been 10 yrs. I remember when u found out. So thrilled it turned out like it did. Very impressive what character Neil and margaret have shown at such young ages.
    We moved to Myrtle bch about 3 wks ago from the villages. To hot for to long in Fl.
    When I’m up to atl would love to c u!
    Congrats to all of u for 10 yrs of giving back😍

    Reply
    • Tracy Gaines says

      October 14, 2018 at 8:07 pm

      Mary good for y’all! And I couldn’t agree more about the heat! I love Florida but I could not have gone through menopause there!
      Time is flying all around me. My children and my grandchildren are going to be my age any day now! I would love to see you and catch up. I miss flying so much but that is because I made so many wonderful friends like you!
      Keep me up to date on your family please!!!!

      Reply

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About Tracy Gaines

Tracy Gaines My job is to have a good time every day. So I try to plan a lot of trips and parties with family and friends as often as I can. I will drive 10 hours to have a glass of wine with "the girls"! I enjoy the challenge of a long hike or bike ride from time to time, but a bottle of wine, and spending time … [Read More...]

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