THANKFUL FOR: FOREVER CHOOSE JOY

I have been sitting here for a good 20 minutes typing and re-typing trying to figure out how to start a post about my sweet friend, Taylor Helland, who passed away two years ago today. There really is no easier way to say that someone has passed away, is there?  It sounds so harsh because there are so many mixed emotions behind that. Everyone misses her a TON, but at the same time, we know she is pain-free and happier than ever which is much more important.
 
Throughout 2017, I thought of my friend Taylor a lot because of her mantra- "Choose Joy". One day I sat down...I was having a hard day, and I decided to write a little in my journal about my friend, who even in the afterlife continues to inspire me. I wrote a little poem.  I do like to write poems, so that isn't unusual, but since this particular one was about Taylor, I figured today was a wonderful day to share it with others. It isn't perfect, but it's from my heart and it makes me smile. Here it is:
 
"Choose Joy"
 
I walked in the room, not knowing a soul
Scared and Unsure of what the future would hold
The girl was sunny blond hair & the brightest smile
Turned out to be a true friend who would stay a while
 
Taylor was brave and she was strong
She did not complain nor miss a beat
She always kept others on their feet
 
Taylor battled cancer long & hard
Her attitude and spirit was always a glow
“Choose Joy” she made sure everyone would know
 
It was her motto, her armor, her greatest defense
It has helped me more than I can ever admit
Choose Joy has impacted many far and wide
Especially the Horned Frogs whom cheered alongside
 
I miss Taylor
I thank Taylor
I often look up and talk to Taylor
 
She was my friend & most certainly my peer
She is someone I will forever hold dear
 
I Choose Joy today
I Choose Joy tomorrow
I Choose Joy to avoid feeling too much sorrow
 
Here’s to that girl flying around
No doubt as a butterfly high off the ground
You taught me a lesson important to all
“CHOOSE JOY “Taylor would say, no matter how often you fall.
 
Taylor was a wonderful friend to me and today I choose to remember the good times, like struggling to the point of extreme laughter in elementary statics. This week at TCU is coined "Taylor Week" in preparation for the annual Dance Marathon Event that benefits the local hospital, where Taylor was treated. Taylor was super involved in Dance Marathon and helping others, whom she could so easily identify with. Last year, while at Dance Marathon, I broke my scapula (LOL yeah TBT to that). This year I have been involved as a member of the PR committee for Dance Marathon.  Even though it wasn't my favorite memory from last year (hence the broken bone and all), I still wanted to be involved in the organization because I know Taylor would have loved that! Because of Taylor, Dance Marathon is something so close to so many of us. I would love it, and appreciate so much if you would donate to my fund at this link:
https://events.dancemarathon.com/participant/Cade-Bethea

I have been behind this year on my personal fundraising but would LOVE even the smallest amount you could give to this cause. I promise to do my best not to break any bones this year!!
 
Taylor is someone that will never be forgotten. She has made such an impact here on campus and much further.  I see people every day in the "Choose Joy" shirts that were created in her memory. Today, many of us remember her and celebrate her goodness.  If you want to learn more about Taylor, or hear her story, here is my post from last year:
https://www.southernandthankful.com/blog/thankful-for-a-year-of-choosing-joy

Choosing joy is just that...a choice. I often have to remind myself that if my friend, who fought cancer fiercely, can do it, then so can I. I am thankful for my friend. I miss my friend. I love my friend and I am forever grateful she was placed in my life at such an important time.
 
Thank you, Taylor.
 
Yours Truly,
Southern and Thankful