My name is Kiesa, I go by Key or Keyz. I am Alaskan by birth and Georgian by move. I am a single mommy to “Mini Boss 1” and "Mini Boss 2". I love my mini’s they are awesome tiny humans. Back to me...jk. The mini’s and I enjoy crafting, reading, and going to the Dollar Tree! I love movies; I’m a huge nerd and love all things Jurassic Park (Jurassic Parck III), Jurassic World. Star Wars, Harry Potter, A Wrinkle in Time pre and post movie on the big screen. Oh, and Sharknado! Yes, the entire epic series. 😂 Marvel and DC comics, well you get the point. I love music and I’ve never heard a genre of music I didn’t like. I have a passion for all things girly. You can read my blog here and in your spare time connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @keyztheboss Need an AVON Lady? I can help you with that...check out my AVON estore/page and click sign up or just shop: www.youravon.com/kiesagreen If you want to know more just ask. Happy Reading!
Almost a month ago, I packed up my children and took them to my hometown of Anchorage, Alaska. I’d never gone on a trip of that magnitude with my minis, and at first I felt a bit of anxiety.
But as our departure date neared my nerves dissipated.
The sheer excitement of our trip and the grandeur of the location was exhilarating. This was our reset button. Somewhere between disembarking the plane and fresh air filling our lungs, and the splendor of the mountain views tickled my minis visual fancies; I decided I wasn’t going to wait.
I wasn’t going to wait to live.
I wasn’t going to wait to travel.
I wasn’t going to wait to experience ALL the new things.
I wasn’t going to wait until school let out.
I wasn’t going to be complacent.
Finding my way back home changed me for the better. My journey home helped me better see life for the limited edition gift it is.
My beautiful sister and nephew at the Atlanta Aquarium in 2014. I took this picture of her because I just loved the lighting. Also, I’m something like a photog.
Sissy was in awe of the aquarium. We love the water mammals and animals. We also love things that reminded us of home.
I told Sommer she would love the aquarium and she did. I took so many pictures that day.
I wish I had the forethought to record a video. I miss her voice., our sister cuddles, and talks. I miss our goofy arguments.
Last night I was praying and reflecting and I realized, I can no longer count on my hands how many times I’ve wanted to call her; only to realize she won’t pick up. I miss her.
Good morning, loves! Today is February 28, 2019, Rare Disease Awareness Day! Today is an ordinary day for the 7,000 people living with a rare disease. This day is no different for those who are diagnosed and it’s no different for their families than yesterday. They live with constant pain and fear. And there is little to no comfort due to a lack of knowledge for these diseases.
However working to bring awareness of rare diseases to the world, can help bring about a change. A change in time patients are diagnosed. A change in medical care for the diagnosed and support for patients and their families.
Today, I will wear stripes to bring awareness to Behçet’s. Behçet’s is just one of the 7,000 rare diseases. And there is no cure!
I will wear stripes for my sister who passed away on February 3, 2019, 25 days before Rare Disease Awareness Day; and two years after her battle with the rare disease Behçet’s.
For the men, women, and children living with Behçet’s as my sister lived with the disease, you are not alone! I see you and I will bare stripes with you!
Please join me in bringing awareness to Behçet’s and other rare diseases! Wear your stripes and post your pictures. #ShowYourStripes #RareDiseaseDay
For more information visit:
www.vasculitisfoundation.org
Click “Contact Me” to receive brochures to give to your doctors offices or family and friends.
To donate to the American Behçet’s Disease Association, click the “Donate”
And to donate to the Sommer DeGrate Memorial Fund. Please click the link below:
Rare Disease Day is February 28, 2019! Behçet’s Disease is a rare and can be a fatal disease. Many are misdiagnosed before they are properly diagnosed with the disease. The case was true for my sister, Sommer DeGrate.
The disease caused a rapid decline in her health, but not her spirit. Sommer was like the season in which her name suggests. She was a ray of sun to all who loved her, and ear for any who needed to be heard. A shoulder for those to cry upon, and arms for those whom needed to be held.
Sommer was....😔😢
Sommer loved like no one else and it is so evident in the outpouring of love being shown on her Facebook page, and in the generosity of those of you who’ve given to her GoFundMe.
For more information about Behçet’s Disease visit the American Behçet’s Disease Association at: www.behcets.com.
For more information on Rare Disease Day visit: rarediseaseday.org
To show support: Behçet’s Awareness Ribbon is royal blue and you can get bracelets here: Etsy.com enter Behçet’s in the search bar.
To donate to the GoFundMe for final expenses please go here:
Its been four days and it’s just as hard as day one, it’s just as hard as the day and days we found out we were going to have to say goodbye.
But, last night crushed my heart. I had to tell my daughters their Auntie Sommer went to heaven on Sunday.
They wanted to be strong for their Uncle Johnny and cousin Zion, and grandmother. I told them their were kids and didn’t have to be strong. None of this is about strength.
This is minute by minute. Second by second, and hour by hour.
My babies talked about ways to remember her. We will plant a tree. The girls want to create an American Girl doll to look like their Auntie and to put her picture on a heart, and to make butterflies.
Our family is hurting and in need of help with final expenses. Any help would be appreciated!
There are people in this world who help you realize just how truly amazing God really is. My sister was one of those people. Sommer came in
Our sweet Sommer has earned her wings. 😢 Our family is heartbroken and in need of help to take care of final expenses and a memorial service in our hometown of Anchorage, Alaska!
It’s 1:46 ad I’m up drinking coffee and working on a project and thinking...video killed the radio star and Walmart and Amazon killed the last great (albeit kind of pricey) toy store. 😔 My favorite no longer here places are KB Toys and Blockbuster. So many memories!!! Name something that no longer exists that you miss?