I’ve just finished writing one of the tougher stories I’ve ever put together.

In tonight’s 7pm news, we tell the story of Michele Graddy, a mother of four who just lost her battle with breast cancer. She received her diagnosis only a month ago.

Her story would have been compelling in itself, but what made it even more unique was the enormous outpouring of support from women who only knew her as “Momof4inFishers” on the Momslikeme website. 

     This network of 35,000 Indy-area moms rallied around her in a stunning outpouring, flooding the site with messages and prayers, holding a candlelight vigil outside her hospital room, arranging meals and lawn care for her family, setting up a trust fund for her family, and planning a variety of fundraisers. 

There is something so powerful and intimate about the connections people can make online - and I think mothers especially find strength in these kinds of relationships.  We have such a need to connect and relate, yet our busy lives sometimes prevent us from getting together face-to-face as often as we would like.  Something about knowing each other only through words seems to break down barriers, and free us to share more openly. 

I never met Michele.  But she has made a huge impression on me.  The giving, generous, and open spirit described by her friends and loved ones is something we can all learn from.  She was reaching out to help other moms on the site with their problems, even while dealing with her own diagnosis.

   Her sister, Teresa, shared this thought with me that really hit home.  She said Michele was so laid back, warm, and generous, that even if her house was a mess, if you showed up to her door, she’d welcome you in without blinking an eye, and invite you to stay for dinner.  Teresa, on the other hand, said with her own type-A tendencies, she’d want weeks to clean and prepare for a guest so that she’d be prepared and everything would appear perfect. ”I’m done with that,” she told me. “I want to live like Michele.”

I hope the part of her story we were able to share offers at least some inspiration and encouragement to those who see it.

My deepest sympathy to the Graddy family, and friends mourning this great loss.

Trisha

Contributions can be made to the Graddy Family Benefit Fund through any Huntington Bank Branch.

On July 4th, the boutique “Eye Candy” on Mass Ave. is also donating a percentage of its profits to the fund.

Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words.

Wasn’t today beautiful?

And wouldn’t it be fun to be 6 years old again on a sunny summer day?

Have a great week!

Trish