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Guest Post – In my grandmother’s honor

Last week I introduced you all to the Lillie-Helen Foundation for Stroke Awareness founded by myself and my oldest friend to honor our grandmothers – both who passed away from stroke-related causes.

March is a very special month for Lillie-Helen because it’s the birth month of both of the namesakes of the organization.

Today’s blog is dedicated to Mrs. Helen Marie Maybank Conyers – may your legacy of love and strength forever live on in the hearts and actions of your loved ones! Welcome to Divas With A Purpose for the first time, Kimberly, as she shares with us her memories and reflections of her grandmother.

Helen Conyers

Michelle is my oldest friend, my BFF. She and I started Lillie-Helen together out of love for and a desire to carry out the legacy of our grandmothers who both passed away from stroke-related issues.

My grandmother – lovingly called Mama – celebrates her 5th birthday in heaven today, and every year I think, “it’ll get easier next year…” Unfortunately, that hasn’t been true for me as of yet. I have days when I can speak of her and see her face in that of my baby boy’s and it warms my heart. I also have days when the tears come because I know how much she wanted me to give her grandkids, and although I know she’s watching down on us, I would love to see her laughing and playing with them.

Mama had two strokes in her life, the first when I was 8 and the other when I was 27. The years in between weren’t easy for any of us as a family, but it drew us closer to each other on her behalf and closer to her as well. It’s funny for me to realize just how protective of my grandmother I was in her later years, so much so that I carry those feelings with me today.

For me, Lillie-Helen isn’t just a site or a Facebook page or even a friendly reminder to my husband to take his medicine. Lillie-Helen is a daily walk in which I keep myself and my family up-to-date on heart healthy recipes, green smoothie meal replacement ideas, exercise motivations, and so much more. This foundation is a way to reach out to our communities and make them aware that a stroke doesn’t have to be inevitable if only we are aware of and follow through with even the smallest of ways to keep ourselves healthy, a way to try and teach other mothers and grandmothers the importance of not ignoring your health just because you “feel good.” Lillie-Helen keeps my grandmother alive in my heart as I take her legacy of strength and love with me on my journey to a better, happier, healthier me.

Be blessed!
Kimberly

Kimberly is the Co-Executive Director of the Lillie-Helen Foundation for Stroke Awareness.  Her name should sound familiar, as she’s, also, a participant in The Divatude Challenge 2013 where she’s sharing her personal and professional goals with the Divas With A Purpose community Connect with her on Facebook as she shares heart healthy tips and recipes on the Lillie-Helen Foundation for Stroke Awareness and her delectable desserts courtesy of The Dessert Diva.

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kenyagjohnson

Sunday 17th of March 2013

This was beautiful. I still miss my grandmother. I lost her when I was 11 years old but she left a lifetime of an impression on me. She was a wonderful woman too. It's a blessing to have memories in my heart like she was here yesterday.

Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow)

Sunday 17th of March 2013

This is a wonderful memory to share with your family. I never knew my grandparents. They all died before I was born, except by grandmother who died when I was 3. You were so blessed to have her.

LoveDesignLife

Sunday 17th of March 2013

Beautiful post. Great cause and I like how you have brought attention to stoke prevention. Thanks!

4awritermomMariann

Saturday 16th of March 2013

Such a wonderful way to bring awareness to stroke prevention, while honoring two wonderful women. Keep up the wonderful work. Good luck

Michelle

Saturday 16th of March 2013

Thanks so much for the encouragement and kind words!

Tracie

Saturday 16th of March 2013

This is beautiful. I love what y'all are doing.

Michelle

Saturday 16th of March 2013

Thank you Tracie!

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