~>Leading By Example<~

Whether you know me on a "personal-level" or not, I think it's fair to say that you know that I love being a part of positive experiences! 

What began with one of my mom's co-workers asking if I would speak at her Insurance-Women's Group monthly meeting in March, resulted in my opportunity to be one of the Keynote-Speakers at their Annual-Conference. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to a lovely lady,
Kristin Camarra, who is President of Massachusetts Association of Insurance Women; it was she who asked if I would like to be a part of their Conference. Now, I wasn't expecting anything spectacularly out-of-the-ordinary about this speaking opportunity. But, then again, what's that they say: "...when you least expect it" !?

[No, your eyeballs are NOT playing tricks on you.. that is SNOW up there!]

I wasn't the only guest-speaker invited to share my story. Team-Members from
/|\ ~^~Ainsley's Angels~^~/|\ , Shaun Evans, along with his resilient, eight-year-old son, Shamus, compose the Power To Push faction of this outstanding organization.

We all were able to exercise our *CRAFTY~CRiTTeR~TENDENCiES* in a
Paint-Class, as well! 

{Mama~BeaR gettin' her >ART< on!!}

And finally, folks, the main reason why I was present for this Conference... to share my story of not merely "surviving", but >*THRiViNG*< !!!

Not "FOUR-YEARS" ... "FOR-LiFE" !!

HOW DID I GET *SO~LUCKY* !?!

Seriously, though... I am one tremendously fortunate gal. 

"Why this time?" you may be wondering ~ ~ ~

Well, for starters, this past Wednesday [3/25], my mom and I ventured down to New York - Marist to be exact - to take part in an event my fantASTic sorority-sisters were hosting in honor of this month, which of course is Brain-Injury Awareness Month. To say they simply "hosted" this exciting event would be a total understatement!!
 

These ~>Tremendous-Taus<~ planned, organized, and orchestrated the afternoon, from soliciting local business for raffle-prizes, to putting their fabulous flair on every, single decoration in the room. 

  

Greek-Council, the over-arching "umbrella" under which all sororities and fraternities are situated, votes once per semester which event they are going to deem
-MANDATORY- for all sisters and brothers to attend.
Well, you better believe it was OURS!!! =D ;~} =D

My extra-special advisers were there to support me, as well. An absolutely perfect "full-circle" type of moment, since I wouldn't have been introduced as 

"Our Alumnae Sister Ryan Farrell" if it wasn't for them!! 

Of course, I had to truly make it FULL of IMPACT, and bring all of my "props" I bring to all of my usual Survivor-Speeches. The oh-so *^*FANCY*^*, bedazzled, autographed crash-helmet I had to wear throughout my eleven weeks of rehab at Spaulding Hospital... ~{see below}~

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Not only was I the Speaker at our event, but I also acted as Auctioneer at the end!

~^~ My Lovely~Little, Kolbe & I ~^~

 

~*~TAU-PURPOSE~*~

... Miss America's bouquet doesn't have ANYTHING on my *ravishing roses* !! 

The official flower of AST is the  *Yellow~Rose*. Which is beyond fantASTic & perfect, since the yellow-rose, with its optimistic hue and general association with good cheer, is "the perfect way to toast friends, lift spirits and send a general wish for
well-being!" 

{As promised... here's the video!}

*BEAUTY* ~LOVES~ \^COUNTRY^/

Alrighty y'all ... get those *VOTiN'~FiNGERS* ready!!!

I honestly couldn't think of a better time for this competition to be happening. The first week of Brain-Injury Awareness Month...
Marching forward!!! ;~D

What's this competition I'm speaking of, you wonder? Well, it is the
"Beauty Loves Country" Mary Kay Makeover Contest.

The champion of this contest will win an exclusive fan experience to attend the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music® Awards. But, more importantly, a prize of $2,500 to my favorite charity benefiting
women and children!! <3

I don't think I have to go to great lengths to explain/reaffirm just how much I adore country-music and everything it encapsulates. This genre had always been my favorite, for as long as I can remember. However, that "favoritism" was only strengthened in the immediate aftermath of my TBI. I can even remember my older sister, Courtney, burning different CDs to bring into Spaulding Rehab Hospital during the Summer of 2010. Although I wasn't aware of much (if anything at all), I would still know all the words to every, single country-song she had chosen to include.

Additionally, country-music has just been a motivating factor to me all throughout, whether I am pushing through a cardio-session at the gym, or putting the "finessing-touches" on my Survivor-Speech outline.

From MARCH 2nd to MARCH 9th ~~~

Voting is open, five[5] - times per day, per account [Facebook+Twitter].
Here's the link; all you have to do is type: "Ryan F." into the search-bar at the tippity-top of the page!!! 

VOTE for *ME* !!! =D <3 =D

PROUD to BE... >*A-S-T*< !!!

Almost five years ago, I made a decision that I knew would positively influence my four-years as an undergrad: to "put myself out there", and go out for
Sorority-Recruitment at school. Little did I know then, that this would ultimately be one of the best decisions I have ever made thus far in my life. 

I proudly accepted the "bid" to begin the new-member process of Alpha Sigma Tau

~~~ Excitedly ready to start my journey towards sisterhood, I could not have ever imagined how big of a role ΑΣΤ would play in my collegiate career. Never did I think that I would be approached to be featured in the national newsletter! 

While I'll never forget any of my moments with my sisters, there is always one phrase in particular, which was said to all the new-members as we were just beginning the process: "It's not four-years ... it's for-life!" 

Alumnae *SPOTLiGHT* !!!

New Year ~~~ New {& IMPROVED} You!

Helen Keller once stated: "Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties."

I think we all can interpret that quote in a number of ways, actually. Firstly, in the tangible measurement of
+SUCCESS+ ... but then again, who really can be the judge of our own individual success? I feel that it's not only more realistic, but also more productive, to gauge one's success on his or her own terms.

Now folks, bear with me as I take you on a little journey down "Memory-Lane" of my *2014*. Because, after all, looking back in retrospect is an ideal way to look forward in anticipation!!  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I reconnected with the first Speech-Therapist I ever worked with, the incredible Brenda Lovette. Back in May 2010, when I first arrived at Spaulding Rehab right out of the St. Francis ICU, Brenda helped me tremendously throughout those first few months of rehabilitation. I am so happy that I came "rediscovered" the sweetest card she had wrote for me as I was transitioning from Spaulding to Crotched Mountain Rehab at the beginning of August'10. 

All who know me are well-aware of my affinity for all things inspirational, especially poems or quotes! I am so happy I rediscovered this particular one! 

RyRy Lynne

February 11, 2014 ·

Keep calm, and put your *~PEARLS~* on ...

 — with Nicole Zuar and Erin Rebecca.

I had been waiting/anticipating again, since that summer, the semester when I would be able to become a "BiG" in my sorority. Well, on the first night of Recruitment, when all the freshmen ladies were taking that first-step towards becoming a member of Greek Life at Marist, I met my LiTTLE, Kolbe!
I knew, almost instantly, that she would fit-in perfectly with my Big, Big-Big, & Big-Big-Big, Nicole, Kady, and Erin!!! <3

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I <CELEBRATED> my *4th~Birthday* on April 18th. No, you didn't misinterpret the number I just wrote... it was my 4th~ALiVEDAY!!! Looking back on that day now makes me excited for what 4.5 months from now represents... 5 years _ HALF-a-DECADE!!!
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Saturday, May 24... a date which will forever be ingrained in my mind as one of the best, most fulfilling experiences of my life. I, Ryan Lynne Farrell, graduated from Marist College with a degree in Communications - Radio/TV/Film Concentration. Strolling (more like strutting) across that stage on my beautiful campus, family, classmates, friends, professors and advisers all looking on...talk about a ~RUSH~

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I was one of a group of individuals to be recognized by and honored at "A Night of Heroes", hosted by the
Lowell Spinners at a baseball-game this summer! 

The ever so lovely Laura Chagnon [lower-left],  a fellow survivor and a beautifully articulate poet, shared her words after this wonderful evening:Seven Stars
Upon this celebration of heroes,
there is a galaxy of stars. 
Seven sparkling lights gleaming, 
each one uniquely graced with its own aura.
Team Hoyt New England led by Rick Hoyt, 
the most noble of all soldiers.
Alicia, wounded warrior survivor, 
her heart aglow with this country’s pride.
Julie, confident and bold, 
a dove with tranquil eyes.
Ryan, soaring to the zenith with enthusiasm,
my spirit alive in her presence.
Jeremy, his power leaping forward, 
steel-clad brilliance, a comet in the sky.
Laura, a peaceful soul of sunshine, 
words emanating from her, 
purely compassionate.
The Hoyt Foundation, 
a legend of great dignity, 
momentously closing the night.
In this heavenly baseball game, 
God hung the moon and stars, 
a field of dreams in the dusk of this lovely summer eve."

How ENORMOUSLY lucky I was, to be recognized at the same time as those individuals! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Summer quickly dwindled, as Fall began briskly approaching. Only, this year, for the first-time in 18-years, I did not have school [or out-patient rehab] to attend.
What an adjustment that was!

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BIA-MA Annual-Appeal

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Anticipatory, Excited, Happy, Anxious [in a good way] ... those are just a few words that come to mind when envisioningmy  *2015* !!!

My *GUARDIAN~ANGEL*

December 21, 2009 ... an unfair day when the best woman in the whole wide world was taken away from her family and many friends --- far too soon. 

[Gram & Papa, on their first date. Papa had borrowed that spiffy car from a friend, just to impress Gram! It honestly looks like the perfect snapshot right out of that time-period.]

My grandmother, Ann Marie Sugermeyer: your typical 100% Italian woman. Cooking, baking, sewing, knitting... she could do it ALL! But, even more than those things, she was the most considerate, faithfully devoted, genuine woman anyone could ever hope to know. When she wasn't serving Holy Communion at Our Lady of the Cape Parish, or volunteering every week at the Parish's Thrift-Shop, she was entertaining family and guests alike (once you entered the Sugermeyer house, you were instantly family). 

Every holiday is a little tough... especially Christmas. Yesterday marked the fifth celebration of the birth of Jesus we have celebrated without her. 

As we attended Mass at Our Lady of the Cape, I could feel her with me. I don't know if it was the beauty of the church itself, or the singing mixed with beautiful instrumental accompaniment; either way, I felt Gram: her spirit, her beauty, her faith. It was truly the best Christmas gift I could have hoped for!

Giving, Caring, Sharing!!!

          Mother Teresa once said: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” It’s as if she had been bestowing these bits of advice upon the late Paul Newman, while he was in the process of forming the plan for and building >The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp< , whose main mission is: “dedicated to providing ‘a different kind of healing’ to seriously ill children and their families throughout the Northeast, free of charge.”

  

          Yesterday, my mom and I had the great pleasure of attending this wonderful camp’s Holiday Party. I had received the invite from the marvelous Mr. Ray Lamontagne, a philanthropist himself, whom I had met my first semester back to school [Fall’11]. He had hosted an Emerging Leaders session, aptly titled “The Purpose and Power of Non-Profits”.  Ray and I have stayed in-touch over the past few years, and I was so flattered to receive that invitation. The even better feeling? Attending this occasion, and being able to witness the genuine joy, love, and gratitude which were so prominent all throughout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were so many superb sights to behold. From the walls wrapped in decorative, holiday paper, to the elves and other North Pole-ians prancing to and fro, it was certainly an enjoyable day!  I even was able to ~craft~, which is, without a doubt, one of my favorite pastimes.

 

 

... talk about feeling as if you were in Santa's work-shop!

 

~MY~ *HAPPY-ZONE*  

 

The gigantic tree was a sight to be seen! Not only was it monstrously tall and wide, but the special ornaments which adorned the many branches, paired with the generous gifts underneath for all of the strong survivors who were present, just made it even more phenomenal!

 

Before our departure, Mom and I had to pose for a picture with a couple of Santa's helpers ~  

 

Without the endless efforts of individuals like Ray and his tremendous work-force, this would not have been possible. 

As quoted by Paul Newman's character, Butch, in the famous Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid film:

"I have vision, and the rest of the world wears bifocals!"