I'm BACK!

In my mind today, I am thankful for my life. The past few months God has been nudging me to do the work he still has for me. Truthfully, it was not what I wanted. I wanted to disappear. How could I be so selfish to my heavenly Father from whom every blessing has been given to me: my breath, my late husband, my children and grandchildren, and amazing friends? I am back amongst the living in both body and spirit.

Summer. It’s my favorite time of year. Everything is lush, green, and growing. Fireflies at twilight and walks with my kids at night. Staying up late and sleeping in with no schedules and routines is a gift. Sweet summertime. This summer has been a blessing to have treasured time with my son Ben and daughter Abbey. Their relationship has become stronger than ever. Getting to know my daughter’s boyfriend Andy as well as her friends from college. Visits from the Grands and time in the Sun watching them grow faster than the lawn. I could see how the love between Ken and me was all around us. Thank you God for a fruitful summer.

Now what Mrs. Alley? Oh, there is so much for me to do! I have three big events to benefit our county. There is the Depot Days George Butler Memorial 5K run to support local scholarships. Sign up and join me September 16th. Run,walk, or buy a cool shirt designed by me! We were able to give two $1,000 scholarships from the proceeds last year.

Next, Addi’s Haunted House for special needs children and a cure for SMA, a sister disease to ALS. Our Queen is Miss Addison Swims. It will be October 14th at 6 PM at the Neighborhood Activity Center in Dyersburg. Thanks to Kirk Nissan for giving $500 towards SMA research in Addison Swims’ honor. We were also able to give a $1,000 scholarship in her honor to a student at her school. Addi wanted her scholarship to go to a future special education teacher. It did! Want to be a part of Addi’s Haunted House? Contact me at salleyalley1969@gmail.com for more information. Monetary donations will support Addi’s scholarship.

Last but not least, the Autumn March for ALS is going on its seventh year. My husband told me not long before crossing over, “Whatever happens in the future, keep your race going. I am so proud of you and you help so many. You have the biggest heart. It's one of the reasons why I fell in love with you. That and your long legs.” (We need a little comic relief, back row students; the front row and I need to dry our eyes.) “I love you more each day we get together.” We knew our time together was ending sooner than later.

Please support this race for Dyer County scholarships at both high schools and a donation to the Tennessee ALS Chapter to continue research for a cure. Last year, we were able to give $1,500 to the ALS Chapter and four $1,000 scholarships, two at each high school. I need your support, family, friends, past students, and past work family. This year is in memory of our beloved Ken. I will design the shirt. If you can’t come, buy a shirt or make a donation. No amount of money is too small because I believe in the widow's mite. God will bless us in our efforts to be the good in our community. Mark your calendars for October 21st 9 AM in beautiful Downtown Dyersburg. I AM BACK! Thank you all for not giving up on me.

Sarah Anderson Alley

Sal the God is not finished with me Gal

Quote of the Day

Violet Blue

You left into the violet blue.

I look above

And

I search for you in cloudy skies.

Circular clouds form holes above me

And

I imagine you are reaching out to pull me through.

I know that it is you there above peeking through watching

And

Waiting in heaven with those we loved.

The day will come soon when my Savior will take me home to you in the violet blue.

-Sal the ALS Gal