Ten. [and Project SOS]
Let me start quickly by saying – this is not going to be a sad post. Just hear me out.
Today marks 10 years since the passing of my mom. 
10 years.
That’s really hard for me to wrap my mind around. It just doesn’t feel like 10 years. But then at the same time, it does.
I thought about not even sharing this, but then I knew anything else would feel weird. Like, I couldn’t do an outfit post today. Or something. You know what I mean.
So, I thought, what better way to remember her than by sharing one of my favorite memories of her? A hilarious story, if you will.
For your mental image, the photo below (taken on spring break my junior year of high school) is pretty much the most recent photo I have of her before she died. And this story takes place that same year. My mom (obviously on the left) and me, on the right, but closest to my mom.
I loved NSYNC. No, for real. I was a huge NSYNC fan girl. I had seen them in concert a few times, but they were coming to do another concert that summer at the MCI center in DC – which is now the Verizon Center, I believe.
Anywho. My mom wanted to go with me and my friends to see NSYNC. What?! Moms can’t go see NSYNC, that’s not cool. Right? Wrong.
Well, my mother, being the determined woman that she was, was determined to take us. But, she insisted she take us in style.
Next thing I know, my mom is making me get in the car with her to go to the mall and go shopping. Now, long story short – my mom was sick for a very long time, and part of that was she suffered some physical disabilities – SO, she used one of those Amigo scooter things and/or crutches to get around. But if she was doing any extended walking, she used the Amigo.
Now, my mom loveeeeed to put that Amigo on the fastest speed setting and seriously BARREL through the mall. I would chase after her as she would laugh and laugh and laugh. I, however, did not find it funny.
Well, we stopped in DEB, you know – the store in the mall for juniors where all the clothes eventually made you itch. My mom was determined to get her outfit for the *NSYNC concert from Deb.
As she barreled through the racks of DEB (the Amigo scooter more often than not getting caught on the rack and taking the rack with her) – she stopped at the back section, found a few pieces and went to try them on.
Next thing I know, my 54-year-old mother is standing outside the dressing room in faux snake-skin pleather pants and a blue glitter tank top. I was immediately mortified. She immediately felt like a rockstar.
She was hooting and hollering in DEB like no one before. I could not hide quick enough.
“Whaaaat?! You don’t like it?” – she asked
“It’s, a little young for you.” -I said
“Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional! I’m getting it!!” -she retorted without hesitation.
And sure enough, two weeks later it was time for the concert and the next thing I knew my mom was riding down the stairs (we had one of those stair lifts for her to get up and down the stairs) in those pleather snake skin pants and that glitter top and she looked beautiful. Totally weird, but beautiful. And she probably had more fun at that *NSYNC concert than me and my friends did.
—
Now, on a more serious note – some of you may or may not know that my mother was a Vietnam Veteran. Well, my dad talked with me about a project that he is currently working with down in Florida where he lives – and it’s something that, if my mom were still here, she would be doing everything she could to help out.
In brief, my dad is coordinating a humanitarian project in conjunction with Project SOS-Support Our Soldiers to collect and distribute much needed living supplies to our homeless Veterans and their families living within the Ocala National Forest.
They’re working with the founder of Project-SOS, a Vietnam Veteran and minister. They have identified approximately 430 families, including over 200 school age children who are homeless and living in the forest. They are in need of everything on the list below and so much more. Several churches in the Ocala area are supplying food on a regular basis, as well as drinking water, but items on the list below, as well as warm clothing items, are sparse.
You can view a video about Project SOS here.
So, I’m just putting this out there to the amazing blog community. These homeless veterans need our help. If you are interested and/or willing – would you consider gathering, shipping, offering, honestly whatever items in plastic bags (perhaps 1 gal zip lock type bag) containing such things as:
- Feminine hygiene products
- Medicated skin cream
- Medicated shampoo
- Medicated soap
- Medicated foot powder
- Over the counter medications (Aspirin, Tylenol, Children’s aspirin, Children’s Tylenol, Neosporin, Insect repellant)
- Band aids
- First Aid kits
- Vitamins – Adult and Children
- Shaving cream/razors/men and women
- Toilet paper
- Diapers
- Toothpaste
- Tooth brushes
- Hair brushes
- Combs
- Water jugs (plastic – 1gal/5 gal.)
- Backpacks
- Sleeping bags
- Tents
- Blankets
- Towels
- Socks
- Lanterns
- Boots
- Stoves
- Nylon rope
- Tent stakes
- Tarps
- Pots, Pans, Utensils (large – for volume use)
- Board games
- Toys
- Stuffed animals
You can mail / ship any donations to:
Project SOS – Support Our Soldiers
c/o Tom Buckley
2932 Manor Downs
The Villages, Florida 32162
Project SOS is a 501(C)3.
If you have ANY questions whatsoever, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me. I would be HAPPY to answer them!
And if you aren’t able to send anything, that’s totally fine. But would you pray for our homeless vets? They need it.
In 2013, my dad and the people he’s working with (along with the help of me and my sister) are going to be launching a long-term project called “The Lynda Van Devanter Project” collecting these items on a regular basis for the homeless vets in honor of my mom.
Because that’s the way she’d want it.
Beautiful post and a beautiful tribute to your mom.
thank you soo much <3
Molly, your mom is beautiful and she sounds like so much fun – how lovely that you can write about her and keep those memories alive! And what a great Thanksgiving week charity project for veterans, so inspiring!
thank you so much, laura <3
What an amazing story. Even though it’s not a sad post, I’m a flipping mess in tears! I always decide to read your blog when I’m at work with a million people around me! lol Even though I’ve never met you or your mom, I can tell you both are amazing and inspiring women 🙂
🙁 i’m so sorry to bring you to tears!! thank you so much for your sweet comment, maria. really!
What a great story about your mom. As you get older, you’re going to be so happy you write about her on your blog because the memories will always be there in writing. On another note, that’s an awesome project your dad is a part of! It’s a wonderful idea – we need to take care of our veterans. And I had no idea he lived in Florida – I actually have family in Ocala myself. 🙂
thank you so much, jamie. what a small world!! yeah my dad lives in the villages just outside of ocala!
No wonder you turned out so good – what a great role model 🙂
I’ll whip up some blankets and get them down there – This may sound dumb and superficial in the face of their current needs list, but do you think some of those school aged girls would want/like a few scarves? I mean, everyone deserves something pretty, right?
thank you so much, stephanie! 🙂
and oh my goodness. YES! that would be AMAZING!!!!! that doesn’t sound superficial AT ALL. seriously. amazing. let me know if you have questions or need help with anything!!!!
This post definitely brought tears to my eyes. Your Mom sounds like she was an amazing person and I love that you saw NSYNC together! I can tell you get your fun personality from her. Project SOS sounds truly amazing!
xo,
Angela
thank you so much, angela. seriously! thank you 🙂
That story is amazing. I love it. Sounds like your mom had lots of spunk and I like that. And thanks for sharing the Project SOS info with us.
she really did! thank you so much, lindsay!
Molly, you totally made me cry with your beautiful post today. In the first picture, I didn’t even have to read your first few lines to know that that was your mother. She certainly is beautiful, and I can tell you have a streak of her fun, and spunky self right down through you. I am sorry about your loss, but I think this is a beautiful way to memorialize her life and sacrifice. I will definitely be looking into how I can help out !
xx
Here&Now
thank you so so so so so much, jessica. thank you. for real. <3
What a great story! If only more people had the same attitude your mother had!
i know, right? she was amazing. thank you, allyssa!
What a great illustration of your mom to share and a beautiful way to honor her! She sounds like a real inspiration for sure and I can see where you get your spunk! I will also be praying for the homeless vets. Thanks for introducing SOS
thank you so much for your support and encouragement, beth!
You look so much like your mom, she was a beautiful lady and sounds like a load of fun! Thank you so much for sharing this project! I live in gainesville, just north of Ocala, and I’ve never heard of those vets living in the forest! I will definitely be sending some stuff to your dad!
thank you so much, megan! she really was amazing! and thank you SO much for your support!!
Your mother was beautiful, and I love how her spirit is so obvious through photos and the stories you tell. Especially the N*SYNC one… can’t lie, that’s pretty awesome. 🙂
PS – that picture of the soldier with the child in his arms made me bawl. I think I’m still a hormonal mess. LOL.
love you so much. thank you, em.
Oh Molly. This was a great post about mama dukes! I can’t believe it’s been ten years already! It honestly feels like it was just yesterday that we were sitting in one of the upstairs computer labs at HHS for government when we got the news. It was a sad day for all of us as we, your friends, knew what an amazing woman she was and the health struggles she had been through! She may no longer be here but she continues to live through you and your memories- like this awesome NYSYNC memory! I will try my best -since im still at home with a horrible sprained ankle- to get some items together and have my husband send them off!!!!
you brought tears to my eyes, vilma. love you!
What a sweet and wonderful tribute to your mom! She sounds like she was quite amazing. I’m pretty sure my mom didn’t/doesn’t know who NSYNC is. You are truly a wonderful person Molly, I just can’t say it enough. Your mom would be SO proud of you.
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
yi-chia thank you so much, you are always so sweet. <3
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom, Molly. Your blog post today was a beautiful tribute to her. Picturing her in her rockstar garb made me smile 🙂
thank you so much, sharon <3
Girl, how long are you doing this? I might be able to get our worship team/church involved. 🙂
oh my goodness that would be amazing!! it’s going to be an ongoing project! we’re trying to collect a lot in the month of november to help them prepare for the winter months – but it’s going to be ongoing! let me know what questions you have or what you need from me!! thank you thank you thank you!
What a beautiful memory of your mom. Thanks for sharing it with us. As well as an opportunity to help homeless veterans. xo
thank YOU so much, anne!
Your mom was an amazing woman! I love that you talk about her and highlight all that you gleaned from her before her death and even since her death… you are awesome Molly!
thank you so much, laura!!
I was a Backstreet Boys fan myself…but we will save that fight for another day. Your mom sounds like such an amazing lady. And your mention of Ocala Forest sent me down the rabbit hole of Wikipedia and Google and I am now learning so much about the plight of the homeless in the forest. NJ has a Tent City in Lakewood and it’s actually pretty impressive. They have some electricity and washers and dryers and have even been able to get school buses to stop nearby to pick up the kids.
Tara
Penniless Socialite
l
hahaha ohhh BSB fans. you guys were a crew. 🙂 🙂 jk! i liked BSB, too – just not as much as NSYNC. 🙂 she really was an amazing lady!!
and yeah, i had no idea about the plight of the homeless in the forest down there but after talking with my dad and doing some research, it’s really amazing how many homeless veterans are living there. it’s crazy!
thank you SO much, tara!
and just FYI: I had the wrong address on there earlier – if you like, you can send donations to:
Project SOS – Support Our Soldiers
c/o Tom Buckley
2932 Manor Downs
The Villages, Florida 32162
You’re pretty amazing, lady! Clearly you take after your mom. I’m pulling together a donation tonight!
Alyssa
The Glossy Life
oh my goodness thank you so much, Alyssa!! BTW: I had the wrong address on there earlier – you can send donations to:
Project SOS – Support Our Soldiers
c/o Tom Buckley
2932 Manor Downs
The Villages, Florida 32162
This is great! I’ll have to add some of these items to my shopping list.
p.s. I was a Backstreet Boys fan. I even had a website. LOL (shame)
thank you SO much, crystal!! hahaha ohhh BSB 🙂
BTW: I had the wrong address on there earlier – you can send donations to:
Project SOS – Support Our Soldiers
c/o Tom Buckley
2932 Manor Downs
The Villages, Florida 32162
Molly – what a great story (though are you saying that you are not STILL an NSYNC fan girl?? i am,)
either way, my family is from Ocala and has worked with the veterns groups in the area for years, I’ll be putting together a bag to send down this weekend. Thanks for sharing the info.
hahahaa oh i am totally still an NSYNC fan girl 🙂 thank you so much, leslie!!
and BTW: I had the wrong address on there earlier – you can send donations to:
Project SOS – Support Our Soldiers
c/o Tom Buckley
2932 Manor Downs
The Villages, Florida 32162
This has brought me to tears, Molly. Your mother sounds like she was absolutely amazing! And that project sounds awesome, too!
thank you so much for your support, rebecca!! 🙂 she was amazing!!
and just FYI: I had the wrong address on there earlier – if you like, you can send donations to:
Project SOS – Support Our Soldiers
c/o Tom Buckley
2932 Manor Downs
The Villages, Florida 32162
Thank you for sharing such an amazing memory of your mom. It made me smile (and tear a bit) and I’m thankful for the wonderful memories you have of her and that you are willing to share them. I also think that it is amazing what your father is doing. I will do what I can.
Have a wonderful day.
you are amazing! thank you so much, shawn!
and just FYI: I had the wrong address on there earlier – if you like, you can send donations to:
Project SOS – Support Our Soldiers
c/o Tom Buckley
2932 Manor Downs
The Villages, Florida 32162
Awesomeness. I am pulling together donations as we type and we will get them. I posted on my facebook with a link to your page. Really hoping that is okay? Probably should have asked first, but you rang the bell and I jumped 🙂
yes. yes. yes. do it!!!
Molly, thank you so much for sharing this. My mom passed away 14 years ago yesterday, and I have been really down about it this entire week. Thank you for being so genuine to share this story. I really enjoy reading your blog. Keep up the great work!
oh wow, amberly. thank you for sharing! i’m so sorry about your mom – but i know exactly how i feel. really. thank you!
and just FYI: I had the wrong address on there earlier – if you like, you can send donations to:
Project SOS – Support Our Soldiers
c/o Tom Buckley
2932 Manor Downs
The Villages, Florida 32162
That is just the sweetest story about your mother. I love that you’ve done a post like this, to tie your lovely mother and her courage into a post about our vets. (I’m really impressed that she was a Vietnam vet, wow.) Most of my family has served at some point, along with my husband and a large majority of our friends are vets or still in the military. Vets need all of the help they can get, but it seems like the homeless vets really get overlooked. This is a pretty amazing program, thanks for putting it out there for everyone and for covering more serious topics on your blog. (One of the reason I like your blog so much is because of the substance you give it, it’s not just ooh, pretty clothes, la de da and such.)
thank you so much, katie! your encouragement always means so much! that’s amazing you come from a family of servants!! you must be so proud. 🙂
and just FYI: I had the wrong address on there earlier – if you like, you can send donations to:
Project SOS – Support Our Soldiers
c/o Tom Buckley
2932 Manor Downs
The Villages, Florida 32162
Wow, what an amazing lady. You must be so proud. I admire your attitude and strength- she must have been an incredible mom to raise you.
P.S. I secretly loved NSYNC, too.
i am! she really was an amazing woman! so glad you were an NSYNC fan, too 🙂 🙂
and just FYI: I had the wrong address on there earlier – if you like, you can send donations to:
Project SOS – Support Our Soldiers
c/o Tom Buckley
2932 Manor Downs
The Villages, Florida 32162