April 2, 2011

Have you ever received something in the mail that makes you cry and cry and cry? Even if it’s a box from a girl scout troop? Well, I have. Livia received a rather large box in the mail one day. It was filled with girl scout cookies, teddy bears for she and Finley, hair ties, pictures, notes, t-shirts, an official GS vest donned with badges, extra badges, and a GS tote with flip-flops. There was even a little gift for me, but that one is for me. Anyway, Heather, a school friend of mine is a Troop Leader to a group of amazing young ladies in Tuscola, Il. Their troop is #2336. Heather contacted me one day and asked about Livia and what kind of cookies she likes. She told me that she would like to tell her girls about Liv, our foundation, and what giving to us would look like. She really went above and beyond what I thought she might do. I think I was most touched with the letters from the troop girls and the badges that Heather had made. I got to see Heather when we were home last. She made the effort to come and visit with us during our Monical’s fund raiser. She expressed to me how important it is to teach her young ladies the importance of giving. I applaud you Heather for instilling such an important value in these young women. I really feel like giving is such an awesome gift. I love doing it myself. Some days I wish I had more resources available to give more than I’m able. Through my life with Liv, and the experience of having our foundation, I’m learning what generosity really looks like. It doesn’t always have to be money, items, or things of value, it can also be words or random acts of kindness. These, to me, are worth more than any amount of money. Knowing people are there for you to walk with you during your difficult times is what generosity means to me. Getting an email from a complete stranger telling me how our story has affected them, for the better, is generosity. Someone volunteering their help, is generosity. A random phone call or note in the mail, is generosity. Getting a goody box from a girl scout troop, is generosity. People loving me and my family, is generosity. I think everyone could benefit from doing something nice for someone else. Pick up the phone and tell someone how proud you are of them or that you are just thinking about them. Buy the car ahead of you in the drive up their cup of coffee.

One of my favorites:

Proverbs 11:24-25 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Thank you Girl Scout Troop #2336 for making a little girls day and learning what generosity is all about.