When Dr. Jo from the MISS Foundation decided to make July 27th International Kindness Project Day, well it was inspired. Not only is this an incredibly special day to Dr. Jo, but she found a way to unite all of the Random Acts of Kindness into one special day. In fact, she did such an amazing job, that the sun seemed to shine a bit brighter today.
My family decided to attend this special event and sat down as a family to decide what we would do. We wanted to make a difference in Nora's name and we wanted to give help where help was needed most. After many ideas were tossed around, the two local homeless shelters seemed to stick the most.
Research followed to find their needs and we spent the next month preparing for this special day. We decided to help both local shelters, one on July 26, the other on the 27th.
On the morning of the 26th, Corey and I pulled into the shelter with our goodies in tow. Corey went into the shelter to ask for drop off locations and handed them the card. He came back out to the car and said they wanted to speak to me. As I helped Corey carry the items in, I was not prepared for what would happen next. The two wonderful and amazing volunteers had questions about the MISS Foundation, about the child that the donation was in memory of, about us and what inspired this. As I answered the questions, a common bond emerged. One of the volunteers was a grandmother of an angel. Tears flowed from both of our eyes and we hugged. The ladies hugged my son and thanked us profusely. At that moment, I understood.
I understood that through each act of kindness we do in our child's name, our child lives in that moment. I felt Nora , I felt her presence , her love and I knew that in my own way, this is how I can be the best parent to her.
Last evening I received an email from the daughter of the volunteer. She was so touched by our random act of kindness, she decided she would do her own random acts. This amazing mom and her children had a wonderful time spreading love and kindness in her son's memory. I now feel blessed to know this amazing person and share her story.
Today, Abby and Corey went with me to drop off our donations to the other shelter. We stopped to pick up a few things and then went to the coffee house. Today is also the angelversary of a special friend's son. I decided to purchase a gift card to give to a random person in his name. After we were done, we dropped off our donations and again was surprised with a special gift.
Corey took the kindness card and ran in, again asking for where to drop off. When he came out, he looked at me and said that the person knew me. I have never been there so I had no idea what he was talking about. When I walked in, I was reunited with a dear friend whom I had not seen in quite awhile. As we hugged, again I am reminded that my daughter is everywhere.
I can't help but believe that Nora was smiling and proud of her family today. It was such an amazing , wonderful feeling to share our daughter/sister with random strangers through acts of kindness. I promised her ten years ago that I would not forget, that her life would not be in vain. I understand now. I understand so much better.
This has been a day that I will not soon forget. It has been the most beautiful day filled with the most beautiful love all inspired by the love we share for our children. What a wonderful legacy.
