I have a friend named Karie. We met at a park years ago when our boys were only three. There she was with her son, wearing a Michigan shirt. Being born, bred and raised in the great state of Ohio, you can imagine our initial reaction to each other, but as fate often laughs - we turned out to be the fastest friends.
What's amazing about Karie, is she has one of the most kind and generous souls I've ever met. To give you a perfect example, a few months ago she called with an idea before Christmas.
During the day I work as a therapist with children and in the evenings I switch over to work with geriatric patients. I take a lot of emotions and thoughts home with me as I consider what I've listened to from these amazing people ranging from the beginning of life to the end.
Karie knows this and wanted to see if she could be a part of the holidays for a few of the little ones. She asked to choose a couple boys and girls so she could get a few gifts.
Little did I know, she had connections with the North Pole. Bringing her daughter, Emily, her son, Grant and my son, Ethan, the four of them came right before Christmas break with baskets overflowing with gifts. One by one, we brought the little ones in as their eyes lit up with disbelief. Beautifully wrapped gifts with shiny paper and bags were never ending as the children carefully opened each one, painstakingly careful not to rip the paper.
They couldn't conceive of such an experience while we stood in wonder of their overall reactions. Toy after toy and gift after gift, they didn't tear through them like our kids would. They marveled at each and every one, seemingly cherishing every moment.
One little girl in particular received toys and games, but what she became most excited about was a package of socks and a new pair of shoes. Barely containing her joy, she pulled her boots off and tugged her new socks on, then her shoes. She jumped, she ran...and then she danced. Full on dancing as though she were a ballerina in the Nutcracker. Spinning and twirling she smiled. "They're perfect," she giggled - and she hasn't stopped.
It's been months now and her wonderful teacher came to tell me what a difference there's been. It's as though she's a different student through and through with a light that comes from feeling special.
Karie doesn't see the effect she made on those students, but it's there. They wear the warm winter clothes she gave them and always tell me how much they play with their dinosaurs, cars and dolls she brought.
Her light brought love that they'll hold forever and it's a gift to know people like Karie are out there, who secretly do selfless acts of kindness. She didn't do one bit of it to be acknowledged in anyway...she doesn't even know I'm writing this post.
Everyday I see the kids though, especially the adorable little dancer and I smile knowing what a difference she made. It may have been a simple act to Karie, but for those little ones, even a tiny pair of shoes can change this entirely big world.
What's amazing about Karie, is she has one of the most kind and generous souls I've ever met. To give you a perfect example, a few months ago she called with an idea before Christmas.
During the day I work as a therapist with children and in the evenings I switch over to work with geriatric patients. I take a lot of emotions and thoughts home with me as I consider what I've listened to from these amazing people ranging from the beginning of life to the end.
Karie knows this and wanted to see if she could be a part of the holidays for a few of the little ones. She asked to choose a couple boys and girls so she could get a few gifts.
Little did I know, she had connections with the North Pole. Bringing her daughter, Emily, her son, Grant and my son, Ethan, the four of them came right before Christmas break with baskets overflowing with gifts. One by one, we brought the little ones in as their eyes lit up with disbelief. Beautifully wrapped gifts with shiny paper and bags were never ending as the children carefully opened each one, painstakingly careful not to rip the paper.
They couldn't conceive of such an experience while we stood in wonder of their overall reactions. Toy after toy and gift after gift, they didn't tear through them like our kids would. They marveled at each and every one, seemingly cherishing every moment.
One little girl in particular received toys and games, but what she became most excited about was a package of socks and a new pair of shoes. Barely containing her joy, she pulled her boots off and tugged her new socks on, then her shoes. She jumped, she ran...and then she danced. Full on dancing as though she were a ballerina in the Nutcracker. Spinning and twirling she smiled. "They're perfect," she giggled - and she hasn't stopped.
It's been months now and her wonderful teacher came to tell me what a difference there's been. It's as though she's a different student through and through with a light that comes from feeling special.
Karie doesn't see the effect she made on those students, but it's there. They wear the warm winter clothes she gave them and always tell me how much they play with their dinosaurs, cars and dolls she brought.
Her light brought love that they'll hold forever and it's a gift to know people like Karie are out there, who secretly do selfless acts of kindness. She didn't do one bit of it to be acknowledged in anyway...she doesn't even know I'm writing this post.
Everyday I see the kids though, especially the adorable little dancer and I smile knowing what a difference she made. It may have been a simple act to Karie, but for those little ones, even a tiny pair of shoes can change this entirely big world.
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