five dollars

Yesterday I was greeted at my PO Box by a little envelope. I was especially taken by this envelope for a few reasons. First, the name on the sweet return address label with the a flower on it was unfamiliar. Secondly, the Bart Simpson stamp. I admit, I'm a sucker for the Simpson's. There's just something about that cartoon family, especially Bart that I feel connected to. I'm smiling just thinking about them and their wonderful, loving dysfunction. Last but not least was the underside of the envelope. The flap was securely closed by moistening the glue in some way but an extra step of adding a two inch strip of scotch tape across the pointy end as to insure added security showed me how important this envelope was to the person who was sending it. I opened the envelope to reveal a check with a donation of five dollars made out to Each One for US All.

Now keep in mind, I never heard of the name on the envelope before, I searched high and low for connections to it but didn't find a thing. I can only imagine who these kind folks are that chose to contribute something to a cause they somehow found out about. Judging from what I have, the envelope and the donation itself, I couldn't help but conjure up an image of who they are. You know when you've heard about someone you never met or talk to someone on the phone without seeing a face? You can't help but imagine what they look like. So in my head is my vision of who they are and more importantly what they chose to do.

No matter what they look like, what they have or where they're from is really irrelevant to me. For me, it's the act of caring that inspires. To take the time to write a check, address an envelope and pop it in the mail for the benefit of someone less fortunate shows that these folks have wisdom. The wisdom to know that no matter what your situation is or what you are living without, there's always someone somewhere in worse shape than you.

It's funny, a year ago I would've never imagined being so inspired by five dollars. I might not know what their faces look like but I can see the size of their hearts and I thank them for reminding me what this is all about.

DD

come and get em

T-Shirts? We got em and you can have em too. Men's sizes small, medium, large and x-large. All donations at www.eachoneforusall.org of $40.00 or more will get you yours. Please indicate your size in the comments section on the donation page.

Want one for FREE? Check out my post, "blowing out the candles" and find out how.

Thanks to my favorite little model who had a lot of fun helping her Daddy today.

DD

a year to remember

Well, this Christmas came and went in a blur, as it does most every year. Especially the last week leading up to the big day. Once again I found myself in the last minute rush to finish up the shopping list. I must admit, the last minute thing really gets me in the holiday mood, call me crazy but I like the crowds. It's one of the few times in the year where we're all in it for somebody else. Whether it's a family member, a friend, a teacher or the mailman, we are all thinking of others during this time of year. Surrounding myself in such good karma can't possibly be a bad thing, it's the good that I'm drawn to and I feel it so strongly this time of year. I'm convinced this feeling is the underlining emotion in everyone that makes this season so fulfilling.

With less than a week left in 2009, I can't help but think about what this year has meant to me. I started this year in a completely different place than I find myself now. Kinda freaky when I break it down, the differences in my day-to-day are quite the contrast. It's a good thing because I feel that I am finally establishing my true self value, doing something I feel in the grand scheme of things is more important and so desperately needed. With the transformation that's occured, I've learned a lot about myself and others. Point is,,, I've learned. I am one who feels that we must continue to learn no matter what we think we know, this is the only way to gain complete understanding, if that's even possible. Establishing Each One for US All has been an incredible learning experience. there has been great strides made in the short time I've put my efforts forth in creating this corporation. As one may expect, along with moving forward there has been set backs. Things that come along and stop you in your tracks. Things like this were usually beyond my control but that didn't make it any easier to deal with. I've found that reminding myself of the reason I started this venture and the successes I've achieved brings me back.

The reason for the venture still looms as a tragic reality to this country. I can't tell you the actual amount of people who still suffer in this country from natural disasters that occured years ago. The stories of people still in temporary housing, the lack of volunteers to help and the complete lack of support from our government programs in place to help us in these times.

Each One for US All has been receiving donations for our first official "Call To Action" put into place earlier this month. This has solidified the feeling of true purpose to all the work I've put into this venture. With only three days left in the year, I am eager to see how the donations will positively impact the lives of others. This will be the pay-off for all the time and effort by so many and put us on the map as our official first project.

Wishing everyone a safe and prosperous New Year, 2010 is going to rock!

DD

P.S. There is still time to get in your donations for the Call To Action, for details, click here and get involved. Help make a difference in the lives of others in need.