Make a Wish
Up until a few weeks ago, the Make-a-Wish Foundation was just that, a foundation. An organization I respected. An organization I sent $5 or $10 to every time a letter came in the mail requesting a donation. I believed in their premise - granting wishes to children suffering from life-threatening conditions. And I believe in karma, so I put forth good vibes, try to do good deeds, and donate a little money.
A few weeks ago, the new school year began. And Heather (her name has been changed for this blog) became one of my students. On the surface, Heather looks and behaves like a typical fourth grade student - does her homework, chats with her friends, doesn’t like running in P.E.
But Heather isn’t like every other child. Heather is being granted her wish, and she will be missing a week of school. Suddenly, this foundation isn’t just a foundation. It’s a part of Heather’s life, and it’s a part of my life, because Heather is in my life.
I recently read a bit on the Make-A-Wish Foundation website. I share with you their guiding principle: “We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.”
I read and re-read that statement. Yes, this organization does some very special work. However, the latter part of this statement seems to be something we can all do - “enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.”
I can, on a daily basis, do something that will enrich someone’s life. Whether it’s a compliment on a pretty necklace, giving a hug and a kiss to a child who is missing her mother, or calling a friend to tell them “I’m thinking of you.”
I can do these things, and everyone can do these things. Reading that statement, learning more about this foundation, just left me wishing every human being could read that statement. If every human being spent their day thinking of enriching the human experience in some way (however small, however seemingly insignificant) we really could change our world for the better.
Honey,
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how the little things we do everyday can make a difference in other peoples lives.
I Love You!
Paul
It is so sad when you see a small child with a horrible illness and they are so helpless.It is wonderful that there are people out there to try and make their lives a little happier.I agree more people should try and show others a little more feeling and understanding and I think our world would be a much better place.Your writing is just WONDERFUL.
ReplyDeletelove,mommy
I support all efforts to enrich our lives. I hope and prey that everyone has a happy life. You are a gifted writer.
ReplyDeleteLove, Dad