My "pay it forward" Journey......
A few weeks ago I started down a path of trying to help, trying to pay it forward, trying to inspire others that there is more to life than what's in your own little box. My goal is to raise money by selling autographed images of myself. Who is the money for? It is for a high school friend who's husband has been cursed with the agonizing "CANCER JOURNEY". One that is proving to be a very difficult, drawn out, no light at the end of the tunnel kind of journey.
As I expressed in my previous blog, I don't particularly know this family. I know Tara from high school but that is all. Some people might say....why are you "paying it forward" to this family when you haven't even met the husband or the children or seen Tara since you graduated from high school? I don't know that I have an answer other than to say.....I felt inspired to help. I feel it deep down inside my soul that this family could use a helping hand. So, I guess this is my way of acting on inspiration and hoping that others will follow in my footsteps.
The fruits of my labor......
The fruits of my labor so far are not real fruitful....to my disappointment. I am trying and not giving up. I was having a conversation with my friend Angie the other day and she asked how my fundraising efforts were going. I was a little discouraged to tell her that so far after printing and postage expenses I have only raised $200. I wish it could be more....I so badly want it to be more for them. I had high hopes that the amazing people that support me everyday would be inspired enough to join in my journey. That being said, the people that have purchased a picture or simply donated money thus far have touched me. It is interesting how often times it comes from the least expected place and that is a beautiful thing. There is a gentleman from New Jersey that not only purchased a photo but he recently sold an old guitar on eBay and mailed me a check for the amount of money he made to give to this family. I just find that so amazing! It wasn't a ton of money but when I told Tara I had a check to send her she was so touched and said it will pay for their gas when they take Jeremy to Billings for treatment next week and that is a BLESSING worth counting!
I may be a little discourage and it may be a slow process but I am a DETERMINED woman and I WILL continue to work towards my goal of presenting this family with something that will truly make a difference. I said to myself the other day.....imagine if each of the 2,966 friends on my Facebook page contributed just $10 each....imagine the difference that would make in this family's life. I realize that goal may be unrealistic but why not shoot for the MOON!
"Shoot for the MOON. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars."
BE INSPIRING
I want to share with you a recent post that Tara made on Facebook. This is exactly why I have been inspired by their story......and the post that has inspired this blog post.
The last sentence says it all. It says what so many people are saying today and everyday. It frightens me to think that at any moment I too could be faced with the same issues and despair. I pray that it never happens but no one is immune.
So often we walk through life thinking that the problems we are dealing with are greater than we can handle. This is what makes me stop and say...really Nichole? I cry because I miss my son terribly...everyday. Not that my feelings aren't legit but then I realize....he's healthy, he's happy....imagine if Jeremy were Jaiden. I can't even begin to fathom it. That is when I say....count your blessings and keep on trucking for the greater good.
"The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us but those who win battles we know nothing about."
And the period at the end of the sentence.......
Work for a CAUSE not for APPLAUSE. I am not doing this to get praise from my friends and fans. I am doing this because I am inspired and I truly want to help and make a difference. Since my first posting and the start of this journey many people have made such touching posts on my page and in personal messages that have really just made me smile. It's great but I don't want the applause...I want to make a difference and want that applause to go towards my cause. I believe that if people are ultimately doing something because they like the applause they receive, they are doing it for the wrong reasons. Do something because it fills your heart with joy regardless of the applause from others. Do it because you are INSPIRED!
Until next time....Lay it out and ROCK IT!
Nichole
To purchase images or to donate please visit my website at:
