I'm not quite sure there are words that would be enough for this blog post. Looking back I believe I e-met Jyl from GNO around October/November time frame. Jyl and Carissa were holding a Random Acts of Kindness giveaway where they were searching for entries showing any amounts of kindness, big or small. Of course like most GNO conversations it started on twitter. I announced that I was planning to donate a bunch of stuffed animals to the local children's hospital and wanted to do whatever I could to help give back to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. We had purchased items for Christmas gifts, where the proceeds went to Make-a-Wish. Jyl personally contacted me and wanted to know more about my ventures in giving-back. Since Gab was in the hospital the previous year {2007} during all the holidays we were very blessed by local churches and even the hospital with gifts for the children. Also before Gab's brain surgery the Make-a-Wish Foundation sent us to Disney World for Gab's one wish. During the toughest times in our life we were very thankful for all the kind people out there. Now that we are home and although we still continue to go through rough times we are strong believers in trying to help out in anyway possible. After getting to know me better Jyl asked if I would be willing to allow her to place a photo of Gab and myself in a short video she was creating to enter a contest. The theme was "Mom's Make a Difference" and of course I said YES. I am happy to share my experience with any mom if it will help. I knew that Jyl and Carissa were planning to enter the HP Magic Giveaway that Sugar had running on her blog with the video. I was excited to take part. I knew that the Mom It Forward team planned to do great things with it. I was feeling the magic just by participating.
Prior to Gab's disabilities becoming so severe I used to volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and mentored pregnant teens. I am a young mother myself and feel a passion towards helping build strength in young mothers. I also love to speak with teens to try and prevent pregnancy at a young age. Once Gab's disabilities began to take up more of my time I had to place most of my volunteer work on hold. Being able to donate or help at one time events is my way of doing what I can with limited resources. I look forward to the day when I am able to make full swing at it again, like old times. Because I have faith that the day will come where Gab is more independent.
Publicly I want to thank Jyl, Carissa, Sugar and HP for making this happen. Sincerely from the deepest of my heart I feel truly blessed even more than I thought I could. More tears of happiness have been shed since Saturday than I can remember.
