Humbled

Humbled is the only word that comes to mind as I contemplate the experience I had today.  I don't know how many of you know this but my friends and family will be putting on a fundraiser for me.  Anything for a Friend is joining with my family and neighbors to organize this event.  This is something I have struggled with. I refused for a long time to accept this until one day a friend of mine so gently reminded me that this is not just about me, this is bigger than me.  I know this is true and despite the embarrassment, the worry of being judged, the not feeling worthy or that others need this more than I do, I finally agreed to the fundraiser.  Well today was the first meeting to begin organizing this event.  I knew I shouldn't go and be around all of the people yet I also knew I needed to be there.  I just felt like my heart needed to be there and I wanted to be able personally thank each person for all that they were doing for my family and myself.  I told myself I wouldn't stay long and that I wouldn't hug people. Let's just say I failed!  

But why was the experience so humbling?  Well first of all I was humbled to see so many people willingly give up their time to be a part of this event.  People whom I didn't even know or haven't seen in years were there along with those of you whom have already served and given so much to my family yet you were there again to give us even more!  It was such an amazing feeling to feel so loved by each of you!  I was humbled to see how my friend whom I love and helped organize the first Anything for a Friend event for a few years ago when she was diagnosed with cancer has taken this and turned it into something so amazing!  She was the first recipient and I will be the 24th.  I am humbled to see how one person with vision and help from many others can touch so many lives!  I was humbled to meet the mother of a young man whom was a past recipient of an Anything for a Friend event.  She is amazing!  Her spirit and positive attitude touched my heart and I know I can learn so much from her.  Her son has passed away and I was not able to meet him but I know he must have been one very special person.  I have seen pictures of him and you can see his passion for life in his eyes!  I want to thank this young man whom I never had the privilege of meeting. It is because of him I am truly humbled!  He touched someone's live so much that they choose to generously give money to others like myself, who are Anything for a Friend recipients, in his name.  There is an anonymous person out there whom I want to throw my arms around and hug!  Whomever you are I want to tell you that you are an angel! God places people here on earth that quietly go about changing the world one quiet act of kindness at a time.  You are one of those people!  Thank you isn't enough.  We are so humbled that you would give so generously to us when you don't even know us! Thank you for the money as it has brought us peace of mind that we have been longing for.  More than the money thank you for the example you have set for my children of the power there is in doing kind deeds for others and how what we do matters!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  May Heavenly Father bless you and those around you for touching my life and the lives of so many others!