I missed posting yesterday because I was at the country fair too late. We stayed to watch a comedic hypnotist. We saw him last year and he was just as good this time. Outside of the shows and rides is the agricultural part of the fair run by none other than the fabulous 4-Her’s that are raising animals and doing all kinds of other activities as part of their 4-H experience. 4-H, is different than most youth development organizations as it partners with 110 universities to provide research-backed and offer life-changing experiences to youth around the world.
A while back I challenged everyone to find what makes your heart sing. What is important to you? The 4-H leaders that I’ve seen know what makes their heart sing. They are tireless mentors to so many kids. They share their knowledge, share their time, resources and share their joy of seeing young people learn, grow and ultimately thrive. They “bleed green” as we like to say here at 4-H.
Today I’m thinking of my friends Liz and Bill, who lost their first born son, Michael, to SIDS. Today would have been Michael’s 24th birthday. Sometimes, what makes your heart sing, what pulls you to commit so fully to something is thrust upon you. It’s not a choice, at least at first. Liz and Bill have spent countless hours working on fundraising and other events for the Center for Infant and Child Loss (http://www.infantandchildloss.org/).
It would have been easy to walk away some time ago, when their other children were born and their activities were time consuming but they didn’t. They aren’t alone. So many other SIDS parents are still involved years after their own loss. Why? Because they are selfless leaders who found what makes their heart sing – helping others who have suffered a loss and supporting research so one day, SIDS will no longer exist.
So, to Liz and Bill and all the other people I know that have worked to turn a loss or bad situation into a shining example of selfless leadership and dedication, thanks. You inspire me.
spooningwithsmokey 