It was Monday morning, when I received a text from Brittany at the Teton Cancer Institute. “Hey Sir! Could you help with some gas funds for a patient traveling to Salt Lake for a consultation? I’m thinking somewhere in the range of $50 to $100” “Will bring it over today. I just received a donation on Thursday” I texted back. “No way! That’s great! She replied. It is amazing the way blessings work.
With the donations I had received, I was able to take over a $100 gas card for the patient going to Salt Lake, and several more for other patients. It gave me a great feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment. I know it put a big smile on my Angel Shannon’s face.
It is important for me to give credit where credit is due. The credit goes to the generous, selfless people who have donated to the Foundation. I am simply the vessel to get the funds from these great people to the patients and families that need the help.
As I was driving over to give Brittany the gas cards, I started thinking about some of the political posts I have seen on social media. Most of them are simply mean, rude and hostile to people who don’t agree with someone else’s political view. I especially like it when they post charts and statistics that validate their position. “Hey, it was from an official sounding organization that proves my point, and it’s on the internet. It’s got to be true!” must be the thought process. I have never understood what these posts are trying to accomplish. I’m sure they are expecting someone to say, “You know, I used to think the exact opposite of that. It wasn’t until you called me stupid and a moron that I can see your point of view!” Now, I’m just having a little fun here. If it makes these people feel any better, I’ve been called stupid and a moron for far less than that.
The point I’m making is this isn’t what our country is about. Our country is about people helping other people. It’s about people doing fund raisers for a family that has lost their house to a fire. It’s people raising funds for a child that needs a lifesaving operation. It’s people donating funds so a cancer patient can afford the drive to Salt Lake for a consultation. This is the America I know and I’m so proud to be part of.
You will never hear about most of these acts of kindness, because that isn’t the reason these generous, compassionate people do them. They do them simply because it’s the right thing to do. They do them with the knowledge their reward is the blessing of peace and warmth they receive from our Heavenly Father. It doesn’t matter if anyone knows what they did, because he does. The best example of this for me has always been my Angel Shannon. I have so far to go to become even half of the compassionate person she is. I will always LOVE AND MISS YOU sweetheart.
Next week: I need help
P.S. To the guys at basketball; No remarks are needed on the stupid and moron comment, thank you very much.