If there is any great secret of success in life, it lies in the ability to put yourself in the other person's place and to see things from his point of view - as well as your own.
Last Friday I had the honor and extreme privilege to meet this beautiful woman. Lezlee Bertie had contacted me before Christmas. Each year, the company she works for, Evolution1, has a board who selects a few individuals for a program they call "Pay it Forward." After reading my story in the magazine, On The Minds of Moms, Lezlee nominated me. And... the board picked me as one of their recipients!
Lezlee and her husband Sean, who is one of our Moorhead Bantam A coaches, invited us to their lovely home and one of her coworkers, Matt, videotaped a short interview with me. In fact we all took turns answering some questions. Matt will edit the piece to be used at their year end party later this year.
I have to admit, I almost detach from myself in these situations. I would be a teary-eyed, blubbering mess, if I didn't step back from the emotion just a bit to be able to take it all in. But I am deeply humbled, touched to the core. There aren't words enough to describe it. There are hundreds, if not thousands of worthy individuals out there, fighting their battles, carrying large burdens, suffering in some way.
And she picked me. They picked me.
We think we're going to try again. To go. To make memories with our boys. A trip, to warmth and sunshine later this spring. To gel our family unit, laugh more than we cry, and know, that no matter what the future looks like, we lived it fully and without regret.
Its more than a check or a generous outpouring of financial resources. Its life-affirming, breath-giving, giddy-fun producing. Its soul nourishing. Healing.
And do you see what else it is? Just look at the photo and see if you see it, like I did.
It's light. Visibly emanating from the check, is pure radiant light.
Thank you Lezlee, and Sean, and Matt, and everyone at Evolution1!
Rick and I promptly got up Saturday morning and left for St. Paul to attend the Wild game. Matt Cullen was being honored for his 1,000th game! I have so much more to share over the next couple of days...
What a wonderful gift, Vicky.
ReplyDeleteI love the light in the photo!
"Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished." ~ Michael Strassfeld
they picked you because they know you, and i don't mean that to sound any way other than it should. to know you is to love you, and those we love we want to help when they are in difficult times. hurray for LIGHT!
ReplyDeleteif you plan to go to FL, could you arrange a layover in ATL so robin and i could see you? we'd come to the airport, i promise! so excited for you to be thinking about WARMTH...you know, WARMTH comes from LIGHT. i think that means it's meant to be.
will be praying for you tomorrow as you have chemo.
So much light you share.
ReplyDeleteWinter has finally come here ... you, too?
What a beautiful gift for a beautiful person!
ReplyDeleteThere are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~Edith Wharton
How wonderful Vickie! Cannot think of anyone more deserving. A holiday with sun and sand sounds divine.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and enjoy the light!
ReplyDeleteConrats Vicky!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to pay it forward, making memories.:)
Vicky, that's wonderful! I have been on the receiving end of generous giving and it is an amazing feeling. It really seems like a God thing, like He is breathing out this gift of love from one of His children and it is falling on your lap. It is cause for losing one's breath, temporarily, but in a good way. There's no one I'd rather see have this chance and I can't wait to hear what else you have to share! :) XXOO Roxane
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSo happy and thankful for you, Vicky. I will be praying that you have the sweetest family trip you could ever imagine.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you this morning when I read in my Jesus Calling devotional book... "As you live in close contact with Me, the Light of My Presence filters through you to bless others. Your weakness and woundedness are the openings through which the Light of the knowledge of my Glory shines forth."
His Light definitely shines through you...
That is simply wonderful Vicky!! Lezlee sure is a kind woman to do that. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, congratulations Vicky. I love the photo.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome surprise for you and your family! I can't wait to hear more of your sharing...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea and so great you were "picked". And yes, I see the light!
ReplyDeleteI feel giddy with joy knowing of this blessing coming your way. Light is indeed visible reflecting from within you outwards, explaining why it is indeed seen on the cheque.
ReplyDeleteBig warm hugs sent your way Vicky
xoxoox
Simply beautiful, Vicky. Your smile radiates light and joy...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, wonderful gift. And family trips are the best possible way to spend time (and money). And, yes, lots of light coming from that photo.
ReplyDeleteoooh, this is just awesome. And yes, I see the light ..although is it coming from the check, or YOU.
ReplyDeleteNo surprise that they fell in love with you the minute they read about you and then, without doubt, you sealed the deal when they met you. Yay for dear people like this and their hearts of kindness! Yay for you and your family getting to do some fun things!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Vicky, and that is a DARLING picture of you two beautiful girls!