Be Like Joe

We are just ending a whirlwind 2 weeks hosting my sister and her family. I am sad to say they are going back to NJ tomorrow. We just got back from the local Mailpost from shipping a box of clothes to Westfield. The box was filled mostly with goodies for Kerri but a few things for the girls as well. I am thrilled that they got to "shop" my closet and Kerri gets to go home with a new wardrobe. It was so exciting to have someone show enthusiasm for clothes that I chose to express myself. It put a smile on my face to share with the girls, a part of me that means a lot to me. Fashion is my favorite F word!

The best part of the day was dropping homemade cookies off at the fire station to thank the Firefighters and EMT's for all of the work they do. My heart goes out to an old friend who recently lost her long term boyfriend who was a first responder. She had asked for acts of kindness to be done in his name to honor his memory. She had a specific request actually. Maria asked us all to try in our homes, workplace and on the street to #belikejoe. She has a second request as well, between July 25th, her birthday, and October 18, Joe's birthday, to do 7707 (his badge number) acts of kindness. ( #7707actsofkindness)

I can think of no better way to honor somebody than by spreading goodness in their name. I encourage everyone to give it a try and add a hashtag for Joe. Let's get to 7707.

Spreading kindness for kind people makes everyone feel good. Recently three other friends and family members have asked me for donations for worthy causes. I am so grateful that I was able to contribute. Aunt Judy has a heart of gold. She always has supported my family with loving words, donations to fundraisers and acknowledging milestones. For her birthday this year she requested donations for St. Jude. I was happy to oblige and donate. This is just another confirmation of what a wonderful woman Aunt Judy is, always thinking of others.

My own daughter asked me to also contribute to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and of course, I gladly gave to support her and the charity.

My friend Nicky had also asked me to donate to a fundraiser dear to her heart, Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE). Just knowing that I could support Nicky after all that she has done for me put a smile on my face. SAFE is an amazing organization that is devoted to the rescue and rehabilitation of horses facing abuse. I am especially enamoured that this philanthropy is dealing with neglect and recovery of these beautiful creatures that don't deserve to be treated in such heinous manners.

Magical giving leads to magical thinking. Open your heart and be like Joe. Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of people!