Unexpected Mail

Yesterday the FedEx delivery man left a package on porch. As I waved goodbye, I looked at the box curiously because I was not expecting a delivery. I opened the box and was delighted to find an explosion of Fall colors and an envelope addressed to me. I opened the envelope and pulled back the tissue paper to revel the items in the photo above.

I'd been sent a Happy Gram from Primrose Schools. You can click the photo to read my note but in a nutshell, the Primrose School has donated $25.00 in my honor to the Points Of Light organization a non-profit organization with a network of over 500 volunteer centers in the US aimed at inspiring, equipping and mobilizing people to change the world.

The purpose of the Happy Gram was to inspire me and my family to be a "Shining Light in our community" and the two electric candles enclosed are a reminder to be that shining light. I almost shed a tear because my entire life I've tried to be a shining light and encourage others to do so as well. Primrose Schools encourage volunteerism regularly and they support the program that I used to work with Reach Out and Read on both a national and local level.

I don't look for recognition for the volunteer work that I do in my community, but it is always wonderful to be recognized. When Mekhi turns 3 I will take him with me to volunteer and at the next book fair at his school I will ask him to choose a book to buy and donate to others.

As we embark on the holiday season, I'd like to encourage you to be a "Shining Light In Your Community." My happygram had two candles and I was encouraged to give one away to inspire another family. Please consider this post a candle of inspiration, donate some of your time to your community and bring your children along too.