By: Norma Marshall

Some women deserve a purple heart -

Those who struggle through adversity

One foot in front of the other

Who smile when one would expect tears

Those who find the cup half full

And are thankful

Those whom you can count on….

Can turn to…

Who makes our lives richer!

Women who are survivors -

Remarkable and warm who make the world

A better place just because they’re here.

Did you know…

YOU are one of those women?

This past week a very special friend stopped by with this poem beautifully wrapped for me.  Along with this she included this note handwritten:

“Lori, 

The moment I finished reading this the first person to come to my mind was you.  So I feel like you deserve it in every way.  Please accept it as a token of appreciation for creating such wonderful memories for me and my family that we will cherish forever!”

I was in a session when you stopped by with this.  I only had a few minutes to read this and absorb the beauty and power of this random act of kindness.  I did not properly thank you.  But I know the best way to thank you is here.  You and your wonderful husband end each day reading about my day - here.

You see it has been a long, busy week with the added stress of 110 degree heat, a studio ripped apart with renovations, getting Edie Grace ready for her first day of school, and lending a shoulder to two of you - who had the wind taken from your sails - with horrible news from your doctors.  God knows I need to broaden my shoulders and make more time to listen to you and your needs and to encourage you more.  It had been a stressful week of giving - when you came in and brightened my day. 

This simple little box, so carefully and beautifully wrapped, the hand written note and most of all the TIME you took - a busy working mother of two - to think of me in such a special way.

It would bankrupt a dictionary to thank you properly.  I would like to print your name - so everyone could see - but I know that would embarrass you.  So thank you!  You and your husband work every day to be great parents and to heal the sick.  The things you see in our community - the sacrifices you make - the love you share - WOW!

You are so special and thanks to you - I am going to do what you have done for me to one person this week.  I am also setting a goal to do this two times per month - with a goal of doing this once per week - randomly taking a little time - to recognize and thank someone so special to me.

For the rest of you - accept this challenge to join me in sharing a random act of kindness this week.  I want you to hold me accountable and I will do the same for you.  Write me and tell me your story of how you made someone’s day - and I will share it here - along with my random act.

I can not wait to hear how you made someone’s life better - by doing one simple thing for them - that will let them know how much SOMEONE appreciates them!

Thanks for making my week!