This is Where I Live

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”
— Albert Schweitzer

I live in a really great place.

My kids go to a wonderful school. Olivia has wonderful friends that love her. Gabe is part of a wonderful group of boys who are the best of friends. Matthew has several really good buddies who don’t care that he’s not in Kindergarten yet. I have a solid group of wonderful friends that I adore and cherish more than they know. Matt has a great group of friends. Our families are close and we see them often. We are really, really lucky.

And yet just when I think I’ve felt the love, they give me more.

A few weeks ago, I was accidentally sent an email saying that Olivia’s friends wanted to have a car wash so they could raise enough money to be a hole sponsor for our 3rd annual Olivia’s Open golf outing. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I saw it. I was floored. These girls and their parents were going to give up a whole Sunday so that they could raise money for my sweet little girl.

And they did. Those girls and their parents and siblings washed cars for 4 hours to raise money for the 5p- Society. It was amazing, really.

I sent out emails and texts and messages on Facebook encouraging friends to come out to the car wash and support these girls in their efforts.

And they did.

It was a whole afternoon of car after car of friends, teachers and family members all coming for those girls and for us. I know it was just a car wash, but it was a wonderful experience.

Olivia only lasted 2 of the 4 hours of the car wash; the girls called and asked if they could stop by after they were done to give us the money. I answered to the door to a group of little girls soaking wet in their bathing suits, along with their parents and siblings, as they handed us….

$465!!!

It was so touching. The girls were thrilled and so very proud. Olivia was clapping and screaming. I was getting teary-eyed, of course. I felt so overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.

And guess what? The girls asked if they could do it again the next weekend! We all laughed at that thought (they didn’t realize how much work it was!) but I definitely think this will be their first annual.

This is where I live. In a community where friends and family support each other.

And it is amazing.

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If you would be interested in donating to our 3rd annual Olivia’s Open charity golf outing, you can donate here. We are in need of hole sponsors, silent auction items and golfers too!! Contact me if you are interested at ttownsend@bex.net

**Dear Readers,

I’m on vacation but hopefully will post if I have wifi…you never know at these campgrounds!

Elastamom