MommyCoddle

We often hear a lot of disappointing facts and stats about today's teens. But then you hear a story or meet someone who completely changes your perspective. 

Last week, my father was host to Rae, the daughter of one of his rowing friends. Rae is a 17 year old girl who has taken on the unbelievable feat of running from Boston Mass to Huntington Beach, California. Barefoot.

Yes. She's 17.

Yes. Coast to coast.

Yes. Barefoot. Not in barefoot runing shoes, but completely barefoot.

She is running for herself and the thrill of the challenge but also and just as importantly, she is running for Soles for Souls. An organization that will turn every dollar Rae earns into a pair of shoes for a person or child in need around the world. There are 300 million children in the world who live without owning a single pair of shoes. And Soles for Souls works to facilitate and distribute donations both big and small into the hands (or onto the feet) of those truly in need. 

My family and I had the chance to hang out with Rae several times while my Dad housed her on this leg of her trip. She is easy-going and humble and goes out each day to tick off her miles, and move her way across the country with determination and strength. It was admirable and hard to fathom. Hard to fathom that when my family sits down to Thanksgiving dinner next November, Rae will just be finishing up her trip. And that almost every day between now and then, Rae will be running and raising money for a cause she believes in. 

I write this post today both to share her story, in hopes that you'll pass it on, share it with your children (it is SO inspiring!) and family, and also to put out a small call for help. I suppose this is kind of strange, but perhaps, if you've been reading my blog long enough, you'll understand–Rae is in need of some hosts during the Ohio (and it looks like a few other midwest) legs of her trip. You can read all about it, and contact me or her family via her website. 

As always, thank you, friends!

A few weeks ago, I shared a post with all of you about my desire to share a stack of cards with random acts of kindness printed on each of them. I asked for some of you to volunteer to receive a card from me, and follow through with the assigned guerilla goodness. The response for volunteers was overwhelming and the cards were quickly spoken for. In return, I asked for you to share your stories of kindness. This is what happens when a little good is spread around.

———————————————

Molly,

My children and I were eager for your envelope to arrive in the mail with our random act of kindness.

We live in a small town with a population of about 250 people year round. I thought for sure we would end up with a task such as "pay someone's toll" but we received the task of writing a letter to someone (and actually mailing it).

I had recently made some postcards and notecards from some of my photographs. So, this random act of kindness was perfect.

My daughter decided to "write" a letter to her a friend who lives in town. She drew hearts, x and o's for hugs and kisses and signed her name.

My son wrote to his cousins. He asked about their new cat and when they are coming to visit. I have a feeling he will even get a letter in return.

I decided to write a letter to a friend's parents.

A few days after we received your envelope and our letter writing assignment, I learned that a friend had passed away.

This friend lived here, in our little town, as an Innkeeper for a few years.

We became friends. Over the course of our friendship, we had dinners togethers at the Inn when all was quiet, we watched movies, had bonfires, attended his wedding and met his family on several occasions. Our friend had his troubles (don't we all is some way).

My husband and I were kind to him and loved him anyway.

He had since moved away and we lost touch.

That happens.

It was with a heavy heart that I wrote a letter to his parents.

I heard of his passing the day of his service and we weren't able to attend. My husband and I decided we wanted to honor him in some way.

During his calling hours, while his family and friends gathered in a town seven hours from here. We walked to the lake as a family.

We talked to our children and told them about our friend:

We talked about how he lived here for a short time and how we would remember him always.

We talked about making good decisions and that sometimes even with all the love and support some people don't.

We talked about how much he loved it here, living in his natural element. He loved to fish on the lake in the summer and winter. It was his passion.

We talked about how much he loved the lake. He loved it so much it made him smile.

We talked about friendship and the importance of kindness. We talked about his family and how incredibly sad they must be.

Once on the frozen lake, just slushy from the beginning of spring, we released a bright orange lantern and said a prayer for our friend.

"May this light rise to the heavens to shine with you for all eternity".

In my letter, I told his parents all of this. I included a few pictures to share how we honored their son, our friend.

Our random act of kindness was to write a letter.

But, it turned into so much more.

It was a reminder of the sacred places we keep in our hearts, a lesson in the value of kindness and a special way to honor a friend and his family.

Amy Germain (and family).