And really this is more like the pre-story than the rest, but I think it is important for me to get it in writing, probably not the first time but at least for another time.
So you have to go back about six years, to get a better understanding of how I ended up here. Well even further if you can...
1982-1995--marriage, four kids, numerous moves, job changes, life changes and more challenges and rounds of near homelessness that anyone should have to endure.
1995-1996 a new home, a new job and a horrible tragedy--December 18th, 1996-7 days before Christmas our home burned to the ground. The community came out in mass--within two days we had a place to stay, 4 rooms of clothes and household items, furniture, a Christmas tree and gifts for all my kids. Two home made quilts, because someone had heard that the ones my grandmother had made were lost in the fire. And $5,000 to give us a chance to rebuild our lives. And although it was not in Cleburne, it was in a town similiar to our values and friendliness. Good people are everywhere you just have to buy a house in their neighborhood.
1997--June 11th, Matthew was born--a few weeks later my cousin passed away.
This is all a very short version of the 15 years of back story, but you can get the gist---ups downs smiles tragedies...all the things a life can be made of.
But the straw that broke this camels back was the loss of a job--a job that I loved, and then the opportunity to rebuild myself and see my way out of my despair. That opportunity came by way of one of the most horrible hurricane tragedy that many of us will ever remember...Katrina. I was unemployed and had cired all that I could. I began asking for things to keep busy with volunteering at the chamber of commerce in Cleburne and hour after hour of venting to my friends(sorry girls), and then I was given and opportunity to help run the Burleson efforts to help Katrina refugees. I jumped at the chance to get out of my misery and found a gift that has changed my life forever. After several days of getting donations and getting them in order and getting ready for those folks who would be shipped our way, I saw an outpouring of concern in the Burleson Community unlike I had seen since our home had burned. People came by and gave and gave and gave-clothes, household items, pet items and cash---people would literally walk up and hand me money. Saying something like, " know its not much but maybe it will help". Kids brought change, people who looked like they had very little to give, gave lots. And many of my friends who work at these agencies had similar stories in Ft. Worth, Cleburne, all over North Central Texas. It was fulfilling to be a part of this effort and it was hard to wait to see those who would most surely be devasted by the cards the storm had dealt them.
But came they did, and they were worried about us! Had we had any sleep? Were we missing our families while at this center taking care of them? Were we missng our paychecks? Here were people who literally had a few clothes in their car and all they wanted to do besides start over was thank me and the other volunteers. I can remember the lady that wanted only to feed her dogs---we loaded her up with a fresh start of things for an apartment she was headed to, as well as a great big bag of dog food---and she wanted to give me a donation. I cried---all the way home that day.
It seemed like the lines and the refugees would last forever, but because North Texas had welcomed all these folks who had been displaced by one wicked woman--it was really only a couple of weeks. It was two of the best weeks of my life...because it changed me forever. I understand that when life seems at its lowest there is almost always someone you can help. And taking myself out of my misery gave me back my smile and a purpose...as well as several amazing job opporunities. Yep--people who had gotten the chance to see how hard I worked for free, wanted me to come and work for them for a paycheck. I did end up taking the job I currently have, but the lesson was not lost.
I still give at least some of my time to those agencies who support people when life has kicked them down or kicked them while they were down. Its a very big part of who I am, and my company supports that. This year I was asked to serve as the campaign chairperson for the United Way of Johnson County---and you will not find a better group of volunteers and non profit supporters anywhere in this world. They came together and with the support of many wonderful companies in Johnson County have raised over $460,000 to keep up financial support of 21 non profits in our community. Companies like Texas Health Resources, Devon Energy, Johnson County Employees to name a few. Not to forget the kids from many of the counties schools with the pennies for people program, who have come together to help us not only reach our goal, but make us the overachievers of the year. Chesapeake Energy matched their employees donations to make up almost 1/4 of that campaign for a whopping $106,000!!! Yes that is right $106K!!! From one company. Now just think what we could do if each company gave what they could and each person at least a $1 or two a week--the UWJC sets up a weekly pledge program with your company and will gladly take at least a $1 per pay period...with no complaints at all. Thats like a coke every two weeks, or a pack of gum every pay day---but with all us us it adds up to a mountain of support for the United Way!
Today as a part of my year of service as the campaign chair I visited one of those agencies who asks for the United Ways support. It was the Child Advocacy Center. I watched as their wonderful board volunteers and center director shared about what their agency does to support a hidden population in our community, kids who have been abused...beyond what that word even means. The things that the children this agency provides services for cannot be labeled simply abuse. These stories are likened to a thing like the most horrible horror movie you could ever imagine only its real and the people that are supposed to protect them and give them nurture are most often those responsible for these crimes. I am not talking about the mom who looses her temper and spanks her child at the grocery store, I am speaking of stories that even now as I type bring tears to my eyes.
And this is just one story of the many stories hidden in the walls of this cute and child centered building, with its play(therapy rooms) and its play(therapy)play ground and it Serenity(thereapy)garden. A place that you and I recall as somewhere we ran, and tumbled and swang and see-sawed our recesses away is now a part of how they will try to recover from something that should have never happened. There are food pantries, benevolance programs, Court Appointed Special Advocates....and the list goes on.
I am proud to say that part of my last year was spent helping to support this mission, as well as the others. I am also asking each of you to find a way to give a little to make a difference for our kids...all our kids. The ones next door, the one who gave up and ended his life, the ones we may never find until its too late--they are our kids and our future. Or just help in any way at any of the agencies where your heart is touched. Have you ever been homeless? Call Habitat for Humanity. Have you ever struggled to get past a bout of unemployment? Call Operation Blessing and help somone pay a light bill or give some groceries. What if you grandma needed help with fixing her food and you went by everyday at lunch...in her memory or honor call Meals on Wheels.
I know life is crazy, and no one is asking you to give much--just give a little, or give until it hurts. Then give until it feels better. I promise you this, it will change you or at least your smile. You know what--our folks volunteer for some of these agencies, and if they can do that--I think we all can!
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