Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously…” This week, I have given thanks continuously. I am still in shock of the overwhelming elegance, promise, and love felt at Valleybrook Country Club on Friday night, November 25.
Maybe it was because the event followed Thanksgiving? After all, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the year that has passed and all the blessings in your life. During Thanksgiving dinner, Kelsey said that she was grateful for one thing. She said, “I am grateful for tomorrow night.” Grateful seems an understatement. My family fought back tears at her sentiment because we realized that she is already aware of kindness and gratitude at five years old.
I encourage both of my children to stay positive, give thanks, and count every blessing. It seems that they are noticing and applying the cultivation of gratitude in their day to day lives. For that, I am grateful.
I think back to Friday evening with wonder. I stood before the guests in absolute awe of the compassion and warmth that everyone had for Kelsey, our organization, and our cause. We are still overwhelmed by the support and generosity shared at Valleybrook Country Club. The collective efforts of the night helped us raise $11,000.
The support we received on Friday evening both fueled our mission and strengthened our purpose. We are committed to raising awareness and finding a cure. This week, we are one step closer to those goals. We are grateful beyond measure.
In closing, Helen Keller states that “alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much.” Kelsey’s Kaleidoscope, Inc: A New View for PAN is just getting started. We are on a mission to raise awareness and find a cure for Polyarteritis Nodosa and all affected patients. Our affected patient is grateful for you and so are we. Together, we will do so much.
