It has been a little over two years since I started the Bring Smiles to Seniors program and during that time I have had the pleasure of encountering some of the most passionate and compassionate people on the planet. People who believed in us and took a chance on a small non-profit that they read about, but did not really know. These were people that believed in our cause and decided to jump in full force to help us ensure that seniors continue to smile.

One of my favorite times of the day is when I go out for lunch and make my post office run to mail prepared cards to our senior communities. In doing so, I get to pick up the days mail and sometimes those days are just like Christmas for us. Often the mail box is empty, but on some days there are so many packages that we have to actually see the desk clerk to obtain them. Then comes the joy of opening each and every one and getting to view first hand the treasures that are inside.

Over the past two years we have received the most beautiful cards that I have ever seen. Imaginative, creative, detailed. Some are made from scratch, others have been repurposed into something brand new. Then there are those that are simply folded pieces of paper with artwork and messages from children that turn them into something magical.

Whether we receive one card or hundreds, every one is equally important and every one eventually results in a smiling senior on the other end. We are fortunate to have a group of repeat donors that are the lifeblood of our program. These amazing ladies will send boxes of cards containing 200+ cards at a time…all hand created…all amazingly beautiful. You only need to look at our Instagram or Facebook pages to see their talent on display. Then of course there are those amazing ladies that decorate for us!

There is something magical about taking care of seniors in hopes that they will be remembered and not forgotten. It brings out passion and compassion in people that is unmeasurable. Sometimes it is because of an experience in our own lives. Sometimes it is because that is the nature of the person. Maybe it is because we all know that God willing we are all going to make it to that stage of life one day. Whatever, the reason the magic is palpable, beautiful and a wonder to behold.

The one thing I never assume is that tomorrow is guaranteed. That is why it is incredibly important to me to make the most of every minute of every day. It is also why I share the passion and compassion that you all have for what we do. If you haven’t quite found that one thing that drives passion and compassion in your life, seek it out. It does’t have to be our program, although we would be thrilled if it were, but make it something that nurtures your soul and gives you one more reason to get up in the morning and smile

Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron