And so it begins
On Friday of last week, I began the series about the Bring Smiles journey. For the next few days I will be sharing with you some of the stories of how we got to where we are today in the Bring Smiles program. I hope that you enjoy.
As I spoke with the nurses in my grandmother’s nursing home, I quickly realized that there were many in her community that were not as lucky as she. My mom and aunt were great about decorating the board in her room for the holidays, posting pictures of family and friends and hanging all the cards that she received from well wishers. However, as I went through the community, I noticed that there were many that had blank walls, no decorations or cards, and also many that needed a little cheering up. I told myself that there had to be something that I could do.
My first idea was to put a post on my personal Facebook page and ask all my friends and family to send me cards that I could then deliver to the residents in my grandmother’s community. The response was overwhelming. In true style, many people contributed and I was able to collect enough cards to ensure that every resident would receive a card. The day came to pass out the cards and I was quite excited. When I saw the look on the residents faces when they were handed a card I knew that I was on to something. There had to be more that I could do. I also knew I could not do it alone and enlisted my friend Linda to go on the journey with me.
My second idea was to put up a Go Fund Me page and see if I could collect money to buy cards and supplies. We would decorate these cards ourselves so that we could deliver cards regularly to my grandmother’s community. The response was again overwhelming. Not only did my friends and family chip in big time, but Go Fund Me recognized what we were doing and made a $1,000 donation through their grant program. The pictures here were Linda and I going on our first card buying adventure. With all we purchased, we quickly realized that this was going to be bigger than my Grandmother’s community and that we were going to have to find more communities in need.
I always like to say I had this little idea. One small gesture that would become a seed that we planted that once nurtured with love began to grow into something much greater than we could have ever expected. If you believe it you can do it and do it we did.
Have a great day and remember to be the reason someone smiles today.
Ron
morningswithron.com 
Dear Ron, I know the story of your program but just love reading it again. Plus I live to forward to others. I smiled today after reading. You are an inspiration to all of us!! Kim
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