I am going to be taking a break to recharge the creative juices and take a little vacation to rest and relax. We are coming off one of the most amazing quarters that the Bring Smiles to Seniors program has ever experienced. That along with my full time job and all the other life requirements is telling me that my body needs a break. I figure if I write about it, I need to practice it and I am working hard to do just that.

On March 29th we finished our third year of the Bring Smiles to Seniors program and embarked on our fourth. In the first quarter of 2019 we delivered over 17,000 cards to 196 senior communities in almost all 50 states. To put that in perspective, in our first year of operation we delivered 7,719. In our second hear we delivered 18,810 and went on to deliver 40,515 in 2018. We set a goal this year of 50,000, which meant that we need to deliver 12,500 cards a quarter to stay on the goal path. In the first quarter we exceeded that by over 4,500 cards.

Success is only possible because of the people who all come together for a common purpose to make it happen. People who believe in the passion of your cause enough to make one more card, write one more check or stamp one more envelope. It is possible because of the volunteers who help run the program because they want to, not because they have to. It is possible because of the people who use their creativity and passion to help the cause with every card they provide. It is possible because of every decorator who puts pen to paper to help finish off all the beautiful cards that you all make. Finally, it is possible because of that teacher, administrator, civic leader or employer that believes in us enough to allow their people to participate.

You have heard me say many times that this was a little dream that turned into a very big reality. I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say that there were times that I wondered if it was all too much. If the nights spent prepping cards, putting packages together, daily runs to the post office, writing daily blogs and now recording my podcasts were just too much. But then I think about that woman who spoke for the first time when the card was read to her. Or about the gentleman that moved for the first time when he reached out to take the card out of Linda’s hand. I think about the senior that hasn’t heard from family in ages and all of the sudden gets a card and a note from someone who reminds them that they still matter. It is then that I find the inner strength to continue and fulfill this purpose that life has bestowed on me.

We all have our limitations. As I get older, I am learning to understand what those limitations are and to listen to my body when it says enough. I take this break with the knowledge that we have completed one of the most amazing quarters ever and with the knowledge that when I return you will all still be there. Your compassion and dedication are my driving force and I give thanks and gratitude for each and every one of you every day.

Until I return to my daily posts and Facebook program activity on April 15th, always remember to be the reason someone smiles.

Ron

#bringsmilestoseniors #inspirationalposts #inspirationalmessages bringsmilestoseniors.com

Mornings With Ron is now available as a podcast on anchor.fm, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and most podcast sites.