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Glenn B.'s avatar

Ok, Bill…talk about leaf blowers all you want. Every now and then give me one of these gems, and I’m down for next year.

Loto,

I’m just a guy who grew up in the burbs…not “well off”, by any means. Spent a year eating chili & rice for dinner cuz that’s all we could afford. Even still, I was sheltered from anything even remotely close to the life you experienced. Reading the phrases you used to describe your situation really increases my world view in a direction that’s more meaningful than watching shows about fancy mansions and cars on MTV. Seeing how your experiences led you to the life of service and gratitude that you share with others now, and understanding why you do what you do, help me see my life differently and want to give more back, as well. So, thank you.

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Patty's avatar

Good morning Loto,

I am very moved by your story. My daughter went to an adoption party last weekend that a foster child in our community had invited her to. None of us had ever heard of such a thing, or knew anyone there, but she went alone anyway. It was a huge celebration & she was welcomed in by that Childs new family and friends. She was also given a business card and asked to spread the word of much-needed foster families for this area.

My daughter has struggled with "differences" her entire life & recently Bill shared another story about Phoebe, whose son was rejected in social situations - "Blocked", which led her to build walls of anger around her life to protect her heart. As a mother, I understand this pain all too well as my own child has been treated as an "outcast", which is the worst kind of pain I've ever felt. We built love inside our walls, shutting everyone else out. But now, letting my own daughter experience the world alone (where I'm not there to "snub the snubber") has been the biggest challenge now that she is an adult.

In the article, the author pointed out that "disagreeing is not abuse" - I've been pondering this statement for days. I am realizing that my daughter is helping me break down the walls that I've known for so many years, like Phoebe. She is out there supporting another, because she understands the need goes on, and it is helping her with her own struggles. She is also pursuing a degree in college to be a Teacher & I am SO very proud of her! My walls are slowly coming down, too, because of her love and compassion for others.

Walls that you probably could have built, but didn't... and you're blind. Taking a gunshot to the face for the "hood", and now helping a group in a world that only a few can even relate to. That's incredible. I am so inspired by you, too.

After writing this, I've decided to reach out to the organizer on that business card about fostering, or helping, or something! Not sure where it will lead. But I'm going to be brave and do this for her, and because of your shared story. Thank you :)

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