Chance encounters in a frame shop. Sarah E. and I had just worked together framing her Baby Nathalie's tiny hand and foot prints as a birthday gift for her husband. Chic, blond and beautifully-blue-eyed Sarah barely looks 25 but her deep husky voice reveals a load of maturity. Tucked into her portable car seat, baby Nathalie quietly smiles through rare steel grey eyes. She's wearing an awesome pearl grey knit outfit that I begin to covet. "Sarah, would you consider donating Nathalie's outgrown outfits to Room to Grow, where they will benefit a baby born into poverty?"
Sometimes I hesitate to ask. This time, asking came with a reward.
Sarah tells me about the first holiday gift that she has been wanting to prepare for Nathalie - to give Nathalie the knowledge that even before she took her first baby step, she was able to help another child in need. Nathalie is so fortunate but she may not realize it for several years. Before even being able to say "mama", Sarah has empowered her with the gift of giving.
Half-way into our conversation, I admit I got a bit carried away by Sarah's enthusiasm - talked about our local Food Pantry and the Safety Net, my 7 year-old hero Luciano at the Jimmy Fund...
People like Sarah and Nathalie are going to save the world! YES!