"Some people have a defining moment in their lives that they embrace and make the most of. I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you and all you are doing."
"At such an early age, you have found the true meaning of Christmas."
These are a few of the comments some of my amazing coworkers have said to me in the past few days. What stemmed these comments? I officially have gotten Roses from Rosalynn with Project Sweet Pea up and running. My family and friends are rallying together to support me and the other families that may be suffering a terrible loss this Christmas season.
My family and friends have asked me numerous times in the past few weeks what I want for Christmas. My reply, "I have everything I could ever want or need. I have a loving husband, supportive friends and family, a roof over my head, and food on my table. As long as everyone I know and love is happy and healthy, I am happy. The only thing I ask, is if you want to give me a present, donate to Roses From Rosalynn. The only thing I want is to be able to make another family happy."
My best friend and I went to the SS office to get our names officially changed in the eyes of the state. As we were making our way to the office, she was so excited to tell me something. She had been asking a lot of questions and seemed really interested in my project. Today I found out why. JJ wanted to make it a surprise, but needs some forms from me. She is a buyer for a major nationwide store that originated here. They offer a grant program for their employees for non-profit projects. It can range from $100-$10,000 grants. She wants to put Roses From Rosalynn in for a grant. She wanted to surprise me for Christmas, but needed more information. This melted my heart!! She also wants to take an active role in the project. She is going to be my "Treasure" per say. She is great with budgeting, and is great with spread sheets, so she is going to help me keep track of all of the item donations and monetary donations since I Have to hand in a quarterly report. This is going to be sooooooo helpful, I can't thank her enough. Even if the company turns us down this year, we can continue to apply each year. Pray that we receive some, because even a hundred dollars would be a blessing.
Then there is my mother. She is a school teacher, and decided instead of receiving mugs and gift cards from her students this year, she asked that they donate instead. The whole school, all the teachers, have rallied together to have the children write little books to put in the bags, and ask the patrons of the church to donate this holiday season.
If you remember my friend Amy from the 31 purse party, she has extended her help in my mission. She wants to throw a party that part of her profit will go towards my project. It may be a few months before I can arrange something, but I do plan on taking her up on the offer. I will let everyone know when and where the party will occur when we set a date.
It is amazing to me that when you are passionate about something, how family, friends, and complete strangers take an interest in it too! This holiday season has just started, and so far I have felt more fulfilled and more love than in the past 28 years of my life. Call it my "calling", call it my "passion", call it what you will, but giving to these families in a time of need is the closest I will get to giving to my daughter this Christmas, and that makes me feel comforted and happy. As some of you will be watching your children open gifts on Christmas morning, I will be fondly thinking of my daughter and thanking her for opening my eyes to the true meaning of Christmas.
Thank you all for your continued support. If you are interested in what Roses from Rosalynn is about, or for my fellow BLMs, if you want to learn more about how to start your own project through Project Sweet Peas, please, do not hesitate to message or email me, I will give you more info.
