Tuesday, May 27, 2014

great speech

I love this speech given my admiral McRaven at the UT graduation this year. Great advice for anyone raising a special needs child or experiencing any kind of challenge, which pretty much includes everyone!  Makes me want to be a better person!

http://www.utexas.edu/news/2014/05/16/admiral-mcraven-commencement-speech/

Thursday, May 1, 2014

RAK - random act of kindness

Sometimes to get Calvin to come along to an activity I offer to stop and let him get lunch or something. One day last week I stopped to let Calvin get a lunchable. He likes the new lunchables that have a  sandwich in them.  I can't remember what they are called.  We ran in the store, got the lunchable and then ran back out to the car to get on our way. In the car while Calvin as opening the lunchable he bread broke a little bit. This is the end of the world to him. Once it was a little broken he ripped it up and threw it on the ground and cried. (no coping skills).  So, rather than have a huge meltdown I decided to just run back in and buy a new one so we could keep moving on with our day.  I got a lunchable and ran back into line where we had just been. The checker asked, "oh did you need one more" and I said, "No, we had a little problem." She said, "did you drop it? You can just replace it, no need to pay again."  I said, "Thanks but actually the bun ripped a little bit and my son got really upset so he needs a new one. I will just buy it."  She said,"Oh, absolutely not! If he is upset you can just take this one. No need to buy it again." 

I was so touched by this kindness.  I have to replace something that Calvin breaks or doesn't like several times a week. It is such a frustration to me and such a waste of money all the time...Anyway, this small act of kindness really helped me feel like someone cared a little bit. 

When I was doing the biggest loser fitness competition a couple of years ago we had personal/spiritual goals in addition to our diet and exercise goals. One of the competitors personal goal was: daily prayer, scriptures, journal and RAK.  I had to ask what RAK was, and he told me random act of kindness.  I thought to myself at that time, how much better would the world be if we all woke up each day wanting to do a RAK.  I'm thankful for those whose RAK's are occasionally directed towards my family!