Drew

I attended an incredible charity event tonight in honor of St Jude's Childrens Hospital. Amazing people, wonderful food, and an inspiring story about a special little boy named Drew.

At 9months he was diagnosed with cancer in his eye and this began a 4 year battle for his life. Chemotherapy, procedures, surgery, 30 trips cross country to St Jude, 3 re-occurrences of his cancer, pain, heartache, disappointment, and that story stood behind one seriously magnetic smile.

Drew had a pure childlike joy that permeated the room with a unique light. 500 giving, caring people filled the room with light already but Drews was different. The moment he walked on stage with his light ours got brighter and stronger. It was amazing. He didn't just light up the room he lit up the heart, the spirit, and the mind with a silent but strong YES YOU CAN.

On the victory side of all of our battles we won't just be a light in the darkness but a light that inspires others light to shine brighter. Drew is the one today. I was honored to tell this 5 year old that he inspired me more then anyone ever had.

Maurice

Each day there is one. One spirit to refresh with a smile, one soul to revive with a touch, one heart to renew with a belief that anything is possible.

I do check in at meal time at a local homeless shelter. Many of the residents show up with hopelessness and despair on their faces and I work HARD to make eye contact and get a smile. But not Maurice. He ran in with a smile, today was his birthday, and he knew that meant an extra cookie. He was excited to tell me his room number and the prize that waited at the end of the line. Humbled by his joy I knelt down, looked into his beautiful brown eyes, and told him what a gift he was to this world and to always pursue his dreams.

What I should have done was thanked him. For on the first day of my journey to find the one I realized that the one was me and the giver was Maurice. He gave me the gift of joy.