Smiles and Belief

The past month has been amazing!  We have been honored with the opportunity to partner with an organization that is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those who have experienced spinal cord injuries.  New Perspective Foundation, started by a former Ohio State Buckeye football player - Tyson Gentry, is using life experiences to encourage and help spinal cord injury patients and their families through difficult times.  Although many of us will never know the pain and the struggles that these amazing individuals are challenged with each and every day, we do know that a simple card and words of encouragement make a huge difference in their lives to push through the pain and difficult times.
A little over a year ago I (Chris Bodle) was involved in an accident.  The result of my accident was several fractures and other injuries in my lower back.  Although I was able to maintain my ability to walk and didn't suffer any paralysis, I knew that the outcome could have been worse and more devastating.  As I lay in the hospital and later at home, I received many cards from people I knew and people I didn't know.  This was important to me because each of these cards provided me with encouragement to keep fighting to get better and stronger each day.  One never understands the importance of these little gestures until they are placed in a situation when a simple card is the thing that motivates them to not give up!  I will never forget all of the people who supported my family and myself during the difficult time of recovery.  Their kind words and generosity were more than I could have ever imagined.
This is why I challenge and encourage everyone to take a moment and send a card to someone who could use a kind word.  Our hope and dream is to spread kindness with a simple card sent to someone you know is in need of inspiration and encouragement.  Life is short.  Take a moment to send a card.  The person who receives it will be forever grateful!