Tonight's picture was taken in March of 2008. Literally four months before Mattie was diagnosed with cancer. I went with Mattie and his kindergarten class on a field trip to Glen Echo park in Maryland. The kids got to have a bit of a ecological adventure. I am very happy that I went on all class trips that year, because if I waited or put it off, I would have missed out on the experience completely.
Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.
- Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 28,239,571
- Number of people who died from the virus: 502,005
Another busy day! Something I couldn't report last week, as it took great effort to just move from my bed to a chair. I was just so congested and tired. Big difference this week. Back and going full speed ahead. Getting lots of things done for the Foundation, including the completion of our CFC (Combined Federal Campaign, like the United Way, but for government employees) application. Emails, questions about our research grants, making connections from one research team to another, and of course my attention is on our annual Foundation Walk.
I would have never thought that our in person event could be migrated over to a virtual event, but we were forced to do this in 2020. In 2020, we also had an on-line raffle, the only difference is I had solicited companies and businesses early on in 2019, so that I had actual items donated and could easily raffle off. This year, trying to get businesses to donate items toward our raffle is challenging at best. Many people are telling me that they are struggling because of the Pandemic and therefore unable to offer in kind donations to non-profits this year. I absolutely appreciate the quandary.
In any case, me and our Foundation raffle chair are brainstorming all sorts of NEW ideas to add to our raffle this year. Obviously dining around town and other public activities that we used to feature aren't happening. But did you know there are many companies that have popped up this year offering virtual events. Events such as cooking classes, fitness classes, tea parties, wine tastings, trivia nights, and yes even chocolate tastings! Of course the logistics are a bit complicated with wine, food, and chocolate, as you have to arrange for these items to be boxed and shipped to each participant. Boxes aren't cheap, almost close to the cost of the class by the time you finish!
Any case, I find it fascinating that when forced to think outside the box, we can rise to the challenge as human beings. I can assure you that because of the Pandemic, I was inspired out of necessity to find a way to make our event virtual. I am hoping that that same feeling of necessity also kicks in for us this year with our raffle. Which leads me to what I was hearing on the radio today while walking Sunny. The commentator was talking about the difference between doing a job and selecting a career. As he felt that selecting a career is almost like a calling and when you find your calling, it doesn't feel like work. It is something that drives you forward, even when others think what you are doing is unusual or not in line with how others are thinking or running their businesses, companies, schools, etc (pick a place).
This notion wasn't novel to me, as my dad has said that to me since I was a child. He really believed in the importance of following your calling or passion. I am not sure that my calling was always within me, or if my calling to run a Foundation was inspired by Mattie. But I do know that Mattie was my greatest teacher and inspiration, and the rest unfolds because of that love.
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