I debated posting this; but it is information that needs to be shared to see what is so special about what I am sharing with you today. Last May, when she was so sick. she asked me: "Mom, just what am I going to do next year? I have always participated in sports and all my friends will be at practice and I will have nothing to do after school or on the weekends."
This was true.....cross country, track and soccer took up the majority of her time and all her friends were on the team. There was a pit in my stomach....not only about her health situation (I lived with that pit in my stomach) but also her uncertain future......what would she do her Senior year? We talked and I said "Elizabeth, I don't know what will happen next year but I can tell you this ~ when one door shuts another opens....you just have to look for an open door." We started talking about all the things she had wanted to do but never had the time to do because of her busy practice schedule. She is so talented in art, loves animals and wants to be a vet. We talked about art lessons and she came up with attending Karate (random, but something she has always wanted to do!). It got so random that the idea of opening the first outdoor drive-in theater was at the top of her list. As we continued to discuss the realistic options, an idea formed: she could do something with animals at the local shelter......this idea interested her the most.
When we returned from Johns Hopkins, we drove over to the animal control center. As I was unsure of what they would let a seventeen year old do, I told her not get too excited. However, we were both pleasantly surprised....the shelter was immaculate and freshly painted, the animals well cared for and the director ~ he was awesome. He gave us the grand tour, explained his successes and failures and what he needed to help the shelter.
This was true.....cross country, track and soccer took up the majority of her time and all her friends were on the team. There was a pit in my stomach....not only about her health situation (I lived with that pit in my stomach) but also her uncertain future......what would she do her Senior year? We talked and I said "Elizabeth, I don't know what will happen next year but I can tell you this ~ when one door shuts another opens....you just have to look for an open door." We started talking about all the things she had wanted to do but never had the time to do because of her busy practice schedule. She is so talented in art, loves animals and wants to be a vet. We talked about art lessons and she came up with attending Karate (random, but something she has always wanted to do!). It got so random that the idea of opening the first outdoor drive-in theater was at the top of her list. As we continued to discuss the realistic options, an idea formed: she could do something with animals at the local shelter......this idea interested her the most.
Elizabeth and I left there with two feelings; one being WOW, we weren't expecting to be so impressed and the other...what can we do to help. After long discussions with not only each other but the whole family and her friends..........
Tangi Cause for Paws, was born.
Elizabeth and her sister painted five foot boxes bright green and decorated them with pictures and details of the items the shelter needed. She placed the boxes in schools, the local fitness center, feed and seed and PJ's coffee house.
She arranged to speak to the elementary school of 800 students and even had animal control officers bring a dog (a beautiful golden retriever that they named "Shaggy").
During the morning assembly in the gym, she addressed the children and asked them to "fill the box" with items like dog and cat food, bowls, grooming aids, and old towels and blankets. She asked any child who wanted a pet to adopt from the shelter and if they already had a pet to bring in supplies.
For the last three weeks, the box has been overflowing and she has already delivered over 500 items to the shelter ~ Her car is stuffed to the max when she delivers the items! On Wednesday, October 13th, Chili's restaurant is donating 10% of the profits to the animal shelter if whomever is dining either brings a flier or mentions the shelter! She has been featured twice in the newspaper and the Catholic Commentator interviewed her yesterday! It has taken off like wildfire and kept her very busy doing something she loves!
It is our open door!
Things are so good right now. I was talking with my Mom in disbelief of how well everything was going and how quickly the infusions were helping her to turn around. My worry now was that everything was going too well and the "boom was going to drop soon". She said something wise (Moms just seem to know how to do that) ~ it totally put me at ease and took the fear that was hovering above me away.....she said " Maybe the boom has already dropped and this is the silver lining to a dark cloud". It was like someone lifted instantly lifted a weight off of me......I am at peace now and am just going to enjoy the moment ~ which hopefully will last a long, long time.
Wow I am so impressed! Looks like you are raising a wonderful leader for your community!
ReplyDeleteThat post brought tears to my eyes! WOW! I'm so impressed - so sweet and caring - Blessings...
ReplyDeleteShe is so amazing. And you are an amazing mom, to help her get through such a difficult time in her life. I am so proud of her, for coming out on top, and I can't wait to see her in December. All that said, you should edit the pic with her name and phone number on it. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice comments guys ~ Julie, I took your editing suggestion....keep watching my back.
ReplyDeleteLayne
Thank you for sharing your story here. Sounds like your daughter is amazing and with amazing direction from her Mom is coming to fully feel and see that silver lining!
ReplyDeleteBest to her, you and your family.
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ReplyDelete