Fri, April 17, 2009 - 7:00:40

Giving Thanks

Yesterday, we discussed one of our favorite Tweeters, a Massachusetts-based organization called Small Can Be Big, and today we would like to highlight another, who we first encountered with our bestselling book, The Power of Nice.  In this, our last day of our week-long celebration of National Donate Life month, we couldn’t think of a better way to wrap up than by talking about a man who spends his life honoring the people who would gladly give their lives to protect all of us, the men and women of the U.S. military.

To those of us who enjoy the standard comforts of our daily lives in the U.S., we often underestimate the power of a simple thank-you.  But, A Rose of Thanks, founded by Matthew Hunt, understands the importance of that message and the inspiration it brings to the troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Since its inception in 2006, A Rose of Thanks has sent over 5,000 cards from people all over the country, ranging from everyday Americans to A-list celebrities that send a kind message of gratitude to the people who deserve it most.  The cards, which are decorated with a simple outline of a rose and are further embellished by the individuals who send them, carry a short but powerful message:
Thinking of you.
Wishing you a safe and speedy return home
Thank you for defending
The US and us!

While Hunt knew he couldn’t thank the entire military all at once, he knew that with the help of others, he could express his thanks one person at a time.  And he doesn’t ask for much: just ten minutes.  In the time it takes for the commercial breaks during your favorite TV show, you could decorate a card, write a message, and mail it out to someone who needs it.  It’s a tiny sacrifice on your part, but a real boost to the card’s recipient.

So, as we end this week’s look at doing good with the power of small, we ask you again to think of how you can donate life to others.  Whether you become an organ donor as this awareness month intends, or you give of yourself in a different way, it’s the small things each of us does that make a difference. 

Posted by Linda and Robin