I protested yesterday

[Michele 1]

I protested yesterday.

In my own little way, I tried to make a life - just one - better. I tried, in my own small fashion, to help the world have more peace, safety, and love in it.

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With the rain pouring down, lightening and thunder resounding and echoing off the hills in the Valley, visibility reduced to about 50 yards at some points, my father, in a suit and tie, and me in a dressy black rhinestoned duster and satin pants set off on what should be an hour's drive south. Despite getting lost, despite all the delays from flooded freeways, Dad and I are only a little late.

We arrive at the Black and White Ball at Olive Crest, a foundation for abused and neglected children. I see some old friends, and make new ones, and chat with others at my table. We feast, on lobster and filet mignon, celebrating a year's worth of effort for this amazing group. As a group last year, the Foundation was able to raise more than $500,000 from the Black and White Ball, and garner the support of many luminaries and corporations.

In the last 30 years, 30,000 people have been helped by this non-profit organization, and it never ceases to bring a feeling of awe to me when I see the schools, homes, and facilities these children get. It never ceases to bring tears to my eyes when I hear of stories like Antwone Fisher, who spoke eloquently of his life and abuse last night. It never ceases to make me feel like I can do more when I hear Sheriff Carona talk about entering a home where the children are neglected and abused beyond belief, sitting in their own feces while their parents sell crack from the porch.

I can do more. And now, as I have been blessed recently, and although my bills are still not paid off and the tires still need to be replaced and my brakes done, I will do more. I give what I can. Yearly, my father sponsors a child. And this year, I am able to do so as well.

And that still isn't enough for me. I am donating my realtor services to assist them in finding land for their new project. My broker will try to kill me, my company will give me grief, but I will do it anyway...it is a gift I can give, I think. One which, in the giving, will grow, expand and swell, providing for children who are so desperately in need of a place of refuge, of healing, of smiles and love and laughter.

I protested yesterday.

Ciels-
Michele

~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek
While our hearts lie bleeding?~

[freeflir29 0]

Good for you! We all try to make the world a little better in our own way.

[rgoper 0]

Michele:

this is outstanding!

--Richard--
"We Will Not Be Shaken By Thugs, And Terroist"

[hooked 0]

Michele,

I applaud you! What a nice thing to do. We should all try to help make someone's life better, in any little way.

J

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Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings.

[wmw999 2,593]

Good job. Each life you help make better is better. It doesn't matter that you can't make them all better.

Good job.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)