[guide.chat] :Fwd: Inspirational: a dash of hope{ Sent to me by Si }

From: Keith Wines <muckyduck2@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "guide chat" <guide.chat@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 26 Nov 2011 20:35:36 -0000
 :Fwd:Inspirational: a dash of hope

 A Dash of Hope...
by Linda Ellis
My poem, "The Dash" is based on that little line on a tombstone, between the 
dates of birth and death. Ultimately, that dash is a symbol which represents 
every day we've spent alive on earth. Therefore, how you spend your "dash" 
is all that really matters. Following is an amazing story about someone 
whose dash, albeit brief, truly made a difference.

Recently I heard about a little girl named Hope Stout. After learning more 
about her life, I couldn't help but feel it was not by coincidence, nor 
happenstance, that she had been named "Hope." It had to be attributed to 
fate. The compassion and generosity housed in her young heart made a lasting 
impression on me and countless others, and her legacy of love continues to 
bless lives every day. Though I never had the opportunity to meet her, I 
wish I had. It seems as though she was wise beyond her tender years and 
very, very special. When I tell people her story, I always say, "if this 
doesn't inspire you, I don't think there's much that could ..."

Hope was a twelve-year-old girl who was offered a "wish" in early December 
2003 by the "Make-A-Wish" Foundation after being informed that she had a 
rare type of bone cancer. However, when she found out that
more than 150 children in her area were waiting for their wishes to be 
granted, she unselfishly used her wish to ask that those children have their 
wishes granted. She also asked that it be done by January 16, 2004. 
Unfortunately, however, the organization informed her that her noble request 
could not be granted as the funds were simply unavailable. They calculated 
that they would need to raise more than one million dollars in thirty days 
in order to grant her wish. Disappointed, but not discouraged, she turned 
her dismay into an enthusiasm that inspired caring individuals to spearhead 
fundraising to help grant the wishes of the other children, and eventually 
hers as well. Newspaper columnists and reporters for radio and TV stations 
shared the story of this caring young girl who had touched the hearts of so 
many and as word spread, the community was challenged. Committees were 
formed and schools, corporations and various organizations assisted in 
raising money to help bring Hope's dream to fruition.
Though she lost her battle in 2004, knowing that her wish was going to come 
true, Hope lives on. Her heartfelt efforts were not in vain as they continue 
to help others, not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally as 
well. At the initial fundraiser and gathering to celebrate her life, "A 
Celebration of Hope" on January 16, 2004, the announcement was made that 
they had indeed received donations totaling more than one million dollars on 
behalf of Hope Stout. Her wish had been granted!
No virus

-----
No virus found in this message.
[guide.chat] :Fwd: Inspirational: a dash of hope{ Sent to me by Si }

Other related posts:
