Even though I mostly work from home...I rarely get the mail...probably because it's mostly junk mail or bills. For whatever reason...I decided to get the mail today while taking our dog, Lucy, out for a walk.
What a pleasant surprise that amongst all that junk mail, I got a hat trick. Three pieces of mail that touched my heart, touched my soul, made me smile and reminded me that it's the little things in life, those little signs that almost certainly prove that everything happens for a reason and that those things can have the greatest impact: 1. A check from my parents to support my participation in the SkyRise Chicago on Sunday, November 4th, where I, along with my client Lisa and the Addison Firefighter's Association, will be tackling a tower climb of the Willis Tower (103 stories with our rucksacks on) to raise funds for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. I am grateful for my parent's support and though I don't doubt they understand the reason of my participation is for the sake of these causes, I'm sure they wonder why I don't just write my own check and skip the stair climbs, mud obstacles, overnight challenges, etc. Well, my work ethic came from both of them...I give it my all or nothing at all. I give back because I've been given so much and that started by their example. This Touched my Heart...the never ending unconditional love from parents! 2. A 5K GORUCK Travis Manion Foundation patch for virtually participating in the 9/11 Heroes Ruck. My original packet did not contain the patch. I follow an account, alldayruckoff, on Instagram. They shared a picture of their patch and I commented with Congratulations, my packet didn't have one. Not giving it another thought...Melissa Houser of Positive Force Consulting jumped right on that and commented for me to private message her my contact info so she could send me a patch asap! Melissa and Heather Williams of the Travis Manion Organization (two complete strangers who I only know through social media) worked together and went above and beyond to ensure I got my patch. Thank you ladies...I will display it on my ruck with honor and pride! This Touched My Soul...the kindness of strangers! 3. A reply letter from Alec Cannata, who is currently at Fort Benning in Georgia attending bootcamp for the United States Army. I've known Alec since he was 5, saw him grow up through sports and his friendship with my son Tony, worked with him on skate park projects and hired him to work for me at the local park district in multiple capacities and it just so happens that he is the one who introduced me to rucking and GORUCK. I have the utmost respect for him and his service to our country to protect our freedoms and as I stated in the very first recommendation letter I ever wrote for him...you just know that whatever Alec puts his mind to, he's going to be successful. At the age of 23...he's already got quite the list of accomplishments and trust me...he's just getting started! This Made Me Smile...the ruck connection and the content of his letter! It's been a roller coaster couple of weeks, nothing bad...just some every day stresses we all go through that can wear you down a bit and I've been praying to God to give me a little sign of hope...something to remind me to appreciate the little things...to put things in perspective. So today's mail was definitely not a coincidence...it was my sign...my reminder! Three little pieces of mail each with a lasting impact! Thank God for the mail!
1 Comment
7/30/2019 12:24:37 am
I love receiving mail. Letters, packages, even brochures. It's such a thrill to open my mailbox and see letters for me. I miss that. Nowadays, I never get mail anymore except for bills! I like to write letters and I believe it is becoming a lost art. I still write letters to my friends once in a while. Receiving physical letters or postcards is much more personal and intimate than email. There is a certain nostalgia when you open a mailbox and see a card or letter from an old friend or family member.
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Janet ZattoMy true passion is health and wellness and helping others achieve and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle through strength training, cardio training and optimal nutritional choices. Everyone has what it takes to achieve their goals - all you need is the right motivation, guidance, and education to help get you there. Archives
October 2018
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