Do you have HOPE? I do.
HOPE is a feeling that we share with far more people than we could ever imagine. A feeling that can cause you to close your eyes, take a deep breath and raise your head with pride and confidence that you can do anything that stands in front of you. HOPE can define us. HOPE can Empower us!
My dad passed away on August 12th of this year. He had been struggling with some heath issues and we, my brothers and I, had no idea of some additional things we found out, he had purposely kept from us. That was typical for Dad. The last thing he wanted to do was talk about it, and he certainly didn’t want you to worry. I remember the HOPE I had that he would hang on after getting the call from my brother Sean, so I could see him before he passed. I was empowered by that feeling. I didn’t get back to Syracuse in time, but I again remember the intense HOPE I felt while in the room with Kevin and Sean. I remember how much HOPE I had that he was again, back with my Mom. He is. I will let that HOPE define and empower me for the rest of my days. HOPE empowered me.
My youngest daughter, Savannah, is 6 years old. She came home from school with a project describing her Dad and I felt so empowered. I felt that maybe…just maybe….some of those “teachable moments” have started to take hold. One of the questions was the old “What does your Dad do?” Savannah said that I play on my computer (I wouldn’t call it playing…but…ok) and that I help people that don’t have food, get it (Yup). Then she read what she wrote under that. “My Dad helps people that need help. I want to help just like him.” I am one person trying to treat others respectfully each day. My desire is to have both Savannah and Addison attend the Bridge Awards in 2017 so that impression of HOPE, EMPOWERMENT and a hand-UP goes with them forever.
UEmpower of Maryland (FoodBridge, Angels of Addiction and Youth Empower) held The 2nd Annual Bridge Awards at Michael’s 8th Avenue in Glen Burnie this year in October. It was an inspired crowd with a tremendous amount of HOPE and respect for one another. Where you lived, the color of your skin or how much money you made per year had no play in the room. What mattered most was honoring those individuals in OUR community that work to spread HOPE through what they do each day. It allowed you the sense of HOPE for a better tomorrow. It showed you that if you are willing to extend a “hand-UP” to your fellow neighbor, HOPE can change a life!
Get inspired and help! I did. UEmpowerofMD.org.