Are You Making A Difference ?

Are You?

We all think we are caring, thoughtful, attentive to others needs. But are we?

You may have heard the story of the boy and the starfish and if so, please bear with me.

An old man was walking the beach and saw a young boy picking up starfish and tossing them back into the ocean.

He asked the lad,” what are you doing?”

The boy shared “if these starfish are left on the sand they will die.”

The old man looked up and down the beach at the countless miles of stranded starfish.

He told the boy; “you’re not making any difference as it is hopelessness trying to save all these starfish.”

The boy picked another starfish, tossed it back into the ocean and said, “it makes a difference to that one.”

Frieda Weeks founder of Hope for Heather, shared with our group the impact of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian Cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological cancers in the United States and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among American Women. Each year, approximately 20,000 American women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 15,000 women die of the disease

Almost as deadly as the cancer the other shoe that drops on the victims of this disease, the loneliness.

When someone is ill, or a caregiver of that person they lead a lonely journey and also need support.

Your neighbor, friend, loved one who is struggling.

Its easier to stay away. Its uncomfortable to know what to say or what to do to help.

Frieda's advice to us was, “just show up.”

Consider reaching out to those you know who are ill or their caregivers.

Take over a care basket, call them to visit, share a hug with them.

Just show up.

It makes all the difference in the world for them, knowing someone cares.

Support Hope for Heather, Syracuse, NY https://www.hopeforheather.org/ and other non-profits who help so many others in need.

Start by making a difference to one.

Just show up.