No matter how passionate or committed we may be to something, the fresh breath of Spring makes things feel even more worthwhile. I look forward to the days of puttering around my garden, thinking about my new plans and – just dreaming. Having dreams is a great way to experience Spring. Or anytime you want to feel a boost, a reason to be motivated, a reason to go for it!
Often, we don’t fully consider dreams and the impact may have. Consider the note below. It’s from a woman who attended our first annual Building Forever Families (BFF) Fundraiser earlier this year. She shared her thoughts about the luncheon, and how her experience made a positive impact on her life, and that of her grandson.
From Polly . . . .
I have had two great experiences involving PEN that I wanted to share. First, I was at the fundraising luncheon where Bianca Gallegos spoke. She talked about her experience of moving here when in elementary school and she spoke very little English. She explained that even though this was challenging she had no idea she would end up being a principal of that same school! I hope I got most of this story correct but this is the impression I
got from her awesome story.
Then a few days later my 9-year-old grandson was voicing his concerns about the environment. Inspired by Ms. Gallegos’ story I asked him what he might want to do when he grew up to help. He launched into this idea of creating an electric airplane and he had lots of thoughts about how to do this. I was thrilled but explained that in order to do this he was going to need to first get the education needed to create this. He seemed to hear this and I thought that was the end of the conversation. But much to my delight since then he has been much more focused on getting ready for school in a timely and cooperative manner. And in prompting his sister to do the same he explained to her that school was really important to him and he wanted to be on time. Wow! I can honestly say I would not have thought to ask him about his dreams then if I had not just heard Ms. Gallegos’ inspired words.
Secondly, at the same luncheon I sat next to Jenn Wert, a parent coach. While we did not get a lot of time to talk I had enough of a conversation to know I wanted to know more! So long story short I have signed up for her coaching program. While she had never worked with a grandmother before she saw the benefit in it as did I. And thus far my work with her has been immensely helpful.
Needless to say, this one PEN luncheon brought me a number of gifts of ideas, inspiration and connection. I am so grateful. Keep up the good work!
If you are reading this, I hope you are inspired by this story, or by your own story! If you have a story you would like to share with PEN, please let us know. Wishing you inspiration!